Alma Midwifery

The midwives here are wonderful, just had our third child with Laura, she’s an amazing midwife. Would highly recommend her and everyone there to a friend

We just had our first child, Emmett on September 26. This entire experience with Alma was incredible. The midwives on my team were Kori Pienovi, Erin Yocum, Cortney Holmes, and Laura Erickson. Throughout my pregnancy they were able to answer every crazy question that I had. I could call them anytime. After every appointment, I was able to leave feeling relaxed after being reassured that we were doing everything we were supposed to be doing.
The birth itself was very challenging. My team gave tips on different positions to get into, encouraged me to walk around, do lunges, hike the stairs, even though these were the last things I wanted to do. When the contractions became extreme, I received massage to help me relax. After 32 hours we decided as a team that it would be safer for my baby if we went to the hospital. I was scared because it wasn’t part of my plan, but I had complete trust in these ladies. They all came to the hospital with me and stayed with me and my husband until midnight when it was decided that safest move would be an emergency c-​section. Cortney was there when the surgery was complete and she made it back to our room with us.
I was visited in my hospital room the day of the birth, the day after the birth, at my house the day following my return home and a week later at my home. I was so thankful to not have to travel since I was recovering. During these visits, they checked on me and Emmett and gave me great tips on nursing.
I only have a few appointments left at Alma. It is going to be sad leaving them after bonding with them this past year. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a more personal and a natural approach to birth.

If you would have told me two years ago that I would not only have a sweet baby girl; but also, would have that baby without any drugs, in a birthing tub, with midwives, I would have said you were crazy. But all of it is true. My husband and I are so thankful for the ladies of Alma Midwifery. Our entire experience was beautiful and we felt well informed and supported throughout. I did a lot of research and asked a lot of questions. We moved from California and many of our friends are in the medical profession, so our friends thought our «hippie Portland» birth was odd. But after seeing our birth photos and hearing about our experience, our friends and family are now big supporters. Our team, Kori, Cassie, and Nikki were fantastic and turned into trusted friends throughout our time with the Alma family. If you are considering this as an option, I highly encourage you to go take a tour and learn more.

This place changed my family’s life. Our team was comprised of Katherine, Melissa, Bree, and Liz. They were all incredibly warm, available, intuitive, personable, smart, supportive… I could go on and on.
During the actual birth experience they were beyond helpful and perfect. They gave suggestions for positions and breathing and soothing things to do (the tub, the shower, the birth stool), and always supported my choice and respected my process. The facilities are awesome — after I went into labor we arrived to the birth room with the tub full, the candles lit, dim lights. It was ideal. The aftercare was also fabulous — a cozy place to stay where we were monitored and pampered, followed by several home visits for the baby and me.
My husband and I were so sad when the whole thing was over. These women became a part of us, we fell in love with them. They’re not just incredible midwives, they’re an extension of our family.

Words cannot express the gratitude we feel towards our team of midwives from Alma. Thank you for helping us bring our baby girl into this world. You enabled us to have the out-​of-​hospital birth we imagined. I couldn’t have done it without your encouragement and calm reassurance as things got intense. Cassandra, Alison and Melissa ~ you are the most amazing team of women and will always hold a special place in our hearts.

This place works for MANY women, not me. My mistake was that I did not take initiative and know what to ask my potential future midwife, but they style they took was not good for me. We planned a home birth and ended in the hospital (which was good as we both survived). When the midwives arrived at our house, my family had been there for hours supporting me and the midwives basically relaxed (and were fed by my sister). They didn’t check my dilation before telling me it was okay to push and my midwife had to stop for GAS during our emergency trip to the hospital at 2 am.

About 3 months into my wife being pregnant we decided a «traditional» hospital birth was not for us. We went to a few different places and Alma was the only place that felt perfect! Everyone is very helpful and ready to answer any questions you have. They make you feel like family. If you are looking for a birth center I would highly recommend Alma!

I can’t imagine anywhere better to begin the journey of parenthood than Alma! Our experience from start to finish was wonderful and supportive through every moment. Our midwives were there to answer any questions both during our pre-​natal appointments and any other time I had questions both before and after the birth! The incredible support of Alma and our midwives and the amazing doula’s who staff the birth center made the first few days of being parents a joyous, momentous and relaxing experience. If there was such a thing as a birth resort it would be like Alma! Our midwives Kori, Tara and Kim were supportive and helped us make completely informed decisions every step of the way about everything that came up and were totally supportive of whatever decisions we made.
One thing I had not anticipated and could not have done without was the unbelievable support my midwives provided via phone, checkups/​appointment and texting after the birth. I didn’t expect to have so many more questions and concerns afterwards than I had had during the pregnancy and the midwives were there to answer every question during our home and office visits as well as via text whenever I needed. Alma does 1, 3 and 7 day home visits after your birth which is a lifesaver for tired parents! Their level of support is unsurpassed and after talking to friends who have birthed at hospitals (even in hospitals more supportive of natural births) I can’t imagine having had to birth anywhere else! I would recommend Alma to anyone — they are professional and yet also create a warm, peaceful, inclusive and family like environment in both the office and the birth center!

