Reviews & Testimonials
Lindsey C
Jan 2025, Austin, TX
I have delivered three babies with Joan, Vickie and their team. A home birth, a water birth at home and the last one we ended up having to be transferred to the hospital at 42 weeks and Joan was still there to deliver my baby. In every occasion, they were professional, reliable and we trusted them to take the absolute best care of us. They are the perfect team and really compliment each other so well. They have gone above and beyond to take care of me and each baby delivered. After 3 deliveries together, we love them and would definitely use them for another birth!
Jenny K
Dec 2024, Austin, TX
I recently had the pleasure of working with this amazing midwifery team for my first homebirth, and I can honestly say that the entire experience was seamless and beyond my expectations. From the very beginning, I felt supported, listened to, and confident in the care I was receiving.
The midwife I mainly worked with, Joan, was absolutely incredible. Her professionalism, warmth, and knowledge put me at ease immediately. She took the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process, answer all of my questions, and provide reassurance when I needed it most. Joan's calm presence and expertise during labor helped me feel in control and safe in my own home, and I couldn’t have asked for a better guide through the process.
The midwifery team as a whole was fantastic. They were attentive, caring, and so respectful. The communication was excellent, and I felt fully supported both physically and emotionally throughout my pregnancy and especially during the birth.
The whole experience felt incredibly empowering, and I am so grateful for the exceptional care I received. If you are considering a homebirth, I highly recommend this midwifery team. Their professionalism, compassion, and expertise made my first homebirth a beautiful and memorable experience that I will cherish forever.
Kaitlin M
Nov 2024, Austin, TX
I am 37 years old and this is my second pregnancy. My first was delivered in a hospital after an induction at 40 weeks. I had no idea what to expect, but despite great care, I felt very limited physically. It was at the height of the pandemic and I was unable to leave the room. I had an epidural due to the pitocin doing its job, and was even more limited on movement.
This pregnancy, I wanted a different experience and decided I wanted to be under the care of a midwife. I found Abundance Midwifery on google and made an appointment. Being older and having some health concerns put me more at risk for certain things- one being Gestational diabetes and hypertension (GDM was diagnosed around 26 weeks and my blood pressure was monitored closely). Despite these challenges, I received more than adequate support to address these issues head on.
I attended group classes and with the education received, I was able to keep my weight gain within the recommended limits, my blood pressure and my blood sugars at normal levels. My diet and exercise were monitored closely which made me extremely aware of what was happening during my pregnancy.
When I went into labor, I got to the birthing center and the entire process was just what I wanted and better than I anticipated. I felt confident in my team and well cared for. Afterwards, I was able to go home sooner than I would have from the hospital with plenty of support and instructions for postpartum care. I would recommend this group of practitioners and Manor birth sanctuary to anyone who is looking for a more personalized and holistic approach to this major life event. Thank you to the entire team- Victoria, Joan, Jamie, Lori, Katrina and Rosemary! I know I forgot some names, but you ladies gave me a wonderful experience that I won't ever forget- many thanks.
Claire C
Nov 2024, Austin, TX
Really incredible pregnancy and birth experience with the best midwives, Joan and Victoria. Highly recommend!
.png)
Ladi Earth
Jan 2024, Austin, TX
I would have not been able to deliver my baby without this team. Whew this was a JOURNEY and I'm not sure where to begin.
When I came into their office, I was depressed, sad, hungry, and not looking forward to this pregnancy. The chek-ins with Victoria really helped my spirit. She grew into a friend over time and it felt like a family member was going to help deliver our baby.
I then got diagnosed with gestational diabetes and that was another hurtle i had to jump over. I again, had a lot of help from Victoria. She helped with lots of resources, shared a lot of knowledge and made sure she checked in to make sure I wasn't eating too much sugar. It was such a safe space to cry and be sad and angry, she understood and never gaslit any of my feelings.
