Best Doula Springfield Near Me

Amanda Brown: This was my second pregnancy and you would think that I wouldn’t “need” a Doula since I’ve been through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth before- but that would be highly incorrect. In fact- because every pregnancy is different- I would argue that a Doula is even more necessary to help you overcome any preconceived notion’s about what the pregnancy would be like. Shanita has been an AMAZING Doula! During both the prenatal and postpartum periods her support and expertise have been invaluable. Her passion and love are evident in how she communicates. She is professional and timely. If there are any questions posed that she doesn’t have the answer for she will quickly research or tap into her network to find the necessary information.I did not have a complicated pregnancy however it is still a very stressful time for any mother and Shanita was always available to answer my questions and provide sound advice on a variety of topics. I cannot emphasize enough how valuable a Doula is and I am blessed to have found the right one in Shanita. I would also highlight that the role of a Doula extends far beyond the delivery room. Her postpartum support has been the most helpful as I navigate life post delivery. If you are considering hiring a Doula for your pregnancy or postpartum needs, I highly recommend Shanita- she is FANTASTIC!

Semelle Smith: There are not enough words to express how great and grateful we are for having Shanita as our Doula. She was very informative and always took out time to answer our random questions.As much as I wanted to give a natural birth Shanita helped me realize a c-section was the. best option for myself and my baby as my baby wasn’t responding well to contractions. Before expressing this would be the next best step she tried interventions to possibly see if my baby will change position and for me to progress in labor. Shanita stood with my husband until I was settled in the recovery room and tried to help my baby to latch.I will definitely recommend Shanita as a doula and I hope she will continue to be part of my future pregnancies.

Poliana Da Silva: Shanita was the best thing that I chose this pregnancy! When I got pregnant with our 2nd baby, I knew immediately that I wanted an unmedicated birth, so I knew I would need a doula. After our 1st baby, I had back surgery and was very hesitant to get another epidural but wasn’t sure I’d be able to have an unmedicated birth alone. Both my labors progressed very quickly, but on the first occasion, I didn’t have someone like Shanita to talk me through the pain and help me with pain relief techniques. With Shanita, I was able to achieve my goal of a completely unmedicated birth! I can barely believe it myself to this day!In addition, my goal was to exclusively breastfeed with direct latching. My first baby was exclusively breastfed but via pumping, as I did not have access to a lactation consultant and having trouble with latch and positioning. Shanita brought a nipple shield to the hospital and immediately after delivery helped me with skin-to-skin and latching. Approximately 2 weeks after delivery, baby suddenly stopped latching and I desperately reached out to Shanita, who came to my house the next morning to the rescue! Baby has since been direct nursing like a champ and Shanita’s help has been indispensable to achieving my goals on this pregnancy!Instead of spending $ on unnecessary and expensive baby gear, use the money wisely and invest in a doula. It was the best investment and I will be forever grateful to Shanita for her assistance on this pregnancy! This is my 2nd and last baby and can look back with pride at being able to achieve what I always dreamed of…all with Shanita’s help!

Alice Okundaye: Shanita is a godsend, reliable and approachable, very empathetic and listens to your concerns and fears, her experience as a NICU nurse is invaluable, my baby came 24 weeks early and Shanita was very flexible to move my Doula deposit to postpartum services, and she showed up when my baby came home almost 4 months later, with a lot of good advice and experience with her, those first few weeks her presence gave us time to rest, and catch up on sleep, she was pleasant to just sit with for hours and chat, and always checked in and was reachable by phone or text when we had questions. I would highly recommend her to be a partner through your pregnancy.

Anne Griffin: Shanita has an easygoing personality and freely shares her wealth of knowledge. In addition, she's an all around great person who was wonderful with our twins and helped us get settled after their arrival.

Ebony Howard: Shanita provides exceptional services. This was my 4th child/pregnancy and I knew I would be having a repeat c-section however I knew it was important for me to have a Doula!! The risk factors were higher due to my age and having multiple c-sections and to be honest I was scared of delivery - black maternal mortality is on the rise.I had a number of health scares throughout my pregnancy and Shanita was always available to hop on a call with me and my partner and provide us with information and resources related to my health which gave me comfort throughout my pregnancy. Additionally, she would check in with me regularly to inquire about my doctors visits etc.Shanita is also well qualified, she is not just a Doula but also a registered nurse that have also worked in Labor and Delivery, and she’s a mom - talk about triple threat!!I would definitely recommend her services and I encourage women that are not having a vaginal delivery to seek her services because her knowledge invaluable.Shanita was also great post-delivery and assisted me with lactation services and resources as well.Too bad I’m not having any more children lol but I highly recommend her services for all the women that are either expecting or planning to have children in the near future.Thank you Shanita - I’m certain I couldn’t have gotten through my pregnancy without you!!

