Carolina WaterBirth: A 20 Year Legacy of Love, Life, and Unwavering Spirit

We have been honored to be a part of your stories as we welcomed so many babies in to the light.

Oh, the stories we could tell! It feels like just yesterday, yet also a lifetime ago, that Carolina WaterBirth (CWB) bravely pioneered a new path, becoming the very first birth center to secure its license by steadfastly affirming that direct physician involvement wasn't a mandated regulation. What a pivotal moment that was! Other centers have since followed in our footsteps, benefiting from the trail we blazed. This unwavering conviction proved to be nothing short of lifesaving in November 2013, when DHEC attempted to close birthing centers across the state, even sending CWB a certified letter declaring us "administratively closed." But our midwife and owner, Sandy Glenn, simply refused to close the doors. It was a long journey, almost three years, but eventually, DHEC conceded. The ripple effect was profound: other birth centers thrived under this consent, and legislation aimed at closing BCs was triumphantly halted. A victory for birthing families everywhere!

And who could forget the very first CWB baby? A sweet girl named Sarah, born on a magical Halloween back in 2005. Over the years, countless well-known Upstate midwives have graced our halls, either holding admitting privileges or honing their craft as apprentices, each one adding to the vibrant tapestry of our history.

Our commitment to families has always been at the heart of CWB. We've proudly offered comprehensive birth classes, nurturing expectant parents with knowledge and confidence. And for that extra layer of loving support, our dedicated doula group has always been there, a comforting presence for our families.

Change, as they say, is the only constant. In 2021, the memory-filled building we had rented in Simpsonville was sold, prompting a swift but necessary move. Now, we're even more centrally located in Greenville, wonderfully close to the Regional Perinatal Center, Greenville Prisma. The move brought new challenges, with DHEC initially hesitant to approve our beautiful new birthing space. But oh, the power of community! Our incredible families rallied, their voices strong and clear, and on December 22, 2021, our license address change was joyfully approved. It was a true testament to the love and support that surrounds CWB.

Sandy, with her signature one-on-one approach, continues to nurture and guide families, typically delivering about one precious baby a week. But the whispers of demand are growing louder, and with an enthusiastic heart, she envisions another wonderful midwife joining our family in the next few years. The future is bright!

Today, our offerings are richer than ever! We continue to provide empowering childbirth classes, complete prenatal care (including prenatal labs, genetic testing, and peek-a-boo early gender testing!), invaluable referral services, VBAC referrals and education, and the expert care of lactation and pelvic floor specialists. Our amazing staff—a blend of skilled midwives, compassionate registered nurses, dedicated doulas, and invaluable administrative support—are the heart and soul of everything we do.

Sandy's journey with CWB began when her children were young, and it's a sweet memory to recall how she often brought one of her little ones to prenatal days, weaving their homeschool lessons into the rhythm of the center. The availability of birthing tubs has always been deeply personal to her, especially since her third son, Josiah, holds the distinction of being the first documented waterbirth in South Carolina! It's no surprise that most of our incredible moms still choose the serene embrace of water for their births.

Another cornerstone of Sandy's vision was ensuring that couples could utilize their insurance for birth. We are absolutely thrilled to accept some Medicaid plans, offering a substantial savings and making the dream of a CWB birth a reality for even more families.

Get ready to celebrate with us! We'll be hosting a fantastic Congratulations event on November 1st at the Spinx Marketplace on Main Street Greenville. Be sure to join us for a heartwarming photo of families and babies at 1:30 PM! Event RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8BAvavUF/

For those who can't make it in person, we're eagerly requesting your presence at our online review event. Please, share your beautiful stories and cherished pictures for all to see – let's fill our digital space with joy! LEAVE A REVIEW: https://g.page/r/Cf6jw5ERv67HEBM/review

Later this year, prepare for an exciting announcement: the Grand Opening of Glimpse, a pre-born photo studio offering breathtaking 3D/4D imaging photography! Glimpse will be the perfect host for gender reveal and scan parties in their spacious conference room, where the magic of babies can be viewed on an oversized screen. The future of CWB is unfolding with such joy and anticipation, and we can't wait to share it all with you!