My wife and I had Lauren come to the house for a private childbirth class. We really appreciated…read morethis option, as we have busy schedules, and it was nice to not have to coordinate going anywhere for once. Lauren was very prepared and we learned a lot from her class. Once the class was over, she followed up to make sure we didn't have any lingering questions. We highly recommend her to anyone looking for an affordable option for an excellent childbirth class.

From the owner: Birth & Postpartum Doula -- informational & emotional support throughout pregnancy, childbirth &…read morethe postpartum period. Prenatal appointments offered in-home. Available for hospital, birth center, or home births. VBAC, scheduled cesareans, and/or high risk pregnancies supported. Postpartum availability for day shifts or overnights to provide hands-on support for the whole family in the healing from childbirth and the adjustment of caring for a newborn. Multiples support available. Certified Childbirth Educator -- offering modern childbirth education classes for couples choosing hospital or out-of hospital births. Small group or private in-home classes available.

I cannot recommend this birth center enough. I interviewed with several midwives when I found out I…read morewas pregnant with twins. I didn't want to be pressured after my very first experience with twins at the hospital where they told me in answer to a medical question I had that they, "liked alive babies". I don't think that was the answer they learned in medical school, but I digress. I LOVE how they handled my breech babies and were very informative about all options throughout my twin pregnancy. They were honest and did not pressure me into anything. Each prenatal appointment was SO peaceful and I left each one learning new things about myself. I learned I was anemic, and looking back I was probably anemic with my first two pregnancies as well but it was never brought to my attention in my 10 min hospital prenatal appts. When we addressed that through iron infusions, it changed my life. (I still need them quarterly now even 8 months postpartum-so, I was happy to learn that) I did end up choosing to have a gentle c section in the end, at 40 weeks pregnant with breech twins because they were cosy in there, because of my husband's and my personal feelings at the end. However, I also love and appreciate, that in the end, I wasn't pressured to wait any longer than we felt comfortable with and each process was so peaceful and easy. She helped me pick the hospital we felt comfortable with and completed all my postnatal care. I so wish my twins hadn't been so comfortable and had tried getting out a little quicker, because I KNOW I would've loved my birth experience with this team of women. Each midwife was wonderful, Joani, my main midwife was the absolute best. I love love love Joyful beginnings.

As I'm starting my second time care with JBBC I can't help but share how amazing my first…read moreexperience went and how excited I am to be continuing my care with them for my second pregnancy/birth. I am so thankful for Marsha, my midwife as well as all of the other midwives and team members who have all been helpful, attentive and caring throughout the whole process. They are extremely thorough and transparent, guiding you with knowledge and understanding. It felt so good to have someone to help you feel empowered In your decisions that can be overwhelming for a first time mom. I am going into this second birth feeling much more confident knowing I have a supportive team behind me who has mine and my babies best interest In mind. Every time I walk Into their office I feel comfortable and at ease. I can't recommend them enough!

I used Rooted Birth for postpartum doula services, and I highly recommend them. First, Rooted has a…read morevariety of doulas who are approved by Carrot. So, if you have Carrot or Maven as a benefit from your employer and you are looking for birth or postpartum doula, look no further than Rooted because they have many doulas you can interview and consider. Second, their office manager Yoly is incredibly helpful and responsive. She always answered my emails quickly and thoroughly. It is clear that her goal is to ensure that moms are supported. You can go to Yoly for any problem or issue, and she resolves them very efficiently and effectively. Third, my doulas Gabrielle and Mercedes were incredible! Gabrielle was my night doula for 8 weeks, and I cannot say enough good things about her. Because of Gabrielle, my breastfeeding journey has been easy and enjoyable (I exclusively pumped with my first)! Not only does she have the knowledge and experience but she has instincts to help you successfully breastfeed. I can honestly say that out of all the lactation consultants that I have seen in both my pregnancies, Gabrielle is the absolute best! Specifically, Gabrielle was able to help with positioning and latching, and she taught me how to use a haaka so that I could catch milk without having to pump. To date, I have not pumped, and yet, I have so much frozen milk thanks to Gabrielle's insight and assistance. She is also just wonderful and a bright light to any household she joins. She supports you during this vulnerable time and really sets you up for success as a mom. I was very sad to say goodbye to Gabrielle, and I know that any family who welcomes her into their home will be in great hands. Mercedes provided me with day and postpartum services. Although I was only able to work with her for 3 weeks, she is so wonderful and has been such an integral reason for my smooth recovery! Her passion is postpartum nutrition, and she is extremely knowledgeable about this topic. If nutrition is your focus when looking for a postpartum doula, then you should work with Mercedes! She knows all the delicious foods to support you in your healing and breastmilk production. I can personally attest that her lactation cookies are delicious! Mercedes also went above and beyond during all of her shifts. She cares for all her moms and babies, and you feel that she is just an extension of your family. I can go on and on about Gabrielle and Mercedes. Because of them, my husband and I were able to enjoy this postpartum period, and I will be forever grateful for everything that they have done.

