People utilize a birthing center as opposed to conventional American obstetrics because they are seeking a specific type of birthing experience. I was a late convert to the practice of women’s health and birth being overseen by midwives; but when I realized at 32 week of pregnancy that I desired a birthing center experience I was welcomed into the Brooklyn Birthing Center’s family without hesitation.  It was the best decision I made.               The saying the best laid plans are often torn asunder applies completely to the experience I had with my son’s pregnancy. At 37 weeks pregnant, I was sent in for a routine sonogram and stress test and was told that I was to go immediately to the hospital.               My son’s heart rate was decelerating at an alarming rate and the doctors and nurses at the hospital were brusque, curt and insensitive. I had spoken on the phone with Asya, the midwife on call that evening and she explained everything that was happening to me as calmly and as realistically as she could without being there.               Once Asya arrived at the hospital it was as if a guardian angel had arrived to smooth out and attempt to better what was quickly becoming my worst-case scenario for a birth. I went to the birthing center wanting as few interventions as possible but with the immediate health and life of my son at stake, Asya eased the way for the necessary pitocin drip, the artificial breaking of my water and the epidural.               Twelve hours later, Yuliya, my primary midwife, arrived. It was she who explained that a cesarean section was almost definitely going to have to be performed. I was a mess. Not only was everything I had planned being removed from my control, but I was also emotionally unprepared to birth my child. I had been to work the day of my sonogram and had told my students I would see them tomorrow: I simply wasn’t ready.  Yuliya walked me through everything with the utmost patience. Both Asya and Yuliya were aware of what I wanted regarding pregnancy and were able to tell me what needed to happen. These women weren’t interested in leaving the hospital because their shift was over nor were they interested in a speedy delivery to facilitate their schedule and they were definitively not concerned with how the health insurance companies would dictate ‘best practices’. Asya and Yuliya were concerned about the health and well fare of my son and of me and made it their mission to help both him and me arrive safely on the other side of the birth.               A hospital cesarean section is the exact opposite of what a woman who is seeking a birthing center birth wants, but in my case it was unfortunately but medically necessary. Without Asya and Yuliya I wouldn’t have been as emotionally assisted during what I felt to be traumatic experience. Yuliya acted completely as my advocate in the hospital when both my honey and I were too emotionally unhinged to think logically. We knew we could trust Yuliya to be a liaison we could trust completely.               After the operation, both Asya and Yuliya followed up with me in the hospital. I received better, more thorough and tender care from them than I did from any of the staff at the hospital and they continued to call me post birth to check on my son’s and my health and well being.               I would never want to relive the experience I had at the hospital, nor would I want any other woman to experience it. However, if one has to have an experience with birth such as mine, she would be remiss in not having the Brooklyn Birthing Center as part of her team.  I have often referred to Asya and Yuliya as guardian angels, but the entire staff at the facility is caring and want what is best for both mom and child and I am a true believer in their skills, their intentions and their hearts.                                                                                                                                                                                                       Mom of Greyson 12/2010

— Keri G.

So happy to be back at the BBC preparing for our second child. Such an amazing place and no where I would rather be.

— K.D.

Thanks to everyone at the BBC! What an amazing team -- and juggling 4 labors in 1 day no less.

— O.W.

My husband and I wanted to thank you again for the wonderful service of the Brooklyn Birthing Center.  We only originally explored an out-of-hospital birth as a means of just getting more information.  But right from your orientation and all throughout our appointments at the birthing center, we never had doubts about our decision to birth there.  We are grateful for the tremendous amounts of information given to us and how all our questions were treated seriously and answered.  When my labor began, Asya was extremely helpful and patient speaking over the phone with me (numerous times as I had a very slow labor) and knew just the right time to advise us to come in to the birthing center.  Once there, Yuliya set a very calm tone for my husband and I and saw us through each step of my labor.  The birthing assistants Eva and Kandia were at my side through all my contractions later in labor and after the birth. Kandia's "magic hands" truly were magic while I was in the tub as she massaged my back with each contraction. Asya guided me when it was time to push with very clear instructions which I greatly appreciate.  And then we got to meet our daughter!  Many say they can't recall the details of their labor and birthing, but I'm happy to remember all the details, even the uncomfortable ones, and that's because of the Brooklyn Birthing Center and its staff! Thank you! Laura, Colin, and Aoife (born 6/18/09)

— L.G

We are writing to let you know that we are all doing great, including Leia, she is getting bigger by the day. We want to thank everyone at the birthing center for the warm hospitality (especially the hot tub :). We especially want to thank Catherine for her support and care through the long labor that we all had to endure. Thank you Catherine for keeping the hospital nurses in check and for listening to us and letting us keep trying. Also, give our thanks to the birthing assistant that was with us through the whole night and who gives amazing back rubs :) Even though the labor didn't go the way we planned and we ended up at the hospital, we cannot imagine getting through it without your guidance. THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

— A.S.