Yvanne N: Best DOULA ever. Granted is my first one but not changing. Even though my birth did not finish like I anticipated (C Section Mama here), Shanita was right there with the support and information I need during the pregnancy, during the induction process and even a month after giving birth.Shanita kept me sane with proper information during my pregnancy cause Google, WebMD and Tiktok would stray me away sometimes so having Shanita confirm and provide accurate data for my questions really helped. I texted her at all type of hours and wouldn't expect a response right away but I will get them so she is very much attentive. I am glad this birthing experience did not shy me away from having another child so I am excited for the next one cause I know I'll have Shanita by my side. I totally recommend her to anyone I know that's pregnancy.

L H: Shanita stepped in for us as a back up doula when the person we had been working with, unfortunately fell ill the week we went into Labor.Our labor progressed almost immediately to active labor and Shanita was super accessible. We were able to get a hold of her immediately and she hurried to meet us at the hospital as soon as we headed there. (Meeting us at home was not an option due to how quickly things progressed!)Having her there was super helpful for my partner. By the time the hospital allowed her to meet us, he was pretty exhausted and it was nice for him to have another person there for support and questions. I ended up opting for an epidural and Shanita was great about helping me reposition on the peanut ball as well as helping answer our questions about the various next steps while we waited to progress through labor.Post labor - she sent us a lot of helpful information to watch out for in post partum and things to be aware of.As first time parents, we were very glad we opted to have a Doula as part of our care team. We learned so much as a result throughout our pregnancy, birth, and post partum journey that allowed us to not feel completely overwhelmed and anxious for each stage but equipped with knowledge, steps, and supportive resources (our doulas!) to reach out to - should we have any questions or concerns.

Ange O: My husband and I hired Shanita for support during my 4th trimester. My biggest concerns were proper recovery (from a c-section delivery) and lactation support. Even before we welcomed my daughter, Shanita provided a wealth of information and advice based on my client intake form. After delivery, it was like having a sister at home with me to help with the baby and also help me with nursing. One instance that stands out for me, was when I was having trouble standing. My husband brought me to the ER and Shanita was right there with us. It was very reassuring to have someone with her background and expertise there to support us during that time. Also, as a mom herself, Shanita provided some PRO TIPS that has helped me save time and stress. If you’re looking for a postpartum doula, look no further - Choose Joy….

Nashrah Shah: Shanita is absolutely amazing. I can't express in words how grateful I am for her support during my labor. She was there the entire time next to me for 12 hours during my labor. Her physical presence, calm demeanor and most importantly, her emotional support kept me going. Her medical background and thoughtful manner helped keep all the medical staff in the room at ease. My doctor was very impressed with her professionalism and commented on how she has never met a doula so dedicated to her client like she was with me. I had a positive labor experience because of her and don't know how I would have done it without her.

jemima williams: This being my second child you think I would know what I am doing by now right? Barely, especially pregnancies being almost a decade apart. Moving to a new state, with many people not of your origin overseeing your birth can be even scarier; which is why I looked for a doula who could understand me through such an intense period in my life. I first came across Shanita on social media with her informative ads, which created the first sense of comfort for me. Upon our first free consultation, I felt more at peace and educated upon things I was not aware of. Let’s not forget she is an actual registered nurse, which put her a step ahead in the game in my book. Shanita has gone literally above and beyond what she charges. I’ve learned more about my body with her resources in less than 2 months than I have with other medical professionals in my life. I am due in a few months and have nothing but peace going through this process knowing I have someone with my best interest at hand. Don’t walk, RUN to choosing joy doula services! Only if your serious about the health of yourself and your baby of course!

Journey To Jesus Lifestyle: I used Choosing Joy after my son was born for the lactation support. Omg I was so nervous but Shanita quickly answered all my questions and calmed my nerves several times. Not only was she available for me face to face but during one of my many mama breastfeeding meltdowns I was able to send her a video of my concerns with his latch and she quickly called me and walked me through it! I will recommend her to every mama I know who needs lactation support. Mind you this was my third child but because of her expertise I was able to breastfeed him over 8 months with no issues. Thank you Shanita for all your help

Shenise Wilkins: Shanita played such a vital role in my 4th trimester and still offers so much support even now (my son is 2). She made it so easy to ask her anything and the wealth of knowledge she posses is unmatched. She is so loving and dedicated to all the families she serves. Working with her was such an awesome experience.

