Reviews

“When I arrived at the hospital for my first birth, they didn’t even think I was in labor. The front desk staff was rude, and we sat in triage for an hour before being moved to the labor room. I barely saw my nurse, and when it came time to push, nobody was there. My husband had to run out into the hall to find someone. I was in the bathroom, and they forcefully moved me into the hospital bed to be checked — despite me screaming in pain. At that point, they hadn’t even called my doctor. The on-call doctor and nurses were casually chatting while I was pushing. My baby was born unmedicated, but the experience felt clinical and sterile.”

“Afterward, they bullied us into the vitamin K injection and pushed a supplemental nursing system on us, even though it was supposed to be a breastfeeding-friendly hospital. My husband, who wanted to support me, almost seemed embarrassed to do things like counter-pressure because of how clinical everything felt. It wasn’t the environment we wanted.”
For my second birth, I knew I needed a different experience — one where I would be supported in having an unmedicated birth. That led me to look for midwives, and I found My Family Birth Center. I wasn’t comfortable with a home birth, so the birth center felt like the safest option. I woke up at 2 a.m. with contractions two minutes apart. My husband called Loretta to say we wouldn’t make it to the birth center. She asked for our address, but she was already passing our street. She came in, assessed me, and said, ‘You’re having a baby right now.’ Ten minutes later, our baby was born at home.

We knew we’d return to the birth center. After our anatomy scan, Loretta called to say they thought they saw a cleft and asked me to come in for another ultrasound. I was devastated. My worst fear was needing hospital care and my baby ending up in the NICU. When I came in, Ellie, the office manager, reassured me right away. She told me, ‘This doesn’t mean you can’t have your baby here. We still want to support you.’ That was exactly what I needed to hear.

We confirmed our baby would be born with a cleft, but I knew I could still have the birth I wanted. The midwives connected me with a lactation consultant experienced in feeding cleft babies. Throughout my care, they treated us as the experts on our baby — asking what we needed and how they could help. We were meeting with specialists and surgeons, so they recognized that we knew our baby best.

One of my friends recently told me her birth was traumatic, but she brushed it off, saying, ‘It doesn’t matter because my baby was born healthy.’ I hear women say that all the time, and it’s so wrong. It does matter. Birth is your initiation into motherhood and your baby’s initiation into life. Trauma should never be the norm. It shouldn’t be how someone enters the world. Birth matters.
“My first birth experience at the hospital actually felt pretty good at the time. I thought it went well, and I was ready to keep going that route. There were a few things I was unsure about, but I chalked it up to me just being squeamish about medical stuff. I didn’t realize until my second pregnancy how much I hadn’t been told about my first birth. Once I started learning more about hospital practices, it hit me — I wasn’t really in control of my first birth. I hadn’t been an active participant in my own experience, and I realized how lucky I was that things had gone smoothly. It opened my eyes, and I knew I wanted something different for my second birth.”

“I found My Family Birth Center through a simple Google search. I didn’t even know birth centers were a thing in Ogden — I assumed they’d only be in Salt Lake or Utah County. My first impression when I walked in was how warm and inviting it was. It wasn’t white, sterile, or clinical. I reached out to Loretta beforehand, and she invited us to come in for a tour. She sat down with us and answered all our questions without rushing. It felt like a completely different experience from a doctor’s office, where everything is rushed, and you feel like just another patient.”
The care at the birth center was so personal. They remembered things we talked about from previous appointments — asking how my kids were doing and following up on details. They weren’t just preparing me for birth; they were invested in my experience.

My husband’s role during the second birth was so much more involved. At the hospital, he sat on the sidelines, unsure how to help. I was hooked up to machines and didn’t know what I needed from him. He basically just held my hand and ate Chick-fil-A while I sat in the hospital bed. But this time, after taking a birth course and learning what to expect, I knew exactly how he could support me. He felt more prepared and like a part of the process.

The birth center offers online courses to take at your own pace and even a free in-person class toward the end of your pregnancy. They teach you about birthing positions, counter-pressure, ways to stay comfortable, and even how to make better diet choices in the last trimester. The education they provide is incredible.

I wish more women knew how important it is to ask questions. I used to think that whatever the doctor said was final — I never questioned it. Now, I know that you’re in charge of your own birth. You can ask, ‘Why are we doing this?’ or, ‘What other options do I have?’ So much of what happens in hospitals is about what’s most convenient for them, not necessarily what’s best for you.

I’d recommend that everyone take a birth course, no matter where you plan to give birth. Knowing how your body works, what to expect during each stage of labor, and what interventions mean can change your entire experience. Birth is something we’ve been made to fear, but once you’re educated, you realize your body is built for it. It’s empowering to have that knowledge and to know you have a say in your own birth.
“Before coming to My Family Birth Center, I had one child, born in a hospital, and it was unmedicated. But after that experience, I knew I wanted more control over my next birth. I started looking for a birth center, and luckily, My Family Birth Center was right near where I was living. It gave me the chance to experience what birth should truly feel like.”

“Between my two children, I had three years to think about what I wanted for my next birth. I realized that I wanted to be more involved and have a say in how things went. My Family Birth Center offered everything I was looking for — the freedom to choose what felt right for me and my baby.”
My husband was initially concerned about what would happen if something went wrong. Loretta was very open with us about different scenarios and how they would be handled. It was reassuring to know that even if complications arose, they could be managed at the birth center. That education and knowledge gave us peace of mind.

I realized that birth is a natural process. Our bodies are designed to do this — we don’t need a hospital or a doctor to birth a baby. Having the care and support from midwives made me feel that was all I needed to have a successful birth.

