Austin Area Birthing Center

06/13/07

Doesn't Feel Right

by austinmama at Citysearch

This is our third pregnancy, so I do have some experience in the whole thing. My son was 9 lbs and sunny side up-I gave in to an epidural in the hospital after 17 hours of labor. My daughter had to be delivered asap. The pitocin was turned way up, and I had an epidural. This pregnancy, we are looking for a fresh start and have always wanted a natural birth. AABC is a very nice building. And they did seem really good about working with the insurance companies. Jean Stokes did sit with us for an hour (by the way, these "tours" are not necessarily private-there was another couple scheduled at the same time and the staff talked openly about our and the other couple's insurance/financial situations in front of the group). The main problem I had is that they are very judgemental about anyone who has had NON-natural birth experiences in the past and I felt directly insulted by Jean at one point (said something to the effect that women who have had epidurals in the past are usually the worst about making noises in labor). We had to bring our children in to the appointment and really did not feel like they were welcome-even though there are toys in the waiting room. I just did not come away with a good feeling about the place, regardless of how nice the rooms were. I think we will keep looking.

• Pros: Work with insurance, Nice new building with great facilities
• Cons: Not private consultation, Owner not personable

11/16/09

Giving Birth Take 2

by Marcya17 at Citysearch

When my husband and I first learned that we were pregnant, we were thrilled, but confused. Where would we go? None of our friends had babies, so we couldn't ask them for advice, we were waiting to share the news with our parents so we couldn't turn to them either. Also, I knew that hospitals, doctors and needles were not what I had in mind, so I began researching and I had heard about midviwes, when the Austin Area Birthing Center came up we quickly made an appointment. When we got there, nervous, scared and not knowing what to expect, Kristen was there to greet us. After the tour she sat with us in a birthing room, just talking. My husband and I laughed, cried, and shared our lingering fears, Kristen who had just met us was empathetic and helped us sort out our feelings and was pro-active in helping us create a plan of action. I knew after I left that I felt safe and that they had my best interest in mind. We did all our prenatal care there and 10 days before delivery my belly still hadn't dropped, I was sent in for another sonogram and we learned that baby was breach. The midviwes scheduled an appointment with a doctor partner of theirs and he talked us through our options, which weren't many, wait till labor and see if the baby turns or schedule a c-section. Not the birth plan I envisioned. We did end up having our 1st baby in the hospital but our midwife, Kristen, stayed with us the first full day, I think she's the reason my husband didn't pass out, and how we learned to care for our new baby. Fast forward 3 years later and it was a no brainer, we went back to AABC where the midwives reassured me that it was possible to have a Vaginal Birth After Cesearan (VBAC). I was so worried the whole pregnancy that the same thing would happen again, and all the midwives, Jenny, Joan, Roswitha & Lauren cheered me on and reassured me that we would cross that bridge when we got there, well my due date came and went and I was nervous because I knew I couldn't be induced, I did everything they said, primrose, water, sex, walking, swimming, medicine ball and then 1 week after my due date I knew it was time. It was awesome! I birthed at home with my parents, in-laws, husband and oldest son, when the contractions got closer we called Joan, and she told us to wait a little longer until they were even closer, I told her 'no we are coming now'. She was there to greet us and immediately went through the game plan. She never took over or interfered in our birth, but merely suggested things we could try. A side note on Joan-she was one of two midwives that was there our first pregnancy. As much as I adored the other midwives I was ecstatic that Joan was the one we 'got'. I needed HER there as much as I needed my husband, her patience, insight, love and reassurance, I call her my rock. I was convinced the best option for me was the water, I could float I felt free, and could literally ride the waves. I was able to use aromatherapy, lighting, herbs, and music to make it a more soothing environment. Luckily I only labored 10 hours from beginning to end, and my beautiful little girl was healthy as can be, and she was not ripped from my arms as soon as she came out and placed in a french fry warmer. After she came out I sat with her in the tub in awe, did I really do this I wondered. According to Joan it was the fastest VBAC she had attended. My family is so grateful for this place, we encourage everyone to go. With the right mix of knowledge, love, and encouragement even a VBAC is possible. I would get pregnant just to go back!!

• Pros: Midwife serves as cheerleader, counselor, dietician, friend
• Cons: Expensive

08/25/09

The perfect place for a perfect birth!

by Kelliott at Citysearch

I gave birth naturally to my first daughter in a hospital, and while that was a rewarding experience, it was too clinical and chaotic and not at all what I wanted to experience while going through birth – the most momentous moment of any woman’s life.

