I was so impressed with all of my care at Birth and Women’s Center. Everyone was so helpful and warm! I couldn’t have asked for better care. I felt so taken care of during the birth by Debbie and Cherie and after the birth by Tiffany. I literally was made to feel like a queen; it was so nice! I wish every woman could experience this “VIP” care after they give birth. All of the small touches like: a glass of wine after the birth, have a meal served to you on a tray, like “breakfast in bed,” all the liquids offered to you to drink, help going to the bathroom and bathing. Every single one of these things were remembered and so appreciated. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

July 27, 2011 by Melissa S:

I woke up at 3 a.m. with contractions and called Beverly two hours later as they grew stronger. They saw me at 6 a.m. and decided it would be best for my husband and I to walk, grab breakfast until I dilated more. This was perfect, in that it allowed my husband and I to have some sweet moments before the intensity of labor and delivery grew. I then got checked, and Cherie helped me along until I was at 5. The hours between 10 and 12 seem like a colorful blur. By noon, the Cherie and Beverly team was in full swing and coached me on how to push. My son was born after 45 minutes of pushing! My dad, who was in the waiting room, said the whole experience reminded him of an old Western kind of birth:  They could hear the newborn’s first cry after I pushed him out. Then, minutes later they all came in. It really felt so natural – like a big celebration. I couldn’t have asked for a better labor and delivery experience!

• June 29, 2011 by Jennifer H:

I couldn’t be happier with the decision for my prenatal care and birth to be at the Birth and Women’s Center. The CNMs and staff put the health of me and my child as their number one priority. This is unlike the experience I have had with other OB/GYN offices. My pregnancy was watched closely, making me feel at ease and confident about the birth that was to come. During labor, I was allowed to do whatever I needed to be comfortable. My husband was by my side and encouraged to participate fully during labor. He was ecstatic to be able to pull our son out and into this world. The quality of care and professionalism of the BWC staff is truly unmatched. This team really knows what they are doing, and it shows. I would trust my life and my child’s life in their hands again whenever I plan for another baby. When that happens, BWC will, without a doubt, be the place I go. Thanks so much to Cherie for delivering my son in the most amazing experience of my life. Thanks to everyone else at BWC who also tended to my care and contributed to this wonderful experience. (Beverly, Christine, Debbie, Wendy, Jenny, Tiffany: Thank you and to anyone I missed, as well, as it takes a team!)

• January 12, 2011
  “Why did you choose Birth and Women’s Center rather than a hospital?”
  I wanted to arrive (with contractions) in a warm setting. The lighting, music, tub was all very important to me. Hospitals terrify me, and I knew my body would shut down at a hospital for birth.”"Did you feel your prental care was satisfactory? What would you have changed?”
  I wouldn’t change anything. I loved the professional manner in a warm, inviting, home-like setting.”"Did you find your delivery what you were expecting?”
  No, it was beyond what I expected. The attentiveness, patience and compassion were more than I could have hoped for.Additional Comments:
  Debbie was our birthing assistant and was so warm and helpful. Cherie was an angel. I don’t know how she did it, and now I believe in angels!
• December 1, 2010
  “Why did you choose Birth and Women’s Center rather than a hospital?”
  I didn’t want my memories of the birth of my child to be tainted with hospital associations: overly bright flourescent lights, needles, beeping machines. I wanted a warmer, more friendly natural experience.”Did you feel your prenatal care was satisfactory? What would you have changed?”
  Yes, it was excellent.”Were all of your questions answered to your satisfaction and understanding?”
  Yes, the midwives were knowledgeable and encouraging.”Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?”
  My delivery was exactly what I wanted it to be: an awesome, wonderful and terrifying experience. I’m very grateful that I was able to deliver naturally at the birth center. I would not change a single thing about my experience. Thank you!

  “Do you have any additional suggestions as to how we could improve the care we provide?”
  I thought everything was just right; I couldn’t be happier, and would readily recommend the Birth Center to any of my expectant friends.

• December 1, 2010
  “Why did you choose Birth and Women’s Center rather than a hospital?”
  We had a hospital birth with our first son and did not feel comfortable at all with all the interventions and unnecessary procedures that were done. We found the BWC and loved it. We knew that we wanted to birth there after we took the tour.”Did you feel your prenatal care was satisfactory? What would you have changed?”
  Absolutely not a thing.”Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?”
  Yes. Although faced with the challenge of pushing for two hours and our son being posterior, we enjoyed laboring at the BWC and being sent home within a few hours.”What could we have done to make your birth better for you?”
  Nothing. Everyone was great.

  “Do you have any additional suggestions as to how we could improve the care we provide?”
  You all do a tremendous job.

  “Additional Comments”
  We want to thank you for walking with us through our pregnancy and birth. Thank you for equipping us to make wise decisions along the way and for giving us a beautiful place to have our sweet baby.

