I cannot speak highly enough about Jessica. She is truly one of the most loving, nurturing, and supportive people I have ever met. Her care is the perfect blend of wholehearted compassion and exceptional medical expertise. A lot of people assume midwives only offer holistic support, but she provides the full spectrum of high-quality, knowledgeable, attentive care -- and she does it with so much heart. Our appointments are never rushed. She takes her time, listens deeply, and genuinely cares about every part of my well-being -- mental, physical, and emotional. She's been my midwife for both my third and fourth home births, and each experience with her has been nothing short of beautiful. And she has so much fun! There were moments during labor when we were dancing and singing together, filling the space with joy and laughter -- and then moments of deep, quiet intimacy where she held space for me with such tenderness. She intuitively knew exactly when to step in and when to give my husband and me space to labor together, just the way we wanted. Even in those private moments, we felt completely safe and supported knowing she was right there. We are endlessly grateful for her. Her presence, her expertise, her compassion, and her joyful spirit made our birth experiences truly unforgettable. I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone seeking the very best care. read more

Sierra Homebirth - Midwives Near Me - Grass Valley, California

From my first consultation with Sierra Homebirth, I knew Jessica was the midwife I wanted on my birth team. She spoke with clarity and the conviction of experience as I asked her question after question. I wanted a homebirth, but needed to process my own fears around it. My intuition was that Jessica had a fierceness about her. I sensed that if complications were to arise, she would not only have my back, but the skill to ensure the safety of me and Baby. She did. When my active labor stalled, she expertly guided me through exercises which brought about the imminent, natural, and safe arrival of Baby. I did face complications post-birth which necessitated a transfer. Jessica was my fierce advocate through the whole process. I am a huge fan of the midwifery model and am so grateful that I had Jessica and Stefania by my side. I have so much respect for them and the work they do in this world. I truly feel Sierra Homebirth is a gift to the community. read more

Jessica and Abby at Sierra Home Birth were the best pair to guide me and my family through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I have used them for all three of my children. What stood out to me most was how present they were at each of my appointments. I felt that they were up-to-date with my pregnancy and well-being for every one of my appointments and they were at the ready to offer help and suggestions for any physical, mental, or emotional concern I had throughout the process. They were always quick to respond to my text questions and would check in with a phone call if I ever had a bigger question or concern. I felt safe and informed. They included my husband and my other children and made our entire family apart of the journey of bringing new life into this world together. I felt very seen as their patient and they expressed sincere love and care to my unborn baby from the very beginning. I am grateful for modern medicine and the options science provides for various aspects of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, but I also believe in the power of nature and the birthing process that has taken place as long as humans have existed. I felt empowered by Jessica and Abby to bring each of my children into this world at home and with my own inner strength. But I also felt safe with them because I knew that they value the interventions modern medicine has to offer for the rare instances it's needed. Jessica and Abby are birthing experts. They are well versed on the entire process from conception to delivery and beyond. They clearly read up on research and practices around birth so that they are able to offer a variety of information, techniques, and other suggestions related to pregnancy and delivery as well as motherhood. They allowed me to make decisions around my delivery without any judgement or attempts to convince me otherwise. My choices were respected and I felt entirely in control of my own birthing process. Their commitment to high quality postpartum care alone is a reason to have them as your midwives. The "fourth trimester" is a time where most of society focuses on the baby. And while Jessica and Abby were thorough in checking in on the growth and health of my newborn babe, they also went above and beyond to care for me both physically and emotionally. I felt nurtured and supported when I needed it most and they also offered guidance to my family so that they could best support me postpartum. My husband and I are forever grateful for their expertise, love, and care that helped us bring these three beautiful beings into this world. read more

Sierra Homebirth did an excellent job helping us deliver from home. Jessica and Abby are very skilled, experienced, and competent. Our delivery had challenges and they both handled the pressure well. They are good communicators, reliable, available, and totally dedicated to their work. My families lives were in their hands and they did an awesome job protecting and supporting them when they needed it most. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in a home birth. read more

