Birthing Your Way Reviews

Amazing and helpful ladies who work and run this place!!!! I felt comforted and all my questions were answered and none of my concerns were ignored. My baby boy was a lot earlier than planned and even though I was in a lot of pain it went quickly and Heather's sweet presence and bubbly personality helped me so much!!!! Allie and Rebecca were so kind and thorough in answering my questions. Marisa was another sweet girl who helped. I would choose this option over any other!!!! These women made me feel cared for and safe!!!!

I am currently 24 weeks. So far the staff have been attentive to my needs. I get the impression that they won't force anything on me because there have been several occasions where they have stressed that while they provide information, it is up to me to choose what I feel is best. Because they expect moms to do their research (and often suggest resources), it's important to stay on top of things.

It was a bit tricky to figure out how the fees/insurance stuff worked from the document they gave us, but Heather was more than willing to explain everything to us in detail. The only other not-as-good thing was trying to get my bloodwork in from the clinic I previously went to, but that is likely the fault of the clinic since they have messed a lot of my stuff up before. In the end I needed to get my bloodwork redrawn anyway since all I had was from before I conceived, so it didn't matter.

The only "class" I've been required to take was the New Client Orientation. I believe the nutrition counseling was part of this. We were shown products and informed that the birth center also sold some, but I didn't feel pressured into buying any.

I've also watched interactions between staff and clients on Facebook and they are very attentive there as well, even responding to things that might seem like simple questions.

Loved my experience at Birthing Your Way. I loved all of the midwifes and nurses. They helped bring my beautiful baby into this world in a very kind, loving and efficient way. I would recommend their services to anyone who wants to give birth naturally and comfortably.

We were planning on going to the Birthing Center that Birthing Your Way has in Provo, but my labor was really quick compared to the average first time mom. Luckily, the midwives were able to make it to my home and make the necessary preparations just 15 minutes before I had my baby. They knew just what to do when my baby was born with the cord wrapped around her neck. I enjoyed all of my appointments with them; each midwife always made me feel like a great pregnant woman and they always took the time to answer my many questions in a way that I could understand.

I love Birthing Your Way! I previously had 5 hospital births, I would write my birth plan, however, I'm kind of a passive person, especially when I'm weak with pain, and just ended up doing what everyone said I should do, then always regretted it later. I knew as we were preparing to get pregnant with our 6th that if I wanted the birth I imagined, it would have to be out of the hospital. I did a lot of online research and called a few midwives, I went to an orientation and talked to Karla about my past medical history and my concerns and knew I wanted to go with Birthing Your Way. They give you a book by Ina May Gaskin to read, the births and attitudes were a little more crunchy than what I would feel comfortable with, however it was very informative and gave me confidence that I could actually do a natural birth. I didn't love every bit of it, but still highly recommend the book for this reason, and I think they are smart for asking clients to read it. I took a lot of time at every appointment, and I felt each midwife actually cared about my well being. I was surprised one day when I got a phone call from Karla that they had discussed my concerns and past medical history, and thought it would be beneficial for me to see a therapist. Previous doctors listened for two minutes and then prescribe antidepressants, without realizing what the issues were, I refused to take the antidepressants while I was pregnant, but that was their only answer. I did see the Dr. Law at the birthing center and he was great! I realized that I had PTSD, and after a few sessions I felt so much better about my ability to give birth. I think this ease in anxiety helped my labor and birth to go smoothly. It wasn't gone completely though, and looking back, I probably drove the midwives crazy with my anxieties, but they were always kind and helpful and reassured me that my baby was okay. I decided to go with a home birth, and felt prepared, which ended up being such a blessing because labor went so fast, I wouldn't have had time to even get to the car. As soon as I knew I was in labor I called Karla's cell, she answered right away and ended up assisting my husband to deliver my son, in the sac! (Seriously, less than 10 min) It was late at night and I appreciated Heather jumping in her car in her jammies, to get to me as soon as possible. Hannah rushed up as well. Karla stayed on the phone with us asking questions and making sure all was well until Heather got there. It was an amazing experience, which could have easily been a panicked one had I not been prepared the way I was. I feel like I was well taken care of in my postpartum period as well. I loved that I could go back for birth control instead on going to an OB. Throughout the process, I was told repeatedly that this was my birth and that I would call the shots, unless they felt it was an emergency situation. I felt confident in their ability to assist in birth and was grateful to know their expertise would be there to actually know what an emergency situation would be. Overall, I loved the attention I got at each appointment, I never would have considered how much I would appreciate this with my five previous pregnancies. I loved their knowledge of herbs and supplements, and the options I had. I thought I was an expert after giving birth five times, however I learned so much about birth and my body from these ladies. I loved this experience and I'm excited to share it with all who will listen. I am glad I have this experience to share with my daughters to help them to really learn about their bodies and what they are capable of the first time they give birth.