• November 30, 2010
  Dear Cherie, Carol, Debbie, Samantha, and all the Birth and Women’s Center Staff,Thank you for all you have done in preparing us and making the birthing experience so wonderful. We could not ahve asked for a smoother delivery and transition and we could not have done it without your help. We were so impressed with the personal touch you added and did not, for a moment, feel as though we were just another patient.We cannot thank you all enough and would not change a thing for our birth. It might be a while, but we already have plans to use Birth and Women’s Center for #2.
  Thank you! Thank you!
• July 13, 2010
  Cherie,
  I feel “thank you” just isn’t enough. You made my pregnancy and birth experience exactly what I hoped for. I knew I wanted a natural birth for a long time, and you not only confirmed this decision, I can’t imagine giving birth any other way. Thank you for doing what you do and giving women the ability to be involved in their labor. It is really empowering and wonderful. Thank you for everything.
• A Love Letter to My MidwivesAfter I had my first baby at the birth center, I wrote to you. The experience was so transformational and so beautiful that I could barely put it to words. All I could say was that we came to the birth center a couple, and we left a family. You enabled me to see my strength as a woman, and I took that power home with me, to keep forever.I’ve returned to my memories of that first birth many times. It was night, and the candles cast a golden light on everything. Carol guided me in listening to my body. Once I was swaying on the birth ball, it was like all the pain was in the next room. The serenity of the birthing room at Birth and Women’s Center allowed me to focus. She reminded me of my strength whenever I started to forget. Peace made the baby come.How many joys in my life will compare to that scene on the birthing bed? Carol’s knowledge, her skill, and her love became my own energy. I felt so alive. Our baby was born. I watched my husband cut the cord, and that warm, wet, tiny body was laid across my chest. I am happy that my midwife will always be a part of that memory.

  Now, I am in the days following the birth of our second son. All throughout my pregnancy, I worried about the transition from one child to two, wondering what could ever match what transpired during the first birth. It didn’t take long to find out.

  Cherie was there when my water broke. I treasure the memory of this birth, too. In labor, my husband and I slow danced under the purple crepe myrtle trees at the park next door. When I could no longer dance, I floated in the jacuzzi, and the light streaming in the windows was ethereal. But as the contractions reached their peak and it was time to push, I became afraid, and I could not find my strength. What would have happened without my midwife there to believe in the power of my body? Cherie has an indefatigable spirit. She is wise. I could see her courage in her eyes as she urged me, and that courage became my own.

  Our second baby was born as peacefully as the first. His warm, wet, tiny body rested in my arms after I birthed on the same bed, and I felt all the love in the world. Beverly and Deborah cared for me and the babies so tenderly in the hours after the births. Their gentleness is a model for us all.

  I don’t know if you know how much Birth and Women’s Center means to me. You gave me these memories. You showed me my own strength, reflected in your eyes. Words fail me again, and I can only say: We walked out the door and down the steps a family, with your help.

  Thank you.

