Birth Centers

San Francisco Birth Center 
SFBC is a beautiful birth center located in the lower Pac Heights area of San Francisco. There are regular informational sessions held at the center and I encourage anyone wanting to explore all their birthing options to consider attending one of these sessions before making a final determination on where they will birth and who will support them. 

Casa Natal Birth Centers
Casa Natal Birth Centers are located in Morgan Hill and Los Gatos. Melissa Dean is the incredible midwife who founded Casa Natal. Please consider a tour and interview if you are considering community birth!

Homebirth Midwives

For many families, home birth is a safe and viable option for their prenatal care and the birth of their little one. I work with a number of midwives in the area and know firsthand the reputation for excellent care, and the track record of amazing outcomes. If you are interested in learning more about the various options you have for your prenatal care and the birth of your little baby or want to know more about the safety of homebirth, there are some great Q and A sessions available! For the northern Peninsula and San Francisco, I recommend reaching out to Michelle Welborn, Sue Balen, Kelly Murphy and Kara Engelbrecht at The Root Midwives, or checking out Natural Resources.  If you would like more details on how midwifery care differs from OBGYN care, I've provided additional reading materials below. 

Michelle Welborn, LM, CPM (San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula)
Sue Balen, LM, CPM (San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula)
Hope Willems, LM, CPM (South Bay)
Kelly Murphy, LM, CPM (San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula)
Kara Engelbrecht, LM, CPM (San Francisco, Marin, Peninsula)

Questions to ask your midwife
Midwifery Model of Care
Why Choose a Homebirth?

Hospital Midwives

Kaiser Redwood City and UCSF Mission Bay Midwives
These two organizations offer excellent care and are two of my favorite hospitals to attend births at. The cesarean section rate at Kaiser RWC Hospital is one of the lowest in the Bay Area.  

Partner Doulas

I have a short list of doulas I partner with and refer to often.  These are doulas I know well, and trust their approach, style, and training. If you need other recommendations please reach out as our community has an extensive network. I'm happy to help you find the perfect fit!

Mari Freitas (South Bay, Peninsula, East Bay, San Francisco)
Jody Simon (Peninsula and South Bay)
Deja Ramos (Peninsula and South Bay)
Stephanie Mollier (South Bay up to Redwood City)

Lactation Consultants

Under new healthcare laws, home lactation support is covered! The typical requirements are IBCLC certified, and usually up to two visits are at least partly covered. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this amazing resource!

Amy Clark (SF, Peninsula, and some East Bay)
Michelle Paul-Vogel (Peninsula and Coastside)
Janet Dombro (South Bay through Redwood City)