I couldn't be more thankful for my experience with my doula through Rooted. My labor was very long…read moreand I even had to be induced due to health issues and she was still there every step of the way.

Samantha was amazing!! She came to our home and covered the last few weeks of pregnancy, labor, and…read morepostpartum period. She answered ALL of our questions, made my husband more comfortable in supporting me during labor, & made me feel way more confident in my decision for a VBAC. Please reach out to her if you need a class or Doula Services!!

Samantha was amazing! Just great to have a doula in general but loved how she came to our house,…read moreloved her firm encouragement while I was giving birth, she helped me so much and her questions for me and baby during labor toward the medical staff was so helpful. Things got done sooner or slower because she knew what to ask! So helpful! Also loved how personable she is!! I felt like I clicked so fast with Samantha!

I absolutely LOVE Ashley. We met her during my last trimester during an interview. Our midwife…read morehires a second midwife for the birth. She is very knowledgeable, supportive, genuinely caring & a real sweetheart. I had some personal concerns after the birth (which later turned out to be fine) & my midwife was out of town so could not see me. She did send Ashley over & I so appreciated her help. I was really emotional due to all the postpartum hormones flooding in & Ashley was able to sit with me, listen & calmed me as well as examined me. I thought sometime was wrong which I'm glad it wasn't BUT even then I felt so supported and reassured-like even if it was my worst fear, I would be able to get through it. She is the best. I'd hire her in a heart beat and am so glad to have met her.

I had a traumatic birth experience at Family Birth Center that could have been avoided if they were…read morerunning a competent operation. This took place in 2023. It was my first birth. As new parents, we were just too thankful that our baby was healthy--and too overwhelmed by new parenthood--to fully process what had happened. Had we been of sounder mind, had the confidence that comes with parenthood, or the financial wherewithal, perhaps we would have sued. Instead, I'm writing this review, over a year later. I am so disappointed and, oddly (or not), still scared by the experience I had. I write this now, 13 weeks pregnant with my second child. I will not be using FBC. The majority of my birth took place in the main house with only my husband there to care for me. We arrived around noon that day for Galyn to check on me. She confirmed I was 4cm dilated and said we could go to lunch in town and then return to get settled at the center. We did just that. After a day of check-ins with other patients, Galyn left the center around 5 or 6pm. She told us multiple times I'd likely give birth that night. She told us to text her when things picked up. She told us to call. My husband and I were alone for a while. We watched Seinfeld, hung out, and ate frozen mango. My parents stopped by briefly around 9:30pm to drop off food and hug us. Shortly after they left, my contractions intensified--around 10pm. We texted. We called. There was no answer. My husband texted and called multiple times--me, in the throes of labor--met with radio silence from Galyn. The assistant, Brittany, eventually responded and said Galyn was with another patient at their home. One of our biggest fears in preparing for this birth was the 1.5-hour drive to the center. We worried we wouldn't make it in time. But we arrived HOURS before active labor--and it didn't matter. The care team wasn't available. Galyn and Brittany finally arrived around 12:45am. There had apparently been phone communication issues. My son was born at 2:05am. They were present and helpful for just over an hour of my labor. And yes--when they were there, it was wonderful. But my husband and I should not have been abandoned at the birth center that night. They cited phone issues on Galyn's end. In retrospect, that truly DOES. NOT. MATTER. I was in your facility. You told me I would likely give birth that night. And you were nowhere to be found. You didn't have proper backup in place. You abandoned me. A week later, we discussed what happened with Galyn. We brought it up--she said she hadn't intended to, because she didn't want to define what was traumatic for us. As we walked through what happened, it was decidedly traumatic--and she agreed. But there was no ownership beyond a heartfelt apology. That's fine on a human-to-human level (a realm in which Galyn operates wonderfully and the reason I was drawn to her care in the first place), but I've since decided that, operationally, it's not sufficient. In rehashing the events, we learned that the patient Galyn was with was not in labor. This was extreme negligence. This was terrifying. Galyn is a wonderful human, she is meant to deliver babies -- but running a business is not her forte. Establishing proper communication, patient safety protocols, and sufficient personnel to handle multiple births is not her strength. And I deeply regret overlooking certain communication breakdowns in my prenatal care that foreshadowed the terrifying experience I ultimately went through. Most women I know who pursue unmedicated birth are looking for a calm, safe environment in which to do so. FBC did not provide that for me.