My husband and I knew that, as long as our situation remained low risk, that we did not want a hospital birth. We looked at the many options in Portland, and fell in love with Alma. Our original plan was to have our baby at Alma’s birth center, with Kori, Tara, and Kathy as our midwives.
We had several prenatal visits with them, and it was the most respectful and informative experience I have ever had in a medical environment. For prenatal care, every appointment is a full hour so that you can discuss every question, concern, though and need that comes up. We felt very well cared for throughout our short experience.
Why was it short? Well… At the suggestion of Kori, we decided to get an ultrasound at Legacy to rule out a specific complication (they do not have an ultrasound machine at Alma), and discovered we were having twins! Whoa! Unfortunately, due to the higher risks, Alma does not offer a birth center birth for twins. They let us know a midwife could attend a home birth for twins, and that it was a personal choice, but we didn’t feel that was right for us. I felt that our midwives were very honest with us about what was best for our babies. Kori gave us incredible advice and recommended an OB that she felt would match our philosophies on birth and pregnancy, and had experience with multiples.
Even though we did not wind up having the entire scope of care through Alma, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them!
Also, Alma offers well-​women care, even if you are not pregnant.

THE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE FOR MYSELF OR MY FAMILY. The lovely midwives, the amazing birth center, the information, the community, the classes, EVERYTHING has been so wonderful and transformative. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

Now that my baby is almost a year, I am finally getting around to this review… In short, we loved our experience with Alma. I was immediately won over by how comfortable the birthing center felt and the warmth we received from their empowering staff. From the front desk ladies to the midwives, everyone is there to support you and help you make informed decisions.
Our midwives were Kori, Katherine and Angela. We loved the three person team dynamic, as each woman brought a different set of wisdom and sensitivity to the table. The appointments were never rushed, as each one is at least an hour — lots of time for our many questions. They were always available via phone or text as well, which we didn’t take advantage of too much but it was nice to know they were there.
Alma’s approach is to support you making informed decisions. They give you lots of information, present you with options through your pregnancy and let you make the best choice for your family. I personally hate being told what to do, so this went over really well with me. I felt like they were on my side, always ready with answers and advice when I needed it, but not pushing anything on me.
I appreciated the many classes they offered on breastfeeding, post-​partum care and their monthly pregnant mamas group. It was a great resource for us to meet other soon-​to-​be-​parents, since many of our friends don’t have kids. I take our little one to their weekly play groups as well, which our baby loves. Such a great community!
My labor was beautiful and amazing. The midwives were attentive, encouraging and wonderfully supportive. Some mamas I know had to be transferred to a hospital for one reason or another, but I their midwife teams stayed with them from beginning to end. It’s scary when things don’t go as planned and some elements of birth are simply out of our control. But they are there to support you and advocate for you through it all, which gave us great piece of mind. We were lucky and had the birth we wanted, bringing our baby into the world from the birthing tub in the Fern room.
The recovery for two nights at the birthing center was out of this world blissful. The 24 hour doula care was so perfect — helping with breastfeeding, post-​partum mama care, bringing us food and snacks. The massage I had before leaving the birthing center was the best massage of my life — she knew exactly which muscles and joints would need attention after birth. It was a dream «babymoon».
Eleven months later, I still wish I could go back to the birthing center for a night here and there to recharge :) What amazing midwives and empowering care. I can’t recommend them highly enough.

