After seeing the birth center for the first time I knew it was where I needed to have my baby. It was like walking into a home. Kate and Cindy were so welcoming and just had a peacefulness about them. I knew this would be the perfect place to birth my baby naturally, and in water and to mentally heal from my previous traumatic birth. When I showed up in transition I was welcomed with counter pressure and a smile! Everything and everyone was relaxed and I was able to retreat into myself to help move my baby down. I felt so in control of my own labor, yet supported by strong women. My son was born in the water only a few short hours after arrival. I can’t even fully describe how amazing it felt to have a baby this way. Concord Birth Center gave me a place to call home, to have my baby they way I wanted. — Brooklyn Rae Logan

My experience with the Birth Center was above and beyond my expectations! I didn’t know if they would even accept me into their care because originally I had no intention of birthing naturally (I thought I was too wimpy for that). What drew me to them was their non-medical approach to Maternity Care; After all, we are healthy women growing life, not sick, in need of Doctors. The Center is set up like a home, living-room style that makes you feel like you are at a friends house (and by the end of my pregnancy I DO consider them my friends). I was impressed immediately when Kate, Cindy, and their Student Midwife, Ana all took the time to attend our first appointment and get to know my husband and I. They made no judgments of my plan to birth with medication and made it very clear they were there to support whatever I chose. Most appointments were attended by at least two of the Midwives. When they were not all in attendance, it was apparent they took the time to fill each other in so they were always up on my current status. I loved that my appointments were not only “check ups” but an education on pregnancy, labor and delivery which ended up completely changing my mind to want to birth naturally! They took away the stress of the unknown and gave me confidence to face birth without fear. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to feel this stress relieved from my shoulders! Unfortuntely as it turned out, I was not able to complete my labor at the Birth Center as hoped. However, It didn’t stop Kate and Ana from accompanying me to the hospital and supporting me until my son was born. They made sure I knew I had choices I otherwise wouldn’t have thought to ask about. Their presence was absolutely priceless! Support continued post-partum including multiple home visits and were a huge help with breast feeding. I look back at my pregnancy and consider it to be one of my most life altering experiences. I was taken care of by three exceptional women who were just a call or text away 24 hours a day. I can not say enough wonderful things about them nor can I imagine having done this without their support! — Alexa and David White

I came to the birth center when I was pregnant with our first child. I knew that I did not want to have my baby in a hospital but also was unsure of having my baby at home. I was intrigued with the thought of a freestanding birth center, and knew from the moment my husband and I first had our tour that we had found the perfect alternative. Throughout my pregnancy I was treated with care and respect. We were encouraged to ask questions and we were provided with information to make decisions we were comfortable with.

When I went into labor, Cindy and Kate met us at the Birth Center and allowed me to labor freely. They quietly observed and made helpful suggestions, only when they thought I might benefit. Because of the information I had been given and the extensive prenatal appointments leading up to the birth, I felt knowledgeable and prepared for what my body was doing. Our daughter was born by candlelight in the early hours of a warm summer morning. It was a more beautiful and empowering experience than I ever could have imagined. I knew without question when I became pregnant again two years later that I would return to the Birth Center.

Returning to the Birth Center felt like reuniting with friends. I was treated with the same care as with my first pregnancy. When we arrived at the Birth Center for the birth of our second child we were welcomed by Kate and Cindy and a candlelit birthing room. I talked and laughed with everyone between contractions. During my contractions Kate and Cindy respected my need for quiet concentration and allowed me to labor the way I needed. Our son was born a few short hours later.

When I tell people I truly loved being pregnant and I loved my labors and delivery, they look at me like I’m crazy. I credit the Birth Center and the phenomenal midwives who work with extraordinary grace for my positive experiences. I feel grateful every time I think about my son and daughter being welcomed into this world by such loving hands and for the empowerment and joy I was able to experience. — Chelsea Poisson

I woke up at 5am on my due date with low back aches which I suspected were contractions. I timed the rushes all day long. Eddie, my husband, was at work and I didn't want to alarm him. Also, with Kate's voice in my mind, I wanted to just experience the early stages of labor without pressure or stress. I spent almost 12 hours totally alone at home, laboring. It was peaceful and made me feel confident in the process. When Eddie came home from work in the late afternoon I was still having contractions, but wanted to experience them alone, so he gave me space. Finally, per Kate's suggestion, I ate dinner, took a bath and tried to go to bed. I laid down around 9pm to take a nap and started crying; I realized I was in full blown labor and I wouldn't be sleeping. We drove the 1 hour to the birth center (it actually only took 40 minutes!) and when we arrived I hit a wall of fear and panic. I didn't want to get out of the car because then that would mean I would be having a baby. Soon. Kate came out to the car and was so gentle and kind to me. In between contractions, she helped me from the car into the center, calmly and with pure confidence that I would be ok.

I labored at the center with space for my husband and I to experience the labor together, but also with support. I felt so nurtured and encouraged by both Kate and Bryn. Bryn was such a rock to me. I kept looking deep in her eyes in between pushing and saying, "I need a pep talk, Bryn. Give me a pep talk." I also kept asking Kate and Bryn if everything was OK. They continued to confirm that yes, everything was going exactly as it should. They helped my husband help me, as well. They gave him suggestions of ways we together through the contractions. Eddie also had an very physical experience throughout the labor, with holding me up, to helping me walk around, to transitioning me in and out of the birthing tub, to holding my legs off and on for 2 hours while I pushed. He cut the cord and did skin to skin with our son right when he was born. 

