Mercy Birthing Center Midwifery Care - St. Louis

My midwife, Michelle, answered her phone while I was pushing not once but twice. She stood up from between my legs, picked up her phone, and walked out of the room...twice. To illustrate just how negligent this was, the nurse (a labor and delivery nurse not from the midwifery), had to tell me to lay back, take deep breaths, and relax because she was afraid the baby was going to come out, and she wasn’t qualified to deliver her. My child had been having heart decelerations for the last 12 hours and was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, tight. There was no time for answering phone calls.nnMy midwife also ignored my request for an epidural. I was induced, had been laboring for 19 hours, and was only dilated to..4. I was exhausted and needed support. My midwife just sat in the corner yawning and texting instead. It was finally the labor and delivery nurse who listened. My nurse had the epidural in minutes, held my hand as they gave it, and gave me the words of encouragement I needed at that time. No idea where my midwife was.nnThe other major issue with the midwifery is they boast a community-based approach but what really happens is you don’t know anyone and nobody knows you. Every time you come in you’re introducing yourself to somebody new and on the day you actually deliver, you are passed around and get questions as basic as “are you full-term?” It’s terrifying.nnWith this being said, I cannot say enough about how great Mercy Hospital is. I will be delivering there with my next child (not midwifery). Before leaving the hospital someone comes around to ask about your experience, upon which I told them what happened. They were so compassionate I cried! I truly felt taken care of and listened to.nnMidwifery, you have a great concept just need a lot of work on safely executing. You claim to “always answer your call” but when it came to the most important call of this entire thing, you gave me a busy signal.

We had our daughter with the Mercy Midwives and I cannot explain how amazing our experience was! Through all my appointments I felt heard and all my questions were answered. I never felt rushed or like I was “just another mother” The day of labor was just as phenomenal. My birth plan was followed closely and I was always asked first before anything was done. Everything was explained thoroughly with me which I really appreciated. The care with the midwives and their nurses was just simply amazing. I refer all my girlfriends to them who are interested in a more personal birth experience!

100% recommend going for a tour and considering natural birth. The midwives and nurses are so caring and attentive. I felt very safe having my first baby here because they teach you what to expect - in prenatal visits and classes. The rooms are beautiful, comfortable, and have heated tubs that help SO much with pain management. Giving birth to my son was an incredible experience. Afterward, we transferred to the main hospital so I could rest, and we could both be watched by nurses. It was so great that I am having another baby at MBC this coming spring.

Love the birthing center! I originally was hesitant to switch from my regular OB but after touring and meeting the staff and asking questions, it was obvious that this the Birth Center matched what I had imagined about birth. The suites are beautiful and peaceful and the midwives were all so knowledgeable and caring.nnIt is perfect for those wanting a more “natural” approach to birth and for those who feel like pregnancy and birth can be a healthy and normal part of a woman’s life. The classes and staff were all supportive of the entire journey and what they taught me about pregnancy and birth is something I will carry with me forever. I always recommend the birth center to friends and know they are in the best hands.nnMy husband and I are both in the medical field, and he was very appreciative of all the ways the birth center was prepared for any complications with the NICU and Labor and Delivery floors being in the same building just minutes away.

I had a wonderful experience at the birthing center. The care my baby and I received there was amazing! The midwives and nurses are experts and so compassionate and caring. The birthing suits are wonderful. 10/10 will birth there again!