I cannot gush enough about Alma Midwifery and their AMAZING midwives and staff! 1 year and 1 month ago today I gave birth to my son, naturally, at their birth center. I had a long labor due to the fact that my son was presenting sideways until the end, but despite that, my 3 lovely midwives were by my side through the entire thing! I have absolutely no doubt that I would have received a c-​section if I had given birth in the hospital. Instead, I received support and encouragement to help me get through the long hours of labor. My husband was able to be right by my side the entire time I was laboring and even delivered our son in the birthing tub! Stephanie slept on our couch when I was in early labor and stayed with me for a long time until I was ready to go to the birth center. Mirra talked me through the toughest part of my labor and I credit her with helping me progress when I really just wanted to give up! Despite my long labor, I was able to have a water birth just like I wanted and it was the most powerful experience of my life! I lost a lot of blood after birth from my uterus not contracting like it was supposed to, but Kori confidently and lovingly stepped right in, held my hand and took care of the problem. I would trust that woman with my life and so glad she was there! After birth, my husband and I were cozied up in a bed with our new baby and left alone to bond. The doulas at the center took awesome care of us, drew me up baths everyday and brought us delicious food! All of our friends and family that came to visit in the following days commented on how gorgeous our room was and how homey it was! I also got a massage before I went home, which helped me relax tremendously.
Beyond the amazing birth experience, prenatal care is out of this world. They allow you to make your own choices regarding care, which I loved. And I felt comfortable at all my appointments with these 3 women I got to see every single time I went in. Claudia and Kristy Rose are also welcome faces to see behind the desk and are always polite and friendly!
As someone mentioned before, the home visits after birth are a life saver! I really enjoyed being in the comfort of my home and not being forced to take my newborn into a busy medical center to get checked on. It was fabulous!
Currently, I am 14 weeks pregnant with our second baby and we are with Alma again. I could not be more at ease and comfortable knowing that I will be surrounded once again by those who have my best interest at heart during labor! Even better, I have 2 of my same midwives on my birth team this time around.
I recommend Alma to anyone looking to have a natural birth! Let’s bring midwifery care back to the forefront of the birth experience!
My amazingly awesome midwives were Kori, Stephanie E. and Mirra!

I had my first baby 6 weeks ago, at my home, with the help of three lovely women from Alma.
Nine months ago I visited their birthing center and decided I wanted them to help me bring my child into the world. For the months that followed, they made sure that my baby and I were both healthy and growing well and, when the time came, they were by my side, helping me to labor her into the world.
I had a fast labor that started at 5 in the morning and ended at 11, just 6 short hours later. My husband does not drive and it happened so much faster than you’re told to expect, so it was fantastic that I could stay at home. When the midwives arrived, one by one, they made me feel comfortable and confident that I could give birth to my daughter the way I wanted, without medication and in a place I felt safe: my home.
My midwives were Melissa, Stephanie E., and Cindy. All three wonderful women who made my experience becoming a mother a wonderful, happy thing. If I have more children, I’ll be going back to Alma.

I recommend Alma to anyone seeking a natural childbirth experience. I had my first child in their Birth Center and my second at home. Both times I felt complete trust in my care. They put huge emphasis on creating nurturing relationships with their clients and their clients families. They realize that the more comfortable and relaxed the mother is, the easier the entire birth experience will be.
My midwives were Laura, Melissa and Katherine.

I gave birth at home naturally and peacefully with Alma midwives on ¼/​11. Hands down the best day of my life and far, far different (in the best way possible!) than the birth of my daughter in the hospital.
I did a lot of research on midwives in the Portland area and ultimately went with the Alma midwives and I’m SO very glad that I did!
One of my favorite parts of my personalized care with Alma was the amount of things they taught me. They thoroughly explained any tests and through that informed consent let me choose if I wanted to have them done or not. I felt comfortable discussing any questions or concerns with them and they were always understanding and helped me come up with a plan that was right for me. They were never farther than a quick text or phone call away and were always prompt in responding.
My at the time 2 year old daughter went along to every appointment and they always made sure to include her in listening to the baby, checking my blood pressure, etc… She still lovingly calls them her «ladies» and asks when we’re going to see them all the time.
When it came time to birth at home they gave me the space and respect I needed, and were quick to anticipate needs. I tend to labor very vocally and was hushed and told to be quiet during the birth of my daughter in the hospital. This wasn’t the case at home, they let me vocalize, move, and do whatever I felt was right during the birth process. My daughter was home too and recalls that day with such fondness. It was such an intense and fantastic experience, my only regret is that I didn’t choose home birth and Alma for my first pregnancy/​birth!
I was also very happy with my 6 week post partum visit. They really celebrate women and make you feel comfortable even during something that usually feels so invasive like a pelvic exam. They make you feel proud of your powerful womanly form!
If we ever decide to have another baby, you better believe I will be calling Alma. They are part of my extended family now, and I am ever so grateful for the amazing things those women do and give of themselves so that we have home birth options in Portland. Love you Alma!

I gave birth naturally. Thank you Alma. I talked about he experience with my hubby and we both agreed that if I was at the hospital, I would have been induced. =P
Midwifery care is diff than the Western med model. Baby had complications, and they visited my home everyday for the first 7 days after birth to check on the baby and dev plans for treatment. What a lifesaver. I dont know how I would have driven (my hubby was working) if i had to see a pediatrician. This is not normal, but what is normal is a day 1,3, and 7 home visit. Home visit! So nice for sleep deprived me! 1 hour office visits? No long waits to see midwife? (waiting room is tiny, because noone is really waiting long to see their practioner)
So nice, great people. Very professional, and supportive, for your physical and mental health and wellbeing. Moms come by to see thier midwives with their growing babies. Even comes with free breastfeeding class, and postpartum massage. I loved it.