My time spent interacting with everyone at the birthing center has been nothing short of genuinely…read moreamazing. My husband and I are consistently impressed with the level of care the midwives and doula's have shown throughout our pregnancy.

Where to begin?! We moved to Austin from Arizona, and within about six months of being here, got…read morepregnant with our second child. We had an amazing home birth team in Phoenix, so our expectations were really high for the type of care and knowledge we wanted in our Midwife. Being new to Austin meant we didn't have a large network of people to ask for references, so I researched online, read reviews and looked through credentials. I knew very quickly I wanted to work with Christy and Jenni. I had an extremely difficult pregnancy, although I was also sick the entirety of my first as well. I had hyperemesis gravidarum, meaning I was throwing up constantly, losing weight, and unable to keep down hardly anything. Christy has a huge wealth of knowledge and practices functional medicine alongside traditional options. I was always given information of references for alternative therapies to help my nausea. They were always helping me manage my sickness and we worked closely with a perinatal MD for any tests or services Christy couldn't provide herself. I had incredible care throughout my pregnancy and can't stress enough how great a resource Christy was for every ailment. Our birth experience was awesome! It only lasted an hour and a half (sooo fast!) but it was in the middle of the night with a birth tub. Our baby was born in a state of shock, partially because of how quickly everything progressed, and had a little trouble breathing. Christy knew what to do immediately and got her breathing and feeding perfectly in no time. The postpartum care we received was incredible. I had pelvic floor issues and our baby had some skin issues and Christy and Jenni were always available to answer questions and connect us with a provider that could help if it was outside their realm. Truly, we can't say enough about our experience and this team of women! They are wonderful and you and your baby will be in great hands.

Finding Jenni and Christy was like winning the lottery. I literally can't put into words how…read moreamazing these two women are...and how positively they have impacted my (and my family's) life. They are just. The best. Jenni and Christy helped my wife and I through two births, and unfortunately a few miscarriages. We first met them while interviewing for a midwife back in 2015. We interviewed a few other people around town, but instantly clicked with Jenni and Christy. They are warm, responsive, realistic and the best part - they really care about you, your pregnancy and your experience. Our meetings were sometimes long - filled with laughter in addition to medical explanations of my changing body. They took a few minutes each time to do the medical stuff, blood pressure/pee test/feel for baby...but then, the rest of the time they just wanted to know how I was feeling. I miss them. When my birth came around, Jenni was my rock. She is kind and gentle - her presence during the chaos of birth was invaluable. She kept me calm, centered and most of all, feeling safe through 8 hours of active labor and a 3 hours of pushing. My kiddo didn't want to come out, but they literally pulled out a bag of tricks: peanut yoga balls, weird positions, ropes to pull on and things to rest my legs on. They kept my spirits up, even when in those moments of wanting to give up. And, with their help I birthed a healthy little girl in the comfort of my home. It was amazing. Women are amazing. Now I'm crying. I can't recommend these MotherBloom midwifery enough. They taught me about the power of being a woman - and I know that I am a better mother because of my experience with them as my midwives. They really are, the best. I heart them so much!