It was 24 hours from my first contractions to birthing my 6lb 10oz boy. Kate was there every step of the way, just as much I was wanted her. I never once thought about drugs or asked for any kind of medication. A few hours after I had my son and Kate was helping me get settled I said, "Oh my goodness! I just had a baby without medication!" It didn't even cross my mind until hours after the birth that I had done what I set out to do. The ladies at the Concord Birth Center had given me so much confidence in myself and in the process that the experience of having a child felt totally natural, normal and positive. - Mara Lamb

Mabel was born at home in the very early morning hours of a hot summer day after about 24 hours of labor. We have wonderful memories of that life-changing day. taking our last walk in the woods and swim in the river together as a family of two; laboring fiercely as the clock struck midnight and realizing that our daughter would be born on our wedding anniversary; and welcoming her into the world in our own bed. It was harder and more amazing than we could possibly have imagined. Throughout the journey of our pregnancy and childbirth, Kate, Cindy, Ana, and Sherry were there to guide us with warmth, wisdom, and skill. We are so lucky to have these glorious midwives in our community. - Sarah Mattson and Asa Dustin

While there are so many great things we can say about our care at the Concord Birth Center, the most remarkable aspect to our experience was the care we received from the midwives after we had to transfer care to a hospital near the end of the pregnancy and the care we received after giving birth to our son. Those were the most trying times for us and also the times they came through with the greatest level of support. Not only did they facilitate the transfer of care to be as seamless as possible for us but they continued to be a pillar of support even as we were monitored in the hospital setting. And as heartbroken as we were to have to give birth in a hospital, we were still able to have one of our midwives come and provide support for the entire labor and delivery and provide care afterward. We were also visited several times in the hospital by the midwives and then the care we received after going home was incredible. In particular, the support we received with breastfeeding we honestly feel was the difference between the fact that we are now 2 months strong into breastfeeding versus the possibility that we may have ended up feeding formula. That alone is invaluable. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with these amazing women and hope to again in the near future. —- Bobbi, Ryan, and Desmond McDermott

Let me just start by saying that I have had 2 previously successful homebirths (in different states), both very unique from each other. When I found out I was pregnant with my third child, I knew another homebirth was in my future. I was referred to the Concord Birth Center by a close friend that had also had a successful homebirth through them and was extremely pleased to find both Kate and Cindy were a great fit for my family and I.

Kate, Cindy and Ana proved to be an amazing support through my entire pregnancy. They were very involved in making sure that all of my needs, issues and problems were addressed; treating the “whole woman” so to speak rather than just the pregnancy. They are truly caring individuals that strive for the best birth outcomes by helping a woman manage all aspects of her life with ease and confidence and providing the perfect amount of support when they need it.

Due to higher stress and activity levels, I showed signs of pre-term labor at 20 weeks and again at 33 weeks gestation. With the suggestions of my midwives I was able to stop the progression and actually carry my precious baby until 2 days after my EDD! Kate, because she lived so close, was on constant call in the last 3 weeks since the consensus was that I would more than likely have my baby a bit early, and fast (considering my previous birth history).

Despite numerous “fake-outs” by my body and baby, I was able to hold off until a beautiful Saturday morning when my contractions finally progressed into labor. Kate and Ana made their way over and efficiently set everything up. And then we waited. They were so respectful of my space and supportive of my ability to accomplish this amazing task. They were exactly where I needed them at every moment and never invasive. They allowed me to do so much on my own, but reacted immediately and appropriately when needed. My beautiful Olivia Rose was born that evening requiring just a little extra love and attention to welcome her into this world. She got 2 puffs of oxygen and a bit of extra stimulation to promote proper breathing patterns, but rebounded like a champ thanks to the quick actions of Kate and Ana. Never once did I feel nervous or scared that something was wrong.

Kate and Ana were extremely thorough in my after care and the assessment of Olivia. They were so comfortable, calm and confident with every move they made. I felt more than safe and secure in their hands! They truly made this birth the best birth experience that I have had thus far. I would certainly recommend their services to anyone interested in a home or birth center birth. — Erica Forzese

My homebirth experience was everything I had dreamed it would be. I was able to be in my home with my family where I was most comfortable and able to focus on bringing a healthy baby into the world. I will forever be thankful for the expertise of the midwives at the Concord Birth Center. They were compassionate, caring, and knowledgeable. I felt completely secure trusting them to ensure a safe birth.

I looked forward to going to the birth center for my routine check ups. I was able to bring my 2 older girls along with me who felt so proud to be included. The midwives always showed genuine interest and concern of my overall well being. It was very clear to me that they were passionate about their work.

When I was in labor I called them and they came to our house. They allowed me and my husband to work together while they were busy setting up and getting ready. They were there for me if I needed them, while giving our family space to be together. They were nurturing and professional at the same time. I was never worried about my safety, or that of my new baby.

After the baby was born, they ensured that the baby and I were stable and nursing well, and then they left. It was perfect. It gave our family time to bond without being at the hospital where we may have been limited by visiting hours or interrupted by hospital staff. They visited the following day at our house to make sure that things were still going well. I never had to leave the comfort of my home or family.

I wish that I had used the Concord Birth Center for all three of my children. It was a wonderful experience from the first time I met them until the last follow-up appointment. I have nothing but positive feelings from my experience and I am happy to share them with anyone considering a home birth. I thank all of the midwives at Concord Birth Center from the bottom of my heart! - Amy Goulas (and family)