I came here to leave a review, but I'm now shocked by the review by Emily below. Having delivered both of my children with Sierra Homebirth, I want to speak up, because that review is slander and defamation for its blatant fabrications. I'm going to address a few of her points head-on countering with my own experience: * Jessica took my blood without any issue at all. I don't have "veins the size of fire hoses" and actually have had many hospital technicians who draw blood all day struggle more. * No one took my "unused hoses pads etc so they can use them on other people." They never asked nor insinuated anything like this and all my extra pads are still under my sink. * I was given a printout well in advance with a list of what to gather at home so everyone, midwives included, would have what they needed for a successful birth. Labor can last a long time, and midwives drop everything to immediately come when you're in labor. They don't leave until a baby is born, so food is a reasonable request for the list. I wasn't asked to have anything special for them. They were nonchalant about what food I should have and said if there's anything at all that will be fine. They ended up eating tortillas, cheese, and ice cream from what I remember. * They don't stink. I have no idea if they shave or not, but I also don't see how that is remotely relevant. * Their bedside manner is that of a homebirth midwife, not a doctor. Being attended by these women is like having an old friend you've known since childhood and who genuinely cares for you and your child's well-being look after you during a major life event. I started out my maternal care with my first baby in a hospital and left because I found it uncomfortable and impersonal. Transferring my care to the women of Sierra Homebirth was the best decision I could have ever made. * They never forced me to "face their religious beliefs" and never even mentioned light, angels, or chakras. I am pretty sure they are fluent in woo and they are definitely a bit crunchy, but they are holistic homebirth midwives! I don't know about you, but that's exactly why I wanted to work with them! It's not for everyone, true, but they absolutely do not force anyone to do ANYTHING, especially anything "hokey religious." They are very tolerant of diversity! * That I'm aware of, Jessica in particular has additional training and certification in herbalism, so her recommending tinctures is totally reasonable and consistent with that. Again, however, she never forced me to take anything at all. She presented herbs as options available and put no pressure to take them. * I had both of my children well after the age of 30. There's a lot in that review about being an "older mother" of "advanced maternal age." I cannot remember the exact language they used in my case, but I do know that maternal age is relevant to birth practitioners because it can impact how the pregnancy and birth goes in many ways. I may not remember the language used because I don't find it offensive for accurate medical terminology to be used in describing me. * Sierra Homebirth is part of the Nevada County Midwives Collective, and part of their purpose for participation is, according to their own words, that they "want to help bridge the gap of accessibility to homebirth midwives to make it more easily available to low income women in our community." They let me arrange a payment plan on my own terms for both of my births. To call them "thieves" and "hustlers" is viciously slanderous. I hope anyone considering Sierra Homebirth isn't dissuaded by that negative review, because choosing their services is most likely to result in the most beautiful, safe, and healthy birth possible for your child. I don't plan on having more children, but I wouldn't let anyone else attend a future birth now that I know these women exist, because if anything were to happen, I'd regret that I hadn't chosen the best midwives I already know and trust at Sierra Homebirth. These women aren't just qualified midwives with utmost integrity; they are truly in a league of their own for how well they handled a rare and dangerous situation that occurred during the delivery of my youngest. Her umbilical cord was short and double-wrapped so tightly around her neck during delivery that Jessica and Melanya had to cut the cord before she was completely out of the birth canal to save her life and then resuscitate her. They rose to an occasion that many may not have been prepared to meet. Time stood still in those moments, but neither one of them so much as flinched. They didn't miss a beat or stop moving with focused expertise as they engaged the crisis calmly, deliberately, and successfully. Not only do I recommend them to anyone who wants birth attendants who are up to the task, but I fully vouch for them as the people to have by your side if the worst case scenario happens. They showed up for me fully present as women responding to a calling, not just a job. read more

This was the WORST experience I've had with natural practitioners. Don't waste your money and just use the hospital, which is where they sent me anyway. Jessica could not draw my blood and other medical technicians could. She swore up and down that she has taken peoples blood before. They must have had veins the size of fire hoses. In addition they require eating your food in your home and have very specific eating requirements. Also they take your unused hoses pads etc so they can use them on other people (?) they almost walked away with merchandise I had purchased for myself for after the baby was born. They stink and don't wear deodorant or shave their pits and had the audacity to tell me in my own home that my dog stinks. Are you freaking kidding me? Bedside manner? Absent. They have some weird hokey religious bent to their dealings with people about envisioning angels of light - if that's your thing sure - but if it's not you're forced to face their religious beliefs of "angels" , "chakras", and tinctures. They sent me to meet a nice lady who was an "older mother" like myself- they literally used the words Old mother to describe myself as well! Again bedside manner. I went to meet this person who was in fact younger than myself and a very nice person but she lost her baby a couple of weeks before I was supposed to deliver- under their watch. I don't know the circumstances entirely but the woman was very distraught she lost her baby and believed something could have been done to prevent this. It is incredible the amount of incompetency here. In addition after I labored 25 hours at home my baby's head was in a bent position inside me. Apparently talking to other experts after the fact now - a midwife can reposition heads. Pretty crazy. They literally could have done something so I could have had a successful home birth but they could or maybe would do nothing for me. Probably because of my "advanced maternal age" and the fact that they lost a baby just prior to me made it uncomfortable for them to treat me anymore. In which case I wish they had just said we are taking a break from treating older mothers after the trauma of a lost baby and we are transferring you to the care of a hospital or another midwife etc before the day I went into labor. They seem pretty inexperienced regardless of what they tell you. They're thieves and have shady business practices to boot. I was getting warning signs along the way but instead of trusting myself I listened to my husband who is a genuine doormat when it comes to female hustlers. I wished we didn't pay them any money- totally NOT worth it. I hope they start a different career one in which they are suited and competent in- it is certainly not midwifery. If you've ever been to a Grateful Dead concert these are the people you will encounter who say nice things but try to rob you blind. Take your business and your baby elsewhere especially if you're over twenty! read more

