I love the North Shore Birth Center. Really. For the first half of my pregnancy, I was going to my OB (who is fabulous!) because I wanted to make sure I was not going to be high-risk, etc. But from the beginning, I knew that I did NOT want a hospital birth so I was planning on switching from my OB at some point. I just wasn't sure to where. I debated back and forth between homebirth midwives, the Cambridge Birth Center, and the North Shore Birth Center. And ultimately, I ruled out homebirth just because my insurance wouldn't cover it (something that really really pisses me off). I went for a meet and greet night at the NSBC and they had me at hello. From 20 weeks on, I met with the midwives on a regular basis. They were all super friendly, and by the time my due date was imminent, I had met with all but two of the midwives at some point. A week before my due date, I went into prodromal labor and spent 12 hours there before things stopped progressing and they sent me home. But the midwives with me that night were so incredibly supportive and helpful, so I knew when the real thing actually happened, I'd be in good hands. They even called me a few times during that week to see how things were going. The following weekend, I found myself back at the NSBC, this time in active labor. Luckily I was once again with the midwife with whom I felt most comfortable, since I had met with her more often than the others. I got to the NSBC at 2:45 a.m., and by 11:15 a.m. I had myself a baby. The midwives who attended my birth were absolutely wonderful and I couldn't have asked for a better birth experience. They really helped me have the birth that I had envisioned for myself. It was a very difficult experience, but it was rewarding and I felt on top of the world by the time things were over. A few days later, I ended up back in the hospital because of some serious post-partum complications, but again the midwives were so wonderful. They visited me every day, answering my questions openly and honestly, and they never let me feel like I was alone during the most trying period of my life. I feel so lucky to have had my daughter in such a positive environment with such fabulous women at my side. And if I ever have another child, I can't imagine going anywhere other than the NSBC. read more

North Shore Birth Center - Hospitals Near Me - Beverly, Massachusetts

My wife and I just had our first child (a daughter - 6lbs 15oz). From a husbands point of view, it was such an amazing experience I have to let others know. Part of me wants to just keep this place a secret so we can go back and not have to worry about crowds but if I did that I wouldn't be able to sleep at night. My wife, prior to going to the birthing center, had seen a midwife closer to our home in western, Ma. Not comfortable with the place we were going we started to search out another birthing center that was encouraging of natural births. My wife really wanted to do a home birth but I was personally not fully on board with that and our insurance wouldn't cover it. After searching all over we found the North Shore birthing center. A reason it took us so long to find it was that it was over an hour and a half away from our home. Upon calling, the person who answered told us that others had driven further and that for a first child it shouldn't be a problem. We made the treck and went to at least check the place out. The staff are incredibly welcoming and friendly and make you feel like you are part of their family. The birthing center is a small house next to the beverly hospital and has 2 rooms set up for delivering (aside from the several rooms for check ups and appointments). One of the rooms has a large tub for water births. The rooms are average in size but are set up more like a regular room in your house instead of a hospital looking room. We went for the last 6 months of my wife's pregnancy for all routine checkups. We both met with about all the midwives that were on staff. Our baby came a few days after the due date. The delivery process was absolutely amazing and so different from the many stories we have heard from people who go to hospitals. So many people told my wife she was crazy and there was no way she could have a natural birth but with the midwifes, knowledge, patience, and encouragement she did it... and is very happy about it! I believe the reason it was such a great experience has a lot to do with the midwives knowing how woman's bodies prepare for birth and know the timing that things happen. While in labor both Karen and Amanda were the midwives on duty. Instead of rushing things and giving her undue pressure for no reason, they let nature take it's course. To me it's a shame more insurance companies don't point people back in this direction of midwifery and natural births. It would not only save the medical industry lots of money, I believe a lot of woman would have a much better view of child birth, and most importantly - woman and babies would be a lot safer! Honestly, places like this deserve a different scale for a review. I would give them 10 stars read more