I believe that birth is a natural process and that any woman with confidence and support can give birth beautifully without uneccessary interventions. I knew I was at the right place at the Austin Area Birthing Center because from day one when my husband and I toured the Center, I could tell that the midwives felt the same way I did. I could feel that they were all confident women who knew that the way to birth is with patience, privacy, support and comfort….not cold rooms, bright lights, shift changes, and threats of induction. I always felt at home throughout each prenatal visit. Each and every midwife listened to every concern I had and never made me feel rushed. And the familiarity I felt with each one was very important. It was nice to know that when I went to deliver, I’d be helped by someone with whom I felt as comfortable as my own sister. My water broke early in the morning and Jennifer was on call. She was calm and easy going. She really set the tone for an anxiety free delivery. She told me to take things easy, walk around, take a shower, do whatever made me feel at ease. When we decided to drive in from Elgin, it was really close to time. She met us at the door and took us back immediately. She quietly prepped the room while I stood in the shower to alleviate the contractions. She suggested the tub, which I accepted in a heartbeat! That was the most wonderful feeling EVER! It took away all the weight I had been carrying and really soothed my back. She sat by patiently and quietly while I went through contractions. She suggested I change positions to help with back labor and with the next contraction she asked if we wanted a water birth! Our baby girl was born two contractions later! It was the most relaxing, stress free and worry free way to give birth! And the post-natal care was beyond compare! Jesse was the sweetest nurse possible. Her kind words and peaceful voice were incredibly soothing, not to mention all the help getting in and out of bed, showering, and getting dressed.

My daughter was born in a warm tub under the guidance of a caring and down-to-earth midwife and my calm supportive husband. Jennifer later told my husband that she thought I could have given birth out in a field on my own…but I would never do that, I’d come to the Austin Area Birthing Center!

• Pros: Birth your way in a beautiful setting with experienced help.

06/18/09

#1 Experience

by klarabell at Citysearch

I want to compliment Jenny Liana for my experiences with her as a midwife for two of my deliveries. I think she's wonderful. I was happy to try all of the tips that she suggested during labor, and she helped coach me during pushing. She gave me space to labor. She was there when I needed her. After my first experience with her, I was excited when she was the midwife on call for another one of my births. She is a caring midwife who is very helpful.

01/09/09

Best Birth Ever

by thumphrey at Citysearch

I can't imagine ever having a better experience. From the very first appointment I was blown away by the excellent customer service. The attention to detail was flawless. The staff was on time, super friendly, and were able to answer all my questions with confidence.

I was able to trust each midwife implicitly. As the check ups progressed I was able to build a relationship with each person. I know each of their names and felt like I was a person instead of a number or the next appointment. I was able to speak about my emotions as well as the pragmatic concerns of motherhood. I wasn't afraid to be myself, which I have never been able to experience in a doctor's office. When my labor began I was able to talk to the midwives promptly. Lauren and Joan were so calm and caring I began my labor without fear. I was confident and secure that my partner and I were going to be able to handle this with their help.

As labor became more intense and we arrived at the birthing center, Joan's calm voice, the soothing rooms, and her trust in us made for a spectacular birth. She knew just what we needed at just the right moment. We experienced the intimacy and joy we had only dreamed about. My partner was not relegated to the side, but he was able to be fully apart of the birth of his daughter.

The customer service didn't stop after the birth!!!! The post-partum care was a relief. Myself and baby had great check ups and breastfeeding was a lot easier. I am even going to do the women's well check ups there in the future and if we ever decide to have another baby, we will be going back to the Austin Birthing Center!!!!! If you are pregnant, don't think about going anywhere else!!!! You will love Jean, Joan, Roswitha, Jenny, Lauren, Viola, Tamra, and Denise. On a side note, if you don't have insurance, you can also pay in cash prior to the birth and we found it affordable!

• Pros: Ambience, Parking, Customer Care, Cost, Compassion,

12/23/08

AWESOME PLACE TO HAVE A BABY!!!!!!

by hkitchen at Citysearch

There is NO doubt that this IS the ONLY place to have a baby!!!!!!!!!! From the very first phone call to AABC I felt very comfortable.... and then I had a miscarriage- which EVERYONE helped me thru!! Then we were pregnant again---- and now I have my son here.... I cannot put into words what an AWESOME experience I had at AABC... I LOVE THIS PLACE. It's so nice to have the individualized care and concern through your whole pregnancy. When you have an appt--- THEY ARE ON TIME--- you don't wait for crazy hours at this place!!! The knowledge of the midwives--- and they don't shove a bunch of medicine down you. The place is so comfy and clean--- I could live there!! I was BEYOND impressed with AABC... if I have any other kids- there is NO DOUBT I will be back..... I never knew there was a small piece of heaven in having a kid..... and I found it at AABC!! THANK YOU AABC!!!!!!

