Testimonial:
I
feel sympathetic when I hear mothers talk about their birth experience
as something that they would rather forget. Our birth experience
at Simona's Natural Birth Center was wonderful. Simona is a caring
and knowledgeable midwife. The environment was home-like, soothing,
and relaxing. I felt completely comfortable with my surroundings
during labor.
I
really wanted a natural, drug-free, intervention-free birth because
I believe it is better for my baby. I doubt that I would have
been able to accomplish this in a hospital setting. Simona and
her staff were very encouraging and supportive. I had a long pushing
stage and Simona was patient. I felt like she believed in me and
my ability to give birth to my baby without intervention.
I
saw a doctor for my prenatal appointments before I found Simona.
I hated the prenatal exams with my doctor. We always had to wait
for what seemed like eternity in the waiting room only to be seen
by the doctor for two minutes. We felt like we were rushed during
our time with the doctor. Simona was generous with her time during
our pre- and postnatal appointments. I didn't like the whole idea
of a hospital birth either. How can a laboring woman be comfortable
in an environment that is new to her, with nurses that she has
never met? The doctor only shows up for the delivery. Simona was
with us throughout labor and delivery. I felt comfortable with
her because she always treated us with kindness.
During
my pregnancy, when I told people where we were planning on having
the baby, I was constantly told that I would regret not going
to a hospital, and that I would regret not having an epidural.
They were totally wrong. During labor, I felt very thankful for
where I was. I am happy with our birth experience. It was definitely
a positive experience. Thank you, Simona!!!
Sincerely,
Angela, Rob, and baby Ryan Dylan Jensen
|
Testimonial:
Our
experience at Simona's Natural Birth Center was amazing. She is
an absolutely wonderful midwife and nurse. Simona is very kind,
nurturing and cares about her "couples." I hesitate
to say "patients" because I never once felt sick nor
mistreated because I was pregnant. Most hospital treat pregnant
women as if they have an illness. Not to mention, their options
at the hospital are very limited and sometimes ignored. I had
interviewed many women and many of them told me the same story.
That they were forced to induce their labor, had different nurses
coming in and out, and my least favorite had a caesarian. That
is why I choose to have a natural underwater birth. My experience
was awesome and exactly what I had envisioned and wanted. Simona
listened to all my requests and followed through. For instance,
it was important to me to wait until the umbilical cord stop pulsating
before cutting it. As well as, laying the baby immediately on
my stomach. Those requests were very important to me and Simona
did them. I would encourage all women to experience a natural
underwater birth because it is relaxing and definitely an unforgettable
experience. I would do it again!!!
Julia,
Rhett, and baby Rhyss Luca Pascual
|
Testimonial:
As
we anticipated our first childbirth experience there was plenty
to learn and discover in the process. We decided that having a
natural birth and a water birth was the ideal scenario for many
reasons. Simona Natural Birth Center and Women's Wellness provided
us this opportunity, that we could find no where else. Simona's
philosophy regarding pregnancy and birth aligned with our desire
to have a well informed, safe and significant birth experience.
Simona is warm and personable, yet professional and thorough.
Simona welcomed questions and dialogue during all our pre-natal
visits, which empowered us as full participants to be comfortable
and confident about the birth.
The Birth Center (and staff) created a peaceful, joyful atmosphere
allowing us to have an incredibly significant labor and birth
experience. We really appreciated the wonderful birthing tub,
relaxing environs, and Simona's expertise. We are so grateful
for the positive experience and the chance to marvel in the birth
of our son.
-Sarah,Steve & Weston Jones
|
Testimonial:
Four
months into our pregnancy, my husband and I grew tired of the
hour long visits to our prenatal care waiting room, followed by
a ten minute session with our very preoccupied physician. Needless
to say, we were very unhappy. After getting ahold of a book about
the beauty of natural child birth and midwifery, I began my search
for a Natural Birth Center. I found Simona. Her eye-catching website
displayed her spectacular experience, and genuine compassion for
life. I was immediately fond of her by that alone, but it was
meeting her that won us over. She warmly welcomed us into her
home away from home. Simona spent over an hour with my husband
and I, addressing our questions and concerns, and took the time
to get to know us both, as a couple and individually. By the time
we had to go, we had already decided to transfer into Simona's
care. From then on, every appointment with Simona was more like
visiting a good friend. She's such an empowering woman. Just the
woman I needed to deliver my baby. She prepared us for our big
day with plenty of patience, videos, and her own knowledge. So
when the day came, we knew exactly what to expect, and what to
do. My husband called Simona when my contractions were five minutes
apart, and then we made our way. I remember being scared at home,
and in the car, but as soon as I heard Simona's voice, my nerves
were calmed. Simona gave me a quick check up, and immediately
walked me into the birth room, which was an absolute haven! The
tub was ready for me with candles, insence, and music already
going. All I had to worry about was stepping into the warmest
and most amazing whirlpool ever. As I continued to labor, Simona
tended to me as I needed her. There was a time when I thought
she was out of the room, and I remember so pitifully asking my
mom & husband for her, and the answer I got was, "I'm
right here dear." She had been behind me the whole time.
