Austin Area Birthing Center

Go here! We (in Austin) are SO lucky to have such a safe, supportive, caring, stress-​free, relaxing, welcoming environment for expectant parents to feel secure, confident, and comfortable when bringing a baby into the world. My out-​of-​town friends are all jealous of the facilities and level of support that AABC provides. As a patient you can expect so much individual time and attention, complimentary classes on prenatal yoga, post-​natal yoga, baby massage, nursing, and cloth diapering, not to mention the ability to take an active role in your prenatal care through centering support groups. They even send a nurse/​lactation consultant to check up on you in your home, after the birth, so that you don’t have to come in to the office. This, alone, was SO helpful. I hope this is the model for the future of all health care – taking time to give attention to the whole person, not just their physical health, but their mental and emotional health and well-​being. You will make so many precious memories at AABC. Go here!

I had an absolutely wonderful experience at the birthing center. From the moment we received the tour, through out the pregnancy, taking the classes and the delivery itself, I felt cared for, supported and very much on the same page.
I loved all the classes I took: centering, breast feeding, cloth diapering, etc.
I really liked that I met all the midwives throughout my pregnancy so that when it came to the day it wasn’t a stranger.
Having my baby at the birthing center was the perfect compromise of home birth and hospital birth. Thank you Austin Area Birthing Center! Love you guys.

It’s extremely incredibly difficult to summarize my experience here in one review but I’ll give it a go. **this is a review for the south William Cannon location**
Firstly, I don’t know what I would have done without the community here, seriously. Not only did the midwives and practitioners care for me like family, a few them saved me from a nervous breakdown! (I was a nervous first time mama with almost no family here and sleep issues and panic attacks — yikes!)
Everyone here is caring and efficient. Two things that are awesome when dealing with a situation that is seen as a «medical issue» in this country. Aabc really makes you feel as though this is a natural and beautiful event. Having a baby, of course. ;)
Every appointment was wonderful because they really assured me that all was well. Sometimes they pushed a bit too much, asking me if I needed support or counseling, but I know it’s because they care and probably also because I’m a quiet person in general.
Now for a specific mention, a shout out if you will, of certain amazing people. Vicki sat with me after a centering session and helped me work through a lot of my concerns. She is an amazing midwife, a vast library of practical knowledge, and a fantastic human being. Lynn Ann and Cat helped bring my son into the world and they are incredibly hard working, knowleadgable, and badass. Besides stitching me up for a couple hours after the birth, they were persevering through the birth and I don’t know how they do what they do.
DeLora, the yogi and goddess, is a great support, day in and day out, and I highly recommend her prenatal classes. Yoga really helped me through my pregnancy and it’s another amazing thing that Aabc offers (for free!). Kelsey is also a great yogi too.
As for centering, I think that some of the instruction time is wasted and the structure of the course needs some revampng, but we made friends that we still talk to! This group has been a web of postpartum support that has been invaluable to our family! We even had a group first birthday party!
The only criticism that I have for the facility is that when I went into labor it just so happened that I had to fight for a birthing suite which they said would never happen. A lot of babies were born that weekend! So that was a bit stressful, but thankfully we got one. Also, during the birth the nitrous oxide machine refused to work. While I completely understand that these things happen, when I’m in labor for 48 hours, it’s pretty aggravating. This could have been checked beforehand, I think. Also, the tub was not filled and waiting for a slow faucet to drip water while in back labor is infuriating. When it was full, the jets stopped working and the godsend that was the sprayer thing stopped working too. That was insanely infuriating and if I didn’t have my amazing doula Jamie pressing on my back, I don’t know what I would have done.
Oh, also, I must mention the care offered by Michelle on the morning after I gave birth. She was so patient and understanding that I felt like my mother’s spirit was acting through her. Sounds cheesy but it was true.
Brittany was awesome with the many needles she had to stab me with and the entire staff is great as well.
Whew! So much to say, so little time. The swaps they offer are amazing too. Between (long distance) familial presents and grabbing great stuff at the swap, we hardly had to buy anything for our newborn.
Overall, I’m so glad that Aabc is succeeding, expanding, and opening new locations. I love that they take the horrible stigma out of birthing without taking any of the knowledge and care. I know I made a great choice and I have a beautiful, amazing son out of the deal!

