"There aren’t enough words to describe how grateful we are for Elise. She was my midwife when I was a late arrival at the California Birth Center at 36 weeks. She answered all of our questions with ease and made us feel confident in our choice to give birth at the birth center. While she was not my midwife when I was in labor, she did multiple home visits when I was very newly postpartum. Unfortunately, I had to be transferred to the hospital and gave birth outside of the birth center. I am grateful to my whole team for making mine and my baby's safety a priority. Elise came into my home and she felt like an old friend. She has a calming and warm presence and while I was nervous letting anyone near my new baby, I always felt completely comfortable with her. Elise was made for this work. She helped us through feeding struggles in a non judgmental way. She provided me with resources when I was struggling with my recovery physically. I never doubted that Elise truly cared about both me and my baby. With my boy turning one in a couple of days, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on this time a year ago. There are so many things I wish I could go back and change. But having Elise in our lives will never be one of them. I truly don’t know what we would have done without her. Thank you isn’t enough. She will always feel like part of our extended family. We love you Elise and are honored that you are part of our story."