Natural birth practitioners near Acton, MA- what are my options?

[Alexandria]

Just found out we are moving to the Acton, MA area in the next month. I am 20 weeks along with my 2nd (1st born naturally at a hospital). I have amazing care here through WISDOM midwifery at GW Hospital, but I don't even know where to start looking in the greater Boston area. Heck, I don't even know what to call the area we are moving (it isn't metrowest is it? sort of north of that?)... I am lost. Will consider OBs who are natural birth friendly, midwives in a large birth center or hospital setting... and I have no idea how far I will end up traveling to get that care but maybe going into Boston isn't out of the question?

Thank you SO much for any and all advice, I am overwhelmed!

[faroutmomma]

Hey there! We are recent Acton residents as well- welcome!! I've done some research on birth options here- and there's actually a freestanding birth center less than an hour from here in NH- forget the name off the top of my head but a quick Google would locate it. There's also Cambridge Birth Center (but there's the high transfer rate to Cambridge Hospital across the street to consider.) 

Another thing to consider- I had my first at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, which isn't too far from Acton (though I was coming from the South Shore at the time!) with the midwives there, and it was a great experience- considering what I knew then. Now I would probably go for homebirth or shoot for the freestanding center in NH- but at least there are options!

Congrats and good luck!

[Alexandria]

Thanks for the advice! My midwives here just recommended NWH to, so although it may be a haul (we are getting further out towards Harvard/Ayer as we look at towns) I think it could work. As long as I make our prenatal roadtrips and adventure for the 2 year old, and have a plan for getting closer to the hospital in early labor so I'm not on the road right before transition (like last time!) it shouldn't be an issue. I've got a few months to make sure this will work. Thanks again!

[91jetta]

You might like the Birth Cottage in Milford, NH.  Not far from you, great birth center! 

[1blueheron]

I just had a baby attended by one of the midwives at AFA OB/Gyn.  They operate out of Emerson Hospital.  Totally natural-birth friendly...I didn't even have a hep lock put in, was only checked for dilation at my request, etc.  I had my first child using a different practice group (but also at Emerson), and I know people who have used the other group, too.  Feel free to PM me if you have any questions at all about Emerson or the Acton area.