Marimikel Potter is everything you would hope for in a midwife and more. Thanks to Marimikel, we now have a happy and healthy 2 week old baby girl with a happy and healthy mother. That is all anyone can ask for but Marimikel gave us so much more. The education and accountability you get from working with Marimikel is INVALUABLE. From the very beginning, she has poured hours into educating us. If you want a healthy child and to be healthier parents for your child, work with Marimikel. She made sure we understood everything that was happening throughout the entire process and she always gave us options to appropriately handle any situation in the most health conscious way. It was reassuring seeing how prepared Marimikel and her team were for our home birth. While safely and confidently guiding my wife through labor, they were also cooking meals, cleaning the house, and even taking care of our pets. Everything was organized and intentional. They all had a very calming energy about them and my wife was kept as comfortable as possible the entire time. Nothing ever felt rushed or chaotic. What completely blows me away to this day is that Marimikel is always a phone call away. She was always available during pregnancy and now postpartum. That level of availability and care is rare. I genuinely cannot imagine going through this process without her. She doesn't just provide care, she wants do deeply in her core for my wife and our baby to be as healthy as possible. We are incredibly grateful and would recommend her without hesitation. read more

New Life Birth Services - Midwives Near Me - Austin, Texas

We used New Life Birth Services with MariMikel for both of our home births. MariMikel provided us with education on nutrition and wellness not only for pregnancy for but for the entire family. She's very informative and passionate about what she does. She's a book of knowledge and what we've learned from MariMikel has set a foundation for our family. Her prenatal vitamin regime is GOLDEN and I'm a firm believer that this is one of the main reasons why my body was properly prepared for a quick labor & recovery. You can't beat her experience in Austin: over 45 years delivering/attending more than 3,000 births. We are very blessed to have met MariMikel and thankful for the safe and loving births with her in our home. Bonus: Her hugs are magical! During my last birth, we hugged while singing "you are my sunshine" during a contraction. It was a very special moment. read more

MariMikel has tons of knowledge and experience. I don't think I would have been as confident in having a home birth without her guidance. She focuses on the woman as a whole and includes recommendations for nutrition and supplementation to support a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. You can tell she truly cares not only about the mom and baby, but the entire family system. She is extremely passionate about her work. I had the best experience with the birth of my son and can't imagine doing it any other way for future pregnancies. I highly recommend MariMikel for anyone looking to do a home birth! read more

While searching for my midwife, I was referred Marimikel. I immediately felt a connection with her the first time we spoke on the phone - she made me feel so important and carved out so much time for our next chat, our consultation. I love how committed she is to her clients, her practice and her holistic approach to the pregnancy/birth/afterbirth journey. By using her experience, wisdom and knowledge in nutrition, supplementation, movements, mindful practices etc. I felt so confident while I was pregnant and every moment leading up to my birth. I admired that she cared for not only the wellbeing of me and my baby, but also the wellbeing of my husband. We had our baby girl at home in May 2022 and my experience was wonderful. I felt so supported and confident every moment. My overall experience with Marimikel was incredible and highly recommend her and her services. read more

I'm not sure there are enough words to describe how wonderful of an experience I had with MariMikel. I requested to start to see a perinatologist in town for standard genetic testing around 10 weeks, and she had no issue recommending one that she works closely with. I also continued seeing her for our regular check-ups. She provided me with so much comfort throughout the process (my pregnancy was complicated), educated me on the entire process, and spent equally as much time with my husband to be sure he was involved in the pregnancy, too. Unfortunately, we lost our baby about halfway through the pregnancy due to multiple chromosomal disorders. MariMikel was there for me every step of the way with words of comfort, and she even sat with me at multiple doctor's appointments while I cried hysterically in the waiting room. I've never had a doctor call me other than to provide me with news or updates, but MariMikel called me for weeks after our loss just to see how I was doing. I'm truly not sure I would've made it through such a difficult time without MariMikel's support -- she was such a source of light during a very dark period. I'm currently undergoing IVF and I will 100% be reaching out to MariMikel to deliver our baby when the time comes for us. read more