I've given birth here twice and I really love this place! Heather is a great midwife and I felt like I was really cared about. She is well educated and listens. I really like her approach to making birth a beautiful experience. And I feel like she hires other midwives with the same approach. I don't believe birth should be treated like a disease or a huge horrible experience. Birth can be a wonderful, beautiful experience and Heather really lets you choose the way you want your experience to go. I really like that the birth center is as comfortable as being at home, but that it has all the medical equipment necessary in case of something (but hidden in cupboards so it doesn't feel intimidating). I gave birth naturally, using the Mongan hypnobirthing method and the midwives listened to what I wanted and helped me have a good experience.

Moved from Southern California after delivering 3 babies naturally in hospitals. Decided to pay cash for our 4th baby and deliver in an actual birthing center. Previous hospitals respected all my wishes and followed by birth plan. This place was ackward at first for me, as I have symphysis pubis dysfunction, so walking up the stairs for my prenatals was a bit painful. However, the waiting room provided comfy sofas and toys for my kids and I would relax as they checked me in regularly, politely, and professionally. Every prenatal felt relaxed and they were very knowledgeable. We have Cigna insurance so the lab work and ultrasounds were done outside the facility. My precious pregnancy records were a pain to transfer, but it got done eventually. Heather assisted me towards the end of my visits and was the one to help me deliver. During my time to deliver, as my SPD worsened, I was under the impression of actual labor and headed down to the center to find that I was only 4cm dilated. They were patient with me and asked if I d like to go back home and rest. I did. I slept the rest of the labor and 2 days later returned and was 7cm ready. Everything was peaceful and calm. They talked in soft voices, checked in with my husband to let me concentrate in my hypnobreathing and ended up puncturing my water to speed it up, as I was getting tired from the 4-day labor. When delivery time came, an intern I had previously met during prenatals, was helping and rushed in as I breathed baby out. She kind of pulled as I tried to relax, but little did anyone know that my baby s umbilical cord was just too short and so when the intern tried to pull her out the water to my chest the baby stopped breathing. Heather immediately pushed everyone aside and sat my baby low on my abdomen and did some things that made the baby breathe and cry. I didn t know that pulling on the umbilical cord was dangerous, but Heather was quick to react. They followed my birth plan to the letter and checked baby as routine requirement while the intern spoke out loud about every detail she did, which I enjoyed. I breastfed the baby, relaxed, had some soup, and was on my way home again within 2 hours of birthing. I needed my own home again. The stairs to go down were better, as my SPD went away after delivery. They later came to my home to check on baby and myself and filed the birth certificate. All in all, best experience ever and I d do it again if I was having another child! It was a serene, pleasant, and memorable experience for my husband and I.

I met with Stephanie Hadfield for a private lactation consultation. She was fabulous and made me feel comfortable in what could be an awkward situation:) She had great tips and ideas on improving my breastfeeding experience and fixing the issues I was having. And my bf issues have improved due to her help. She genuinely cares and wants to help. This was money well spent!

I had an amazing experience with the midwives at Birthing Your Way! I loved all three of midwives working there and trusted to have any of them attend my birth when the time came. They were very hands off during labor and let me do my thing with my husbands support. They were always able to answer my questions at appointments and respected my decisions about birth & care of myself & infant. I really appreciated their hands off holistic approach to my pregnancy & birth.