LaFone Holmes: What can’t I say about Shanita of Choosing Joy. 2018 My husband and I were pregnant with out first baby together. We were so excited. I knew how educated Shanita was about health, pregnancy, and babies. I trusted her. From the start of my pregnancy Shanita was there ready to answer any of my questions and concerns. Unfortunately at 10w2d we lost our baby due to a subchorionic hematoma. Shanita had gave me information after the miscarriage that could have save our baby. This information my doctor didn’t even give me. This year we plan to try again and Choosing Joy will be the first we call. We want her involved every step of the way. Our goal is to have a success home water birth and I know with her knowledge this is possible.

Cindy Holm: I went here with my daughter and they are all very friendly they have this back but I had my kids. They have alo

andrea phillips: The Doula Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports area mother's and babies through out pregnancy and birth as well as postpartum and breastfeeding.They have childbirth classes, prenatal yoga, and more. They offer scholarships for those who may need it.

Leah Carpenter: Great place with wonderful people

Madison Guinn: The Doula Foundation is absolutely AMAZING!! Pretty much everyone who works here is outstanding. Not only do they make you feel welcome and accepted, but they have SO many informative resources to help empower you! I loved loved my Doula, Damaris, she was invaluable in helping me to achieve my ideal birth goals!

Sandra Beck: Beautiful

Ash Kemp: I always feel welcome here.

Grace Byrd: I loved my doula Crystal. She is very down to earth and focused on helping in any way she can. She was a great support to me emotionally and gave me that much more confidence for the birth. She helped me speak up and let my voice be heard with a birth plan but also bc I felt so supported I felt more empowered when changes happened. I love their scholarship program for WIC mommas which made their services FREE. Without that I couldnt have afforded a doula.

Michelle Cortez: I took a birthing class here 3 years ago. It was helpful. It's a great class for first time parents or if you've never taken one before. Lot's of good information. Patricia Howel was my doula then. She was amazing! This was my second child and my first birth experience left me with anxiety for my next one. Because of her and the foundation I learned a lot of beneficial information. I was a little worried in 2017 when I had my third child because I didn't have a doula this time around, but I remembered everything I had learned and was able to use it to do things like make a birth plan with my doctor. I also knew enough and was confident enough to know my baby was coming faster than the hospital staff thought and was able to communicate this with the nurses. Because of this we made it to the labor room just in time to have the baby. I really appreciate everything I learned from her and the doula foundation.

Amanda Smith: The doula foundation is a wonderful non-profit that provides emotional and pysical suport to woman and familys during child birth and postpartum times. I love there mission and all the amazing people who make it possible.

Jessi Honeycutt: The Doula Foundation provides much needed resources and nurturing for pregnant woman, offering scholarships when needed.

Kate Nimmo: We took Ziah’s hypnobirthing class through Flourish and could not be happier! Not only did it help me focus and visualize the birth I wanted, but gave me the tools and information I needed to practice for that birth. The information from the class that my partner was able to learn was super helpful in preparing him for his role in our birth as well. All in all this class helped my partner and I become a more in sync team. We both were able to study the information and practice the hypnobirthing tracks every night in preparation for our birth!

Kaitlyn Manlove: Ashley is a complete rockstar, let's start there. My husband suggested using a doula since one of his friends enjoyed the experience. Not knowing exactly what goes into the relationship between a client and a doula, my mind was blown at what we had with Ashley by our side. Delivery is really crazy, and there are so many unknown unknowns. Ashley's calming demeanor and experience was remarkable. I would describe it like having a mother by your side- comfort wise- with a person who is eyes wide open and is cool as a cucumber. There were several hickups in my 25 hour labor, and Ashley was by my side the whole time, working with my husband as a unified team. She kept him calm and that helped keep me calm. I am forever indebted to Ashley and the Flourish team for matching us with Ashley. It is so rare where you pay for something and get SO much more than what you expected. But this was not transactional in nature- the planning sessions and relationship building over months was just amazing. God willing, with our 2nd child in the next few years, we will be working with Ashley again. I can not say enough. Just mind blown on how happy Peter and I am with such an amazing person in our court!!!!

Rachel Speck: Kaylen was amazing helpful!

Kelle Rathe: Flourish was such a blessing to our family! We faced some difficult challenges after delivery and were so grateful for their support. Flourish was responsive to all of our needs, focused on our family for as long as we needed them, and never judged the decisions we made for our baby. They were very conscientious of our son’s extra medical needs. Baby and I could have never gotten the rest and recovery we needed without them!

