Community Birth Works, Cynthia Banks, RN, MSN, CNM

Cynthia took care of me and my family for my second pregnancy and birth. I could write for days about every single way that Cynthia's expertise, knowledge, and compassion supported me throughout my pregnancy, which I believe led to an empowered, safe, birth experience and beautiful postpartum period. I chose to plan a home birth for my second child after having a cesarean due to breech positioning with my first. The care I received under Cynthia was impeccable--she was always attuned to my needs while also being extremely detail-oriented as my care provider. Her designation as a CNM allows her to provide all of the ultrasounds and testing needed throughout pregnancy, including stress tests every few days when I went way past my due date. All of her services are provided in the comfort of h

I am so thankful to have found Community Birthworks, Cynthia, Sophia, and their amazing team, who helped me to have a home birth to deliver a beautiful baby girl. Cynthia is very experienced and always gave me sound advice and reassurance. Sophia's friendly and open nature always made me feel at ease, and helped me realize that giving birth is not scary, but actually very beautiful. They were open to our values and ideas and were always flexible. It was my first pregnancy, and their help made me feel very comfortable. The most important thing is that their postpartum care was excellent. I am so grateful that they came to my home and gave me all kinds of help, from breastfeeding advice to how to interact with my baby. Especially since I came to the US as an immigrant, my husband is the only

My partner and I explored the option of home birth when I was in the 2nd trimester with my first baby. Cynthia was the first midwife we met with, and upon leaving that initial meeting I felt like I knew this was the person I wanted to be my midwife. Cynthia not only attended the birth of my first baby. She was the first person we called (after my mom) when we knew we were expecting our second. She and Sophia provided the best care amidst all the challenges surrounding covid-19 and both attended baby #2. We are working with Cynthia and Sophia now on baby #3! We are repeat clients and could not be happier with the journey we have been on with Cynthia the last three years. During my first pregnancy, we simultaneously completed all our prenatal appointments with an OB at Kaiser and with Cynthi

Amazing midwifery practice in Oakland. Cynthia and Sophia delivered my baby in April 2022. The entire experience was nothing short of amazing. They are a thoughtful, thorough, evidence-based midwifery team. From the beginning of my pregnancy, through a gestational diabetes diagnosis, and a truly amazing home birth, Cynthia and Sophia went above and beyond. Some points I really appreciated: 1. They were very thorough in mitigating risk due to Covid-19 2. Perfect balance of practicing evidence based medicine while supporting patient need 3. Very thorough care, particularly in the postpartum period. It was incredible to get all the care I needed for myself and my newborn, from home. 4. Openness and willingness to work with my OB. 5. Clearly knowledgeable and very experienced. My birth went a

Cynthia and her colleagues provided all of my care starting at 24 weeks of pregnancy. I will always be grateful for the experience she provided me and my family. It’s an experience that I wish upon any expecting mother. Cynthia is calm, insightful, and meticulous. She knows that bringing life into this world is more than the physical experience, and her care reflects her deep regard for the whole person. While pregnant, I especially appreciated our unhurried prenatal visits that went above and beyond the usual blood pressure checks and belly measurements. Our conversations ranged from my emotional adjustment to motherhood to the practicalities of setting up a baby friendly home environment. By the time it came to deliver Emily, I felt ready and confident in my ability to successfully labor