I met MariMikel 14 years ago through a friend who used her as a midwife. From day one she was confident and assuring, definitely a subject matter expert of pregnancy and birth if I have ever seen one. She took us off guard with how thorough she was at every visit checking my physical and mental state plus talking to my husband and discussing our relationship (pregnancy is intense on everyone involved). She taught us lifelong lessons about health, marriage and navigating through hard times. I will be forever grateful for having met her and what she has brought to our lives. Plus the actual birth of our first and (3 years later) second child are a few of the most amazing days in my life. She taught us how to prepare an extremely clean, warm, loving environment for our children's arrival including a few amazing family and friends who made the experience one I never thought possible. read more

MariMikel just delivered our 3rd daughter. I can't imagine a better experience. We lived elsewhere for our first 2 daughter's births so this was our first experience with MariMikel. Doing a home birth was amazing! We used a birthing center for our first 2 and while we loved that experience also, nothing compares to this experience. MariMikel is likely the most experienced midwife in the Austin area. She's a straight shooter; she's not going to candy coat it for you, take it easy on you, or do anything that she doesn't think is truly in your best interest; even if you aren't seeing it in the moment. Thus if you're looking for a midwife who's going to tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to hear, she may not be the one you're looking for. She's extremely thorough, covers all the bases in great detail, and has some extremely friendly and competent assistants that assist during the actual delivery. be prepared for a large amount of reading material and a video series you'll be expected to watch that will take you serveral hours. But you'll come away, especially if you've never had a child before, with an incredible array of knowledge and information about the entire birthing & parenting process. Overall, we had a fantastic experience, and she was very generous and flexible with us on the financials, and did everything within her power to ensure a very smooth birthing process. and I can't imagine a better experience. read more

We live in Mexico and contacted Marimikel from here over the phone, a good friend gave us the contact and recommended us to talk with her, since we had lots of questions and didn't wanted to make a 1000 miles trip without being sure, but after speaking with her we knew she was the right midwife to have. She's very good at this and a great person too, it was a difficult pregnancy and delivery, nevertheless she was always there for us and was very supportive, we ended up having the baby at the hospital but she did a great job getting us there and getting the hospital staff up to speed on the specifics for my wife and baby. I think she's a really experienced midwife and will definitely recommend her, she's also very sweet and She's the kind of person everybody likes and loves, since we had to travel from home to Austin and didn't knew a lot of the city, she also gave us great directions for good places to get baby stuff, vitamins, etc. Also she's always smiling and we loved the time we spend with her, everything was great. She's awesome!! read more

If you are looking for someone that cuts you off every time you speak, is condiscending, and arrogant, MariMikel is the midwife for you. I scheduled a consultation with her and the day before the consultation, she called me to confirm the appointment (which I already did) But I missed her first couple calls due to being in church and having back to back family events. I ended up sending her a quick text just to let her know it's confirmed and I would call her later that evening since I wouldn't be available all day. Later that day, we finally connected and in an annoyed tone she said she's been trying to get a hold of me and if I would confirm my appointment. I apologized for missing her calls but said the weekends are super busy for us and that I texted her and called back this evening when I was available. She goes "Honey, I don't text." As if I were the crazy one? I go, 'okay, I had no idea' (given it's 2022) and she then cuts me off and immediately assumed that I have no interest in conversation due to me choosing to text her to let her know I can call her later, that we have "different mindsets" because 'I don't appreciate conversation as form of communication' and that I'm not for her. She told me she has so much to offer people and so much experience that she doesn't have time for people that can't take a phone call and appreciate what she has to offer... again, because I was at church, and had family filled events all Sunday and I thought it would be kind to send a quick text to let her know I can call later made her react like that? I tried to explain myself and she wouldn't let me. Constantly interrupting and talking over me. Maybe she was having an off day but for someone who is all about communicating, her condescending and rude tone is not how you speak to people, especially as a midwife. So glad I found out early she is like this prior to wasting my time! Also note: our first conversation we ever had I was hesitant to have a consultation with her because she very much came across that if it's not 'her way' or you go against anything she believes in, she will throw a fit and isn't very open to your wishes for the birth. I'd offer some things I wanted during my birth and she goes 'oh no way you don't want to do that' again, in a condescending manor. Only reason I was giving her a chance was to meet face to face and maybe get a different 'feeling' from her and my friend recommended her. read more