Kate Pavlovsky is absolutely the kindest, most compassionate woman.. who lives in such beautiful…read morealignment with her life purpose serving other women during their right of passage which is Child Birth. Heart-fully Recommend!! It was wonderful to have her birth wisdom near. I will remember forever how wonderful it was to have Kate with during labor! And she captured the whole thing on camera too! It really was an all inclusive birth package if you ask me...massage, Doula, photography and lifelong friend. Here's how it went.. At 39 weeks my midwife reccomended induction and that I deliver at St. David's instead of a cozy birthing center.. Kate jumped on board, last minute, and became a woman that kept my spirit and mindset focused on what I had come there to do, have this baby! This was by far the scariest thing I have ever done, being a simple natured person, wanting nothing more than to have this baby naturally and vaginally.. My fear slowed my progress and Kate effectively and gracefully and honestly gave me confidence and the ability to trust my process no matter what happens. She assured me that no matter what it's going to beautiful and perfect for me, and that we were going to have this baby! She rubbed my feet, annointed me with essential oils and made me the birth goddess that we all are as intuitive womb-en.. What an honor it was to be graced with her presence and with her out of this world birthing energy! Her expert knowledge, honesty and faith changed my entire hostipal experience.. I won't forget how much her service meant to me, it's like I had a long lost sister there to nourish my soul and in return nurture another being into the world. If you're considering a doula, massage therapist, and or photographer to be part of your birth journey, she combines these art forms so beautifully..I highly, highly recommend Kate Pavlovsky. -Kristine Rose

From the owner: Kate Pavlovsky is a Certified Birth Doula, Professional Photographer and Licensed Massage Therapist…read moreserving women in San Antonio, Boerne, Kerrville, Austin, and the surrounding areas. Her goal is to provide women with the support they desire throughout labor, birth, and the postpartum period so they emerge from their experience feeling positive and confident. Kate believes in evidence-based birthing practices that support both mother and baby's needs. She utilizes her skills as a Licensed Massage Therapist to provide comfort to mothers before, during, and after labor. She trusts in women's innate ability to give birth; she is calm yet strongly supportive during a woman's labor as she offers comfort techniques or simply her benevolent presence throughout the experience.

I absolutely recommend using Stork for your Doula needs. Randi was great at helping me understand…read morethe services offered. They worked diligently to find the right postpartum doula for our family, and boy did they! We love Christina-she is amazing. She is thoughtful, kind, and thorough. She reached out regularly to check in, even on days we weren't scheduled to have time together. Not to mention, she was great with our son! If we are lucky enough to add more children to our family in the future, we will definitely be asking for Christina again!

I had the divine pleasure of having Savannah Taylor, who was not originally scheduled as my doula,…read morein August 2020. I was being induced and she immediately contacted me, letting me know that she was available any time I needed her. When my OB broke my water at 11 pm, she immediately came and was with me until I gave birth at 4 am to a beautiful baby boy. Savannah had worked with my body and put me in multiple positions to help me through my contractions. She constantly provided me with empowering words when I thought that I couldn't make it through another contraction. Also, Savannah took it upon herself to take some pictures of my experience when my professional photographer was unable to come. I will be forever grateful to her for doing this. Savannah was beyond amazing and if I end up having any more babies, she will be my first call. Lastly, I must add that my husband was not "sold" on doulas before this. After seeing what Savannah did for me he is a true believer. My OBGYN also made a comment about how she was such an interactive/hands on doula and he thought she was remarkable.