Bakersfield Birth Center Inc., Justine O. Backhaus, LM

I have had 3 of my 5 births with midwife Justine. The first two babies I had in the hospital. The next two were at home under Justine’s care and my fifth baby was born at the Bakersfield Birth Center with Justine.

There is truly no comparison to the level of attention and care I received with her as my midwife compared to conventional OB/Gyn drs. My prenatal appointments with her consisted of the full medical care I had received at the doctor’s offices, but so much more! Justine takes her time to get to know more than just the physical needs of her clients but also the emotional needs, any fears or anxieties, and she truly has a desire to understand us as women with our own unique journeys. She has a depth of experience as a midwife and I have felt secure in the personalized expert care I have received with her. I just have always felt like she truly cares about me and my family.

Under her care I have felt empowered to choose the atmosphere of my births. I have been able to have the most peaceful births possible. I have felt empowered to choose without pressure what the first few precious hours with my newborn will look like, what interventions they should/shouldn’t have. This is so valuable to me after experiencing two hospital births in which I felt I was walking into a battleground of sorts.

The Bakersfield Birth Center is serene and peaceful. Justine’s sweet, gentle spirit carries over into the atmosphere of the birth center. I have been so blessed to have her as my midwife. I only wish I had chosen to have all my babies with her, but perhaps without the stark contrasting experience, I wouldn’t be able to speak to level of care I received with her as midwife. I can not recommend her and her birth center enough!

I would definitely recommend Justine. I decided to go this route after two horrible deliveries at a local hospital. I mentally needed a delivery that was more relaxed. I got everything I wanted and needed for my birth. The birth suite was beautiful and accommodating. I had to bring my two year old, that even wasn’t a big deal. He had toys and was comfortable in the space. Justine was so encouraging and supportive, she helped me bring my baby into the world so beautifully. She even had pain management options(Nitrous) , which I ended up utilizing. I really like that something safe for mamma and baby was on standby if needed. I got excellent care after. I was able to eat, shower and most importantly bond with my baby in a quiet environment with my family. I would go this route again, and I am very sad I didn’t do this with my other deliveries. Justine also does postpartum home visits that are so worth it. To have someone checking in on you is so reassuring really helped with my anxiety. I had ppd with my last hospital delivery. To have a beautiful positive birth experience mixed with heavy support after, I feel better this time. That is worth it alone.

I cannot say enough good things about Justine and the Birth Center. Justine is very knowledgeable and experienced. I originally started with an OB and knew that I wanted a natural birth out of hospital so I got some recommendations and decided to go to the Bakersfield Birth Center and I am so glad I did. Justine was there any time day or night when we had any questions or concerns (and being a first time mom, there were tons) and she was very informative and quick to respond. The center itself is beautiful, very clean, and a relaxing environment for appointments and for labor. I am so thankful for her support during my pregnancy and labor. Although she couldn't catch my sweet boy, she was still there for the birth of my son and it meant the world to have her there at the hospital even when we couldn't deliver at the center as planned. She was amazing from the very first appointment to the final PP visit. Highly recommend & if we are in Bakersfield for our 2nd baby she will be the only midwife we call!

Justine is the best! She has so much passion for her job and love for her families. She delivered two of my babies and I wish I found her sooner. If you are looking for a midwife she is your gal.