Absolutely amazing. I don't even know where to start. I found MariMikel online and I truly believe God led me to her. From the moment I called her she was so nice and had such a great spirit to her! My boyfriend and I met her at her house and she was so welcoming i felt like i was apart of her family immediately. She taught us so much about pregnancy that we had absolutely no idea about and I felt so empowered by the time it was time for me to give birth. I had been having low iron my entire life and now I am no longer an anemic thanks to her! Not only did she help with my birth but she helped me emotionally. There were times I was crying and she took the time to listen to me and give me valuable advice. God this women is just all around amazing, genuine, and GREAT at what she does. My birth experience was absolutely amazing and we have a beautiful and healthy baby girl thanks to her and I would recommend her to ANYONE. I love her for life and so will you. read more

New Life Birth Services - Mimi and baby Josette - Midwives Near Me - Austin, Texas

MariMikel and her assistants were so amazing for each of my daughters three births. Why did my daughter choose Marimikel each time? They were on time, came prepared, acted professional and treated this life experience as if it were her own. She and her assistants were professional and treated my daughters births with utmost seriousness, as the most important chapter in their lives. Not only is MariMikel the best with the birthing process but her prenatal and postpartum care are amazing for baby and Mom. I highly recommend MariMikel and her team. read more

First, I find it interesting that the reviews that aren't 5 star are in the "Reviews Not Recommended" category. Anyway, here goes. Initially MariMikel seemed like a perfect choice. She was warm, caring, thoughtful... A wolf in sheep's clothing. She often showed her other side once I was all in and it was too late (in my mind) to make a change. I would have anxiety going to appointments not knowing which lady I'd be seeing.. The kind, gentle soul I had originally connected with or the moody, harsh, domineering women I had come to know. She SAYS you can make your own choices... As long as it's what she wants. Otherwise she will become rude and abrasive, criticizing your decisions. While I was under her care, she had a personal issue arise and the remainder of my pregnancy became about her. She was so concerned that my labor would "take all day" that she refused to come over when my water broke, even though I was sure there was a problem and told her as much. 4 hours later she sent her apprentice Rachel over (whom I LOVED). The baby had no to low and abnormal heartbeat that we couldn't get under control. Rachel told her she needed help. Finally 6 hours after my original call she graced us with her presence. 2 hours after that I was in the hospital, where MariMikel argued with the OB nurses and made my birth very uncomfortable emotionally... My child was in NICU for several days due to meconium aspiration (Ah! The abnormal water color!) and lack of oxygen (the little to no heartbeat). He is also profoundly deaf in both ears. Possibly due to the complications of childbirth, possibly due to the antibiotics they had to pump him with immediately, possibly a genetic cause.. However if MariMikel showed concern and came over right away when I told her there was a problem, I would have no reason to wonder if it could have been avoided. While we were in the hospital, she came once. I was in the NICU with the baby and she told me harshly that I should have waited for her. She grabbed my breast and tried to force the baby to eat, when it was a no go she told me my nipples were too large and to rent a pump if I wanted to breast feed. I never saw her again after that (until the baby party that I attended for some reason and learned that only *2* babies there were born at home). She sent Rachel to ALL of my aftercare appointments. She did leave me one message post-birth. I still owed her $295 at the time. She claimed in the message it was almost double. I strongly believe people have good experiences with her, but I didn't and I'd suggest looking other places other than yelp to read her less than fab reviews. 0 stars for MariMikel + 4 stars for Rachel =2 stars. Keep looking, ladies. read more

MariMikel was a blessing to our family as a midwife for our 4th baby. She had time for me. She addressed my questions/concerns that other practitioners had never been able to answer. I learned more during this one pregnancy with MariMikel than I had for all 3 of my previous pregnancies combined. I was highly impressed with the amount of education provided in her childbirth education classes because they were so thorough, insightful, and validating. The education was incredibly valuable. I felt that her services were incredibly reasonable and generous. read more

Marimikel is wonderful! She's strong and knowledgeable and becomes your rock during a very emotional time. She helped with everything from morning sickness to breastfeeding. She drove out to my country house during an ice storm, she listened and supported me during the labour, and stayed next to me when we ended up having to go to the hospital for a c-section. Even my little Chihuahua loves her! This was my first baby but my husband used her for both of his older children. I wouldn't even consider going anywhere else for my next baby! read more

New Life Birth Services - Baby Jack and his Mimi! - Midwives Near Me - Austin, Texas

