LP - Better Maternity Care V2
Interested in learning more about care at Millie? Book a free information call
We accept most major insurance plans - including Medicaid
A new standard for maternity care
Midwifery-led, OB-supported care for better birth outcomes
Get the best of both worlds: the holistic, evidence-based approach of a Certified Nurse Midwife and the deep medical expertise of OB-GYNs.
With you from
conception through postpartum & beyond
Care that sticks with you – starting with a positive pregnancy test, through the first year of parenthood – we provide end-to-end care with proactive monitoring between appointments, and a postpartum home visit to check in on you and baby.
Wraparound support from an entire care team
From 1:1 guidance on birth planning and postpartum care with a doula, the Millie app, and an integrated team of therapists, lactation consultants, nutritionists, and other specialists – we have you covered so you don’t have to figure it out yourself.
Millie in the press
“Millie’s unique pregnancy care model offers one-stop-shopping for expectant mothers”
Start your care with Millie
Maternity Info Call
15 minutes | Phone Call | Free
During this call you’ll:
- Learn more about pregnancy care at Millie
- Get your questions answered
- Schedule your first appointment (if you’re ready)
Millie also offers Gynecology Care and Preconception Counseling.
Meet our Millie parents
“Our first experiences at a traditional OB practice felt cold and sterile. After starting at our 12th week, Millie brought the warmth and care we had always hoped for to ensure we have the best birthing experience possible.”
– Allie & Theo, Oakland
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"At Millie you’re treated with respect and empathy that you’d show to family and friends. We switched over from a large medical group where we had 10 minute visits, never saw the same provider, and pulled our hair out trying to schedule appointments. At Millie scheduling was easy, visits felt spacious, and we really got to know our care team who was with us the whole way.”
– Meg & Ross, Berkeley
Better birth experiences - and outcomes - with collaborative care
Research shows that when midwives are involved in providing pregnancy care, clinical outcomes and patient experiences are better:
- Fewer unnecessary medical interventions
- Higher rates of vaginal births after cesarean sections
- Higher patient satisfaction
Meet our clinicians
At Millie, you’ll meet warm, highly credentialed clinicians and receive quality clinical care. Millie midwives are Certified Nurse Midwives specializing in evidence-based, holistic maternity care.
Cynthia Banks
Nurse-Midwife
CNM, MSN, RN
Cynthia has 20+ years of birth experience and has delivered more than 1200 babies in a wide range of settings, including busy hospitals in San Francisco and Chicago, and a birth center in Texas. Her trauma-informed approach centers the birthing person, so that they can feel safe, seen, and supported.
Vanessa Garcia
Nurse-Midwife
CNM, WHNP, IBCLC
Vanessa has 20+ years of maternal health experience including work as a labor and delivery nurse and a doula. Originally from the Southwest and mom of two, Vanessa loves empowering her patient’s birth experience with holistic support.
Aqueelah Tillman
Nurse-Midwife
APRN, MSN, CNM, WHNP
Aqueelah has 10 years of clinical experience including care for most vulnerable newborns in a Level IV NICU. She was born in Oakland and is passionate about maternity care for marginalized individuals.
Rachel Willey
Nurse-Midwife
CNM, WHNP, RN
Rachel has 10+ years of clinical experience spanning birth work, postpartum, and fertility. Born and raised in California’s Central Valley, they are passionate about queer and trans health and believe we all have a right to quality care, no matter our gender, presentation, or sexuality.
Johanna Jetton
Nurse-Midwife
CNM
Johanna is a Berkeley native who has been part of the Bay Area birth world for over a decade, as a doula and childbirth educator and then midwife. She strives to provide care that is both thorough and evidence-based.
Shalini Shah
Millie Guide
CBD, CPpD, IBCLC
Shalini has 13+ years of experience as a reproductive wellness practitioner. They have supported over 2,000 families in navigating their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience as a full spectrum doula.
Amy Kane
Medical Director & OB-GYN
MD
Amy is a board certified OB/GYN with 15+ years of experience. She was born at Alta Bates Hospital, raised in Berkeley, and loves this community!
Talia Borgo
Clinical Director & Nurse-Midwife
MS, CNM, WHNP, RN
Talia is a board-certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) with 12+ years of experience including most recently on the faculty of UCSF training OB-GYN residents.
Your comprehensive support team
Millie offers personalized care to meet your unique needs, from your first appointment through the first year of parenthood.
Millie goes beyond routine care
Routine Care
| Care Element | Millie | Standard Care |
|---|---|---|
| Care starts earlier | ✓ (as soon as pregnant) | Rarely |
| More visits with longer duration | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Your care team is present at your birth | ✓ | Rarely |
| Extensive postpartum care | ✓ (3 visits, incl. one at home) | Sometimes |
| Proactive monitoring | ✓ | Rarely |
| Easy to reach between visits | ✓ (24x7 via phone) | Rarely |
| 1:1 guidance on birth preferences | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Evidence-based resources via the app | ✓ | Sometimes |
| Workshops and classes for preparation | ✓ | Rarely |
| Integrated wraparound supportive care | ✓ | Rarely |
Welcome to the Millie Clinic
A warm, modern maternity clinic designed for your comfort and conveniently located on Regent Street in Berkeley. All Millie births take place next door at Alta Bates Hospital with your care team present.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about maternity care with Millie.
What is a midwife vs. an OB-GYN, and why do both matter?
Certified Nurse Midwife
There are many types of midwives, but at Millie, we only have Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs). CNMs are medical experts who are trained and licensed as both Registered Nurses and Midwives.
_LOa-ngs: OB-GYN —
OB-GYNs are medical doctors and surgeons highly trained in performing medical interventions. They are perfect for patients requiring further medical care.
_Why both matter —
Midwives and OB-GYNs bring different skills and perspectives but share the same goal of safe pregnancies and healthy births.
What does collaborative OB-GYN + Midwifery care look like at Millie?
At Millie, the vast majority of pregnancies are treated as low-risk, with midwives as the ideal care providers. If a pregnancy requires more care, the midwife will work with the OB-GYN team for comprehensive support. They work closely together to ensure seamless transitions for patients.
Is my pregnancy a good fit for Millie?
Most pregnancies are low-risk; therefore, they are suitable for Millie care. High-risk pregnancies are not currently accepted.
Who will deliver my baby?
All births at Millie take place with midwives at Alta Bates Campus Birth Center, utilizing a collaborative approach if any interventions are necessary.
What will I pay for my care?
Most clinical services are covered by insurance, including lab tests and consultations. Some supportive services may incur out-of-pocket fees.
Need more help? We’ve got you covered.
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