Now getting close to the delivery date we all thought my baby would be coming sooner than she came. We were about 1 1/2 weeks late and they were constantly checking in on us. I came in for a visit, they swept my membranes, had me on the pump for nipple stimulation and nothing was helping. Instead of rushing me to the hospital and telling me we couldn't deliver my baby naturally, they let nature take its course. Of course making. sure it was safe to do so, they gave me a longer timeline by looking back at my first ultra sound for more clarification.
About 3 days later I went into labor at 7 am and my partner called them with times of contractions and they were at our house in about 30-45 minutes. They checked me and listened to everything that I needed, and most of the time they intuitively already knew.I gave birth in the. water and by 12:27pm our babygirl was born. They walked me through the pushes, encouraged me and knew exactly what my body needed. I was never scared with them. I felt very supported and like my life and my babies life were always in great hands.
Joanne and Victoria are a true yin and yang partnership. They both equally are important and make a great team. Im so happy our baby was born into so much love and they really truly feel like a family.
.png)
Kristin B
Nov 2023, Austin, TX
My experience with Victoria as my primary pre/postnatal provider was nothing short of exactly what midwifery care could and should be. Throughout my pregnancy Victoria felt like my advocate, my ally, and essentially the mother you wish you could go to for medical questions. The care with Victoria felt personalized, very unlike the experience I had (feeling like a mere number) in a large hospital group. With her lengthy experience as a practicing midwife, I always felt safe, my many questions were answered in a way that put me at ease, and I had very little stress. Labor and delivery is different for everyone, but in spite of very painful back labor and a sunny side up baby, the environment in my home birth remained calm and conducive to a delivery without unnecessary complications. I am very thankful for this team of midwives and assistants and would recommend them over and over again.
.png)
Laura M
Jan 2023, Austin, TX
This is healthcare as it should be. Victoria, Joan, Caroline and the team were phenomenal. You get full hour of undivided attention as opposed to a rushed appointment in an OB office. They go into topics that many others skip - nutrition, mental health, etc, while also being ready to discuss the most hard core science topics. And during birth Victoria and Joan were so caring and made me feel super safe.
This was my third birth, and I thought I don't have much left to learn. The first two times were with a superb team in Singapore, where I was allowed to go two weeks overdue without interventions and to have water birth in a hospital setting. When I learned that's not even remotely possible in hospitals in Austin, I was very disappointed. But then I met Abundance Midwifery team and they made all of that come true in a blissful home birth that topped all of my expectations.
.png)
Kay E
Oct 2022, Austin, TX
Yes! Finally, people who care about new moms, and who know what they are talking about. Smart, affordable even without insurance, and they take the time to answer all your questions. If they can’t help, they refer you to people who can actually help, like chiro and PT, which is getting me on the path to post-partum recovery! Thank the heavens for these ladies Joan and Victoria, I would definitely put my trust in them. I had my first child with them and had a wonderful experience the whole pregnancy and postpartum, even though I had a long and painful labor. They always made me feel cared for. If you can book them, do it! And do it early cause they fill up quick!
.png)
Britany D
May 2021, Austin, TX
I cannot recommend Joan and the Abundance team highly enough. During the eighth month of my pregnancy, I transferred my care from another provider to Joan. I was a desperate, anxious mess. She welcomed me warmly and took over my care seamlessly, effortlessly working with my MFM and doula to create an excellent team.
As the weeks went on and the complications began to stack up, Joan never once broke her stride. Her wisdom and experience made her comfortable with each issue my body was throwing at us and she had an evidence-based explanation at the ready to help me decide what was the best option and allowed me to choose for myself. At no point did I feel judged or forced into anything.
I chose a hospital birth at Seton Main and Joan never once left me there. She checked on me constantly, offering positioning tips, pain management techniques and general advice. Though my birth plan changed constantly and rapidly, I always felt informed, heard and safe. She was absolutely invaluable and I credit her largely with my feeling of empowerment after birth, not trauma. When things got a little hairy at the end, my warm, gentle midwife became an incredible powerhouse and commanded the delivery room in an absolutely formidable way.