MariMikel and the New Life team were amazing! I tell everyone who will listen what an incredible experience we had. Before finding New Life, our birth journey started at a typical OBGYN office. After 2 appointments, we left feeling like cattle being herded through the motions of pregnancy. It wasn't personal or special and I even cried thinking, "Is this how it's supposed to be?". We switched from that practice to a more alternative practice that combined midwifery with OBGYN. I felt more comfortable and knew that I wanted an "alternative" approach to our birth. Everything was going well, except I just wasn't quite convinced that our all natural birth plan would be followed given that we had to deliver in a hospital if we were to use this practice. After several visits in which I realized my birth plan was not being heard or respected, a friend suggested we meet with MariMikel. I was due in 4 weeks and wasn't excited about switching practices - yet again - this close to the finish line, but I knew I wasn't 100% comfortable with my current situation. Oh. My. Goodness. I am so very grateful we met with MariMikel!!! We knew instantly we had found the perfect birth guide and place! The amount of information we gained in our first visit with MariMikel was more than we had learned from both previous practices combined! MariMikel's approach covers nutrition, natural preventions and treatments of common pregnancy occurrences, partner participation, and so much hands-on knowledge of childbirth, you truly feel like no matter what happens, MariMikel has got a plan for it. MariMikel's confidence in her knowledge is so soothing. I could finally turn my brain off and just relax. The next few weeks were incredible and my stress completely disappeared. On our delivery day, MariMikel was calm, focused on me and no one else, and guided us through our 11 hour labor. Her apprentices, Delacey and Meredith, were amazing- very attentive and nurturing and knowledgable. If we had been at a hospital, I'm certain we would have had several new faces in and out throughout the duration of the birth. I really appreciated having the same team through it all. The team - and my partner - cheered, motivated, and pushed me through to the end. They supported my all natural birth plan and never wavered or tempted me to stray from my vision. I owe them so much for gifting me and our baby girl with the most beautiful birth experience imaginable. The postpartum visits are above and beyond any other practice offers. There is HUGE value in this part of New Life services. Guiding us through breast feeding challenges and assuring us we are doing everything right (trust me- you need this!). It's like having a doula, le leche nurse, pediatrician, and a nurturing mother all rolled into one! I highly recommend MariMikel and New Life Birth Services to anyone looking for a natural child birth. read more

New Life Birth Services - This photo was taken less than 12 hours after the birth of our baby girl with MariMikel. I felt like I could run a marathon! - Midwives Near Me - Austin, Texas

Best in town and all around. I am on my second birth with her and I couldn't imaging putting this kind of trust in anyone else hands. She is beyond capable and not only does she share the love and take the time to nurture the mother to be she also supports the father and encourages them both along the way and beyond. Thank you Marimikel, yoda greatest! read more

I saw Marimikel today for my annual well woman check and laughed and smiled all the way through my pap-smear You don't hear that a lot! Seriously, I had my last baby with her as my midwife 14 years ago but I still go to Marimikel for my well woman checks and anytime I am in need of gynecological health services. She puts me at ease. She also shoots me straight. And I always leave there feeling more in control of my reproductive health. Highly recommend!!! read more

I hired Marimikel to deliver my son 8 years ago. It's taken me this long to leave my review. She was great in the beginning! My appointments were lengthy and full of information, I felt as though I could ask her anything and she would give me as much information as I needed to feel comfortable. Towards the end of my pregnancy she became "weird". I was suffering with a pretty common issue during pregnancy and rather than take her 8+ day regime to fix the issue, I told her I wanted to see a doctor for medication to clear it up right away. She was vary adamant that I was making a horrible decision and made me feel very ashamed for even taking that approach. Needless to say, I did not follow her instructions and everything turned out just fine. The day of delivery is tough to even think about. My husband forgot to get liner for the birthing tub and my contractions were strong from the beginning. I was vomiting with every contraction and just wanted to go to the hospital. I know- midwives are hired because you want to birth naturally, but things can change and I trust my body enough to know when I need to throw in the towel. Marimikel sat on my couch with her arms crossed saying over and over "it's just going to be a pitocin nightmare". That's all I remember. At that point, I didn't care what she thought, I was going to the hospital. Fast forward to the delivery room. MM was so upset with me that she wouldn't even look at me. I'll never forget how uncomfortable and sad she made me feel that day. I understand that she was very attached to the idea of delivering my son, and she spent months getting me ready for this moment. However, that does not excuse her behavior that day. She was condescending, antagonistic and cruel. When I arrived to the hospital the nurse hooked me up to an IV because I was severely dehydrated from vomiting. I remember hearing someone ask her why she hadn't given me an IV when I was at home. Her response: "I was going to eventually". The last memory I have of MM was at the 2 week follow up. I joked about my sons long arms and she snapped at me and made me feel like an idiot. That was it. I'll never forget the way she made me feel, never. It was a terrible experience. Is MM capable of delivering your baby? Yes, hands down absolutely she can get the job done. But only if you are someone that needs to be told exactly what to do and will do whatever she tells you without hesitation. If you're a headstrong woman that trusts your own opinions, y'all will probably clash. read more