I loved going to Birthing Your Way. It is a great place to have your baby. They took great care of me and the birth room was awesome and so peaceful! The midwives took such good care of me and we're really knowledgeable! Great place to have a baby.

I decided to transfer my care after my first appointment. Having used mostly alternative medicine and midwives in the past, I wasn't expecting a hospital feel. If you are used to typical health care then you would probably like it, they were very polite and professional. I'm just used to a more casual and conversational relationship with my midwife, and I didn't feel that was typical here. My appointment was short and I didn't have any conversation with my midwife beyond answering her questions about my medical history. She told me what my care would be without discussing what I wanted. I believe that birth is a natural function and that medical intervention, in most cases, should be minimal. I didn't feel that she shared that belief. She seemed much like an OB, which wasn't what I was looking for.
The office staff great! Working with them was very easy and pleasant.

(This is Charlene) I have had four children. Two hospital births (which both went very well by the way) and then two births at home with Heather Shelley and her Birthing Your Way team. I loved them so much, I am currently working with them for my fifth child. Paying cash out of pocket when our insurance would be accepted elsewhere and we could have this baby for free, I might add, it is worth whatever extra money it takes to go through Heather and BYW. I trust them with my life. (and the lives of my babies!)

I remember with my son specifically how warm and welcoming the prenatal appointments were. The women were always so friendly and they never made me feel pressured into anything. Any tests, blood draws, ultrasounds etc they wanted me to participate in, they would explain the pros and cons to me and then let me ultimately make the decision for myself, and backed me up on my decision, whatever it was. Nothing was ever required, and everything was always my choice and whatever I was comfortable with. It was like actually being in charge of my body and my baby, instead of having to go to the doctor's office and him telling me everything that was going to happen, no questions asked. Bleh.

When it came time for the actual birth/labor, Heather was never farther than a quick text away. It was SO NICE to be able to text her with my questions and concerns while I was in early labor, so my husband and I could concentrate on keeping me comfortable rather than trying to wait on hold for forever and be transferred who knows how many times. When labor finally was far enough along for Heather and her team to show up, they were so kind and gentle and unobtrusive. I was in charge of everything, every step of the way. Where the birthing area would be, who would be there, what I would wear, what position I would be in, when/how I would push, everything. It was like they weren't even there, except that I felt totally and completely safe. I knew that if anything were to go wrong, I had a group of experienced experts at my fingertips to assist me, and that was so comforting. Gene was born healthy and perfect, and the midwives made sure I was comfortable and settled with baby at my breast before they took care of all the clean up. Then they made a home visit two days later to make sure we were all still doing well. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world! And when my daughter was born, I remember she had a few teeny issues and had she been born in a hospital she would have been whisked away to the NICU for who knows how long. But Heather took one look at her and knew exactly what to do. She taught me how to give her teeny puffs of breath every couple of minutes and she stood by, closely monitoring for the need to transfer, which she would have had it gotten out of hand, but giving me my space to mother my baby. Within a few hours the puffs were no longer needed and she was absolutely perfect. Again, I felt completely safe and like I had a team of medical experts at my beck and call, but they still trusted and respected me. I am having my fifth baby with Heather and BYW because I trust them with my life. They are absolutely amazing!

I delivered my third baby with Birthing Your Way. It was an amazing experience. The entire staff was knowledgeable and friendly. They let me guide the pregnancy and birth as I felt comfortable. They guided me through recovery after the baby and made sure we were both doing well.
If I ever have another baby I ll absolutely have them there.

I had a wonderful experience working with the midwives at Birthing Your Way. I felt like they were very capable and knowledgeable. I appreciated the fact that I never once felt pushed into doing anything i didn't want to do. They always gave me options and would give clear information about what each option would entail. I felt empowered by them and encouraged to become educated on the process of birth so that I could be prepared for what birth would be like. I would go back and work with them in a heartbeat!

Very personal and unique experience. Even though we came from out of town, it was worth the drive. You are responsible for making your own birth experience here, and the Birthing Your Way staff provide you with all the information and skills that you need. Love the personal, one on one attention.