Two weeks ago my wife gave birth to our daughter at the Birth Center, and I feel compelled to comment on how truly fantastic every aspect of the experience was (at least as far as the things over which they have influence). Originally my wife had signed on with a OB/GYN practice in Swampscott, and we never really felt quite comfortable. That is, it seemed like they were giving our birth plan lip service while not sincerely being active in trying to honor our wishes. Upon a recommendation, we switched to NSBC and, as another reviewer attested, they had us at "hello". I can't speak to the quality of the prenatal exams, but the experience of giving birth in a quiet, comfortable, homey environment was invaluable. No beeping monitors, IV's, doctors shuffling in and out, or mysterious warnings that "you're not progressing quickly enough". The midwives in attendance were stellar. We were able to spend the first 8 hours or so of labor in the comfort of our home, and when we arrived at the birth center we felt secure and comfortable. I cannot recommend this type of setting enough, and my humble thanks go out to the talented and professional staff of midwives at NSBC. read more

UPDATED: I cannot say enough great things about the birth center and midwives here as well as our team at the hospital It has been a very long journey through the birth so let me just explain our story. I planned on having our baby as a water birth at the birth center but she had her own plan. 9/26/19 Wednesday 9:00PM: My water broke as we were just about to head to bed so then I headed to the hospital because I'm GBS positive and I had to start penicillin. Could not go the birth center because it's closed at night so we spent the night at the hospital but Esther (one of the midwives from the birth center) was at the hospital and checked on us regularly. I Started having minor contractions during our stay overnight. 9/27 Thursday 7:00 AM- moved over to the birth center with Chelsea and Lisa and was only having minor contractions so I took Cytotec around noon and began active labor. Tried laboring at the birth center until 5:00PM but I was only 1CM dilated so then we moved back to the hospital because the birth center closed up again. At the hospital, the Contractions became insanely strong so I opted for the epidural even though I had planned to go without. Friday 4:30AM: Got to 9 1/2 cm dilated but the baby was in a bit of an off position so we tried and inversion for a half hour to see if we could get her to shift. She did shift but I was still Missing that .5 cm so we tried to push to see if she could get by but she just wouldn't come out. The midwives finally suggested that I get a C-section because this baby was just not having it this way as it had been about 34 hours and I just couldn't do anymore. Got the C-section at 9:00 AM. Alexa, one of the midwives, held my hand through the surgery and the surgeons were telling me jokes while I was getting operated on to help keep my mind off of what was happening. Juliana was born at 9:23 AM and we found out she had Had the cord wrapped around her neck three times. There was a lot of moving back-and-forth between the birth center in the hospital but we had such an incredible team at both places that I didn't really care. All of the doctors and nurses at the hospital were awesome an as were all of the midwives from the birth center. I am still currently at the hospital recuperating for another few days but the midwives have continued to come over and check on me as well. The nurses at the hospital have been amazing and have been so helpful in teaching us how to take care of our baby and breast-feeding. I could not have asked for a better team. read more

Okay, I'm going to be the only stick in the mud with this one! This place just wasn't for me. I think if you have an easy pregnancy with no complications, maybe already have a few other kids and know what to expect, then NSBC might be for you. We had some initial medical complications (that ended up being minor), and we just kept feeling like the midwives weren't on top it, and our pregnancy was falling through the cracks. The last straw was when one midwife told me to get an emergency ultrasound, the second midwife said it wasn't necessary, and the third midwife called the next day wondering why I didn't care if my baby was still alive! Plus, some of the midwives are just really kurt/rude. Strange for their profession. I ended up going to a major medical center in Boston. I delivered a very happy and very healthy baby boy. And, I'm so glad I avoided NSBC. Just wasn't right for me. I see that other people are having a different experience, so take my review for what it is - my own experience. But, if you end up feeling like something is off - it just might be. read more

We switched from an OB/GYN in Swampscott to the North Shore Birthing Center when I was 25 weeks pregnant and it was absolutely the best decision we could have made. All of the midwives were extremely supportive and knowledgable. I loved the "library" of books and DVDs available to us. My partner and I were both very set on having a natural birth and being able to do so out of the hospital was such a breath of fresh air. We are blessed to have such a wonderful facility on the North Shore! During labor both midwives in attendance were great, I walked in 9.5CM dilated and neither were phased by the situation- which helped to keep me calm. After we transferred to the hospital it was great having a midwife check in on us the next morning and stand behind our decision to leave the hospital after only staying one night (something the nurses did NOT like). We will definitely be coming back here for baby number two, what a wonderful experience!! read more