I just came across the fact that MariMikel is on yelp! I need to come back and write a glowing review when I have time. For now, I just wanted to be sure to give her 5+ stars!! I tell everyone who is looking for a midwife about her...she is the best! read more

We had an excellent experience with Mari Mikel & New Life Birth Services. The knowledge and care they provide is unmatched. Our home birth was so amazing and we felt very prepared after all of our classes and in-depth appointments. Her assistants are amazing and helpful too. She truly cares about each of her patients and is always a phone call away. read more

I (also) just came across the fact that MariMikel is on yelp! Not only is she the best midwife in the country but she is also one the the oldest- one of the major founders of Midwifery in the US. I had an amazing experience with MariMikel, not only did she create the best birthing experience possible, but she also taught me about my health in general. She is changing the world, one beautiful soul at a time. read more

MariMikel has been the midwife for all three of my children and my littlest brother. She has a wealth of knowledge that goes beyond birth. I feel like a better human being just knowing MariMikel. She is a deeply spiritual and loving person. She made me feel like I was the only one she was taking care of even though I know she had many other patients. The time that she spent with my family and I was priceless. Sometimes I want to have another baby just so I get to see her on a regular basis. If you want to have the best birth experience possible I strongly recommend MariMikel. read more

MariMikel Potter is a life changer. 33 years ago she helped bring me into this world, and 11 months ago I had the honor of going through my daughter's birth with her by my side. I couldn't have made a better selection. She has over 40 years of midwifery under her belt. She's the go-to midwife for many local apprentice midwives. I could go on about her credentials, but that could take awhile. Throughout my pregnancy she was kind, compassionate, and gave expert advice on every topic. She guided me in my diet and exercise, as well as my stress management and fears. Without her continued insistence that birth is an athletic event I might not have done all I did to prepare for my labor and baby's birth. But through her coaching, cheerleading, and occasional maternally stern heart to hearts, I came to have the most magical moments of my life to date. Twelve hours of labor, 30 minutes of pushing, zero tears, and a safe delivery of the sweetest child I could ask for. For the home birth skeptical, she not only brings a hell of a track record and four decades of seeing everything in the book, but something like 150 lbs of "just in case" equipment. You will never regret interviewing her. read more

MeriMikel has delivered 2 babies for me and is about to deliver a third. I would suggest her to anyone considering a home birth. She is knowledgable beyond words and has endless years of experience. She has delivered over 3500 children and somehow never missed a birth! She is thorough from the beginning to end and has answers to questions you wouldn't even think to ask! She is a strong and beautiful soul and has changed my life just as much as my children have. read more

MariMikel Penn has been our midwife for two of my kids. She is amazing as well as her apprentices. She's so good at instilling confidence and giving reassurance. She has so much experience and great stories to share. It was a beautiful experience to have children at home with her. read more

We just had our second homebirth with Marimikel and want to shout her praises from the rooftop. She is amazing, we are so blessed to have found her! read more