Both my children, now ages four and two, were born at Alma’s birth center. As I have never had an in-​hospital birth, nor one with drugs or interventions, I can’t give the most fair comparison. However, I can say that when I compare my birth stories to the many other parents I know, mine sounds like a blissful dream.
I developed an amazing and trusting relationship with Pamela and Kate, and Stephanie joined as the apprentice for our second birth. They clearly explained the standard tests, alternative options, and were careful to remain factual and let me and my partner choose which options were best for us.
My every need and desire were met from our first appointment through postpartum. And although I used their water birth facilities, they did home visits (to ensure they knew where to go if I did have a home emergency, but also to allow for the most restful situation postpartum).
I could go on, but I will sum-​up by saying I can’t imagine more ideal care than I received at Alma Midwifery.

I ended up having an epic birth story — 5 days and 4 nights of labor. Ultimately my baby was born naturally with no interventions, no drugs and no c-​section for mom — just as I desired. I feel almost certain that had I been in a hospital I would have received interventions that ultimately would not have been according to my wishes (you can feel like you want and ask for some pretty crazy stuff when in labor).
Yet I had a perfectly healthy baby at home. Both baby and I were monitored extremely closely throughout the labor. There was someone here with me from my birth team nearly around the clock and one long night of the labor, one of the midwives, Corinne, even stayed with me and tried to help me rest between contractions.
Even after a sleepless night for both of us, she woke and picked fresh flowers, arranged them in a bouquet, and made a healthy meal from food I had in the house. My four friends and birth partners came and went and were treated like part of the team. The Alma midwives were professional, courteous and incredibly supportive — even though no one during my birth was getting much sleep.
When we got to day four the team called in a chiropractor with experience treating pregnant women, we had a massage therapist come and an acupuncturist who helped stimulate more active labor. The midwives welcomed these therapists and interfaced with them — telling them where things were at with the labor and ways they might be of specific help.
Ultimately I believe I was able to endure through a long home labor and have my daughter and myself come out healthy because of the enormous trust I had in my birth team. Part of this trust came from the hours we spent together during prenatal visits. I have no fewer than SEVEN friends who became pregnant after me. They all have made their own choices (from midwife centers in hospitals to a full hospital birth) and none have received the same amount, quality of care and chance to connect very closely with their caregivers as I experienced during my pregnancy and birth.
I received all of the same tests, screens, exams and advice that anyone at a hospital might receive, but I also spent an hour at every prenatal visit getting to know and trust the wonderful people who guided me through the most intense experience of my life so far.
I would not hesitate to recommend Alma or the midwives there to anyone. My midwives were: Kori Pienovi, Debbie Wong and apprentice Corinne Rupp.

Alma is incredible. You walk past the gates into a sweet little patio, and the rest of the city seems to fall away. It’s quiet, and stately and just beautiful. The appointment rooms are in a separate, but connected, space, so as to keep the house free for laboring women, and the many wonderful classes the offer in their downstairs «living room.»
Birthing there, with my midwives, Kate, Angela, and Stephanie was such a privilege. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect birth! I could go on for hours, but it’s clear how thrilled I am with the care I received throughout my pregnancy, delivery, and now into the postpartum period.
My baby is just over 10 days old, and my wonderful midwives are still on call for any questions I may have. it’s such a wonderful feeling to be so well-​supported. The actual center is just gorgeous, a traditional Victorian house that’s been seamlessly outfitted into a birth center, with all the necessary accoutrement, but you’d never know it just by looking. Everything is so well-​decorated, and a sense of calm, sure energy pervades the space. Their postpartum care is excellent. They have fabulous postpartum doulas that stay at the birth center and are there to assist with your every need after the birth.
The whole experience was simply enchanting!

I love Alma Midwifery! its tucked behind a neighborhood storefront, inside of an old victorian which is beautiful. they have three gorgeous birthing rooms that i did not use because i wanted to have my baby at home — but if you are looking for a birthing center, look no further.
ultimately, one should choose their midwife based on how you feel about them, values you share, and how much they are willing to support you in the birth process. I chose Alma because my midwives, Kate and Melissa, were all that and more for me. They respected the kind of birth i wanted, and i honestly have to say that it happened just as i’d wanted it to. my son is now a healthy 18 month old, and i know if i have another child i will be calling Alma again.