Pain management was never something I wanted to experience through medication. I wanted to feel my body doing the work. I’ve heard all the stories about how painful birth can be, but when you understand the process, it doesn’t feel that way. Our bodies are designed for this, and the pain has a purpose to push us through. For me, it wasn’t painful at all.

My last birth was a home birth, and it was an incredible experience. I felt deeply connected with myself and my faith. It was peaceful and comforting to be in my own space, preparing for my baby. Even with my birth center birth, having control over the environment allowed me to connect my mind, body, and soul during labor.

The recovery process was amazing. A calm pregnancy, a peaceful birth experience, and that support from the midwives carried into postpartum. I felt reassured throughout. If I had a question or concern, I could message the midwives and always receive comfort and guidance.

Birth is a beautiful, natural experience that every woman is capable of. People say, ‘You’re a superhero for doing a natural birth,’ but the truth is, every woman was built to do it. If a natural birth is what she wants, she can absolutely achieve it.
“The more I learned about home births, birth centers, and unmedicated births, the more I became interested in choosing that option for myself. When we found My Family Birth Center, we compared it to a few other places, but this one just felt right. It felt like a safe, comforting place to have a baby — something my doula told me was incredibly important. She said that feeling safe and comfortable would foster the best environment for a birth with minimal interventions, and I couldn’t agree more.”
One of the most important parts of this journey for me was having my husband involved. At the birth center, they included him every step of the way, and that made such a difference. Instead of being pushed to the side or sleeping in an uncomfortable chair like in a hospital, he had a bed of his own and a real role in the birth. He was initially skeptical and had concerns about whether the midwives knew what they were doing. But after coming to every appointment, building a rapport with Loretta and the team, and getting all of our questions answered, he gained complete trust in them.

The care we received was phenomenal. Amber made sure we could hear the baby’s heartbeat whenever we wanted, and Elise and the rest of the team were always there to support us. It ended up being the best option for us, and I got to have my dream birth. It was truly a ‘happily ever after’ experience.

The biggest thing I took away from this experience was learning how to feel empowered and advocate for myself and my baby. The team at My Family Birth Center emphasized that it’s my baby, my body, and my birth plan, and they were there to support me in that. They taught me how to be confident in making decisions and advocating for my child’s health. That’s something I don’t think you learn anywhere else.

I 100% recommend Loretta and the My Family Birth Center team. You really do feel like part of their family. The checkups never felt sterile or clinical. Instead, they felt like visiting friends who happened to be professionals. They made us feel so comfortable, and they helped ease all of my husband’s concerns.

Being pregnant can feel overwhelming with all the choices you have to make. It’s important to follow your instincts, trust your body, and advocate for yourself. That’s something I learned here, and it’s made all the difference. It’s incredible to share such a life-changing experience with such a wonderful team. Choosing the right people to help you through birth is so important for your health and happiness, and for us, that place was My Family Birth Center.
“My first baby was a home birth in Arizona, and as a military family, it was exciting to find a birth center here in Utah that accepted our insurance. My Family Birth Center felt like the most credible option after researching reviews and checking out their online presence. It was important to me to find a place with positive birth experiences and healthy outcomes. The birth center’s new Layton location was also close to our house, which made it an easy decision.”

“One of the biggest reasons I chose the birth center was the support from the midwives. I’ve always felt that with the right care team, I could be talked through anything — even something as big and daunting as a natural birth. The midwives here gave me the confidence that I could do it without the need for a hospital setting. I truly believe that anyone can have a natural birth with the right support system.”
My birth experience here was pretty smooth overall. One of the challenges we faced was laboring at home for over 10 hours, thinking things weren’t progressing. My contractions were about 10 minutes apart, and we started feeling mentally discouraged. But when we got to the birth center, I was almost ready to push and didn’t even realize it. That was a surprise, but it showed me how much progress my body had been making the whole time.

This birth experience shaped our family in meaningful ways. We value health and wellness, and knowing our girls were born through a more natural process without unnecessary interventions gives me confidence in their long-term health. There wasn’t trauma or stress introduced into their little bodies during birth, which makes me feel more secure as they grow up.

My postpartum recovery this time has been much easier than with my first. I’ve even started doing CrossFit workouts again with a friend. I’m still healing, but I’m back to doing the activities I love.

I would absolutely recommend coming in for a consultation, even if you’re just curious. I wasn’t sure about doing a home birth with my first, but after meeting the midwives and seeing the environment, I felt so comfortable. If there’s even a small part of you that’s curious about birth centers, take a tour and meet the team. You’ll see the care they provide firsthand, and it might surprise you how empowering the experience can be. I think more moms would feel confident choosing this path if they just gave it a chance.
“I started a more holistic approach to life about four or five years before I found My Family Birth Center. My family was already on a path of choosing natural, organic options, so when we decided to get pregnant, choosing a birth center felt like the natural decision.”

“The first thing that drew me in was the aesthetic of the birth center. It’s beautiful, with big tubs, bright lighting, and a cozy atmosphere. It felt like home, but also like a clean, safe space to give birth. Touring the facility and meeting Loretta really sealed the deal. She has such a calming presence, and talking with her made me feel comfortable and at peace with our decision.”
Postpartum care was amazing. I’ve heard friends say they felt trapped in the hospital after birth, with constant monitoring when all they wanted was to go home. It was such a relief to give birth here and then head home to our own bed, where the midwives came to us for follow-ups. That was one of the best parts.

My recovery was challenging, though. I had a long labor — 27 hours, plus 24 hours of pre-labor — so I was exhausted. I’ve heard from others that recovery is easier after a home or birth center birth compared to the hospital because you aren’t waiting for medications to leave your system. I didn’t have that comparison, but I definitely felt like I got hit by a bus after my birth. It took me about four days to feel like I could stand, shower, and make breakfast without feeling like I’d pass out. But through all of that, the women here supported me. I never felt scared, rushed, or alone. They made me feel comfortable, empowered, and capable.