• I love that the midwives both constantly pushed me to be as healthy as possible throughout my pregnancy. I always felt the staff was not only knowledgeable but also eager to share that knowledge and include both myself and my husband in the childbirth and prenatal process. Love, Courtney.
• To the Wonderful Staff of Birth and Women’s Center – We truly appreciate the wonderful care that you have provided for our family in the past few years. Our daughter Autumn and now our son Aaron were brought into this world in a peaceful environment just like we wanted. Though Aaron did arrive with a few complications, we truly felt that he was in the best of hands. Your support during that time was immeasurable. Our children are a true gift and knowing that we were able to deliver at the birth center was great! We can’t thank you enough for the services you have provided. The entire staff has been wonderful to work with and we will remember these experiences always. Thank you, Kim, Shawn Autumn and Aaron.
• Dear Cherie, Carol and staff – Thank you for all you have done for us in preparing for Emily and making the birthing experience so wonderful. We could not have asked for a smoother delivery and transition and we could not have done it without your help. We were so impressed with the personal touche you added and did not for a moment feel as though we were just another patient. We can not thank all you all enough and would not change a single thing for the birth of little Emily. It might be a while but we already have plans to use Birth and Women’s Center for #2! Thank you! Thank you! Tahnk you! Sincerely, Johanna and Chris.
• We had our baby at the birth center in May. As if having a baby isn’t an incredible venture, the whole pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum experience at Birth and Women’s Center made me see the world in a new way. “Hey, I did it!” Thank you for allowing the birth to be an experience that drew me even closer to my husband. In your tender and watchful care, this couple became a family. We wish to return all the love you gave us!
• I had the overwhelming feeling throughout that all of you are passionately devoted to women and their loved ones – born and unborn. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
• I always knew I wanted to have a natural childbirth. After researching different options I settled on the Birth & Women’s Center. I felt that CNMs gave the best chance of delivering naturally.
• When it came time to deliver my daughter, my midwife listened to what I told her about my labor. She stood back, as I wished, and let me labor how I felt was best. As a first-time mom, my labor and delivery were a bit “unorthodox.” I delivered within an hour of arriving and actually gave birth on all fours. Having my baby here allowed me to listen to what my body was telling me to do. I not only achieved my goal of an unmedicated birth, I also had a wonderful, empowering experience. Thank you so much! – Tara J.
• Dear Women of Birth and Women’s Center,
  I know you probably know this, but it never hurts to hear it again – what you do matters. You change lives, your work has meaning. I came to the birth center scared, confused and desperate to find a place where I could birth my daughter without threat of unnecessary intervention. You all welcomed me with open arms and warm hearts. I will never forget the joy and relief I felt the first time I visited at 39 weeks of pregnancy. Even that late, I felt more comfortable, more at home than I had ever felt with any doctor. You all will forever be in my memories as I watch my daughter grow and remember the beautiful and peaceful way she came into this world.Forever grateful,Danielle, Stephen and Baby(Danielle currently is pursuing a career in medicine.)
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  The center came highly recommended by friends. We wanted a natural healthy birth. The Center is very welcoming and comfortable, and we love everyone that works there! Also, there aren’t a lot of people running around – like at a hospital. We didn’t have to worry about germs.
  Were all of your questions answered to your satisfaction and understanding?
  Definitely. The staff made us feel very informed. We felt like we could make good decisions.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Absolutely. Better than I expected.
  Additional Comments:
  We love you! We can’t wait to have another baby! (But not too soon!)
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I liked the “natural birth” option with a relaxed home atmosphere. A hospital feels too much like a laboratory where I’m just a number.
  Were all of your questions answered to your satisfaction and understanding?
  Yes, the care was great. I would not have changed anything.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  No! It was WAY BETTER than what I expected. Thank you sooooo much!!!
  What could we have done to make your birth better for you?
  I don’t know! You exceeded the expectation I had already set.
  Additional Comments:
  Thank you very much for everything!
• My labor lasted 18 hours from start to finish. Even though there was a chance I might have to go to Baylor due to slow progression, I was able to stay at the Center and deliver there. Carol made it as comfortable for me as she possibly could as my body prepared for tougher contractions to come. I love that I had developed a relationship with her beforehand – it made the situation more peaceful and reassuring. I also love the variety of options they offered such as the bath, squatting, the bed, etc. I’m grateful I delivered in such a loving, peaceful environment with people I knew and trusted. Now I can reminisce these things as I hold my baby girl. – Suzanne B.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  Wanted to have freedom to move during labor in hopes of an easier labor and delivery.
  Were all of your questions answered to your satisfaction and understanding?
  Yes.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Yes – loved having my husband as an active participant instead of a bystander.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  We wanted to have a drug-free birth in an environment that was supportive of our choice.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Yes. As with our first birth at the Birth & Women’s Center, this delivery exceeded our expectation.
  What could we have done to make your birth better for you?
  Absolutely nothing – the birth was perfect.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  We were looking for a more natural approach without the major medical interventions so common in birth nowadays. We appreciated the informed professional care we received for you knowledgeable staff. Clearly, medical interventional can be necessary at times, but your approach seemed to be more knowledgeable of the whole birth process and of working with the body’s natural process.
  Did you feel your Prenatal Care was satisfactory? What would you have changed?
  Yes, we appreciated your willingness to answer our questions and to allow us to make informed decisions for our family.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  I was thankful to have a shorter and easier labor than I expected. Beverly and Cherie were very helpful and attentive; they are both obviously proficient in their work. I appreciated the prompt care given to the baby after the birth (oxygen and suctioning) and Beverly’s attentive care to me as I recuperated. – Jennifer P.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I’ve always wanted to have a birth experience – not just a medical procedure. The Birth Center allowed me to be fully involved in the process while feeling comfortable and relaxed.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Biologically – no – went faster than I expected!! In terms of my care and comfort – better than expected from the staff.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I wanted the opportunity to have a birth naturally, free of drugs or any other (sometimes) unnecessary medical interventions. Also, I was aware that some hospitals had “birth center,” but even still I felt that a hospital was no place for such a miraculous event. It’s a place for sick people; pregnancy is not a disease.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Yes, exactly what I expected and more!! The midwives and birthing assistants went out of their way to make us the most comfortable both pre and post birth. I was so impressed with the hospitality and kindness of everyone here every second from the time we called to say that we were on our way to the time we wrapped little Noah up to go home!! We would recommend this place to anyone and have already!!

• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I didn’t want to put myself and my baby at risk for the many unnecessary interventions. The doctors and nurses in the whole do not understand normal birth and they have experience facilitating a birth. They’re itching to “do something” rather than let nature do its work.
  Did you feel your Prenatal Care was satisfactory? What would you have changed?
  My prenatal care was great. I loved knowing that my midwives and I were becoming friends as they months went by because I wanted to birth in an atmosphere of trust.
  Thank you SO much everyone at BWC for the loving care you provided to me and to my baby. Thanks especially for the detailed instructions at the birth class.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  Flexibility and open-mindedness of a birth center over the hospital, more natural environment, supportive and encouraging.
  Many many thanks to everyone – Jenny, Debbie and Cherie. Your whole staff is incredible and inspiring.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  So I could have freedom during my birth to be as comfortable as possible while having it naturally
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  We chose BWC because I preferred a more casual intimate environment instead of a cold and sterile one.
  What could we have done to make your birth better for you?
  Not a thing. I was happy with my birth experience. Your birth assistants and postpartum staff were so kind and just wonderful.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I wanted my birth experience to be more relaxing, nurturing, and less clinical. I wanted to ensure I was supported and given the best opportunity to birth naturally without medical intervention.
  Did you feel your Prenatal Care was satisfactory? What would you have changed?
  Yes, I felt that I was given the opportunity to raise questions and concerns and that they were always addressed. Always received a call back when I placed a call.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  My delivery was amazing and more than I expected. Beverly was absolutely amazing. I know I would not have received the acute level of attention that she gave to me to help push my posterior baby out if I was in the hospital. She gets 10 gold stars. All of the attendants and post-partum assistants were great and gave great attention and took great care of me and my baby.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I figured since I wasn’t ill, why a hospital? Wanted minimal medical interventions and a non-sterile hospital setting…Also, to minimize risks of contracting one of the many nasty illnesses you read about people getting in hospitals.
  This was my 2nd experience with the Birth Center, and in terms of postpartum care especially I was really impressed – the level of attention and care Beverly gave us all was outstanding. I really was reluctant to leave. Thank you for making this non-hospital, non-home option available to us.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  Something made me decide a hospital was not the right choice for me. The more research I did, the more convinced I was that a birth center was the right path. After orientation I was sold on the Birth & Women’s Center.
  It was a scary but fantastic experience and I cannot imagine doing this in a sterile, unfriendly hospital environment. Thank you for making it so wonderful
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  We wanted the birth to be a natural, non-medical process. We wanted the experience to be a process of mother and father birthing the child, not centered around a doctor.
  It really was a wonderful experience to have our child at the Birth Center. We recommend it highly and plan to have subsequent children the same way. Thank you all!
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I have a strong aversion to hospitals, doctors, and the current practice of medicine. I believe that birth is the most natural, sacred, beautiful act in the world and that my baby and I were the safest in an environment that treated birth as such and intervened as little as possible.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Everything and more. Those ladies were just amazing. My husband and I will be indebted to and in love with them for the rest of our lives. If we could afford it, we’d send them all on a cruise or something!
  I also greatly appreciate the home visit and was thrilled to discover that I can do my well-woman check-ups with you. Seriously, I would trust you over a doctor any day. – Jessica B.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  At the hospital I’d be forced to have an IV, continuous monitoring, probably an episiotomy, very high risk of cesarean and probably would not be supported to have a drug-free birth. At Birth & Women’s Center I was confident I’d have minimal interventions and then only when actually necessary. I was confident I’d have the support I needed to have a drug-free birth. I felt satisfied that BWC would accommodate my personal requests.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  It was much quicker than I expected. (thankfully!) but I thought 2nd babies just shoot out. It took a little more effort pushing than I thought. The staff was wonderful. The bath was the best thing ever!
  Thank you for such a wonderful birth experience. I try very hard to remember our great moments when our daughter was born and our time relaxing in the sunny room of BWC and try to forget the time that followed in the NICU. I really appreciate the follow up after the birth. Carol came to visit us in the hospital and Beverly called to check on us and also wanted to visit in the hospital but we had already been released. She made me feel comfortable to call her any time with questions. We also appreciated Cherie coming to our ECV at the hospital earlier. – Jessi F.
• Why did you choose Birth & Women’s Center rather than a hospital to give birth?
  I felt like my first birth that was in a hospital didn’t go like I hoped it would. I was induced and was given pitocen. I had no idea what pitocen was like. I felt like I had no control over the birth and was forced into an epidural. I wanted to have a better birth experience, one that I would have more control over.
  Did you find your delivery to be what you were expecting?
  Everything was exceptional. I tell people it was just as good, it nor better care than you would receive at an OB’s office. What was great was that I never felt rushed out. I was always able to ask my millions of questions.
  Thanks for giving me a wonderful birth experience! I highly recommend you all to everyone! I can’t wait to have my next baby with you all again.