What makes your practice unique?

As an independent nurse midwife with hospital privileges, I attend births at Alta Bates and offer personalized and intimate prenatal care in the comfort of my office in Berkeley.

Unlike most hospital birth options, I am the same person who cares for you in pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. We spend one hour together for each appointment to discuss your care, your hopes and dreams, your questions and concerns. Unlike a typical 15-minute prenatal appointment, we have plenty of time to get to know each other and build a trusting relationship. I maintain a small practice with a limited number of clients per month, so that I am present and available. 

You can access your records, results and communicate with me using a HIPAA compliant electronic medical system, and I am also directly available over email and phone. There's no hold music or operators, just my toddler in the background sometimes.

If you’re looking for loving, individualized care, and want or need to give birth in a hospital setting, you’re in the right place.

What does informed decision-making mean?

With all aspects of your care, you understand the care that you are choosing and receiving. I explain the community standards and discuss the available evidence, risks, benefits and alternatives of your specific situation, so that you can make a fully informed decision about your pregnancy and birth that feels the most aligned with your values.

Do you accept insurance?

I am an out-of-network provider. If you have a PPO plan, you may receive partial reimbursement, depending on your insurance coverage. I work with a professional biller who can provide you with a blue print of your insurance plan so you may get a better idea of what your out-of-pocket costs might be.

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is a primary care provider who specializes in pregnancy and birth, as well as, reproductive and sexual health care across the lifespan. We are educated, trained and licensed as nurses and complete a master's degree in midwifery. Our specialty is in caring for low-risk pregnancy and birth. The majority of us work in hospitals and clinics, though we also work in private practice, birth centers and homes.  The American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) offers more here.

There are many paths to midwifery, with licensure and certification differing from state to state. We can also be licensed midwives (LM), certified midwives (CM), certified professional midwives (CPM) and traditional midwives. These midwives are experts in birth in the home and/or birth centers.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A midwife provides medical care while doulas do not.

Birth doulas are trained to provide physical and emotional support in labor and birth in order to support your individual goals and intentions. They may offer touch, presence, reassurance of normalcy and guidance for partners on how to support you.

Postpartum doulas can support you at home in providing basic newborn care, supporting your breastfeeding relationship and making space for you to rest. Some may also offer basic household tasks. 

Do you offer community groups?

Not yet! But in the near future, I will be starting a monthly Community Circle (held over Zoom until COVID restrictions allow in person meet ups). I hope to offer more community-building opportunities in the future. All are welcome!

Prenatal & Postpartum Care

Prenatal care is held at my office at 3010 Colby Street in Berkeley, directly across the street from Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.

I most often partner with UCSF Benioff Children’s Physicians (UBCP) East Bay when consultation or co-management with OBs is necessary. They are located at 2920 Telegraph Avenue # 200, Berkeley CA, 94705.

Other OB services, including routine and specialized ultrasounds, genetic counseling and diagnostics, and gestational diabetes management are scheduled with UBCP or Sutter Health.

Postpartum visits are offered in the hospital, in the office and in your home.

Labwork

Labwork can be completed at any Quest Diagnostics or Labcorps. Both appointments and walk-in services are available. The closest labs to the office are:

• LabCorps 3000 Colby Street, Suite 100, Berkeley

• Quest Diagnostics 2999 Regent Street, Berkeley

Hospital