Alma Midwifery Services LLC — Local services in Portland

My wife and I cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Alma. We came to Alma after feeling that our prior care provider wasn't quite the right fit. We didn't know a lot about birth centers in the Portland area, so when we stumbled upon Alma we were excited to set up a consultation and see what it was all about. We were immediately set at ease during our tour of the birth center and treated with dignity no matter what kind of questions we had. We knew in our gut it was the right place for us! Our prenatal care was detailed and kind, with all the typical testing/lab work/ultrasounds being offered along the way. It was such a breath of fresh air to have plenty of time during appointments to talk without feeling rushed. Anytime there was even an inkling of concern along the way, our Midwives were thorough in their care and in the end we wound up with a very healthy, low-key pregnancy. When the day finally came, we labored at home through early labor and the beginning of active labor with the Midwives checking in on the phone and visiting us in person multiple times. When we were finally given the go-ahead, we arrived at the birth center to find our three Midwives, Janelle, Joni and Mary waiting in the Fern room, ready for us. It was a very clean, peaceful and supportive atmosphere with the Midwives offering incredible assurance as my wife and I navigated territory we were unfamiliar with. After about 4 hours or labor at the birth center (paired with about 14 hours of early labor at home) our son was born healthy with no complications. While the intense nature of birth cannot be denied, at no point did we feel afraid or unsure if we'd made the right choice. We felt totally safe and supported. We were amazed how quickly the Midwives moved ensuring the safety of my wife and baby, like a well-practiced dance, in the moments after birth...but somehow did so without interrupting the special first moments with our new baby. Our postpartum care throughout the night was incredible, with our midwives and doulas checking on us throughout the night and even ordering us whatever dinner we wanted. The following morning a special healing bath was prepared for my wife, which she enjoyed in the massive tub. Breakfast of our choice was also ordered for us (Bagel sandwiches, yum!) and we checked out at 11am to drive home. In the early part of the week we struggled with breastfeeding, and our Midwives made house calls to check on us along with connecting us to a wonderful Lactation Consultant who also made house calls. They were once again extremely detailed in their care and even went out of their way to check on us via text in between house calls. Our friends and family were amazed at the incredible care we received and many commented on how vibrant and peaceful we look despite some sleepless newborn nights. We really credit Alma with giving that gift to us. If only all families could have the experience we had, there would be so much less fear associated with child birth. Ten days post birth, our son is happy, putting on weight, and breastfeeding like a champ. We are enjoying him and looking forward to the future. If you are still on the fence about where to give birth, make sure to schedule a consultation with Alma, you...

Alma was recommended to us by some friends. I was very fortunate that my pregnancy was healthy and uncomplicated, and simply put, we were able to create the exact birth experience I wanted due to the continuous guidance, education, and encouragement I received from all of the midwives at Alma. We opted to give birth at the birth center.

Their prenatal care is excellent. I received or was referred for all tests, screens, and ultrasounds required to monitor our pregnancy to ensure it was medically healthy, and at every prenatal appointment we were given ample time to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss our progress. This holistic care served to not only take care of my physical health but also my mental and emotional health as well. We practiced what to expect during labor and catching the baby and had many important conversations about our expectations and what would happen if we ended up needing to go to the hospital.

Our son was born in the Clover room. This is a very beautiful, comfortable, and private room and I really hope we can birth there again. When we arrived around 4am everything was ready for us, including a hot bath. During labor, I received just the right level of support from the midwives. They coaxed me along by sitting with me and actually breathing with me when I needed encouragement to persevere, and stepped back to simply observe and advise when I needed.

When our son finally arrived, and he needed a little encouragement to brighten up after the birth, they kept my husband and I at ease by handling everything calmly and coached me to help him (he was completely fine). Afterwards, they checked up on us regularly, performed the screens and checkups we needed, and gave us a lot of time to bond as our new family and to rest and recover.

Their wonderful care continued in postpartum with home visits during the first week to check on how we were coping, how our baby was nursing, and provide support we needed to be successful. We then continued to receive care at the midwifery for our son's 2-, 4-, and 6-week appointments, and again, we were given more than enough time to meet and talk with the midwives during those visits.

I feel so lucky that we were able to experience this - their care meant a lot to our family and I am looking forward to doing it again someday. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking to experience a freeing, personal, and natural...

I can't brag on my Alma team enough! Working in the medical field, I knew that a hospital birth was not a good fit for me but I felt pressured to make the "safest" decision. After landing at Alma's website from a Google search I started crying as I read through their philosophy of birth and care, finally able to articulate what I desired my pregnancy and birth to look like. The intake interview was candidly straightforward and I appreciated that Laura was just as concerned that I was a good candidate for Alma as I was concerned they were a good fit for me. My prenatal care was supported by each midwife appointment, no scary stories or forced decisions. Plenty of time for questions and listening to my pregnant experience. I came to love the pregnant body-positive art and imagery around the campus since that was a sensitive subject for me.

At full-term, no one even mentioned inducement or intervention, instead everyone was confident that my body knew when the time was right to deliver. Our labor and delivery one week later was masterfully guided by a team of 3 midwives and we felt so confident in their care and experience. It was such a positive experience, there is no way I would choose any other method of care for a future pregnancy. My favorite piece of encouragement that got me through delivery is, "You are the only one doubting yourself. Everyone else here believes you can do this!"

We were self-pay clients and had nothing but straightforward communication about financial obligation and what could or could not negate that obligation. The birth was extremely well-priced when you consider the level of care and attention you and your baby receive for 10 months. 24/7 access to your midwife after the birth is very comforting in those early days of baby care.

Updated 8/5/24: After my second pregnancy and delivery with Alma midwives, I am still 100% satisfied with the care I receive here and even a little sad that I'm not pregnant anymore because I love coming here so much! It was fun to bring my firstborn to some of the appointments and tell him he was born here too. These ladies love us and our babies so much!!! We are so blessed to have you as such an integral part of our...