Sierra Natural Birth Center - Sonora, California

rosemary W.

Before I ever thought of actually having a baby I knew I wanted to have Ellie and her team be the ones to guide me through that chapter of my life. Every appointment with Ellie and one of her students was peaceful, informative and pleasant. The trust and the support they provide made me, a first time mother, feel secure and comfortable. When it came time and I went into labor they allowed me space while at the same time gently guiding me with recommendations. I didnt have a doula (I definitely would have one if I have another child) but Ellie and Mary Beth made me feel really emotionally grounded and positive as I imagine a doula would have.
I had a relatively unique labor, 66 hours! My water broke before I had contractions and there were a few other factors that led to being monitored more than average and enviably I transferred to the hospital, at the 48 hour mark.
Strangely enough Ellie and Mary Beth really shined and made me realize how important and necessary their midwifery skills were when we moved to the hospital. (Adventist Health birth center) I didnt realize at first that they were going to come with me and stay with me there throughout the whole labor and delivery process. Them never leaving my side except to get me soup and coconut water made the hospital feel comfortable and not scary at all! In fact I felt relaxed and confident there. They stayed up the whole night with me, taking little naps that looked so uncomfortable; leaning on a table, sitting against the wall on a birth ball - these ladies are DEDICATED to their work! The nurses at the hospital listened to me, were super respectful and took direction from Ellie about my preferences and how I would most like things to happen as well as communicated very clearly to me and made sure I knew what was happening and what my options were as different things came up. I was left to labor how ever I needed to, moving freely around the room, having a wireless monitor. No one came in or out of my room except the nurse on shift hourly and my midwives until I was in transition! Only then did the delivery doctor come in the room, which was nice for me because I had just met her, Dr. Bradley (who is a wonderful doctor) and it was less distracting. Because of the circumstances there needed to be some extra people there when my baby was delivered (the respiratory team) they came in slowly, one at a time so quiet and discreet I didn’t notice them at all and stayed focused and calm. Not once did I feel any stress or anxiety.
I was able to have an unmedicated, Pitocin FREE labor and natural birth. They allowed for delayed cord clamping, immediate skin to skin contact and I took home my placenta to plant with a tree which were my main “wants.” I was totally amazed at how flexible and kind the staff was, at how dedicated Ellie and Mary Beth were and how grateful I am to have had everything work out the way it did and have a totally healthy happy little girl. I would a thousand percent use the Sierra Natural Birth Center again. Even if things didn’t go exactly to plan, I felt so held and safe with them moving through the uncertainty and the unknown.

Alex S.

I cannot give enough stars for Ellie and all the ladies at the Sierra Natural Birth Center!! The care they provide is so hands-on and catered specifically to you. This was my first baby and they made me feel so comfortable and safe all throughout my pregnancy but especially during the birth process. Thanks to them I felt very knowledgeable and prepared going into labor. I absolutely will be going to them for all my future pregnancies -- the quality of care I received here easily surpasses any other doctor/medical experiences that I've had.

Also, the birth rooms are 10/10 comfy cozy 😁

Shelby O.

You won’t find a better team of dedicated people to support you from prenatal care, birth, and postpartum. You are never rushed or made to feel any questions you have are insignificant. They truly care for you body, soul, and spirit and in some of life’s most vulnerable times, they are there to comfort and guide. Could not recommend SNBC more. I just had my first child here with them and the birth experience would not have been the same had I not been surrounded by women who truly believe my body was built to birth and their presence with me gave me confidence to deliver naturally. Love them and their hearts for all they do!

Becky S.

This review is long over due, and very well deserved. The whole team at Sierra Natural Birthing Center is top notch. The facility and staff are so welcoming and provide the best prenatal/postnatal care. Throughout my whole pregnancy and delivery, I felt like I was in great hands and that the staff genuinely cared for my health and the health of our baby girl. Ellie, the Midwife, was exceptional. She is very wise, trustworthy and kindhearted. As far as her staff, they all will make you feel right at home. They are knowledgeable as well, and provide great care throughout every visit! I highly recommend them!

Valerie S.

I had an amazing birth experience at the birthing center. After a stressful hospital birth with my first daughter, i wanted a different experience with my second. I am so grateful I found Sierra Natural Birthing Center! The entire process, from prenatal care, the actual labor, to amazing postnatal care was perfect. I truly can not say enough good things about Ellie and her fantastic team at the center. They become like family and are so knowledgeable and loving. I am so proud and blessed to have had an amazing second birth experience and will definitely have any future children here!

Colleen N.

My husband and I are incredibly happy to have welcomed our daughter into the world at the Sierra Natural Birth Center. Ellie and Sarah provided loving and expert care during our prenatal visits and during our labor, and Dody was so helpful during our home visits. These woman gave us a beautiful, safe, and healthy start to our family. We highly recommend the Sierra Natural Birth Center!

Jess D.

The midwives here are amazing and go above and beyond the call of duty. They are kind, compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional. They are like a family to our family. It was my first time being pregnant and I was terrified but Sarah would let me talk about all my fears, educate me and provide resources to me and my wife. Ellie made me feel so safe like having a loving mother to guide me through pregnancy and as my mother lives out of town I needed that kind of support. The staff was always friendly, responsive and responded to my calls and text messages, even when they were probably very niave questions. I did all my prenatal and postnatal care with them, they did check ups in my home after the birth of my baby and although I ended up having my baby at the hospital and not Sierra Birth Center I know it would have been a beautiful experience. My baby came at 36 weeks and the natural birth center does not deliver until 37 weeks, so I ended up in the hospital. Spring a midwife from Sierra birth center came to the hospital to work with the nurses and Doctors to meet my needs, she educated me on all the procedures and medications the Doctors wanted to do, she advocated for me when I didn't want something, she came to the hospital at 1am to support me during the delivery of my baby then she stayed after to teach me how to breastfeed. I was in the hospital for 5 days and the midwives visited me everyday. I am so grateful for all the staff and midwives at Sierra Natural Birth Center. I get teary eyed thinking about all the love and care I received here and I couldn't have found a more amazing and competent group of people to guide and care for me through this life changing process!

quentin G.

Posting from my husbands account- but I can’t say enough good things about Ellie and her team here at the birth center!!! Truly. If you are considering starting care here, do it and you will not be disappointed. I wish I would have started with them from the very beginning of my pregnancy, but none the less am so happy I found them. I had a great experience with my first pregnancy and birth partly thanks to these ladies and how they made sure I was taken care of the whole time, that I was educated on birth and my options, and overall made me feel empowered and safe. The difference between midwifery and traditional care is how PERSONALIZED and intimate the experience is. Ellie and her team will forever hold a special place in mine and my families heart ❤️