For me, the idea of being in a hospital was more stressful and concerning than being in a cozy, home-like environment. The birth center felt more hands-off, natural, and relaxed — which was exactly what I needed. I think it’s important for every woman to look inside herself and think about what feels right for her and her family.

If you have questions or concerns, talk to the midwives. They answered all of my questions and made me feel really comfortable, even sharing stats about how often women at the birth center need to transfer to a hospital. I researched a lot — reading books, listening to podcasts, and hearing other women’s birth stories. Knowing how many women choose this route empowered me to know that I could, too.

I’m so glad we made this choice. It was the right fit for us, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
“Before coming here, we gave birth at a hospital, and while it was a decent experience, it wasn’t exactly how I wanted my birth to go. It felt rushed, chaotic, and the end got a little traumatic. That experience made me decide that for any future children, we would take a different route — that’s when I found My Family Birth Center.”

“My biggest hope for this birth was that it would be more relaxed and less stressful. I wanted a peaceful environment without all the chaos, and my biggest wish was to be able to labor in the tub, which I couldn’t do at the hospital. From my first conversations with the midwives, I felt like our values and beliefs about childbirth aligned perfectly. We shared a natural, holistic approach, and that made me feel confident this was the right place.”
When I finally came into the birth center to have my baby, it was such a calm experience. I hung out in the room, labored peacefully, and wasn’t bothered or rushed. We did our own thing, and when my baby was born, it was just very chill. That’s how I describe my birth here — peaceful and calm. It was nothing like my hospital birth.

My postpartum recovery has been amazing, and that’s been one of the biggest differences. After my first birth, I struggled with postpartum anxiety and depression, which I think was partly because of the trauma from that experience. This time, I haven’t struggled with any of that. We’ve just been able to recover at home, and it’s been a really great experience.

One part of my preparation for this birth was making it a more spiritual experience. I created a Christian playlist to listen to during labor, and as soon as I stepped into the birth room, I felt the presence of angels. I could picture my baby coming earthside, and it was such a deeply spiritual and meaningful moment for me.

I wish I had known from the beginning that I could have the birth I wanted. I feel like many women aren’t educated enough about childbirth and just assume they have to do things the way hospitals say. The norm isn’t ideal for everyone, and there are so many options that allow you to trust your body and your baby. Learning about the stages of labor and what to expect beforehand can take away a lot of fear. It’s normal to be scared, but you don’t have to be afraid of the birth process itself. Your body and baby know what to do.

I highly recommend My Family Birth Center. It made such a difference for me. My labor and postpartum experiences here were so much better than my hospital birth, and I’m grateful for the care and support I received throughout the entire process.
“Before coming here, I’d had four other births. My first birth was at a hospital, and I remember leaving feeling absolutely terrible and depleted. They kept waking me up, poking me, and I ended up with more infections from what they did. It was just rough. With my second, I went to a birth center, and it turned out great because I arrived, had my baby in 10 minutes, and didn’t have to stay and lose more sleep. My third birth was back at a hospital, and while it was okay, I still left feeling more exhausted than when I arrived because they kept waking me up. It was draining.”

“For my last birth, I had a home birth, and it was an incredible experience. It was calm and peaceful, and my biggest worry — the cleanup — wasn’t an issue at all. The team handled everything quickly and professionally, which was such a relief. I didn’t have to worry about my house being a mess afterward.”
This time around, I was more worried, partly because my mom had passed away a month before, and I hadn’t prepared as well as I usually do. I was also having more back labor, which made me nervous that it would be a long birth. When I called Loretta, she immediately told me what to do — to lean forward because the baby had turned the wrong way. I was amazed at how quickly things progressed after following her advice. What could have been a long, hard labor turned into a quick and peaceful birth.

One of the things I loved most about having my baby at home with My Family Birth Center’s team was how quiet and respectful they were. I don’t like people talking to me when I’m in labor — I go into my own world — and they completely understood that. They helped me through the process without being intrusive, and it was just what I needed.

Choosing My Family Birth Center felt like a no-brainer. I had worked with them before and knew they were good people who I trusted. That familiarity was so reassuring. Knowing who’s going to be with you during birth makes a huge difference, especially when not everyone you meet in medical settings has the same approach or understanding.

At other places, I’ve often felt like things were pushed on me — decisions about vaccinations or interventions — and I prefer a natural approach. Here, they gave me the information I needed without judgment, allowing me to make my own choices. That’s something I really appreciated. They supported my decisions without pressuring me one way or the other.

I feel so comfortable with the team at My Family Birth Center. They’ve always made me feel respected and cared for, and I’ve never felt pressured into making decisions I wasn’t comfortable with. It’s a relief to know that when I go there, I’m working with people I genuinely like and trust.
“I went to a normal clinic at first, and it felt very routine and impersonal. They’d tell me, ‘Show up, here’s what we’re doing, see you in a couple weeks.’ It didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to connect with someone who would explain what was happening with my body and my pregnancy on a deeper level. That’s exactly what I got at My Family Birth Center.”
From the moment I met Loretta, she was the sweetest person. She explained every step of my pregnancy, what to expect, and how to prepare for birth. It wasn’t just appointments — it was a process that made me feel cared for and informed.

I’m a United States Marine. I’ve been deployed before, and nothing has made me as nervous as the idea of giving birth. It’s that same mix of heightened excitement and fear because you’re stepping into the unknown. But joining this team gave me the confidence I needed. They prepared me mentally and physically, and that made all the difference.