Everytime I needed Simona, she was there, and she gave me the
strength to believe in myself and the power my body withholds.
And with that said, our son was born. Seven pounds, nine ounces,
very healthy, and all natural. My husband and I are extremely
proud parents and eternally grateful for Simona. She truly IS
the BEST Midwife EVER!
-Naomi
& Benny Morales
|
Testimonial:
Photo Coming Soon
I
would not have done it any other way. During my first trimester
I was with an OBGYN my primary doctor had referred me to. It took
only two visits with him to know I was not happy with the services.
He questioned why I would want to practice yoga during my pregnancy.
He never gave me information about nutrition or exercise during
pregnancy. I found his services lacking and impersonal. At the
time, there was an article in the Whittier Daily News about Simona
Natutral Birth Center. I read the article and wondered if I could
have my baby in such a terrific place. I think what stood out
most for me was the interview with Simona and how she discussed
pregnancy and birth as something natural. I suddenly became excited
about my own pregnancy and wanted to take charge of it. So I called
Simona within a week of having read the article and went for a
tour. I fell in love with the birthing room and thought this is
awesome. Never did I feel pressured by Simona to have my baby
at her center. However, from the moment I met Simona I could feel
the warmth and the positive energies and thought this is the person
I want to deliver my baby. I wish I could say it was a smooth
transition with my insurance but it was not. They were not supportive
but that only made me want to take charge of my pregnancy and
the birth of my baby. Again Simona was very supportive as I dealt
with insurance issues. Once all the insurance issues were settled
and I started my prenatal care with Simona everything went smoothly.
At each visit Simona prepared me for the birth of my baby. She
guided me in taking care of myself as I went through the journey
of my pregnancy. As time got close to my expected due date we
discussed how I envisioned the birth of my baby. I don't know
if OBGYNs ask such questions or prepare women for the birth on
the level the Simona does. My expected due date was November 20th
and like magic on the very day I birthed my baby at the Simona
Natural Birth Center.
I started feeling uterine surges late on November 19th. I called
Simona to let her know I was starting to have surges. I stayed
in contact with Simona throughout the night and early the next
morning she called me. It was terrific to have that level of care
from Simona. Based on the way I was talking and how I described
my surges Simona said I was ready to come in around 11:00 am on
November 20th. I am not sure at what time I got in the water I
only know I was relieved to finally be in the water because it
felt good to have the jets hitting my back. The entire time Simona
was right there encouraging me telling me I was doing a great
job. Her voice was so reassuring to me.
Then suddenly what seemed like a second I was sitting in the water
with my new baby in my arms and Simona made it feel like a celebration.
Everyone present cheered and welcomed my beautiful baby into the
world. Since the birth of my baby I feel I continue to have Simona's
support.
I don't know what it is like to have a baby in a hospital hooked
up to a monitor with nurses coming and going and a doctor who
will show up at the last minute. I just know of a midwife who
is there with me every step of the way, encouraging me, and empowering
me to birth my baby naturally.
Yolanda
Lopez
Testimonial:
After
much research on natural childbirth and after seeing several physicians,
I chose Simona Istrate, BSN, CNM, to provide prenatal, labor and
delivery, and postpartum care for my first pregnancy. I began
my prenatal care with Simona towards my last trimester. I was
treated with care and respect. Simona recommended that I take
hypnobirthing classes as women who had prepared for childbirth
in that way seemed to have shorter and calmer labor and delivery
experiences. My meditation was focused on having a short, painless,
and joyful labor and delivery and is consistent with my belief
that God made childbirth to be a natural and joyful (not fearful)
part of life.