This review is a little late as my daughter is 2 now but seeing as I am now pregnant again, I felt like it was important to take care of this. I loved the NSBC. All the midwives were wonderful and supportive through my pregnancy and as it was my first, I asked many questions and they always answered them without making me feel like they hadn't heard it a million times. Unfortunately, I ended up having an emergency C-section but my midwife stayed with me the whole time. The surgical staff at Beverly hospital was wonderful through the whole process as well. My daughter ended up having to be in the Special Care nursery for a bit and again the doctors, nurses and social workers there were wonderful. While this birthing experience was not what I hoped, I always say that everyone involved made a scary experience the most professional and supportive it could be. I would go back to them with no hesitation but now I live on the South shore. read more

The North Shore Birth Center deserves every amazing recommendation it gets. From the start, the midwives treated me with dignity and respect. I planned for a water birth there at the center, but those plans ended up changing after I had to have an emergency C section to deliver my beautiful son. My midwife was there for all of it and a midwife checked in on me each day that I was in the hospital after that. I believe in natural birth, but after this scary experience, I am so happy that i had the support of the midwives AND the staff at the hospital - they saved my son. Thank you, for everything. read more

I gave birth at the North Shore Birth Center in April of 2012. I had been going to an OB and felt that the doctors at the practice were just giving lip service to my goal of a natural birth. I felt like I was preparing for battle against them and was stressed out about the pregnancy itself and the birth for most of my pregnancy. It was surreal because the vast majority of the time I listen to my doctors (derm wants to remove a mole, sure go ahead, whatever. General doc wants me to take vit D, okey-dokey), but I was really uncomfortable with how my pregnancy was treated like a high risk illness instead of the beautiful transformation it was. Finally, at 7 months I switched to the NSBC. It just took the first phone call to make me finally take a deep breath and relax (the poor midwife spent 20 minutes talking to me, part of which I was crying, and I wasn't even a patient yet). The prenatal appointments were informative and I felt like the midwives really listened to my questions and would take the time to discuss what was going on. All of the things I had been worried about going wrong with the OB were standard practice at the NSBC unless absolutely necessary (didn't want pitocin, didn't want the cord cut immediately, didn't want an IV, etc.) so half of my stress was gone right there. The birth itself was as perfect as it can get. I had been worried about not getting to the hospital (across the parking lot) in time if something went wrong, but I was assured that the vast majority of the time problems in labor don't just appear, they develop. I had made the decision ahead of time that if something was even beginning to look like an issue I would switch to the hospital mid-labor. The midwife checked the heartbeat in between pushing contractions so I knew that the baby was okay. What I liked about this experience was that while I wasn't at the hospital, it was available. The midwives work under an OB (who was never in the picture for me) so that made me more comfortable knowing that this person was reviewing my charts as well. I cannot more highly recommend the NSBC. Oh, and my husband would like me to note that when the baby was born, both of the midwives attending had the hugest smiles on their faces (I wasn't looking at them so I couldn't tell you!). He was impressed with how happy they were at the birth, which really shows how much they care and love their jobs. read more

North Shore Birth Center gave me exceptional care throughout my pregnancy - they always listened, were on time, and really treat you like a whole person. I felt incredibly supported and educated, and like I was allowed to ask any 'dumb' question and take as much time as I needed with appointments. I had previously been getting care with the midwives at MGH who were fine, but I definitely felt more like a number on the conveyor belt there. Each midwife I met with at NSBC was wonderful and I would have been thrilled to have any of them there for my birth. We wound up being lucky enough to get Lisa T. for the day of my daughter's birth, and despite a couple surprises, Lisa and the team truly supported me in having an incredibly empowering, powerful, safe, and healthy birth experience that I feel eternally grateful to them for. While some of this is always luck, I think that because I felt so comfortable and trusting of them, knowing they were my advocates, an unexpected birth 2.5 weeks early went smoothly and beautifully. I highly recommend them without reservation. read more