I tell all my friends to check out My Family Birth Center. I show them the birth photography from my experience and say, ‘This changed me.’ I’ve had people call and say they’re going to do it just based on that.

People’s biggest fears with birth centers tend to be around emergencies or pain management. But birth is often painted as this scary life event when, in reality, it’s one of the most beautiful, life-changing experiences. It’s right up there with getting married and buying a house — it’s a defining moment.

Having my birth at My Family Birth Center was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was peaceful, pain-free, and they prepared me better than any book or video ever could. The staff interactions gave me the confidence to make this part of my motherhood journey, and I’m forever grateful for that.
“My first child was born in a hospital, but I felt there was so much closed-mindedness. People make you feel like you can’t do it on your own. I decided to make the switch to a birth center after seeing other women give birth naturally and realizing it’s possible. It had always been in the back of my mind — I wondered if I could do it — and I finally decided to go for it.”
I found My Family Birth Center through a simple Google search. What stood out to me was that they had more room options and a more personable atmosphere. In the hospital, the nurses and doctors are on a routine. The doctor is only with you for the short time it takes to push the baby out, and then they leave. At the birth center, they’re with you the whole time, treating you like a queen.

My husband was much more involved at the birth center. He helped catch the baby and was by my side the whole time. At the hospital, with an epidural, you’re numb, lying in a big bed, and your husband just sits on the side. The birth center encourages movement and different positions, and at one point, I was leaning on my husband for support. It brought us closer during the experience.

I felt so much more empowered after giving birth at the center. I know exactly where to go and who to call for our next baby. The midwives are professionals with extensive training, and they care deeply about your birthing plan and your needs. They support you every step of the way.

If someone was unsure about choosing a birth center, I’d tell them to go for it. Trust the professionals. If you want a more personal, supportive experience, it’s the best choice you can make.
“My first three births were in hospitals, and I always felt like I wasn’t supported. They just jumped to offer epidurals without really helping me through the process. By the time I had my third baby during COVID, I knew I couldn’t do the hospital again — it was a breaking point for me.”
When I met Loretta at the birthing center, she gave me a hug, and I felt instantly connected. It wasn’t sterile or clinical like a hospital. It felt like home — calm, beautiful, and peaceful.

Having my husband by my side the whole time, with no nurses interrupting, made it such a special experience. It was just us, my midwife, and my sister. It felt like I was in control of my birth.

My midwife made me breakfast after the birth — bacon, eggs, and toast — and brought it to me in bed. We left an hour after I had the baby and were home by lunchtime. Two days later, she came to my house for the baby’s checkup. It was so personal and caring.

If someone is hesitant, I’d say come visit. It’s a night and day difference from a hospital. Midwives aren’t weird. They’re normal people who can do everything the hospital does — but with real compassion and care. Just come and see for yourself.
“When I came to do a consultation at the birthing center, I knew immediately this was where I wanted to be. I liked my home, but I didn’t want to give birth there. The birthing center gave me the best of both worlds — I could have my birth here, and then go home afterward.”

“The midwives provided comfort and clear instructions while I labored at home. They encouraged me to rest, hydrate, and relax, making the whole process more enjoyable. By the time I arrived at the birthing center, everything went smoothly.”
The biggest difference between a hospital and a birthing center is that my birth plan was accepted from the start. I didn’t have to explain my wishes over and over. They were on board from day one, and even offered helpful suggestions to make my unmedicated birth successful.

I delivered my baby in the water, and it was such a cool experience. I wasn’t connected to machines or IVs, which made everything so much more relaxing. After the birth, they gave clear instructions for taking vitals and then stepped out to let me enjoy quiet time with my baby. There were no constant disruptions like in a hospital.

If someone is unsure, I would say there’s no harm in coming in for a consultation. The environment speaks for itself. It feels peaceful from the moment you walk in, and you’ll be surrounded by people who know how to guide you through an unmedicated birth with confidence.

I’ve done both an unmedicated hospital birth and a birthing center birth, and the difference is night and day. The birthing center made me feel more empowered, educated, and supported throughout the entire process. The midwives are by your side every step of the way, encouraging you to do one of the most empowering things in your life.

If you’re thinking about it, go all in. You’ll be well taken care of, supported, and equipped to have the birth experience you truly want.
“I came to the birth center after hearing about it from a friend. I wanted something different from my hospital births. With my third baby, I delivered so quickly that I realized I didn’t need medication. I wanted to try an unmedicated birth, and the birth center felt like the best fit for that.”

“The midwives were so supportive throughout my entire pregnancy. They helped me believe that I could do this — that I was born for this. Their encouragement gave me the faith in myself to make it through labor unmedicated. It was an incredible experience during both labor and recovery.”
I had two miscarriages before this baby, and the birth center team was there for me through those experiences. They cared more about me as a person than about numbers or finances. They made sure I wasn’t left with a financial burden, and they helped me heal emotionally and physically.

During my pregnancy, no matter how worried or scared I was, they were always there to help. They made me feel seen and cared for, unlike the hospital where I sometimes felt like just another number. The birth team was fully invested in me throughout my labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

If I could go back to my first birth, I wish I would have known that birth centers are an option. I didn’t know there was another way besides the hospital. I’m grateful now to know that there are places like this where women can feel fully supported before, during, and after birth.

My recovery at the birth center was the best of my four births. Even though I’m older now and my body feels worn out from having kids, my healing was smoother than ever. The midwives gave me the option to heal naturally at home, and it made such a difference. If I’d known how much better the physical and mental recovery could be with a birth center, I would have done this from the beginning.