I had 2 home births with Melanya, one with Jessica, one with an assistant, Abby, all of whom were amazing. I felt often that I wanted to go to the hospital, but they assured me I could do this, my body was built for this, and sure enough, it was. In the first birth, I tore in multiple places- like 20-30, I don't remember the number and Melanya sutured me up like a pro, though of course it wasn't a cakewalk the following days. In the second birth, it became clear by hour 24 that my waters hadn't broken, though I sure thought they had, but hey, with all the pain that week, I guess my brain wasn't firing on all cylinders! So I needed a good ol' crochet hook, and within 6 hrs, came my boy. In both births, the head was cocked off to one side, and I sure wish they had checked for alignment sooner on both because it became an issue both times, and the remedy was excruciatingly painful, but we did it and I am happy to say we avoided all the things about a hospital birth that made me want to give birth in my home. I highly recommend their services, with all the prenatal care, including home visits towards the end, and personal care. I'm sure it helped that I knew Melanya and Abby, but i received just about perfect care. Hope this was helpful! read more

Jessica and Abby were phenomenal throughout my pregnancy and postpartum care. They were firm yet also gentle in reassuring me that I'm capable of giving birth through affirmations during my labor. I ended up hemorrhaging after placenta delivery and they acted swiftly to stop the bleeding and called ambulance just incase I needed to be transferred to hospital. I was monitored for awhile and luckily didn't need to go to the hospital. Prior to hemorrhaging, my baby had shoulder dystocia and Abby worked super hard to help baby through the canal in the last stretch. Jessica and abby are amazing in their ability to act and focus under intense pressure and stressful birth complications. During my postpartum I was on the brink of using formula with baby losing significant weight and being lethargic but with their support, encouragement and dedication they went above and beyond to make sure my baby got supplemented with donor breast milk and helping me work with upping my milk supply and giving me resources for guidance. I now have an almost full time boob lovin' baby.. which is miraculous given what I went through. These women obviously love what they do and are passionate about the sacred work they offer. Highly recommend. read more

I can't believe we have our last apt (6 wk postpartum) with Jessica and Abby next week. My husband and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jessica and Abby for over a year (I started prior to conception to help regulate my hormones). As first time parents we were SOO comforted by working with Jessica and Abby - they helped us learn so much about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and newborn care. They would provide education but it wouldn't be too much or overwhelming for us. We had friends that had a great experience with Jessica a few years ago and after we met Jessica we knew we wanted to work with her too. We had an incredible birth experience at our home and both my husband and I were so empowered by Jessica and Abby throughout it all and especially during labor. They had three births within five days (including ours) and were still so responsive to our needs. In this first month postpartum they've been so helpful answering questions via text and call. Also, they've handled dealing with COVID during this time in a very professional way. We knew going into pregnancy that it's unpredictable and having Jessica and Abby to guide us through it was essential and we couldn't be happier with how it all turned out. read more