I have had 4 of my children at the birth center and I completely loved all of them!!! I have since moved out of state, but I miss every single one of them. The care was exceptional I would recommend them to anybody,even just for regular ob/gyn checkups every year!! Kimberly M. read more

It amazes me that there are not more birth centers in the state. We are so lucky to have the birth center so close by. They have a wonderful staff, all very committed to empowering women, they have a lending library, a comfortable waiting area, and two events where they provide additional information on prep for labor. If you labor there, they also have a birthing pool!! They are even VBAC friendly (not all both ctrs. will take VBACs), though you have to labor at the hospital. Can't recc this place highly enough! read more

In the interest of full disclosure, I birthed my one and only baby at NSBC 12 years ago, so this review (unlike my son, who was a day early) is LONG overdue. But from the Yelp reviews, I see not much has changed. It was a dream come true in every way. My baby was a happy surprise and the only reason that warrants a mention is that prior to becoming pregnant, I had given NO thought whatsoever to the pregnancy/birth/postpartum experience. I hadn't a clue, but knew I needed to get educated fast. I just knew I did not want a hospital. With all the monitoring, equipment, etc., I knew I could not relax. Besides, hospitals are for SICK people, and I don't consider pregnancy to be an illness. I knew I would not thrive in a hospital, so I searched around a bit and found this wonderful option. I got all my prenatal and postnatal care there as well, and everyone was knowledgeable, supportive, and caring. When the big day came, I was made to feel at ease, and I guess everything was for the best, as my 8 pound baby arrived in three hours of labor. It was gorgeous and wonderful in every possible way. Linda-Anne L'Abbe made the catch, as it were. Next, my family all arrived and we ordered a pizza ad uncorked a bottle of bubbly--what hospital is going to let you do that? I got great advice about breastfeeding, and all of my follow up visits were educational and soothing for a frazzled new mom. I gave birth at 5:30pm, and strolled out of there with my little bundle of joy at 10am the next morning feeling fantastic! If you are expecting, you owe it to yourself to take a tour and get your questions answered. Highly recommended. read more

My rating is solely based on the fact that this facility misled me for quite some time before ultimately rejecting me as a patient. I called this place and attended an orientation where I asked a lot of questions and was totally transparent with them regarding my epilepsy...to which they initially did not see a problem with. They even scheduled appointments with me. I attended one appointment and the midwife at that appointment expressed some concern about my condition and decided to set me up with a consultation with a doctor just to be on the safe side. Later the next week I got a phone call to schedule the consultation with the OB and an ultrasound. No less than 48 hours later (before I even had the opportunity to get the OB's opinion) one of the midwives called me to basically reject me from their facility. I literally was so distraught that I had a major meltdown. I did all my homework, I was transparent, i literally did everything I was supposed to do.... clearly they did not. Apparently you have to be PERFECT in order to deliver your baby here. It is so disappointing to be told everywhere else that you are not considered "high risk" yet this place won't take you on. I am so angry. Things would have been so much easier if they never let it get that far... or at least have waited to see what their consulting OB said before cutting me off. So, at 15 weeks pregnant... I had to start all over again with a new practice. As if I am not under enough stress. I went from having such a good feeling about this place... to really not a fan what so ever. I feel super discriminated against. Just beware... if you aren't in perfect health... you may be in for a surprise. read more

If I had another baby I would only do the birth center!!!! I started at essex obgyn until I discovered the birth center. I specifically wanted to go to them because they had the option of a water birth. For each appt. i typically had a different midwife, which I did not mind. They were all very friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable. I delivered 3/5/16. I was originally due to deliver at the hospital due to blood but was able to get it up enough into the safe zone. Summer was the main midwife who was attending me during my delivery. I ended laboring for two hours and some change. I also had a doula with me, Isabelle, who was so supportive during those tough contractions. Summer was amazing! It was funny because it was my 1st time meeting her but I wouldn't have asked for another midwife. I am so so so so glad I was able to experience a all natural water birth. If you are looking for a modern place, this is not for you. It was a very "homey" type of environment but doesn't have nor require fancy equipment and you must be okay with that. I should also add that I love Joanne, the receptionist. I am kind of sad I am no longer pregnant because I no longer get to see them! But I hope this birth center sticks around for a long time especially because it is the only one in the North Shore. read more