I was terrified of every single aspect of pregnancy, had experienced medical trauma in the past, and had an extreme fear of the hospital, but Joan always made me feel comfortable and seen. She went slowly and always explained things before they happened. She never made me feel surprised or scared. She listened to every fear I had via phone and text message and during every visit. I never once felt rushed or like I was unimportant to her. I always had her undivided attention, her warm touch and her calming guidance.
The care that Joan provides is careful and thorough and steeped in the wisdom that only vast experience can provide. She's incredible, and I truly cannot thank her enough for redeeming my pregnancy and birth experience. Highly, highly, highly recommend.
Heather A
Jun 2020, Austin, TX
I am so thankful I chose Joan and Abundance for my second pregnancy. She definitely knows her stuff and that was important to me as I work in healthcare. I loved her new office and her warm spirit. I loved the options in terms of the location and interventions for birth. I can honestly say I had the dream birth in large part because of her. I felt supported postpartum and only wished I had her the first time around!
Jessika
Austin, TX
Trust. The thing about birth that isn't brought up a lot is how much trust you need to have in your midwife or provider. You’re going to a place you’ve never gone before, even if it’s not your first birth, this one will be different.
Embarking on sensations that will take your breath away, flooded with hormones that your body provides to help you. But that leave you vulnerable to others viewpoints.
Trusting that the person to deliver your baby has you and your baby taken care of , as well as, if not most importantly that she completely trusts your body and your baby to do what you are both meant to do. Birth. That is what Joan Smith gives you. Unwavering trust.
It’s taken me a while to write this review, as my heart swells with gratitude and I tear up every time I think of Joan. If it weren’t for her, I’m 100% certain I would not have had the VBAC I worked so hard for.
Mentally, emotionally and physically, I tried to do everything in my power to prepare. But when the time comes, when the contractions are real- you must have a provider that wants it for you just as badly. There Joan was.
My birth with my daughter Lake progressed as my first did with my son atlas. She wouldn’t engage and most everyone was certain I was having a repeat c section. But Joan did literally EVERYTHING, in the most calm manner to give me the chance to birth naturally. (My god the woman sat next to me and knit my little girl a beanie while I labored for nearly 24 hours!!). The immense competence and knowledge that she possesses brings me to my knees.
She was the most equipped, knowledgeable, sincere and strong CNM I had met. And I devoted two months to meeting a lot. I was terrified of giving birth, so I painstakingly researched. Not to say they all aren’t amazing, but from my first phone conversation with her in the parking lot of the Deep Eddy pool, I knew she was who I needed. I told all my friends I was meeting that day, “I finally found the one!” Not only did she tell me I COULD have a VBAC, she told me how, and why, and smoothed over my fears of uterine rupture with facts. Her extensive experience was clear, her manner was methodical and there was a comfort I found in her that was solid and warm simultaneously.
Also she had hospital privileges, so I was sure she would be the one delivering Lake, but at the hospital, in case any complications arise. Which they did.
I ended up straying from a completely natural birth and getting an epidural and some pitocin. But under Joan’s care I wholeheartedly trusted every suggestion she made. And they were all suggestions, she completely honored my process and dignity every step of the way.
Every checkup in my pregnancy I felt completely reassured and safe.
So imagine when I dozed off, accepted I was having a c section when I next awoke and instead Joan checked me, and announced I was nearly a 9 and could try pushing!!!
Y’all- did I ever PUSH!!! And then Joan saw her head!!! Omg she saw her head!!! And soon after, she let me know I could birth my baby vaginally!!! I was so stoked, beyond thrilled! I loved her ferociously and always will. So much so I had to have a photo of the moment....
If you’re deciding if she’s right for you - trust me, trust your gut and trust her! You’re going to feel like a goddess with this woman!!!