On
December 29th, I began having contractions every 15 minutes around
2pm although I had experienced a few irregularly earlier that
day. They were not painful, just intense. At Simona's recommendation,
I spent time in warm bathwater. The buoyancy of the water helped
relieve pelvic pressure and made me fall asleep.
Around
6:30pm, I called Simona to inform her that my contractions were
two minutes apart although my water had not broken and I was still
able to walk and talk through the contractions. She advised me
to go to the hospital as
I had chosen to have a hospital birth.
The
pushing was almost fun; I smiled and felt a sense of joy. The
atmosphere in the delivery room was calm and joyful. Our beautiful
daughter Charisma was born naturally without painkillers at 9:09pm,
8lbs 8ozs, 21 inches. Although I had some tearing, my recovery
was quick and uneventful. I had a great pregnancy and delivery.
I was glad I took the time to educate myself and choose Simona
Istrate.
MARCIA-&-CHARISMA
Testimonial:
Photo Coming Soon
My dearest Simona,
I'm overwhelmed with tears of joy and thanksgiving as I write
to tell you how blessed we are to have had you for our midwife!
Words cannot describe our love and gratitude for all you did for
the three of us . . . our precious Brooklyn Renee will be told
all about you over and over again as she grows up.
When I met you six months ago I knew God had answered our prayers
in sending us someone who would take care of me and my little
baby with much love; little did I know that He would go above
and beyond giving us more than we asked for. You, Simona, are
an angel. I am amazed at how you lovingly stood by my side and
made sure that I would get the best birth experience possible,
and I did. I know my birth plan didn't go as planned but I trusted
your decisions and knew I was always in good hands. Never did
I fear for anything, other than another day of labor to go by
:
Thank you for believing in me and not giving up on me. I appreciate
how much you sacrificed in order to see that I have my daughter
as natural as possible. I'm thankful that my first nine hours
were at the birth center . . . I loved the atmosphere and everything
that went along with it. I have pictures of me there with you
and with my husband, the both of you wanting the best for me.
I'll never forget my experience there!
When it came down to going to the hospital I felt at ease knowing
that you would be there to support me and cheer me along. I will
not forget the long hours you stayed awake or the hunger pains
you must have had : You are truly my hero Simona.
The white rose you gave me helped me focus in the hospital and
now it sits with my other preserved roses that have come along
in my life for special occasions. And when you came to visit me
the next day after Brooklyn was born my heart lit up when I saw
you come around those curtains - It felt soooo good to see you
refreshed again. The pink rose you gave me that day sits on my
windowsill and every time I look at it I can't help but feel overwhelmed
with love!
Our
future plans are to have another child someday and it is with
great hope that you will take us on again : I can't imagine anyone
but you caring for me during my next pregnancy and birth experience!!!
I
hope you have a wonderful vacation in Europe - you deserve it!
I look forward to seeing you next time so I can give you another
great big heartfelt hug!!!!
All our love and more,
Michelle and baby Brooklyn Renee
Testimonial:
My experience at Simona Natural Birth Center was very positive.
This was my first time being pregnant and my husband and I knew
we wanted to find a caring and knowledgeable provider who would
focus on providing a birthing experience with the least medical
intervention necessary. When we first told my family that we wanted
to have the baby at a birth center with a midwife, they were a
bit apprehensive. Simona encouraged us to bring my family to the
birth center so that we could discuss it together. After seeing
the facility and talking over their concerns and questions with
Simona, they left feeling reassured that I would receive the best
care. And they were not disappointed. From the beginning I was
so impressed with Simona's warmth and professionalism. She encouraged
us to ask questions and never made us feel rushed. When I would
come in for my appointments, I felt like I was visiting a friend's
home. One of my favorite parts of the visit was being greeted
by Simona's warm smile and hugs. The birth center is beautifully
decorated and creates a soothing environment for visits and giving
birth. But it also had all the supplies Simona needed to monitor
my progress and attend to any situation that might arise during
the birthing process. Because I am petite, many people had thought
that I would need to get a C-section, however Simona always encouraged
me that I could give birth vaginally and naturally. Her belief
in me was comforting and inspiring. When the day arrived for me
to give birth, Simona was prepared and confident. She was there
to encourage my husband I whenever we needed it. She gave me snacks
and juice and let me rest between contractions. She didn't try
to rush me. And when my daughter Lily arrived, she made sure we
were both healthy. Simona was instrumental in helping me to have
a positive birth experience and I will always be thankful for
her.
Sincerely,
Mini Palmer
|
|