Lexy Tennison: Highly recommend! I could not go through my pregnancy/birth without my Doula care!

Brooke Weishaar: My husband and I got to share our pregnancy and labor with Ashley from Flourish and I couldn't have asked for a better person to be by our side. We currently have an eight year old daughter who also wanted to be apart of the whole experience and Ashley welcomed her to all appointments and conversations we had.This was my second birth but first unmedicated and with a midwife. Not only is Ashley very educated and willing to answer any and all questions we had but her presence and gentleness really made us feel calm and ready.I tend to over-plan and over think a lot, Ashley went through our birthing plan but also all the possibilities of how our birth could go. When the time came she helped us cope at home and helped determine when to head to the birthing center. She helped me with decision making, made sure I was staying hydrated, and talked me through contractions. At the peak of my labor she guided me and empowered me.I cannot picture a better labor and delivery than the one I had and a major part of that is in behalf of Ashley.Thank you Ashley, from our whole hearts!

Jaeauna Smith: I had a wonderful experience with Flourish Family Doulas! Birthing classes were great and informative. Kezziah was my doula, 10/10 recommend for anyone that wants to join the flourish family. All the staffing were great people as well so any doula would be wonderful I’m sure.

Courtney Knight: Ashley Johnson from Flourish Family Doulas was amazing! She supported my husband and I during my second pregnancy and I ended up having a VBAC. She was very encouraging and understanding during my labor. I am so glad I decided to hire a doula for this pregnancy.

Emilee Miller: Where do I even start?? I honestly cannot imagine our pregnancy and birth experience without Ashley from Flourish. We originally were not planning on hiring a doula but after much discussion (and watching birth videos with my husband - LOL), we decided that since this was our first pregnancy we would make the investment. During pregnancy Ashley was a huge help not only in assisting us develop a birth plan, but in helping cope with stress and how to manage anxiety and expectations. When our planned birth center birth turned in to a scheduled induction for preeclampsia, Ashley was right there with us the whole way, guiding us through the hospital process. She stayed for almost 36 hours (36!!!) and even though I ended up needing a c-section, she helped me process what that would be like and was there in the delivery room afterwards to help with breastfeeding. Ashley supported me through the induction, worked with me on different pain relief and positions, and communicated with family what was going on as everything progressed. She was helpful but not intrusive and I truly don’t know what we would have done without her. Kaylen visited us in the hospital and at home to provide lactation support and through tips and encouragement we were able to switch my daughter from bottle feeding to nursing when she was 6 weeks old. The women at Flourish are professionals that feel like family and I truly don’t think you’ll find anyone who does what they do better than them.

Katie Nottingham: Loved my experience with Flourish! Ashley was amazing. Even though my birth plan didn’t go as planned, she adapted and overcame the struggles with us. 100% worth it.

Clancy Keathley: Kaylen supported our breastfeeding journey through a lip and tongue tie (and revision), reflux, oversupply, and craniosacral issues. She was comforting, a listening ear often and more than helpful. She never made me doubt my instincts as a mother. She gave us all the resources and support we needed to be successful. We love Kaylen and feel so grateful for her!

Teresa Smith: Kaylen was invaluable to us after our son was born. He was putty in her hands! Breastfeeding did not come natural to me but she was patient and kind as she taught us what to do. She is a true expert in her field!

Katherine Woldridge: Kaylen was extremely knowledgeable and helpful!

Raelin Derevencha: 10/5 stars.Kaylen was my lactation consultant when I had my first baby who is now about to turn 1! My daughter was born with significant lip, tongue (and even cheek) ties! And with my nips being inverted/flat, this caused a LOT of nip trauma (cracked, bloody, chapped) and made my breastfeeding journey look bleak and short. After getting her ties released, Kaylen helped me heal my nips and watch after my daughter's mobility. She was so so thorough, meeting with me in person as often as I needed, texting with me when I needed help or encouragement, emailing me a plan with links to helpful videos, recommended product and instructions, and even providing me with shields when the ones I had were causing more pain than helping! Kaylen saved my breastfeeding journey, and I know without a doubt that it's because of her that I am STILL nursing my daughter, and probably still will for quite a while. Breastfeeding is the hardest think I have ever done, and I include unmedicated labor in that. But it was made POSSIBLE by Kaylen. I was ecstatic to hear she started her own business to keep helping other Mama's/babies, and I will recommend her services to anyone and everyone I come into contact with.