AABC was recommended by a close friend, and while I’ve never considered myself a «crunchy» person, after visiting I knew AABC was right for me. The waiting room is less than a doctors office. The building and accommodations are warm and cozy. If you want to spend 9 or 10 months with a knowledgeable staff that truly cares, making life long friends, with great prenatal yoga classes… then AABC is for you! Charlotte delivered baby Maddison and I could not have imagined a more ideal birth. 25 hours of labor flew by and I felt great when I walked out of there.

Our birth experience at AABC was as near perfect as it could have been. It went exactly as I’d hoped and pictured in my mind. This is my third (and last) child and we are certainly ending on a high note. My first baby’s birth ended in a C-​section and went about as far from perfect as it could have gone, so this third birth felt great and super empowering!
Joanne was our midwife and she was awesome! She seemed to know what labor aids I needed almost before I did. I labored in the birthing tub and she had soothing aromatherapy going while massaging my shoulders and upper back. Joanne was a soothing, calming and very mentally supportive presence and I knew I could do this with her help.
Our prenatal appointments were great as well and I cannot say enough good things about AABC and their staff. Midwife Erica and Midwife Assistant Kimberly were also particularly helpful! Too bad I’m done having babies, because I would return here without hesitation if I were having another one!

Both of my boys were born at the north location, and both experiences were extremely positive.
My favorite things:
1. Facilities are nice and inviting, both the clinic and the birthing suites.
2. The office staff is friendly, professional, and almost always running on time.
3. My prenatal visits never felt rushed. I talked to the midwife about my medical health as well as my emotional health and the well-​being of my family.
4. The classes before and after the birth, especially the prenatal and postnatal yoga and toddler love. The birthing and breastfeeding classes were great too!
5. Being 100% supported in having a natural childbirth while also knowing that my health and the baby’s health were the number one priority.
6. The payment schedule throughout pregnancy so I did not leave with a big bill at the end.
7. The midwives!!! Every single one is fantastic in her own way. You could not ask for a better team of care providers.
I tell anyone who will listen that the care I experienced at AABC is hands down the best medical care I have ever received.

We had a wonderful experience at the birthing center. We transferred over from my previous OBGYN around 20 weeks so we could have the birthing center experience and I’m so glad we did. We had elevated AFP levels in our testing and so we had some extra visits to a specialist outside the office. Thankfully everything with those visits went well and we could still be patients there. All the midwives are awesome in their own way. Each with their own personalities but all knowledgeable and super caring. The classes were very helpful as well. We felt very supported and prepared. The actual birth went beautifully. What I loved is that our midwife just came in and out of the room as needed and gave our doula, my partner and I the space we needed to move through this as we wanted. I’m sure if I asked her to be in the room more she would have! But we didn’t need that. The room itself was very calming and comfortable. I loved having the tub there too. Generally it just felt like giving birth at home but we didn’t have to clean up after :) I always felt like we were in good hands. Oh and the post partum visits were so helpful, especially with the lactation consultant. Note that, yes, their administrators are sweet but aren’t the most organized. Just don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you need to get clarity. Highly recommend!

I had our first daugher at the north center and it was such an amazing and EMPOWERING experience that as soon as I found out I was pregnant with our second daughter I knew where I wanted to have her! We lived down south at the time so we ended up birthing her at the south center.
I had a lot of issues too with our second with my body trying to go into labor early and they never added to any of my worries or stress. They just monitored me closely and gave me some great recommendations and my little girl thankfully held out until 38 weeks to come meet us!
Everyone is SO welcoming and they made me feel like I was family. I can’t recommend them high enough!

Having my second child here after the impersonal attention we received from my first birth at a hospital was best, most beautiful experience. Getting to know the midwives and the other mommies in centering class was brilliant from start to finish. The room we had was perfect and clean and quiet. I got to have the unconditional support and encouragement of midwife Roswitha during the entire labor and water birth delivery. It was all amazing, especially our monthly/​weekly meetings with the other mommies in the centering group as the pregnancy progressed. I have only heard wonderful experiences from other ladies I’ve met who also birthed at AABC. Nothing but praise for the whole experience from everyone including us. The only reason why it’s 4 stars is because there wasn’t any leniency with how to pay. We weren’t allowed to pay up front but had to opt to the monthly payments. There was some miscommunication but literally that was the only downside. Even when I got a bill in error from a bloodtest result from a 3^rd party, they were so helpful and took that bill of my hands ASAP.
Please visit this place if you’re thinking about giving birth here. You won’t be disappointed!