My attempt to give birth here was nothing short of traumatic. On the day prior to the birth of our son, we came in for an appointment. Everything was fine. We returned later that evening, well into the beginning stages of labor. After a very brief consultation, we were told we'd need to leave as per their policy of having mothers wait until they've "progressed far enough" to labor at the center. My husband, our private doula and I waited nearby, certain that we'd be invited back anytime. As my labor progressed, I strong feeling of anxiety arose. This was my third child. We were told on numerous occasions how quickly labor would become delivery for a third time mom and told stories of children being born on their doorsteps. I believe it. We called again, and again we were turned away because, to them, my labor had not progressed enough for it to be worth their time. Dejected, my husband drove us home. We spent two agonizing hours waiting, haunted by the feeling that the people we had trusted to deliver our child were not concerned about us at all. Again, we called. And again, we were told to wait. Things had reached a point where I could no longer wait. I needed help. We drove to a nearby hospital. On the way, my husband called to inform them. Only then did they respond, offering to allow us to come in. But it was too late for that. I wasn't willing to go there and risk being told to leave again. Within an hour of arriving at the hospital, I had given birth. No pitocin, no manual manipulation. My body was ready. BYW was not. The hospital staff were excellent; I felt cared for, and that was what I needed most.
Several weeks after our son was born, I reached out to BYW to get a refund on the payment I had made for delivery. We were told that our insurance would cover everything except a $750 facility fee, which we had paid in full. The financial person there, who was extremely difficult to get ahold of and never returned our voicemails, eventually answered the phone several weeks later. She told us that they were still attempting to bill our insurance and that once that had been cleared up, our refund would be sent. After 3 months of waiting, trying numerous times in between to contact her again, we finally got ahold of another staff member that told us they had fired that woman and midwife, Shelley, would handle the issue personally. She waited a week to tell us that they would not issue a refund because the 15 minute exam they did the day before birth counted as use of the facility. The same facility they wouldn't let us use.
In hindsight, we realized how terrible of a business this place actually is. Most of their shortcomings throughout my pregnancy, from the incompetent, ever-changing array of poorly trained staff who all had their own unique views and advice, to the midwife who told me not to eat carbs despite my bloodwork showing I did not have gestational diabetes, were easy to overlook because we were sure, so sure, that this was going to work out well in the end and we would have the birth we wanted. We did not and instead had a horrible experience. And in the end, the staff cared nothing of this. They simply wanted their money.

Heather Shelley and her intern midwife Rebeckah are superheroes the world doesn't see very often. I am baffled at the lifestyle they lead and the incredible births they facilitate. I only saw a glimpse of how they are on call 24/7, run a business and are sweet moms to their families. The help they gave me, during the kind of pain I didn't even know was POSSIBLE, was the kind of help you can never say 'thank you' enough for. I have had a birth with an epidural that didn't work, and I felt like I did not have sufficient support for the pain at the hospital. Heather and Rebeckah gave me that support! Writing a google review seems like such a stupid way to show gratitude, but it's all I've got. Thank you, ladies. Just thank you. You're amazing and I wish the world knew how much.

Please please please do not go to this awful place. They are so deceiving in what they tell you. They quoted me one price in the beginning and by the end they had me paying over DOUBLE that price. The way they run their business is a disorganized chaotic mess. All they care about is getting your money and they will lie, cheat, and steal to get it. I have so so many other awful examples of how poorly treated I was there. I have already spent way too much time, energy, and money in trying to make them right their wrongs. I hope this review can help at least one person in turning away from this awful place they call a birthing center. Do not trust these people with your baby, your most precious gift. TURN AWAY AND DO NOT LOOK BACK!

I love the staffs there. They all are patience and nice to me and my family. They are very supportive throughout! Midwife heather knows what she s doing and she shows her passion with her work. I would recommend friends and family to go there as long as they don t have high risk pregnancy/health.

I've had both my children at Birthing Your Way and I have had great experiences both times.