Ali Sparks: I had been nursing for nearly 6 months in pain & I didn’t know why. I honestly just thought it was part of it. Kaylen saw my son & let me know he had a pretty severe lip & tongue tie. Now I am nursing pain free & I could not be MORE thankful for her and her knowledge. Thank you, Kaylen!!

Sarah Biskup: I had Kaylen as my post partum doula for my second baby. My only regret is that I didn't have her for my first! She is knowledgeable in all things newborn care, mom care, breastfeeding, etc. From recommending specific products to help with any issues we were having, to assisting with getting the newborn comfortable in her bassinet, Kaylen could do it all. Postpartum mental health was a concern of mine and we had regular check ins and a plan if something came up. Her visits were centered around helping with any issues and then giving me space and a break to do whatever I needed to recharge. I cannot recommend her enough.

Ellen DeVoss: I absolutely cannot recommend Flourish Family Doulas more. We had so much help from Crystal with our birthing classes and Kaylen when we needed help with breastfeeding. It was such a great experience. Thank you for all the hard work you do!!

Promise Bishop: I was feeling very terrified and alone when I started my pregnancy. I didn’t have a mother to talk to. I knew I needed help and support. I am incredibly grateful that I chose to have a doula and had a wonderful experience with Heather at Flourish. I met her and instantly I knew she was exactly what I needed. She provided us a with education and support throughout my pregnancy. She helped me feel empowered and gave me validation when I needed it most. Pregnancy is such an emotional journey and she really helped me embrace it. I felt very ready for the birth. The birth did not go to plan as I was 5 days overdue and my blood pressure started to spike a little. We chose to induce and that failed. We ultimately had to have a c-section. It was hard to except at first as I was very committed to having a natural Birth but it was the right decision for me and my baby. I felt like I had failed in someway. Heather was there every step of the way as a cheerleader, supporter, shoulder to cry on, and the most empowering woman on the planet. She somehow helped me feel that the decision I chose was the correct one for me and my baby and ultimately I had a very healthy, beautiful baby boy. Everyone deserves a Heather during their pregnancy and birthing process.After the birth I struggled with breast feeding and was at my breaking point. I felt defeated and almost gave up. Heather stepped in and helped me know I was not alone and referred me to Kaylen. I ended up almost exclusively breast feeding for the first 4 months then started pumping when I went back to work.I can never thank them both enough for everything they did for me and my baby. They truly are amazing and genuinely care. I cannot recommend them enough.

Rachel Campbell: We had an amazing experience from start to finish. We loved having Heather as our doula and she made us feel comfortable from the start. As first time parents, we had no idea what to expect and she was patient with us and always willing to answer our millions of questions. She was able to share so many tips, tricks and resources with us that were helpful throughout my pregnancy. During our birth, she was right there with us, supporting us in any way we needed. We would definitely recommend using flourish to anyone who is on the fence about it. Very much worth every penny. We will absolutely be coming back for our next birth.

James Guy: ♥️

Tamara Nalder: Anne is passionate and knowledgable and goes the extra mile.

Sullivan Layne: Pros:-They provide an alternative to the hospital setting and support medical freedom.-The midwives are very knowledgeable and have great suggestions for dealing with pregnancy related issues.-The young women that take your vitals at each appointment are extremely friendly and kind. Also very comforting when feeling stressed about health issues.-Being able to text the call phone with questions was very convenient and we always received a very prompt response.-The child birth classes ahead of time are wonderful and the teacher (Shelly) is knowledgeable, kind, and comforting. We wished we could hire her afterwards.-The home checkup the day after delivery was nice (however extra expenses were not communicated, explained below)-The home lactation consult week one was also very nice to receive.Cons-It felt very impersonal. We saw many different midwives. Almost every appointment felt like it was our 1st time because it was a different person asking questions, this made it somewhat less comfortable. We never felt we really got to know any of them well like we were hoping. This also made labor and delivery less comfortable.-We felt like we were nickel and dimed. We did not begin receiving their services until 20 weeks but still had to pay full price (all tests and ultrasounds up to 20 weeks were transferred from OB). We payed what we believed was the entire expense (almost $6000) up front, which is required. Then received another hefty bill at our 3rd followup appointment after delivery.Many tests were done to make sure everything was ok along the way. Some tests were done multiple times, always came back fine. We were never told the tests would cost extra (aside from one of them) until we received the bill at the end. Labor was short and smooth with zero complications. We were charged $75 for oxygen. Upon viewing our video the baby had an oxygen mask placed on his face for literally 5 seconds so that charge seemed unnecessary.At the home visit following birth we were asked if we wanted the PKU test while she was there. We shrugged and said sure having no clue we would be charged over $200 for it. We feel the nurse should have told us it would be extra, we thought it was part of the package.In their defense after going back to the original paperwork from many months before at our initial consultation it stated some tests would be extra (so technically our fault), I guess we were naive to think we would be told which tests would be extra and which would not when they were occurring.At the initial consultation we were told our insurance wouldn’t cover anything, but she told us she just knew that before submitting anything; we are still looking into it more with our insurance company.-Lack of communication. Since we saw someone different at most appointments we felt like we had to remind about things or repeat the same thing multiple times. We did agree to pay for the oral vitamin K which requires 3 doses. Baby would not have received the 2nd or 3rd dose had we not remembered as we were leaving the appointments and asked about it, it not written down anywhere or communicated. He received them as we were walking out the door.Baby also did not receive the final baby wellness check because our appointment date fell outside a certain time window, we were not informed of this until we were at the last appointment. Had we known we would have scheduled differently.Overall:Everyone was nice however, if there is a next time we will look into other birthing centers or perhaps a midwife and home birth (FBW no longer does home birth from what I was told recently) before coming back but would choose FBW over the hospital setting if there is not another suitable option.