We absolutely LOVE the Birth Center! God bless all wonderful midwifes there. Little Nick Jr. and my wife are saying hi! My older son Daniel was also happy to visit the place he was born in 2006. read more

In hindsight, I think I was really looking for a homebirth but my insurance wouldn't cover one and I did have just a little bit of nerves about having my first baby at home in case any emergencies arose. You never know what to expect. I chose the NSBC because it was the only birth center within a reasonable distance from my home. Overall, the experience was just ok. I had to wait more than 20 minutes for every one of my prenatal appointments (which was hard b/c my husband works 7 days a week and carved out the time to attend appts with me. I didn't feel like my time was respected). The midwives were kind and friendly. However, I felt like I was being a nuisance when I asked questions about why certain tests had to be performed and what my alternatives were (ie Strep, glucose, etc). Instead of explaining why the tests were mandatory and helpful, the midwives (seriously all of them) immediately went on the defensive and told me that if I refused any tests that I should seek care elsewhere. This was frustrating as I just wanted to learn the WHY before I submitted myself/baby to testing just because they're "policy." Throughout my prenatal care, I always felt a little uncomfortable because I got the impression that I really wasn't in control of my own pregnancy. Any time I sought clarification for a "policy" test or denied certain care, they played the "don't you want your baby to be healthy?!" card. Ultimately everything turned out great (healthy babe!), but next time I'm going to just pay for a homebirth out of pocket and seek care that actually listens to me instead of making me feel like a problem for asking questions. I also can't wait to have prenatal care that doesn't involved pointless monthly appts where I waste over an hour in the car and 20+ minutes in the waiting room for them to check my weight & blood pressure and ask if I have any questions. read more

I delivered my baby in January of 2015 at the North Shore Birth Center and I could not be happier about my experience there- from my pre-natal care to the actual delivery, I was so happy with the care I received. This was my first pregnancy, so i was admittedly nervous every step of the way. By the end of my pregnancy I was completely confident that I was in the most experienced hands there are. The midwives are excellent, I interacted with all of them over the course of my pregnancy and with a few of them during the delivery and they were all so knowledgeable and helpful. They are the best at what they do. When the day finally came and I was in labor, I ended up making the classic "mistake" of going to the birth center WAY too early and my husband and I ended up spending more than 10 hours at the Birth Center. We were given the option to go home, and continue to labor there, but i felt more comfortable at the Birth Center so we stayed and I was allowed to labor comfortably with minimal interruptions from the midwives. My progress was checked, as it should be, and when we were nearing the end of labor the midwives were there to step in and help with the transition to pushing. They showed my husband how to rub my back, they encouraged me when I needed it and they assisted me in a way that resulted in me not once ever even considering asking for pain medication or a trip across the way to the hospital. It actually still amazes me that I delivered an 8 and a half pound baby exactly the way I wanted to- on a comfy bed, with no iv, with my husband's arms around my shoulders. It was a beautiful experience. When my daughter was born, she was put right on my stomach and we were able to just stare, in love, at the wonderful baby in our arms. If you want uncomplicated prenatal care (i should stipulate that uncomplicated still includes the essential ultrasounds, step test, etc- it's still high quality care) and a natural delivery, I can't imagine a better option than the NSBC. If you are on the fence, it may ease your mind to know that the Birth Center is actually on the grounds of the Beverly Hospital, so if you have to go there it's minutes away. We actually ended up spending the night after our baby was born at the Hospital just for peace of mind (we were given the OK to head home after my daughter was born but we didn't feel ready to be on our own with a newborn!! ). read more