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Sierra Homebirth. Jessica is a highly skilled Midwife with many years of experience. As a first time mama it was important for me to find someone to work with who was both intuitive and pragmatic. Jessica helped me to find and listen to my own inner voice, she is an attentive listener and creates a safe space to share what is going on physically, emotionally and spiritually. Her practice is educational, I felt so prepared as my due date approached, and I'm so thankful I did because for many my birthing experience could have been very stressful, but with the most wonderful and competent team, I was able to trust I was in good hands. I gave birth when we were on pre-evacuation for a fire. Jessica assured me no matter where I was when I went into labor, she would find me and she empowered me to make the choice I felt was best and safest for all of us. I gave birth and home and it was beautiful! Jessica and Abby showed up and so seamlessly and sweetly checked in with mama baby and husband. I felt so well taken care of and safe to just experience whatever was happening and I knew my baby was safe as well. I'm going to skip ahead to 6 weeks postpartum and just say Jessica stood by me and was basically on my speed dial for weeks when I was having nursing challenges and weight gain concerns. She worked with me for an additional 6 weeks (until my baby was about 3 months) to make sure our baby was thriving. Last but certainly not least Abby is equally as lovely and compliments Jessica so well! They are truly a powerful team of experts. I cherish these women for helping me to bring my baby into this world and I would recommend them to any expecting momma! read more

Sierra Homebirth encompasses a group of women who will do everything possible to create a wonderful birthing experience unlike anything else! Their passion for the work they do is very evident , as they will go above and beyond in every aspect . From our first pre-birth consultation , to the moment our beautiful healthy baby boy was born and there after , my wife and I felt supported and comfortable and blessed to be under the care of Jessica, Melanya, and Abby! Together as a team, they brought so much love and light to a process that can be very intimidating. Bringing a child into this world may be the greatest moment of your lifetime, and the trust and communication between you and your midwives is everything . Their level of professionalism, thoughtfulness and willingness to listen to our specific needs and requests was greatly appreciated. Our community is very fortunate to have their services as an affordable alternative birthing option. Thank you Sierra Homebirth ! read more

I worked with Jessica and Abby to deliver my first child at home(25 minutes from the local hospital) and am forever grateful for their help. Well worth every penny. They both take their work very seriously and were prepared to resuscitate, transport etc..if necessary. All of the appointments prior to my birth they gave me and my partner abundant information, options, and space to speak my feelings, concerns, and desires for my birth. They were extremely encouraging and supportive. When it came to my birth they arrived in a timely manner. They allowed me to experience labor in my very own way, as in they did not push any sort of agenda on how things ought to unfold. Instead they trusted me as a woman and birthing mother to let my body do things naturally. With that being said they were present every step of the way, keeping me hydrated and moving. They also took turns with my partner keeping pressure on my sacram when I was experiencing back labor. They were very hands on and so sweet to me. They were available to me after birth and even beyond our last postpartum visit for questions and will always be special to me. I agree that the poor review was some sort of slander. read more

I am so thankful for Abby, Melanya, and Jessica for the care they provided for me and my family. I have 2 older children, both hospital births and when I became pregnant with number 3, I consulted with a couple of different midwives in the area. I actually chose another midwife that was a little bit closer to my home and right before my 1st appt I began to miscarry. The midwife I had chosen was largely unavailable to support me during the process and so I reached out to Jessica for support. She supported me through the whole process even though she wasn't even my midwife! So, when we became pregnant again a few years later with our miracle baby, I knew that Sierra Midwifery was whose care I wanted to be under. They were everything I hoped for - kind, supportive, (especially being an older mama with a rainbow baby), they made me feel confident about my pregnancy every step of the way. They honored my beliefs and made me feel comfortable to pray and play worship music during the birth of our baby. It was night and day different from a hospital birth and though the birth was hard work, it was such a pleasurable experience - I felt nurtured and deeply cared for the entire time. I couldn't recommend Sierra Midwifery more. read more

I am so appreciative of Jessica, Melanya and Abby for their care, thought and professionalism. My wife and I were treated fairly, had multiple opportunities for education and understanding and ultimately had a successful home birth. Jessica's care and honest enjoyment of her job is evident as she assisted in 4 other births the same week as ours and still offered my wife and I the assistance we needed to bring our child into this world without fear or injury. During our preparatory visits we put our concerns on the table often debating issues that were challenging for us to work through as a couple. Melanya and Jessica offer an unbiased perspective and education to guide us without leaning one way or the other. I even had some significant challenges when a family member passed only weeks from our due date. I was overwhelmed in my concern and emotional trauma but in a phone call Melanya was able to talk me to a place of understanding and even offered a follow-up call to be sure I was ok. There are few things that will challenge your marriage like pregnancy and birth, having an experienced team to support you and facilitate educated choice is a great relief. If I could do it again, I would do nothing differently and gladly choose Sierra Home Birth as our midwives. read more