The birth center isn’t just about giving birth — it’s about feeling empowered, supported, and cared for. This was the best birthing experience I’ve ever had.
“Giving birth at a hospital was never really an option for me. I’d seen all the stories and posts on Instagram, and they rarely seemed positive. Deep down, I knew I wanted a water birth or home birth if possible, so the hospital was out of the question from the start.”
The experience at the birth center was so inclusive, especially with my husband. From the moment we got there, they asked him how involved he wanted to be — whether he just wanted to watch, be hands-on, or even be in the tub with me. It made such a difference to have him right there, fully included, which wouldn’t have happened at a hospital. It strengthened our bond because there wasn’t a room full of people taking over.

I feel so much more empowered after giving birth at the birth center. They taught me how to advocate for myself. When I was seeing an OB, I never really spoke up. I didn’t want to upset her or damage the relationship we had built. But here, Loretta made it clear that it was my birth plan, and they were there to make it happen exactly how I wanted.

Everyone is so scared to speak up for themselves during birth, especially if it’s their first time. I was scared too — I didn’t know how to ask the right questions or advocate for what I wanted. But after getting a tour of the birth center, I felt so much more secure. I could ask questions without fear of being turned down, and they made me feel safe.

Looking back, I know this was the best decision I could’ve made. Moving forward, I have a much better mentality about what I want for future births. If we have baby number two, there’s no question — we’re coming back to the birth center.
“The idea of giving birth in a hospital never appealed to me. The thought of bright lights, noise, and a chaotic environment made me uncomfortable. I didn’t want to feel like I wasn’t in charge of my own birth experience.”
I found My Family Birth Center through a friend who had her second child there. She shared how much control she had over her birth and how personalized the experience was. Hearing her story helped me realize this was exactly what I wanted when it came time to start my family.

Walking into the birth center for the first time, I immediately noticed the warmth of the environment — even the purple walls felt inviting. Meeting Loretta for the first time was also such a positive experience. She was friendly and caring, and I never felt like just another patient walking through the doors.

My husband was included in every step of the process. The midwives invited him to feel the baby’s position and explained the ultrasounds to him in detail. It was clear that this experience was meant for both of us, which made it feel more special.

The care we received here was far more individualized than what we would have experienced in a hospital. I love that the sign on the door says, ‘Have a voice.’ That’s exactly how I felt during both of my births here — respected, empowered, and heard.
“When I first came to My Family Birth Center and met with Loretta, it was so reassuring to finally have someone affirm everything I had been feeling about birth. It was comforting to hear from someone so knowledgeable and experienced that birth is a normal, physiological process and doesn’t have to be medicalized. She helped me feel confident that I wouldn’t be forced into a medicalized birth if that wasn’t what I wanted.”
There are so many misconceptions about birth centers. People hear the term and think it’s dangerous or that the midwives aren’t licensed, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The midwives here are medical professionals who are highly experienced in the normal birth process. It’s just a different model than what you’d find in a hospital.

One of the biggest issues with hospital births is that many women simply accept everything their doctor tells them without knowing they have other options. They don’t realize they can question the process, speak up for themselves, and choose something different. The care at My Family Birth Center focuses on those options — giving women more control and a voice in their birth experience.

My wish for women, especially those who have been traumatized by medicalized births, is to know that there’s more than one option. You don’t have to do everything your doctor says without exploring what feels right for you. Choosing a birth center can lower the risk of having a traumatic birth or experiencing postpartum depression. It’s a chance to have a peaceful birth that leaves you feeling empowered and strong.

It’s important for women to know that birth doesn’t have to be something they endure — it can be a peaceful, powerful experience. My Family Birth Center makes that possible.
“I realized I didn’t want to have a traditional, medical-system type of birth. I was drawn to the midwife approach — the way they educate you and help you take charge of your health and your baby’s well-being. I wanted to be more active in my care and have a more natural experience.”

“I chose My Family Birth Center because of their holistic care and natural approach to birth. The people here were a big part of my decision. Even though I had moved further away, it was more important to me to stick with a team I knew and trusted. Familiarity matters when it comes to something as important as childbirth, and knowing that my health share would work with them made it an easy choice.”
I figured that women have been having babies for thousands of years without epidurals or heavy interventions, and they’ve done just fine. I wasn’t high-risk, so I thought, ‘Why not me?’ I read a lot of birth stories from people who had natural births outside of hospitals, and it gave me the confidence to choose this path.

I really appreciated the nutrition advice the midwives gave me, and they even recommended some exercise videos that helped me prepare for my first birth. It’s those little nuggets of knowledge that made a big difference. Plus, they were always willing to answer any questions I had, which made me feel supported throughout the entire process.

The environment at My Family Birth Center was perfect for me. I loved the dimmed lights and the lower-intervention approach. The midwives did their best to put me at ease by standing back and letting nature take its course, but they were always ready to step in if needed. That balance of support and trust in the natural process was exactly what I wanted.

I had considered going with a midwife closer to home, but when I saw their paperwork and policies, it really stressed me out. I knew I needed to go back to where I felt more familiar and comfortable. Coming back to My Family Birth Center just felt right. It was the best decision for me and my family.
“The powerful part of this experience is that the hospital takes you out of your home, out of your routine, and away from your other children. If you have a C-section, you’re out of your space for three days. But at My Family Birth Center, I was in and out in seven hours. It was my third birth, and we came in at 12:45, and by 8:00 p.m., we were home to put our kids to bed. That was amazing.”