Renee Wilson and my whole team was absolutely incredible! Their full attention was on me and my birthing experience. They created a calm, positive, peaceful environment and gave me the confidence that my body knew exactly what to do. The lactation consultant Allie was incredible and made it possible for us to have a successful time breastfeeding. She made a home visit the next day and called several times to check on us. They provided amazing weekly postpartum care for me and my baby for 6 weeks. I felt very supported in becoming a new mom. I was very sad to have our last appointment. I can t wait to go back to them for our next baby!

So glad I happened upon Birthing Your Way 5 years ago. I have had the most amazing experience with them through 3 pregnancies, deliveries and postpartum support. Love going to a like minded facility, that also got my older children involved in the prenatal appointments.
If you re looking for a midwife and a home feel to your birth look no farther! Birthing Your Way has it covered!

We had a wonderful experience at Birthing Your Way. I had my second baby here, and I hope that I can always have an environment like this for future births. There are three main reasons I would recommend Birthing Your Way:

1) Education - The midwives and interns are a well of valuable information. They KNOW babies, pregnancy and birth. I could ask questions about anything and they would always have a resource I could use to learn more. The appointments were never rushed, and there was always an environment that encouraged questions. Heather is a willing teacher, and if she doesn't know something (which was not very common) she researches it and will let you know later.

2) Comfort - I place a high value on my personal comfort. The prenatal and postpartum care here is phenomenal. Each of the birth centers have such a calm atmosphere. The midwives were respectful of my body, and only as involved as they needed to be during visits. I cannot rave enough about the postpartum care. The day after our birth, we had two wonderful interns come to our home to check on how I was feeling and how nursing was going. They helped me adjust nursing positions and the baby's latch, so I avoided a painful nursing experience.

3) Independence - Each visit began with me taking my own blood pressure, pulse and weight, so I was aware of what was normal for me. On the day of the actual birth, we arrived in the early hours of the morning. We were met at the center by an intern who had prepared the room. She told us Heather would be there soon, and asked us if we needed anything from her. After making sure we were situated, my husband and I were left alone in the room. As I worked through contractions, Heather and the other women arrived. Heather checked my progress, encouraged me and then left the room. They told us to get them if we wanted them to be there, and that otherwise they would just come in periodically to check the fetal tones and progress of labor. It was a beautiful time where my husband and I could peacefully work through labor. At first, I was nervous that no one else was in the room with us. However, I felt that the midwives trusted me to listen to my body, so I listened to what I needed to do and I felt confident that I could have a successful birth.

As a last comment, I will mention that not every aspect of a birth will be ideal. But I feel that the midwives and Birthing Your Way do everything in their power to create the experience you are looking for. I always felt safe and cared for, and I am so grateful to the midwives and staff at Birthing Your Way for providing us with such a wonderful experience.

I had my fourth child with the midwives at Birthing Your Way a little over a year ago. It was my first birth outside of a hospital and my first natural birth as well. I was surrounded by knowledgable, confident women who were concerned with my and my daughter's safety and care. Their confidence gave me confidence. I had the most perfect, peaceful birth experience. As soon as she was born I thought, "I can't wait to do this again!" Thank you to all who participated in my care, our birth, and the care of my sweet baby girl. We love you all!!