Hard to believe that AABC has grown so much over the past 11 years! Even though I didn’t have the birth I expected — I was a hospital transfer — our midwife, Joan, was with us every step of the way. We felt supported and cared for when the hospital staff was very busy as she was there. Wouldn’t have had it any other way for my first birth! And now, years later, as a birth photographer I can honestly say this group of birth professionals are some of the best you will find in the Austin area.

We had an amazing experience here from start to finish. Staff is excellent, center is clean and comfortable, etc. I could not imagine my wife delivering anywhere else. Thanks AABC!

I had a less than ideal birth experience with my 1^st child. I was young and had a pretty traditional hospital birth. Having a child in the hospital, I really did not feel like a participant in the birth and knew that I wanted something better for the birth of my 2^nd child. AABC was a perfect fit for my partner and I, we are so glad that we chose to have our baby here.
I enjoyed my prenatal visits, all of my questions were answered and I always felt at ease.
I LOVE the classes offered! I attended DeLora’s prenatal yoga, and now attend baby love & postnatal yoga. It is really nice to be able to develop new friendships and get support with other new moms. The new trends birthing class was a great refresher on the onset and stages of labor and delivery.

Erika, my midwife, was amazing! She and Michelle Gold went above and beyond to help coach me before my doula arrived. They were both so calm & reassuring. I could not have asked for a better group of women! The whole team was medically on point, but also did an excellent job of caring for the emotional and spiritual well being of myself and my child.
The care after birth was also wonderful. It was so nice to have a nurse come to the house for our 3 day check-​up. Everyone at AABC is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, including the administrative staff, and the midwife support team.

When I first found out I was pregnant I called around to all of the natural birthing centers in Austin and eventually decided on Austin Area Birthing Center because they offered so many free classes and services. It was so nice to attend yoga, centering, and all of the other prenatal classes.
Over the past few months Erin, Michelle and Kim really showed their dedication to educating our class on what to expect, and I honestly would have been an emotional wreck after my delivery if I hadn’t signed up for centering. The ladies are so good at asking great questions and starting meaningful discussions among our group they really passed on a fountain of knowledge.
Samantha and Kim Jordan did a GREAT job at my birth. It was better than I expected, and I’ve been sharing with friends & family how well my husband, baby & I were all taken care of that day.
My biggest fear was tearing, and when I was dilated to 8 cm Samantha explained that she would position me on my back in a good position to avoid tearing. I immediately relaxed and in the end I only had a small external tear. Kim and Samantha were so great at coaching me through and I appreciate their positive reinforcement. Such great women!
After my birth I was having some breastfeeding issues and Mandy & Renee came to my rescue (So glad you make house visits)! The breast feeding support group is a great service: D
I am really excited to start attending the postpartum yoga, mommy support and eventually toddler playgroup!
Austin Area Birthing Center is truly a community of caring, nurturing women and I am so happy to be a part of it.

Why is there no way to give a 10 star review? My experience here was incredible. My baby is now 10 weeks old and I honestly miss going in for my checks up. From the initial interview to the birthing experience, and the post partum care, I felt so taken care of and supported. Katrina and Tiffany at the front desk are AWESOME! They will love you if you bring in baked goods. If we have another baby this will be my first stop for care again. The midwives are soooooo amazing and all of the staff is extremely knowledgeable and caring. I had Kim during my delivery along with an intern, they were both so supportive and gave my husband great direction and space to take care of me in his own way too. They made me feel safe and my husband accepted throughout whole process. Kimberly was with us for the paperwork after and to make sure we were safe to go home after the birth, she was not only hilarious and totally supportive of four letter words and creative insults while going through the exam right after, but she also helped with a proper latch and gave us tons and tons of info to take home se we didn’t feel overwhelmed by the new life in our care. Mandy was my midwife for home visits, she had the perfect energy to be around postpartum mama and babe. Viola even delivered my placenta pills to my house to make sure I was equipped for PP depression symptoms.
These woman are angels through and through. If you are looking to do a natural birth, this place is top notch.