“I’ve always been naturally inclined toward a natural birth. It’s something that intrigued me, and I did my research. I took classes and had one-on-one coaching to prepare, but when I showed up to the hospital, I was met with strangers — an old doctor in an old hospital. No one was on my team. I ended up with a lot of birth trauma because they threw me in stirrups, which is the worst position for a natural birth. I didn’t have an epidural, and I was pushing in that position, feeling completely stuck. That trauma stayed with me, and I had to go through years of therapy to process it.”
When I got pregnant with my third, nine years after my first birth, I told my husband, ‘I am not staying in a hospital again.’ That’s when we found My Family Birth Center. My husband didn’t even know places like this existed, but once he saw it, he was on board. He Googled, found the center in Ogden, and made an appointment. From our first visit, we connected with Loretta. He was telling jokes with her, and every appointment after that felt like visiting a friend. It wasn’t clinical; it was personal.

What really stood out was how involved my husband could be. The birth center has queen-size beds, which meant we could rest together as a family. It wasn’t just me laboring alone in a sterile hospital room while he sat on the sidelines. He was there with me, part of the process, and it made the experience feel intimate and special. It was about our relationship and our baby’s arrival into this world together.

The day our baby was born felt like a miracle that had been nine years in the making. Loretta was so integral in that story. Her warmth and care, combined with her medical expertise, made all the difference. The birth center had everything we needed — state-of-the-art equipment, medical tools, and the knowledge to handle any situation. For example, after the baby was born, it became clear that my placenta needed to come out faster than my body was handling it. They used Pitocin and oxygen, and I appreciated how the intervention was done with consent and knowledge. It wasn’t forced; it was a decision we made together.

People think that natural birth means no intervention at all, but that’s not true. What I wanted was knowledgeable, consented intervention. At the birth center, they had the tools to help me without the pressure or stress you might feel in a hospital. That made all the difference in feeling safe and cared for.

We return to the memory of that birth over and over again. It reminds us of the beauty of life and the miracles that happen when you trust the process. Loretta helped us have the birth we dreamed of — one that brought peace and healing after years of trauma. It was the kind of experience that changes your life forever.
“Having four kids before coming to My Family Birth Center, we felt like something had been missing from each of those experiences. With our first, we went into it completely uninformed, doing exactly what the doctor told us. We didn’t know there were other options. The whole process felt rushed, and afterward, Emily said she felt like she’d been hit by a bus — everything hurt.”

“With our second, it was still a hospital birth, and the doctor we’d planned on didn’t even show up. We spent the whole day waiting for the baby to come after being induced. It was better than the first, but still not great.”

“By the time we had our third, we tried Hypnobirthing and had a natural birth at the hospital. But that was one of the worst experiences. We had to check in at the ER in the middle of the night, surrounded by people with broken bones and coughing. The ER staff didn’t even believe she was in labor until we finally got to the room, and they realized she was already at a seven.”

“Even then, we had to fight the staff to let Emily labor in the tub, and it was a constant battle to get what we wanted. After the birth, they left her alone in a dark room for two hours without me or the baby, which was traumatic. For the record, we decided after that experience that I would stay with the baby in the hospital to make sure she wasn’t left alone again. But even then, it wasn’t what we wanted.”
We knew after that we couldn’t go back to a hospital. We wanted a peaceful childbirth, not one full of interventions and stress. That’s when we started looking into other options and found My Family Birth Center during COVID. The moment we walked in, it felt peaceful and calm. We could bring our kids to appointments, and it felt like coming home. Loretta was incredible. She made sure we never felt alone, always explaining things and supporting us.

I think my favorite part was stepping out of the car, walking across the sidewalk, and having Loretta waiting for us with everything ready. We’ve had all our babies in the middle of the night, and it was so comforting to know everything was prepped, cozy, and conducive to having a baby.

The biggest difference was how included I felt. In the hospital, I was usually on the sidelines, but at the birth center, I was a part of the process. I even got to catch our fifth child, something no one had ever offered before. Loretta just said, ‘You’re going to catch, right?’ And I thought, ‘Yeah, I am!’ That experience of being involved, of not feeling like a spectator, was life-changing.

Emily’s favorite part was leaving the birth center after just a few hours and having the team come to our house for follow-up care. There’s something incredible about being in your own space, with your baby, without the clinical atmosphere of a hospital.

After our third birth, I remember having to go to therapy for years to process the birth trauma. But after our birth center experience, it was healing — not just for Emily, but for both of us. The birth center experience brought us closer together. We weren’t separated by hospital protocols. I had my baby in my arms, and I had Emily in my arms. That bonding was unlike anything we’d experienced before.

I felt more support here than I ever did in a hospital — continuous support, not just someone popping in and out of the room. Even during COVID, when restrictions were everywhere, they made us feel like family. Loretta even made me breakfast when I was starving in the middle of it all. That’s the level of care you get here. It’s not just medical care; it’s personal. You feel welcome, supported, and comfortable.

I’m passionate about helping women realize they have options. You don’t have to follow the hospital’s protocols like a factory assembly line. You can educate yourself, understand what your body is capable of, and have a peaceful, empowering birth experience.

And guys — don’t be afraid to be involved. I had more support and felt more included here than I ever did in a hospital. It’s a different kind of birth experience, one that brings families together. For us, it was life-changing, and we’re forever grateful for it.
“Having four kids before coming to My Family Birth Center, we always felt like something was missing from each birth. With our first, we went in completely uninformed, doing exactly what the doctor told us. It felt rushed, and afterward, Emily said she felt like she’d been hit by a bus — everything hurt. With our second, the doctor we planned on didn’t even show up, and we spent the whole day waiting for the baby to come after being induced. By the time we had our third, we tried Hypnobirthing and went natural at the hospital. But that was one of the worst experiences. We had to check in at the ER in the middle of the night, surrounded by people with broken bones and coughing. They didn’t believe she was in labor until they realized she was already at a seven. Even then, we had to fight the staff to let her labor in the tub. It was a constant battle to get what we wanted, and after the birth, they left her alone in a dark room for two hours without me or the baby. That was traumatic.”