12/11/08

Fabulous bith experience at AABC

by kayslaughter at Citysearch

When I found there were no Birth Centers in Mississippi, where I live, I decided not to settle on a clinical hospital birth with numerous interventions, I wanted an all natural birth. This was my first pregnancy at 40 years old and I didn't want it to be treated like an illness.

After doing some research, I found the Austin Area Birthing Center and my husband & I went for a visit. We are renovating our home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and are considering moving to Austin, so this was a way to get what we wanted from our birth and to experience the city. We loved the Birth Center, the staff were very caring and the birthing rooms were like high end hotel rooms.

My prenatal care was thorough and professional and I was never kept waiting.They rotate the midwives so you know them all before your birth. They advise you on diet and exercise and urge you to become familiar with The Bradley Method of Child Birth. They encouraged my practicing yoga every day, right up to my birth day, and believe this really helped with my labour. I'm a vegan and they never challenged this, unlike some doctors, but gave me advice on how to ensure I was getting enough protein.

The midwives were very caring and professional during my labour. Joan administered some herbs and castor oil in early labour to get my contractions really working and they certainly did the trick! Once I was in active labour I progressed very quickly. After just a few hours I delivered my little boy in the water with the help of Lauren, and my husband and mother-in-law. It was amazing to be handed him straight away.

Postpartum care was very thorough and they helped to allieviate my concerns when my little boy was jaundiced and Roswitha helped with latch-on problems with breast-feeding. Now my baby has more than doubled in weight, all thanks to breast feeding!

I would certainly go back there if I have another child and would recommend them to any one who wants a natural birth!

• Pros: Friendly, caring & professional

11/19/08

I had a better experience than I would have ever imagined!

by NicoleBeaufore at Citysearch

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.

11/17/08

Loved my experience at AABC!

by LoveRyandKai at Citysearch

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!

10/24/08

Beautiful place! and friendly team.... birthing there in feb and cant wait!

by austinflower at Citysearch

From day one since I called the birthing center they have been kind and understanding and knowledgeable . They have addressed my concerns above and beyond the call, and provide me with a calm feeling concerning this birth. I wasn't sure if I was going to keep my baby, since financial conditions and lack of support made having a baby seem overwhelming. However, I decided to go in for a consultation and tour, and they inspired me , and empowered me to be excited about this gift. They have a great payment plan, and a beautiful new prenatal clinic. Okay, the downsides... once or twice I got the feeling that they were overwhelmed/tired and one midwife seemed really bored and tired of answering my questions. However, I was understanding to the fact that they had been caring for and helping women birth children all day/ night and one day they would be doing that for me, so I understood, and decided that if on the next visit the care seemed "off" I would go elsewhere. However, the next few visits I had were exceptional and the nurse midwife spent so much time answering and giving me time to think of any questions I might have that she seemed concerned that I didn't have more things to ask her. I guess it's like all relationships, out of all of the midwives Iv'e met there, all of them are awesome (except my time with that one) .They pamper me when I come in and are very encouraging. It is a very nice facility ,the rooms are nicer than any hospital room Iv'e ever seen. I gave them one chance and the allowance for one "off" day, and they have more than made up for it at this point.(25 weeks) I think that anyone considering having a child here should go in for a visit and and tour, they show you everything up front and there are no surprises. They are honest in their presentation, and if anything should be supported in their decision to allow some at low/mediuim risk mothers to attempt the birth they want. I'll write another one after the birth!

09/25/08

Broken down half rate center

by ctws1979 at Citysearch

This birthing center is not the place to go for the "ultimate birthing experience". The technicians are underqualified and are very often ordered to do procedures that are out of their scope of practice (and this is against the law). Jean seems to come and go as she pleases and is all about making money. If you really take a good look at the rooms you will notice that the fixtures are falling apart and they do poor upkeep. When it comes down to it...they are only in it for the money. Look elsewhere...anywhere. Trust me I know first hand.

• Pros: it has the appearance of a nice setting...but is not
• Cons: usually not covered by insurance and the prenatal care is second rate.