My husband and I found out I was pregnant in July of 2014; we were overjoyed. We quickly scheduled an appointment with my OB at Austin Area OBGYN. As usual we waited 2 hours in the waiting room before being taken back to a private room where we waited an additional 45 minutes. Once the doctor came in we got a quick ultrasound and a 15 minute elevator pitch telling us we would need 6-8 ultra sounds at various points in the pregnancy and if we wanted him specifically to deliver the baby we would have to schedule the birth on a day he was working. (WHAT?) This meant I would need to be induced. If I was not induced and let the baby come on its own time, there was no guarantee my doctor would be the one to deliver him. I asked the doctor several questions about health a wellness during the pregnancy, like "what should I be doing to insure optimal health for my baby." He said eat healthy and exercise. When I asked for specifics he said to schedule an appointment with his nurse and rushed out of the room to the other dozen women waiting in him office. Really? Here I am at 32 years old and not knowing the first this about being pregnant or what to do while pregnant, or ever after the baby comes and all I want is to feel like the person I am paying gives a damn and wants to help in any way they can. Too much to ask? I walked out of the appointment very disappointed. Having a home birth had not crossed my mind, mostly because it's not the norm and I just didn't think about it. A friend of ours had recently had a home birth, told us about MariMikel and suggested we watch the documentary the Business of Being Born. The documentary is very one-sided, but I highly recommend watching it before making a firm decision on a hospital birth as it changed my mind 100% towards a home birth. The first time we scheduled to meet with MariMikel was for a free consultation. I thought we would meet and greet and, hear her 15 minute elevator pitch and make our decision, but NO...what MariMikel did blew me away. At our consultation she spent 2 hours talking with us about what it means to be pregnant, the history of health and wellness during pregnancy, her full resume, references and what she would promise to do for us over the next 8 months. She also answered all the questions my OB didn't have time to answer when I was paying him, and she advised at a consultation. I loved MariMikel's energy! She is a strong, highly educated and very well spoken woman. Her knowledge as a midwife completely impressed my husband and I. I walked out of that appointment knowing she was someone I wanted to work with. Over the next 8 months I was truly nurtured and educated by MariMikel. Our appointments were anywhere from and hour to two hours, depending on where I was in the pregnancy. We would talk about how I was doing emotionally, what I was struggling with and any questions I had. She would also conduct the same type of exams an OB would. I could call her ANYTIME I had a question day or night and she would be there for me. This was HUGE as you have several different questions while you're pregnant. Through sharing her extensive knowledge of pregnancy and the birthing process I became more and more confident with not only having a home birth, but becoming a parent afterward. I looked forward to ever appointment I had with that wonderful woman. The day I went into labor we called MariMikel when my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart. She and her two apprentices showed up within an hour and started setting up for the birth. My labor was not the norm as it progressed quickly and within 5 hours my contractions stopped and I was pushing out a baby. Labor isn't easy, it hurts and it's one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life, but I was willing to do naturally, for my baby it just like millions of other women have done before me. Our son was born safely at home on February 17th, 2015. I couldn't imagine a better person to be by my side that day than MariMikel. She made me feel secure, confident and very much loved. I consider her a very good friend and someone I will have in my life forever. I challenge anyone to say that the majority of OB's make you feel that way. I highly recommend New Life Birth Services to anyone looking to have a home birth. Even if you are unsure if it is for you, go see MariMikel and hear what she has to say before making you final decision. read more

We just had our second home birth with MariMikel and her services are top notch! Super knowledgeable and helpful all along the way! Superior education and overall wonderful home birth experience! We are so pleased with our 2 home births!! read more

I want to start off saying I don't ever like to say bad things about anyone. I never want to hurt someone or their business. MariMikael was someone I was so excited for from the first interview. I have the regret of not switching when the signs were obvious at 20 weeks but I stuck with it. She is VERY controlling. And I say that because in the first interview, I specifically said I don't want to do this and this ect and my requests were respected. And when it came down to it, she tried to pressure me into doing what she wanted me to do. Its not why I hire a MW. I quite honestly felt like this was her birth and not mine. When I wanted to do something else other than she wanted, she was NOT ok with it. I would also tell her something and it was like she tried to change my mind. I am here to have my voice heard and be listened to. I did talk to her about my lack of support and the only different thing she did was call me one time to tell me she was thinking of me. It was an effort. I'll give her that. Her comments are very unprofessional! She talked about my midwife with my second wrongfully. I was in shock. She asked me my request for my birth and I stated I wanted it quiet in my birth. Based on my second birth and also her like for talking. I then had to tell her to be quiet when I was about to push my beautiful baby out. She also told me position to push (I was told she wouldn't let me tear) I wish I would have listened to my body. I was in a terrible position- my back and I couldn't think to know not too, but she wanted that and I tore. Her response.. she didn't want to fall in the pool and couldn't support me well enough. Last time I checked, I was paying her.. but it kinda felt like I was putting her into so much trouble for her time. She was there 1.5 hours before my birth! Also we had to clean up the birth pool. That was the last straw for me. My poor husband. I could go on with stories but I am trying my best to be respectful. I hated my experience and had trauma from my birth with MariMikael. I had to seek professional help. I would never refer her to anyone I know. read more