“We knew after that we couldn’t go back to a hospital. We wanted a peaceful childbirth, not one full of interventions and stress. When we found My Family Birth Center, we knew we were in the right place. From the moment we walked in, it felt peaceful and calm. We could bring our kids to appointments, and it felt like coming home.”
I think my favorite part was stepping out of the car, walking across the sidewalk, and having Loretta waiting for us with everything ready. We’ve had all our babies in the middle of the night, and it was so comforting to know everything was prepped, cozy, and conducive to having a baby.

In the hospital, I was usually on the sidelines, but at the birth center, I was part of the process. I even got to catch our fifth child, something no one had ever offered before. Loretta just said, ‘You’re going to catch, right?’ And I thought, ‘Yeah, I am!’ That experience of being involved, of not feeling like a spectator, was life-changing.

Emily’s favorite part was leaving the birth center after just a few hours and having the team come to our house for follow-up care. There’s something incredible about being in your own space, with your baby, without the clinical atmosphere of a hospital. After our third birth, I remember having to go to therapy for years to process the trauma. But after our birth center experience, it was healing — not just for Emily, but for both of us.

The birth center experience brought us closer together. We weren’t separated by hospital protocols. I had my baby in my arms, and I had Emily in my arms. That bonding was unlike anything we’d experienced before. I felt more support here than I ever did in a hospital — continuous support, not just someone popping in and out of the room. Even during COVID, when restrictions were everywhere, they made us feel like family.

Loretta even made me breakfast when I was starving in the middle of it all. That’s the level of care you get here. It’s not just medical care; it’s personal. You feel welcome, supported, and comfortable.

I’m passionate about helping women realize they have options. You don’t have to follow the hospital’s protocols like a factory assembly line. You can educate yourself, understand what your body is capable of, and have a peaceful, empowering birth experience.

And guys — don’t be afraid to be involved. I had more support and felt more included here than I ever did in a hospital. It’s a different kind of birth experience, one that brings families together. For us, it was life-changing, and we’re forever grateful for it.
“My name is Holly Arnold. We are military, and we’ve never really had a whole lot of options except to give birth on base. Giving birth on base, it’s definitely never an option to bring your kids, and that was a big selling point for me — that my family could be involved. My husband was there, my three kids, my parents, my little sister, and my mother-in-law. It was really special.”

“I’ve always delivered my children naturally, but I’ve always done it in a hospital, and I’ve always had to fight hospital staff that I didn’t want an epidural. That was always really, really irritating.”

“I found My Family Birth Center online through my insurance website, and I didn’t even know that was an option. I don’t know why birthing centers are such a secret or something that’s undiscovered. I absolutely loved my experience here — being able to have my husband, my kids, and my parents in the room. And having my husband so involved was really, really great.”
I actually had gestational diabetes with this pregnancy, and I was really scared that I’d be told I had to go to the hospital and stay with an OB. But the birthing center was very happy to bring me on. I did have to control it, but they stayed really on top of it, and that was very comforting.

With every birth in the hospital, I’ve never been allowed to have a whole lot of options outside of epidurals for pain management. They never allowed us to stand in the shower or be in a tub, and doing that here was such an improvement. I’ve ripped in the past while giving birth, and I didn’t rip at all this time. This was the first birth where, as soon as I was done, I felt completely fine. I felt great.

At this birthing center, it was so cozy. It felt like being at home — except I didn’t have to clean up the mess after.

I definitely felt much more listened to here than I ever have in the hospital. In the hospital, I’ve always had to fight hospital staff who kept pushing me to get an epidural. Constantly, they’d ask, ‘Are you sure you don’t want an epidural, hon? Are you sure you’re okay?’ And while you’re in labor, that’s the worst question to be asked when you don’t want one.

Here, they never asked if I wanted an epidural. Instead, they were constantly monitoring my comfort. They’d ask, ‘Do you want to get in the shower? Do you want to sit in the tub? Are you okay where you’re at?’ They were really on top of making sure I was comfortable and safe. I felt very safe here.

I really loved how, at My Family Birth Center, I was able to direct the energy of the room. I brought pictures of Christ and placed them in the room. I also brought pictures of my grandmother and great-grandmother, who have passed away. I really felt their presence during my pregnancy and actually named my baby after my great-grandmother. I told Loretta, during my appointments, that it was important to me to have the spirit in the room — and that’s exactly what I felt.
“My name is Jasmine Grace Babbit. We run a homestead, so there’s lots of birth going on all the time — it’s kind of just my thing, I guess.”

“My journey with finding a birth center actually started with my first child seven years ago. We did HypnoBirthing at Logan Regional, and I had a really great coach. But the second I stepped into the hospital, the nurse looked at me and said, ‘You look like a mom who’s going to want an epidural. I highly suggest it.’ Later, I found out they just had a lot of births that day and didn’t want to deal with it. That was my first step toward wanting a more natural birth.”

“We ended up getting an epidural, which I didn’t want, but I felt forced into it. The baby was healthy, and that was the most important thing at the time.”
My second baby was born during COVID, and I got really sick at 39 weeks. I was hospitalized, and everyone was in hazmat suits. It was a terrible experience. They told me I couldn’t deliver naturally, that nobody could be with me — I was alone. It was really scary. After that birth, I told my husband, ‘No more babies. I’m traumatized.

