Home Birth Service of Los Angeles

These women are Awesome. Tempted by a home birth? Do yourself a favor and meet with these extremely qualified and skilled licensed and certified nurse midwives.
Okay, so I didn’t exactly consider myself the type of chick who would do a home birth. I thought those types of ladies were all natural and super health conscious and hippy dippy. As it turns out, I am exactly the type of chick who does home birth, because it’s not about how much granola you eat, it’s about playing by your own rules.
I ended up in the care of these wonderful women because I wanted to reduce the likelihood of having a C-​Section and believed that a stress free environment would help me to achieve that. I knew a hospital birth where I would likely be restricted to a bed with wires and tubes hooked up to me, while being discouraged from eating (I love eating) would probably stress me out, so laboring at home seemed ideal to increase the likelihood of a vaginal birth.
My prenatal care was personalized and extremely thourogh. I had begun my pregnancy under doctors care due to insurance, so in comparing the two forms of care I received I must say that Leslie and Catherine took a lot more time in analyzing my medical history and treating me accordingly. I never felt like just another patient on the assembly line, but rather like a person they knew well and were committed to. As for their medical advice and opinions, they were actually more strict than the doctors I had seen, which was both comforting and hilarious. For example, they were passionate about reminding me to take my iron supplements (anemic chick here, as discovered under their watchful eyes) and reminded me both in person and over the phone. Even my most skeptical family members were rendered calm when faced with their medical expertise.
As for the actual labor, they helped me to enjoy (ha!) exactly what I had envisioned. (Except the eating part. Yes, I ate. Yes, those five grapes I choked down reappeared later. A midwife can’t stop that). By laboring at home I was able to roam from room to room and find the most comfortable place to contract at that moment. There was no beeping, no machines, no one bossing me around. (My labor, my rules)! My midwife (you get whomever is on call) checked the babies heart rate very often, and checked me periodically, but generally just observed and let nature work. She stepped in when necessary, and made sure everything was progressing healthily. At the end she and her assistant facilitated the pushing process while maintaining a calm atmosphere.
Thanks to Leslie and Catherine I was able to have a stress-​free labor, on my own terms, in my own bed. I got the added bonus of pulling my baby out, which you don’t really hear about in hospital births. After it was over my midwife helped baby and I learn the nursing process (haven’t had a problem there yet). She and her incredible assistant Cheryl then looked after my wellbeing and cleaned up the already contained mess from the birth. All in all, it was the best prenatal to birth journey ever. Go ahead and leave yourself in their capable and loving hands.

We were so grateful to have been referred to Leslie and Catherine when we got pregnant: we worked with them throughout the pregnancy, and appreciated their knowledge and skill as well as their warmth.
We were also happy to have so much say in our care throughout the process. We did several hospital visits during the pregnancy (our insurance covered the blood-​work and ultrasound if we did it at the hospital), and we felt like it was a very «one size fits all» approach. Leslie and Catherine, on the other hand, educated us on our choices, but ultimately let us make as many of the decisions as possible. We felt like we had two extremely knowledgable guides leading us through the experience.
In the end, we ended up transferring to the hospital because my water started leaking and meaningful contractions didn’t start within the given 24-​hour period. But Catherine (who was the one «on call» for our birth) came to see us in the hospital and check up on me and the baby there, and then did a home-​visit two days after we got home.
Even though we delivered in the hospital, we would not change a thing in our pre and post-​birth care, and if and when we have baby #2, we hope to be able to work with these two wonderful women again.

If you want a home birth, look no further. Catherine and Leslie are pros and answer all your questions, before you even ask them. I completely trust their skill more than any doctor. I saw them from start to finish. It was my first pregnancy. All of our appointments were so lovely. We never had to wait in the waiting room. They were completely supportive of me not vaccinating my baby. They truly love what they do and don’t do it for the money. They definitely don’t get paid enough for what they do. I had a 36 hour labor and 6 hours of pushing, Catherine was patient and supportive the entire time. Had I chose to go the hospital route they definitely would have given me a c-​section. I thank God everyday for them.

This review is long overdue. Leslie delivered my daughter at home 8 months ago.
My first daughter was born in a hospital and I was left feeling like something was missing. I was never really satisfied with my birth experience (and often times mad, got hooked up to pitocin then threatened with a c-​section because my labor wasn’t progressing fast enough and it would be «better for the baby»), but we all made it out healthy so I never complained or looked back.
Until I got pregnant with my second. All I knew was that I didn’t want the same experience. So I started my research about home birth and knew it was what I wanted to do (although I was nervous about it). But when I switched my prenatal care over to Leslie and Catherine I began to feel at ease and confidant in my choice. I really enjoyed my visits with them and when the big day came Leslie calmly came over to my house, soon followed by her assistance. Even in the middle of active labor I didn’t for a second wish I was at a hospital or want any of the things they hook you up to. I felt more confidant, powerful, whole, calm, loved and supported being at home with my loved ones and with Leslie than I ever would have in a hospital.
I since have recommended a friend to Leslie and Catherine. She also had a wonderful experience with them. I miss going to see them! I want to have another baby just to have that experience again. And I regret that I didn’t know better when I was pregnant with my first. My first (and myself) deserved better than what we got at the hospital. Oh and… she was a 9lb baby delivered at home, which is way bigger that my first.

I used these two for my delivery with my son almost 2 years ago. The two of them were amazing. They were so calm and reassuring during both my pregnancy and delivery. Leslie made one of the greatest moment in life calm and manageable with her expertise and knowledge. I have no words to thank both her and Catherine and I will totally use them again when out next comes around.