Ava Hildenbrandt: I had a water birth here a week ago. Birth itself is not fun (at least for me) but everything went smoothly from a medical perspective. I felt very supported during the prenatal appointments, birth and lactation classes, labor, and for my postpartum checkups. They really advocate for informed consent or refusal here, which I appreciate. You get to know the staff so you're surrounded by familiar people on the big day. Overall a worthwhile experience.

Evy Bills: Incredible place to have a baby! I loved the experience and I am deeply appreciative and impressed with all the staff here. When I have another baby I will be coming here again! The staff was very communicative and friendly. Throughout the labor process they were encouraging and informative. I am so thankful I chose to come to family birth and wellness for my labor and delivery! :)

Drake Carpenter: My wife and I chose to have a natural water birth here. This was an amazing experience from beginning to end. The midwives were very knowledgeable and the staff were all patient and kind. Birth classes and other classes were included and all very educational and enlightening. They respect you and your medical rights and freedoms and are very informative. We plan to come here in the future! I would recommend this clinic 10/10

Cassie Whaley: I gave this FBW 3 stars only because I love the healthy kids side and everyone was nice when I went, however, won't be going back for myself. I went for myself a little over a month ago because I was experiencing some women issues and wanted another natural set of eyes as I didn't want prescription meds and I wanted the root cause. When I talked to Carla she went over a bunch of questions and told me she would contact me back after she reviewed my test done at the hospital and my dynamic dna results to help figure me out....well I never heard back. I have emailed and called several times all to hear, "oh call back tom, she will be in" and "I'll pass that along to her". Disappointed that after 200 dollar appt lead no where!

Jemima C: My baby girl was born at FBW in August, and it was a very positive experience. The midwife who attended my birth, and the nurse, handled my labor and delivery very well.I have birthed 4 of my 6 babies with the midwives from FBW, and I’ve found their prenatal and postpartum care, as well as their presence in labor and delivery more attentive and proactive and thorough than the care I received from OB Drs.They listen to my concerns and try to help me find answers. They monitor so many things during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I have a lot of trust in their experience and education.I am grateful that I’ve had access to this kind of care, especially since my pregnancies are high risk because of my low progesterone issues. They provide me with services like labs, progesterone injections, ultrasounds, etc, - while still striving to achieve a homey atmosphere where I can try for a natural birth with the nurturing care of experienced midwives.

Jessica Lyon: I was looking forward to writing a wonderful, positive review for FBW because my prenatal care was wonderful. I felt truly cared for and the midwives always took their time with me at appointments to address my questions & concerns. Unfortunately, my labor experience at FBW was dreadful and resulted in a hospital transfer which ended in a c-section. The night I was in labor, the birthing center had 5 moms in active labor (myself, 2 others at the birthing center, 1 at the hospital & 1 home birth). This was definitely more moms in labor than they usually (probably have ever had) have and they had to call in another midwife. I labored all night and when pushing, my baby wasn’t budging. The midwife did help with positioning to try to get my baby to move down which no success. She suggested a hospital transfer after hours of pushing and after a bit of time, my husband & I agreed. During prenatal care, we were told if a hospital transfer occurred, a midwife would go with us but that didn’t happen. We had a newer nurse accompany us as my husband drove me to the hospital. She had never participated in a hospital transfer and didn’t know where we were suppose to go in the hospital. She ended up having to leave shortly after our arrival due to the hospital’s covid visitor policies. At that point, we were on our own. I didn’t hear from anyone from FBW until almost a week later. We felt abandoned by FBW. Luckily, I had wonderful care at Mercy Hospital so my birth experience was still overall positive. I did one postpartum follow up appointment with FBW but chose to do the rest of my follow up care with the Mercy Midwives, who have been amazing. Regarding billing, my husband called FBW to find out where we stood financially with the birth center. We were told the biller would call us to discuss but that was over a month ago & nothing. FBW is out of network and we paid about 50% of the estimated cost at the first appointment. Due to the c-section, we now have hospital bills to cover and we still don’t know what the birthing center expects. FBW has been running claims on my insurance. It’s been an unfortunate end to my experience with FBW when I really thought it was going to be amazing. I have to wonder if FBW is taking on more moms than they have the ability to serve to the standard of care they strive to provide. As my pregnancy progressed, it became more difficult to schedule appointments because they were so booked up. My advice to anyone considering FBW would be to ask questions about hospital transfers (they say their transfer rate is 10%). I should have asked more questions so I would have been better prepared for my birth experience.