Can’t say enough about having my second child at AABC after a hospital delivery with my first– there is just no comparison that explains the difference in quality of care. I wish every woman knew how much better labor is when you have an experienced person who stays with you and takes care of your and your baby’s needs rather than dozens of people coming in and out for a couple of minutes at a time. Our midwives were AMAZING; they knew what would comfort me and what I needed before I could even process it.

Yes. Just, yes.
Amazing staff, remarkable care, loving environment are just a few qualities that make this place the best. I miss being pregnant because the prenatal care made me feel completely held.
My birth experience, although not without some hiccups, was amazing. I always felt listened to and supported.
At AABC the focus is on the people and the goal is always to give mamas (&papas) and babies the respect and love they deserve.
Can’t wait for baby number two.

The owner Jean Stokes makes you feel at home, and the day I was there a staff member had a baby and I found Jean in happy tears. Not only is the facility upscale, the truly caring staff is the reason I give it 5 stars. The only really cares about everyone’s experience there.

A relative recently called me at 4:30 a.m. as she was about to delivery her baby. I drove a long distance to be by her side and had to sing show tunes at the top of my lungs to stay awake for the 3-​hour drive. By the time I arrived AABC, my eyeballs were crunchy, and I looked like a «People of Walmart» trophy-​winner.
When I eventually walked into AABC, the friendly staff made me feel right at home and led me to my girl’s room. It looked like a hotel suite with a big bed right in the middle, and it took everything I had not to plop down next to New Momma and saw a couple of logs.
Unlike a hospital with its cold, austere surroundings, this room had dim, comfortable lighting. The whole place felt welcoming and cozy – like home. The sofas out in the lobby had big, cushy pillows, and when I took a mini-​nap, it felt like someone gave me a giant hug the whole time.
In retrospect, the first-​time mother did have some complications and would have benefitted from a hospital delivery. That still does not take away from the experience of giving birth naturally – something my relative insisted on and is still grateful for.

I had a wonderful experience at AABC! I knew I wanted to have a natural birth long before I got pregnant, so I was so happy to find a birthing center that would support that! The midwives and staff are all very friendly and considerate. I always felt safe and comfortable at my appointments. We participated in «centering» with other mamas and dads with due dates in the same month. We really enjoyed having the 2 hours with the midwives and learned a lot. I really felt prepared for labor, breastfeeding, and newborn care.
I was able to deliver my daughter in the birthing tub. It was an incredible experience, and I felt so supported by everyone there. My husband and I really enjoyed our time spent at the birthing center, and I was sad when our time there was over!
Lastly, there is a strong community at AABC that is unique and so valuable. They offer classes on baby massage and yoga, as well as clothing swaps. I’m so lucky to be a part of the AABC family. Thank you for truly allowing my family to experience a beautiful, gentle birth of our first child!

A quick response to AABC’s reply: the information they gave regarding my birth experience was flatly inaccurate. My birth was not progressing and hadn’t for hours. To say I was «close» is patently false. This birth was not going to happen «naturally.» Both my baby and I were showing dangerous signs. That is the real story. And the audacity of suggesting that I was disappointed by my «unnatural» birth! Nothing could be farther from the truth. Had I continued with the birth at AABC, I have no doubt that something tragic could have occurred. Multiple doctors have said this and the stakes are far too high to dismiss them after what I experienced. Indeed, my c-​section was the highlight of my experience and I am so grateful to the wonderful physicians and staff at the hospital.
Second point: Nice job fishing around my other Unilocal reviews, AABC. That’s not creepy at all and I’m sure you don’t have other things to do. Like provide women with the care they deserve. Also, it’s just silly to imply that my review of AABC is somehow less valid because I also wrote a negative review of another women’s health provider in town (who, contrary to your claim, is not my «current» provider). Unilocal is for reviewing local businesses. On occasion, I post reviews. Some are good, some are bad, but all are intended to be helpful and informative. That’s kind of the whole point.
I will not be intimidated out of writing my review or calling out the misrepresentations in your response. Potential patients have a right to hear about all experiences, including mine.