Marimikel was the only midwife willing to help me. I have several csections and no dr would give the chance of trial of labor. I always felt secure with her and her knowledge. Her bedside manners are excellent. This was my best pregnancy due to her vitamin protocol and nutrition regimen. I also learned a lot with her videos (no need to pay for extra classes). read more

You could not have a better Midwife than MariMikel! I was 34 weeks pregnant when we decided the OB I was attending wasn't giving us the care we needed. I researched midwifes in the Austin area and found MariMikel. From the moment we met I knew she was the one for us! Her home office setting made me feel so comfortable , like I was visiting a friend. Not only does she provide the best Midwife care you can find, she also educated you on self care and a list of vitamins that will change your life!!! Her 45 + years of experience along with her deep love for her patients makes her well worth 5 stars. She has an answer for absolutely every question or scenario you can think of. And most likely has experience with it. She has the perfect balance of natural, homeopathic remedies and western medicine. Giving birth in the midst of pandemic was very scary but finding MariMikel relieved all of my worries. We had the most beautiful home birth and delivered a healthy baby boy at 39 weeks. She was so in tune with everyone in the birth room, it was magical!! When my sister and husband started to hold their breath (when I started pushing) she noticed right away and reminded them to keep breathing. Her follow up care is amazing, she doesn't miss a thing! Thank you MariMikel! read more

It's difficult to put into words, the experience we had. Marimikel went back and forth between being patient, kind, caring, to being domineering, demanding, rude. If we could go back in time, we would've paid more attention to the warning signs and went with someone else, no matter how late in the game. Our birth was totally horrific. Anything and everything went wrong due primarily yo her actions, and none of our logical wishes or choices were honored but instead were met with hostility and antagonism, regardless of reason. She was cruel to us, especially the birthing mother completely lacking in empathy, and impatient toward her apprentices, barking at them as if nothing they did could ever please her. This only caused more stress to us in our time of need. Birth, already an intensely overpowering experience, was about 10 times more painful and challenging as a result of using this midwife. Our child's birth, which should have been 1 of the best, will always be remembered as one of the worst days we've had. She has been doing this too long and no longer respects birthing women as people- she's too far removed. read more

Marimikel delivered two of my babies, and both times were amazing, magical experiences. The first baby she delivered was a successful VBAC, and the second was equally life affirming. I always felt safe and loved throughout the whole pregnancy and postpartum. She has a very strong presence and is not shy to tell you the truth even if it is not the most pleasant thing to hear or even what you want to hear. But I always knew I was getting sincere honesty from a woman who has seen it all when it comes to childbirth. I am confidant that me and my family and baby had the best care possible. I feel empowered by Marimikel because of the knowledge and wisdom she shared with me about my overall health and life and even child rearing, information that I still use everyday. I would highly recommend Marimikel to any family considering home birth. read more

I had both of my home births (10 years ago and 3 years ago) with the uber talented and knowledgeable MariMikel Potter. Birth is such a unique experience for each and every person. I felt at ease knowing I was in such good, qualified and nurturing hands as MariMikel's. I am a strong woman who trusts my instincts and felt MariMikel supported me during my pregnancy and delivery. She provided excellent postpartum care as well. I tell everyone I know about New Life and MariMikel. She is very intuitive and has a vast knowledge of health, wellness, birth and babies. I highly recommend New Life Birth Services. read more