Calvin Knight: Dismal is the word that comes to mind. Everything was truly great until actual labor. A warm staff and generally helpful people. However, labor was a bleak experience ending in a C-section. Staff recommended certain positions to try to move the baby, then did not even do all of them in the end, while saying they had done all they could, and the hospital was the best option. We had a student's help the whole time, which was great, no complaints about the student at all. But there were times when more than a student was needed to fulfill specific tasks, and the regular staff was not around to do them. Taking the birthing class seemed like breaking the water would be a last resort, but it ended up being the first line of approach only a few hours into labor. That was ultimately our decision to do that in the moment, and looking back perhaps that was the wrong decision. But the fact that it was offered as the best advice by staff so early on seems to conflict with the philosophy of the birthing class we took through them. Even little things like not wiping the gel off after listening to the heartbeat got to me. Just didn't seem very professional to us. We had to drive ourselves to the hospital in mid labor with word of mouth directions. I generally know the Springfield area, and generally know Mercy is just down the road, but finding the right door at such a huge location was not exactly a word of mouth direction kind of moment, especially mid labor. Perhaps it was just our first child, perhaps it was just cause it ended in a c-section, but the feeling is that there was zero team work when it came to birthing here. Saw the midwife once and hour and the nurse every 30 minutes, without much direction given. Not that much different than a doctor in a hospital in the end.When it is all said and done. We don't think we could recommend this place to anyone. We would still love to use a midwife, and are not big fans of hospitals, but in this experience the hospital was far superior in professionality and service. We were truly dumbfounded when it was all done that we thought the hospital did a better job. Perhaps we are an outlier experience, we are just glad to be through it with a healthy child. The pre and post care was quality care. It was just in the moment, the most important moment of the whole experience, that everything just fell apart leaving us conflicted about this place.

Ciji Partlow: The level of care provided is exemplary. The entire staff is very kind and extremely knowledgeable. I will be a lifelong client here. Thank you so much, Mary!

Elizabeth Birkemeier: Having my second child at FBWC was a beautiful experience! I was able to have the amount of support I wanted -- nothing more and nothing less. The midwives were all so very personable, patient, and caring through all my appointments and my birthing experience. I felt empowered to make my own decisions about the type of birth experience I wanted at every step of the way, and they were there to listen, advise, and support through the process. I highly recommend their care to any woman wants to have a meaningful and wonderful birth experience.

Penn Construction: I love it here. It's our first pregnancy, and we haven't had the baby yet, but they have been great to work with.They have missed a few things here and there, but nothing significant, and they do a great job to follow up and stay on top of whatever was missed from all the layers of communication. All in all they do a great job and have a great system in place.I have known the owners for years, and love them as people, and the team they have brought together seems to be amazing!Would definitely recommend them, and look forward to having our first baby with them. 😊

Cassie Miller: Family Birth and wellness is such a wonderful place. From the day I went to my first consultation to my last post partum checkup, they have always made me feel so important. The front desk staff, nurses and midwives are all such kind hearted, friendly people. They make you feel so welcome and cared for. They make you feel like family and they will always be a part of ours. If God blesses us with more children, I hope we can welcome them all into the world at Family Birth and wellness! Scarlet, Holly, Mary and Nurse Jayme helped deliver our daughter. What a team!! I had a quick but intense labor and they cheered me on and were such an encouragement to me. From helping me breath through my contractions, to reminding me to push effectively during labor and then all the knowledge and wisdom they possessed in making sure my daughter and myself were taken care of after delivery, they were with me every step of the journey. This Mama couldn't be more grateful. I just had my last post partum appointment and I'm honestly going to miss visiting with and seeing all the wonderful ladies there. They offer birth classes, have lactation consultants on staff and are so knowledgeable about prenatal and postpartum nutrition and natural care. I could go on and on about how much I love them! Birth is such a beautiful miracle and I couldn't be happier with our wonderful story. The day we met our sweet baby girl, the day she joined our family will always be a sweet and dear memory. I will always be thankful God blessed us to find Family Birth and wellness!!