Then, I got pregnant again, and one of my friends had her baby with Loretta and My Family Birth Center. Meeting Loretta and the team just felt like coming home. Every idea I had, every concern I had about natural birth — Loretta was on my side. The team felt like family.

My last two births had been really traumatic, so I was scared. I tear really badly, and I had a lot of stress going into labor. I was afraid that if something went wrong, we wouldn’t be in a hospital. But everyone here assured me, ‘We only deliver your baby if you’re healthy, the baby’s healthy, and everything should go smoothly.’ That was really comforting.

The staff here is very welcoming. It just feels like home.

The birth was easy. I called the midwives, and I was probably dilated to a nine by the time I called them. I actually labored a lot by myself — I locked myself in my closet and just labored there. When I finally called, they reassured me they were on their way.

Brenn, the midwife who ended up delivering my baby, came in as I was in the bathtub. She rubbed my back, reassured me, and everything went smoothly. Honestly, the baby just came out really quickly. Loretta grabbed the baby, brought it right up to me, and it was like a movie-perfect birth.

I’m not afraid anymore. I’m like, ‘I could have ten more babies!

My biggest message to all mothers out there is that birth is not a medical emergency. There’s so much fear around birth, but if you have the right team and the right support, and if you’re healthy and taking care of yourself, it should be a beautiful, wonderful experience.

Loretta teaches you to be in sync with your baby and to listen to your baby. That’s not something I ever got taught in a hospital.

If you’re considering having your baby here, I’d say, ‘What’s the harm in coming and meeting the staff?’ Once you meet them, and you see that you can do your birth the way you want, you’ll never look back.
“My name is Holly Arnold. We are military, and we’ve never really had a whole lot of options except to give birth on base. While giving birth on base, it’s definitely never an option to bring your kids. That was a big selling point for me — that my family could be involved. My husband was there, my three kids, my parents, my little sister, and my mother-in-law. That made it really special.”

“I’ve always delivered my children naturally, but I’ve always done it in a hospital. And I’ve always had to fight hospital staff because I didn’t want an epidural. That was always really, really irritating.”

“When I was online on my insurance website, My Family Birth Center popped up. I didn’t even know that was an option! I don’t know why birthing centers are such a secret or something that’s undiscovered. I absolutely loved my experience here — being able to have my husband, my kids, and my parents in the room. And having my husband so involved was really great.”
A challenge that I had with this pregnancy was that I actually had gestational diabetes. I’d never had that before, and I was really scared that I’d be told I had to go to the hospital and stay with an OB. But the birthing center was very happy to bring me on. I did have to control it, but they stayed really on top of it, which was very comforting.

At the hospital, I was never allowed to have a lot of options outside of epidurals for pain management. They never let me stand in the shower or be in a tub. Doing that here was such an improvement! I’ve ripped in the past while giving birth, but this time I didn’t rip at all. This was the first birth where, as soon as I was done, I felt completely fine.

It was so cozy here. It felt like being at home, except I didn’t have to clean the mess after.

I definitely felt much more listened to here than I ever have in the hospital. In the hospital, I always had to fight staff who kept pushing me to get an epidural. Constantly, they’d ask, ‘Are you sure you don’t want an epidural, hon?’ And while you’re in labor, that’s the worst question to be asked when you don’t want one.

Here, they never asked if I wanted an epidural. Instead, they were always monitoring my comfort: ‘Do you want to get in the shower? Do you want to sit in the tub? Are you okay where you’re at?’ They were really on top of making sure I was comfortable and safe. I felt very safe here.

At My Family Birth Center, I was able to direct the energy of the room. I brought pictures of Christ and placed them in the room. I also brought pictures of my grandmother and great-grandmother, who have passed away. I really felt their presence during my pregnancy and actually named my baby after my great-grandmother.

I told Loretta during my appointments that it was important to me to have the spirit in the room. And that’s exactly what I felt.
“My name is Caitlyn Gerlock. Leading up to getting pregnant, I had a friend who chose My Family Birth Center for her birth experience, and she had great things to say. Just two months after she gave birth here, I found out I was pregnant. This was the only place I even considered. Beyond my friend’s experience, I’m generally a more holistically minded person, and the birth center’s approach really aligned with my wellness goals.”

“My experience throughout was nothing short of phenomenal. Every single visit, I felt valued and cared for. They were asking all the right questions — not just about the physical aspects of pregnancy, but about my diet, my mental health, and even touching on spirituality. I had heard from others that hospital experiences were very different. This felt more intentional and personal.”
It honestly felt like God’s timing. My friend’s experience was fresh in my mind, and two months later, I was pregnant. It was like He was putting this opportunity in front of me and saying, ‘This is where you need to go.

I would specifically call out Anastasia. She was one of the attending midwives who ended up being at my birth, and her and I really connected during my prenatal appointments. My water started breaking on a Monday, and by Tuesday night, I was concerned. Out of nowhere, Anastasia texted me. She had been in her postpartum period and hadn’t heard from me in weeks, but she said she felt called to be part of my birth story. That gave me so much peace of mind. It was like, ‘Wow, God’s in control. His timing is right.

At 11:45, I woke up, and our doula came to the house. Apparently, my husband and I weren’t monitoring contractions very well, because when the doula arrived, she calmly said, ‘Your contractions are two minutes apart. We should probably get to the birth center.’ Sophie was born at 2:38. The midwives were able to get the water ready for me, and I had the water birth I had planned, which was phenomenal. It definitely helped with pain management.

The best part of the story is that Anastasia helped deliver Sophie while wearing her own baby. If I can summarize my experience with My Family Birth Center, it’s that everything feels so personal. Every appointment and interaction with the midwives feels like it’s just between you and them. They spend intentional time with you, and you never feel rushed.