Megan M
Austin, TX
From the moment I met Joan, my partner and I felt comfortable around her and I knew I wanted her to be my midwife. This was my first baby and she answered any and all questions either of us had (even staying late after appointments to help explain with whatever was asked), creating ease of mind for my prenatal care, birth, delivery, breastfeeding, and postpartum support. You can tell she and her team have a true passion for natural care and making midwife access possible for all economic classes. I had planned a home birth, but ended up in the hospital for a couple of days after needing to be induced. Though this wasn’t my birth plan, Joan was there with me the whole time, supporting me with essential oil massages, pressure point help/directions for my partner, labor positioning, warm rice sock on my lower back, encouraging words and countless other things! The birth went very well and we now have a beautiful baby boy thanks to Joan. I appreciate all that she does for our community and empowering us mamas!
Alexis
Austin, TX
Joan made it possible for me to have the birth I wanted in all the worst circumstances! To this day, I often think back to the day I gave birth to my first born and think to myself “I wonder how things would have ended up if Joan hadn’t been there”?
I was a client at the Austin Area Birthing Center, pregnant with my first child, and ended up coming down with preeclampsia at 37 weeks, it was a Monday. My blood pressure was crazy high (160/100) at my 37 week visit and I was sent to Seton for evaluation. Heather Satterfield, AABC’s clinical director at the time met us at the hospital and helped us through the initial decisions we had to make. We started the induction process, and Tuesday about noon started a drip of pitocin. Heather had been there through the night and she introduced me to Joan and assured me I was in the best of hands. Joan has privileges at Seton and she was able to manage the birth while the doctors managed my blood pressure.
Shortly after we were introduced I was catapulted into a very fast paced and quickly painfully escalating active labor. Joan was so gifted in being able to read and connect with me instantly. Being my first delivery, which we tried to have at a birthing center, but which ended up with induction and ivs, I did not know what to expect. The pain hit me real hard and fast, andJoan immediately knew to stop the pitocin. She encouraged me as I managed to get through each contraction and had me have a few contractions on my knees, leaning on a medicine ball, which was successful in helping my baby turn to a more favorable position. She brought the birthing center to me, while I was hooked to a hospital bed! There was a young nurse in the room as well, who was doing her own protocol and several times Joan backed me up and redirected her for my sake.
During transition, I felt I could not bare it any longer and in the midst of the pain blurted out I wanted the epidural. The nurse jumped on it real quick and was almost yelling at me “do you want it do you want it?” I didn’t respond to her because that’s not really what I wanted... I was in my own world just trying to hang on lol. Joan quickly intervened and checked my dilation, just as she was doing it I got and instinctive urge to push. Joan said “that was a push!” And she checked if I had any more cervix in the way and then helped me to transition to the pushing phase. She gave me all these pointers which helped me tremendously and when she noticed I was nearly strangling my husband during each push, using him to get counter strength for my pushes, she instructed the nurse to get a sheet and within seconds she’d made this rope like thing and had me grab one end and had the nurse pull the other end. That was just what I needed to get the baby out.
Joan is a genuine and outstanding midwife. She knows her trade to the utmost! I would hands down entrust myself and babies to her over and over again. After the birth she took care of me once again and backed me up with our wishes which were somewhat different than the hospital protocol. She took care of me and gave me some wonderful breastfeeding and positioning pointers, which were a lifesaver that first night after having been through all that. She continued to check on us postpartum and was there for me when I got pregnant with my second child! She went above and beyond for me and I know she does for all her mothers. She has a true midwife’s heart and she embodies what midwifery is all about and makes it happen even in the most unfavorable of circumstances. She holds a very dear place in my heart and I am looking forward to having her birth my next babies!
Bernadette
Austin, TX
My delivery at the hospital was unexpected. During one of my last checkups, I shared that I had been experiencing itchy palms and feet. The midwife was quick to action and ran blood tests immediately. It turned out that I was experiencing pregnancy cholestasis in addition to preeclampsia, and that I would be on my way to the hospital. To be honest, I was saddened and disappointed by the direction of the birth.