it has been many years since Merimikel attended my birth, and i have since mostly made peace with the experience. my partner at the time and i hired her to deliver my first in 2004. to be honest, i felt traumatized whenever i thought of her for many years afterward, it went so badly. my labor progressed normally and suddenly i felt as if i could deliver my child on my own, any moment, when we thought to call her. she was furious that she had not been involved sooner, and demanded that i wait. when she arrived, she demanded that i wait more, and when she finally felt SHE was prepared, i was in excruciating pain from having denied every natural urge for the last hour or more and no longer progressing. she forced me into a position i did not want and i tore so badly i had to endure 50 stitches afterward. these came apart within the next few days. my son was born oxygen-deprived and in poor condition and i'm left torn to this day. i used to wonder if my decision to birth at home with Merimikel may have been a causative factor in my son's autism, although it doesn't matter now i suppose. i don't recall her assistant's name, but she was gentle and caring, everything i had hoped for. i wish i had known i signed on to be attended by an over-dramatic, overbearing, selfish diva. it's hard to describe how Merimikel changed the atmosphere in my home so dreadfully, and while others have had good experiences with her, just know that you can't count on that with her, dependent upon your particular circumstances. 2.5 years later, i used a different midwife in a different state to deliver my twins naturally in a hospital. she understood my fear and anger from my first birth, was kind, supportive and willing to advocate for me. i birthed with very little intervention in the position of my choice and my twins were fine. the nurses in the hospital said they had never seen a natural twin birth before; the doctor was great because he had an established, positive, collaborative relationship with my birth service. i never felt that my birth experience was out of my control or that i was a sidenote to someone else's ego. good luck in finding the right midwife for you. i just wanted to share another perspective here for those who are looking. read more

I love MariMikel and had a wonderful home birth experience with her and her team (which included her doula and a former midwife that she trained that now works over at one of the local birthing centers). Our first baby girl was born after 5 hours of active labor, I was cheered on and supported by everyone there. MariMikel and her team were efficient in setting up our bedroom for delivery with all her equipment and left our place spotless. Everyone left as soon as we were comfortable, and MariMikel came back to visit the following day and then a week later. Everything went so smoothly. She's a warm, animated and extremely knowledgeable midwife, having delivered over 3,000 Austin babies. I learned so much from our hour long checkup appointments, checking out books from her library, and her 2 inch binder of resources and notes that assisted though every part of our pregnancy and postpartum. Also, when I was almost 2 weeks overdue she made sure that I saw a perinatal doctor to monitor our baby and amniotic fluid (baby was super active and healthy- she was born at 7lbs 7oz. . . so there's a myth about overdue babies being large in size, which MariMikel kept reminding me, haha). Bottom line, MariMikel will be our midwife again, she's the golden key to our future babies' births! read more

I had all of my pre-natal care for my second pregnancy at New Life and had a home birth. The experience was beautiful. The care I got was unsurpassed. Marimikel Penn is a gifted person whose calling as a midwife could not have been more perfect for her. She is safe, knowledgable about so many health issues (including and way beyond pregnancy and birth) and spends an enormous amount of time in the care of her clients. I couldn't speak more highly of her and her apprentices. I would do this all over again with another child and wish I had had her for my first pregnancy! read more

I had my first child with Marimikel 10 years ago. She is an amazing woman with a lot of experience. I wish I could have gone to her again, but had to choose a location closer to me, because of my busy schedule. They were great too, but I miss Mrs. Penn. She is very thorough, and gives a great deal of guidance. She offers what is missing in the medical field in general. Care that truly, on the deepest level is caring. In many healthcare arenas, the word patient would be more honestly replaced with customer or client. Not so with Mrs. Penn. Though I have not seen Mrs. Penn in years, her inspiration has followed me. She motivated me to my current career path, and I will always look up to her as a role model. read more

Marimikel was awesome. I initially started my pregnancy with an OBGYN, but felt like I was just a number. Then I had a friend who recommended Marimikel. She educated me on everything there was to know about my pregnancy and birth. I learned a lot more than my friends who just had an OB as well. Unfortunately, I was not able to have a home birth, as my baby was breech, but she was there the entire way at the hospital. I'm very sad our time has come to an end, but we will definitely use her for our next one!! Highly recommend her!! read more

I had an amazing homebirth experience with MariMikel Penn of New Life Birth services! I can't even begin to explain how amazing New Life is..My first meeting with Marimikel I knew she was the midwife I wanted to use, hands down! she exudes confidence and and in turn instilled amazing confidence in me throughout my pregnancy and during my birth. If you are looking for a midwife to help you experience an amazing natural childbirth, please, please call New Life You will be very, very happy! read more