Tyler Platz: I can't even believe that such a special place exists, particularly right here in little 'ol Springfield Missouri. I was somewhat apprehensive to stray from the traditional approach to child delivery at first. But every step of the way their professionalism, knowledge and capabilities made me realize that they were hands-down the best option.Our child, that was born at the hands of these amazing midwives, is SO strong and healthy. I feel like that, to some degree, is due in part to the knowledge and practices implemented from this stellar group of people. Just a great experience that I would strongly recommend to anyone who is expecting a child. If I could give 11 stars, I would.

Breanna Wells: Family Birth and Wellness is the best place to have prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care! It was the most gentle and compassionate care I’ve ever received from any heath care facility and they have the best bedside manner. They spend quality time listening to you and address every concern. They are very knowledgeable and so passionate about their work!! I recommend them to anyone who is pregnant! They eased my fears and offered such sound advise and always had great suggestions for a healthier alternative approach for my prenatal symptoms. I am so grateful to all the staff at Family Birth and Wellness!

Lacey Bricker: Absolutely loved our experience at FBW! Cannot say enough how thankful we are to have received care here. We transferred care for postpartum, and I never felt we were treated with any less care or respect than if we had been there from the beginning. I enjoyed getting to know each of the midwives, and they each took interest in my needs and concerns. The environment is the perfect balance of professional and comfort, which is the best combination for a safe and healing pregnancy and postpartum experience. As an added bonus, FBW now offers pediatric care through the My Healthy Kids clinic, so we have taken our babe here since birth and have no plans to go elsewhere! We are very impressed by this clinic and will for sure be back for all future pregnancies, as well as pediatrics and women’s health.

Madeline Strautmann: The Family Birth and Wellness center is an incredible establishment with caring and wonderful people! Mary, Carla, Amy and the rest of the staff are so welcoming and make you feel at home and comfortable! They treat you like family and give you peace of mind when you are going through some of the most difficult and wonderful hours of your lives! Five stars just aren't enough for this wonderful center and I would highly recommend them for anyone needing any of the services they provide!!

Katie Nicholson: I love the personalized care and comfortable environment at the birth center. It's so nice to not just be another patient, but a unique person with individual needs and desires that the midwives, nurses, and office staff when hard to help in their unique ways.

DPP XZZ: Awesome!!

moni lara: Highly recommend these girls! So helpful, so caring and just overall amazing.

K Pear: My husband and I have been having infertility issues for a while. We came here to run a few tests. The staff is so positive. They are very very pleasant and you can tell that they really care about the patients.

Sarah Loya: Sarah was such a positive part of my labor and delivery. I wanted a natural birth, but needed to be in a hospital. In any setting, I cannot recommend enough having a doula, and Sarah's experience and help were incredible.

Ava Hildenbrandt: My husband and I used Sarah's professional services two weeks ago, during my labor at Family Birth and Wellness in Springfield. She was punctual, flexible, answered every phone call (even at 5am) and was extremely helpful during labor. Her prenatal and postpartum meetups also provided a lot of useful information for how to survive with a newborn. Her knowledge of pain management techniques and constant encouragement helped us have a successful water birth. I absolutely recommend her services!

Ashlee Goodale: Sarah Jones is my older sister. She has been my doula for the birth of both of my children and also has five of her own children. At the birth of my first child she was not yet certified to be a doula but she already had the instincts to do it. She helped me to make a birth plan and helped me decide when to go to the hospital. Once we arrived at the hospital she assisted with counter pressure to relieve my pain and directed my husband on how to do it as well. She encouraged me to change brith positions when I needed to and helped me to relieve tension by breathing and sounding with me. My husband is amazing but he has never been through child birth and having someone who had the gone through it before in my corner to support me made a huge difference. After my first child was born the labor and delivery nurse was very impressed with Sarah and told she should think about getting certified. With Sarah’s help I was able to give birth to both of my children without and an epidural. I wish every women who is giving birth could have someone there for them the way Sarah was there for me. If you are looking for a doula you won’t find a better one then her to help you before, during and after labor.