Wonderful!
I went to Catherine and Leslie throughout my pregnancy. They answered all my questions and took their time with me at each and every visit. I felt very well cared for. Ultimately when it came time to have my baby boy my water started leaking at 37 weeks. My contractions never got strong enough and Catherine had to make the decision that it would be safest for us to go to the hospital.
I felt very safe in her hands and though I was sad I didn’t get the home birth I had hoped for, the right call was made at the right time to keep the baby and I safe. He was born vaginally, healthy and happy at Glendale Adventist with Dr. Wu. Catherine went to the hospital with us to get us settled and to fill in the doctor on how things had been going. After my son was born Catherine even came by the next day to check on us.
Excellent! Hope to see them again if/​when we are ready for another baby. Our son is 15 months old now.
Thank You Ladies!

Leslie and Catherine are incredibly skilled midwives with huge hearts. My pregnancy and birth were a dream come true thanks to these ladies, who allowed me to fully participate in every aspect of my care. Many important decisions about testing and procedures were deferred to my husband and me. As a first-​time mother, I had a sense of power that I believe would have been largely absent had I gone with a traditional obstetrical practice.
The birth experience was intense to say the least, as it should be. After all, another human being is coming into the world! There were moments during the peak of my labor when I wondered what in the world I’d gotten myself into and whether I’d come out on the other side in one piece, so to speak. All I needed to do was look at Leslie’s calm, confident face between my contractions, and I knew that I was okay. My son’s birth was perfect… the experience of a lifetime.
What I came to realize in the days immediately following the birth is that Leslie, Catherine, and their wonderful assistant Cheryl are not just providing exceptional prenatal care and safely delivering babies. With every birth they attend, they are bearing witness to a deeply personal, empowering and transformational process and ushering a family into a new stage of life. The value of this exchange cannot be measured. I still think of these ladies every day and silently thank them for the gifts they gave me as a mother and a woman.

My first pregnancy was at a hospital and although I had not really much to complain about I really had NO IDEA what I was missing by not doing my labor and delivery at home with a Midwife. I went with Leslie and Catherine for baby boy #2. The care, love and attention I got from Home Birth Service from day 1 was spectacular. I never waited for an appointment. Each visit I felt that all my questions got answered. I always enjoyed coming to my prenatal visits and grew to have a great relationship with both midwives by the end of my pregnancy. I felt like I was an individual and not part of a large group of women getting all the same treatment/​unnecessary interventions/​tests. Leslie and Catherine respected all my concerns and beliefs and never once made less of me. From their care I felt confident and worry free. (Something I did not feel on pregnancy #1).
When the big day arrived I called Catherine. It was 4am in the morning and she picked up her phone within 2 rings. In almost no time she was at my house and setting up to receive my beautiful baby boy. Even though this was baby #2, my home birth was a completely new experience for me. (I had received an epidural and pitocin at the hospital with baby #1). I can’t express in words how much Catherine and her assistant Michelle helped me thru my Labor. They were truly Angels sent down from Heaven and when I needed the most reassurance… (Transition) Catherine knew exactly what to say and do. In a few pushes my Riley was born and in my arms. They cared for us and cleaned the entire space right after birth. They even had a plate of food ready for me to eat as I climbed into bed with my newborn.
This is experience was far beyond 100x better than the care I could have received from any doctor or any hospital. My recovery has been so easy too. Which I believe has a lot to do with having no drugs or intervention this time.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Home Birth Service!!!

Everything about my experience with Home Birth Services has been phenomenal. I am absolutely pleased with the care provided to my wife by both Leslie Stewart and Catherine Williams. And as the father, I found the entire home birth to be very rewarding and intense (delightfully). Catherine’s guidance and demeanor during our son’s birth was both positive and empowering. Her focus was steadfast upon the health of our baby and his mother, while simultaneously ensuring her comfort throughout. Her expertise shone through when I watched her work.
My wife and I both could not recommend Home Birth Services enough.

Words cannot fully describe the amazing service I received from Catherine and Leslie. They are incredible ladies that are not only knowledgeable, they are personable as well. I came to them as a transfer from a doctor at 32 weeks. I got tired of feeling like just another number with my doctor and got the warmest welcome ever from Leslie and Catherine. This was my third child and felt pretty good about doing a home birth since my last two had also been with a midwife at a birthing center. But this time with them it was different. They took the time to answer all of my questions and concerns and they NEVER once invalidated me.
The night of my birth, Catherine quickly came over to my house with her amazing assistant Michelle, and was very calm and peaceful as my labor progressed. This by far was the hardest labor I had experienced, but Catherine kept me motivated and confident that I could indeed get through it when I wanted to give up. I couldn’t have asked for anything more. They stayed with me for a few hours after the birth and helped clean up and make sure baby and I were good before they left.
If you and any one you know are wanting to do a home birth, you need to use these women!!! It’ll be the best choice for you and your baby.

i have had two amazing pregnancies and home births while in the care of these awesome women. leslie, catherine and cheryl (asst.) are an incredible support system during one of the most magical times of a woman’s life.
they are knowledgeable, dependable, caring, charismatic individuals and i am forever grateful for the loving care i received during my pregnancy, home birth, and after my babies’ arrival.
they have all of the information you need when making the decision whether or not to birth at home (so completely safe!), as well as referrals to home birth friendly physicians, childbirth educators and doulas.
the office is comfortable and friendly. has lots of toys for your other children to play with and a lending library with tons of informative books on birth.
i love these ladies so much, i almost want to get pregnant again just to hang out with them… lol.
cant seem to find a website…