Austin Area Birthing Center

11/19/2008 Posted by NicoleBeaufore

My husband and I decided that we wanted to have our first child naturally, but were not ready to do it at home. We had just moved to Austin, so I did a internet search and found two birthing centers. After some research and a visit, I decided on Austin Area Birthing Center....and I made the right decision. From the start everyone was very kind and helpful. They listened to all my questions and were so knowledgeable in their answers. The facility is beautiful…friends and family look at my birthing pictures and go on and on about how beautiful the room is that I gave birth in. I love how they expanded and now the birthing rooms are in a separate part of the building, so it is more private during labor. My husband and I are contractors, so our insurance isn’t very good, so we were happy to find out that the birthing center has a self pay option that is very affordable. When I started to go into labor in the middle of the night, the midwives we very responsive to all my calls and questions. During my labor they did everything possible to make me feel comfortable and make my labor as pleasant as possible. I am so grateful for my birthing experience and the job the midwives did. I am not sure if we will be having a second child, but if we do, I will be having our baby at the Austin Area Birthing Center. I would recommend it to anyone without a second thought.

Pros: One on one experience. They really care about you and your baby.

11/17/2008 Posted by LoveRyandKai

I moved to Austin at about 27 weeks and after having a very "medical" pregnancy and C-Section with my first pregnancy, wanted a more natural approach with my second. I contacted AABC for a tour and they advised me that the tour may be private or shared and asked if I had a preference - I didn't. The tour went really well and I was very impressed with the whole place! It looks like you're in a beautiful hotel or Bed & Breakfast setting. All the furnishings and fixtures are very high end. More important than the setting is the staff. From the friendly HELLO of Tamara and Erin at the reception desk to each of the lovely midwives... this place is top notch. When you go for your prenatal visits, you rotate with each midwife so that you get to meet each of them. Each of these women bring a different personality to the table and they are all such lovely people. They see pregnant mommies all day long, and yet when you go in for your check ups you feel like they are really there for YOU and answer any questions and concerns. They share in your joy and encourage you through any worry. I brought my two year old daughter with me on each visit and everyone always welcomed her and the midwives were very good about including her in the visits. They explained "checking the heartbeat", "getting mommies bp" ect. There are two types of people - those who want a natural birth experience and those who want a more medical, hospital experience. For me, the natural birth was the way to go. I got to labor how I wanted - sitting, standing, in the shower, in the tub - and I got to labor with who I wanted in the room. I got to hold my baby immediately after being born. And I got to go home several hours later. If you want to be in a hospital for several days, this isn't the place for you! If you want to give birth in a natural state with midwives who really care about you, this is the place - I wouldn't have had it any other way! I will be forever grateful!!

Pros: Wonderful Staff, Beautiful Ambience

Cons: Nothing!