I had my older daughter 2 years earlier at the Austin Area Birthing Center south location and it was an incredible experience. It was everything that you would want to have happen at a birthing center. When I arrived at the hospital with my husband, we had previously discussed that he would be communicating our desired birth plan to the hospital staff - no medical interventions, whatsoever. The hospital staff was respectful of my wishes and only checked on me occasionally.
Joan Smith was my midwife that evening and into the next morning. She took the lead with the staff on how to navigate the birthing process with me. It was our first time meeting and when we said our hellos, I remember that we gave each other a big hug and I knew that I could trust her to support me through this process. She was with us every step of the way. She is a calming presence and an expert in the space. She navigated questions and concerns with ease, and validated and reassured us during the difficult decisions we faced.
Looking back on that experience, I couldn't have asked for a better situation. While the transition from the birthing center to the hospital was difficult, Joan and the hospital staff coordinated services and collaborated well with each other. My wish to move about the space as my body needed was respected and I was able to still minimize interventions in my birthing process.
~At the time of her birth in 2014, Bernadette and her family were able to take advantage of a unique partnership between Seton and the midwives of the Austin Area Birthing Center. Joan was a senior Certified Nurse Midwife with the practice who was given privileges to work seamlessly with any patient who was transferred into hospital care from AABC. There hadn’t been a midwife partnership at Seton since 2002, so the natural child birthing community was strengthened through this collaboration.
Now, Abundance Midwifery Service is the only midwifery service in Austin with both hospital privileges and home birth as an option.
Meg R
Austin, TX
Joan Smith cared for me shortly after the birth of my first child, back in 2004. As a new mother I was overwhelmed and exhausted, but I felt calm and confident in her hands. She helped me through some breastfeeding challenges (my nipples were raw and cracking) and she encouraged me to take time to nurture myself. She was generous with her time and her knowledge. I never felt rushed and I knew I could ask her anything. I have had other family members benefit from Joan's care over the years as well. She is experienced but also intuitive and really speaks to you "where you're at." I am so very grateful that she was part of my journey into motherhood.
Bhargave Family
Austin, TX
Joan is extremely dedicated to her craft. She cares deeply for her clients and their well being and goes above and beyond the call of duty to do the best she can to ensure positive outcomes. She stayed with us through every moment, and really took over leadership of a very difficult labor. She also put in an other-worldy effort, pulling out all kinds of arrows from her quiver. to try to facilitate the type of delivery we were looking for. We highly recommend Joan Smith as your nurse midwife!
Jessica T
Austin, TX
Joan and Varshna are both incredible women. They truly care about every expecting mother (and their significant others) they come into contact with. Joan was especially helpful in coaching me through gestational diabetes and anxiety about natural birth, and I particularly love Varshna’s no-nonsense straightforward answers and advice while still exuding her caring nature. It was an absolute joy getting to spend time with these women and learning as much as I could about my pregnancy and growing baby. They came to my home 2 days after I delivered and helped me with breastfeeding, managing my emotions, and general postpartum self care. If my next pregnancy is low-risk and I am able to consider a home birth, I will definitely be giving these wonderful ladies a call!
Clarissa G
Austin, TX
I met Joan when she was one of my Centering leaders. Throughout my pregnancy we would see Joan every other other weekend for our group prenatal care. I really looked forward to seeing Joan. She listened to my questions and concerns when I had any; I knew that she really cared and wanted the best for my unborn baby and me. When the day came to deliver, I was nervous because I didn't know if I would see Joan or Varshna since they had followed me throughout my pregnancy. While I was in transition, guess who walks in? My heart was happy! I probably wouldn't have been able to do it without Joan in my corner! She is very knowledgeable, smart, and caring. I will definitely have her there for me during my future pregnancies!