Bait and switch. They prefer certain birthing methods and incentivize them, you ll finally learn that during orientation when they gave a lecture on which natural methods weren t tolerated. They don t provide you with information addressing controversies and the precautions they plan to take on legionnaire s disease (look up waterbirth deaths) or placenta consumption. They use outdated practices such as requiring pushing during birth, cervical checks, and catheters (supposedly if you don t pee on their timetable you ll never be able to have babies again). Heather truly believes rips happen randomly and there s little you can do. Trying to discuss cervical checks with was a headache, she kept assuming I was abused instead of addressing the controversies, and then during the birth she asked if my husband would like to do it. She even tried to get me to stop talking during prenatals and asked me to hire a doula instead for my questions. Both she and Carol list unverifable and/or expired certifications on their website--I've become aware of more deceptions since I posted on their other birth center page (also search for Heather Shelley). Even the center was inadequate. Their library was dated. The center was messy. No birth bars or ropes, if I wanted to hold onto things I was treated like a toddler who would ruin things. My husband was the only one strong enough to do counterpressure for my back labor. One gets 6 hours from the moment the baby is born to being dismissed, and most of that was taken up by procedures, meaning only 1 hour of sleep for me. Supposedly women who are having a hard time get to stay longer, but even with a complicated tear and no breastfeeding success I didn t qualify. Heather was obsessed with selling me products for an earlier birth, then I wasn t even allowed in until transition, and then I was ordered to birth as fast as I could (she was the only midwife at the time and she needed to leave). Yes there s another midwife now, but in a half decade she s gone through 4 (maybe 5) different midwives, 3 different doulas, lots of office staff, several different teachers, and a lot of students. What s going on? High turnover means you can t get attached to any benefits as they ll just change. It s hard to be put at ease when Heather was always bickering with the students because they couldn t do the PKU right, or they didn t realize the breast pump was broken, or they couldn t find the heartbeat. The students treated me like a child: no you don t want to birth on the toilet--that's weird, no you don t want to see your placenta, and you re going to be one of those moms that need formula (instead of being referred to an IBCLC to diagnose his birth injury that inhibited sucking and get chiropractic help). Students took my baby away from me after the birth for procedures, and discouraged nursing right away (he was fine, just routine); then they informed me that he wasn t sucking before I even test that out. Student care meant forgetfulness on so many things which led to my son probably getting the vitamin K shot twice, my birth plan was ignored (like being able to birth the placenta naturally, or being offered a place to sit during birth--they were more concerned about giving my husband a place to sit) they were short on ideas to help me avoid a catheter, and they even left me to labor alone at the same time my husband took a break, but they were great at reminding me that I could purchase products and services. I was told I could pick which staff couldn t come, but there was no way to make a judgement call. As for midwife care, take them seriously when they admit they're not as caring or resourceful as a doula on their website. A doula should supplement/enhance care, not be expected to patch up big holes. I first posted here almost two years ago, so if you re wondering what all the concurrent reviews are around 2 years those were in response to me (if you saw the original review it would have been a more obvious rebuttal)--likely recruited from her invite-only postpartum group.

Heather is the best! I have given birth here twice and have had amazing experiences both times. The team they have assembled is very competent and caring.

The staff is very professional and friendly. They truly care about each woman and want the best outcome for each birth.
I love that they have certified nurse midwifes and certified professional midwifes, so no matter what needs I have they will be met.
The birth of my 4th child, while not picture perfect (my hospital births weren't either), was amazing and I felt awesome after. The assistants kept insisting that I take it easy even thought I felt so good.
I loved my experience with them so much more than any ob office I've been in that I am having my next child with them in a few months. :)

I had my third and fourth children here and LOVED my experience. They were very different births and both turned out beautifully! The midwives are knowledge and informative, yet supportive of Mom being #1 in making decisions. The staff is supportive and friendly, and the environment feels so comfortable, with lots of education and social opportunity to support! The birth centers are comfortable to birth in and flexible to meet any needs! Loved my experience there!!

I've had two babies with birthing your way and would absolutely recommend. They are professional, knowledgeable, and kind. I knew my babies and I were safe with them.

I had my first baby (and I will have all my others in the future) with the wonderful midwives at birthing your way in Lehi. They answered all my questions, prepared me with birth classes and helped me through a difficult birth with ease. My birthing experience was one I would relive over and over thanks to my amazing midwives!

My birthing experience last year was amazing. I had a home birth and compared to my first in the hospital it was a awesome environment and all the midwives are so helpful and comforting! If I have another baby I am definitely going here! Thank you Ladies!

I loved giving birth with these midwives. Their facilities, their training, their compassion and attention to detail made this an amazing birthing experience. You can tell they strive to be the best midwives possible. Collectively, they have tons of experience. I actually miss going to prenatal appointments--and really, this is a little ridiculous, because who misses going to a "doctor" type appointment? But they became family during those visits.

If you're going to spend nine or ten months (including post-natal care) visiting someone, it's nice when you actually enjoy the experience. And the Lehi center--so beautiful, so relaxing. :)

The love and support from these women is amazing! I would definitely go back if I got pregnant again.