Karen Gartner

Karen is absolutely amazing - very knowledgeable, and so kind and compassionate. I highly recommend her! She gave me trust: trust in myself and also trust in her - I knew I was in good hands - which are both so important in the process of giving life. Her support was excellent, from start to finish, and also on all levels, whether physical, mental or emotional. She made sure I was at my best for the birth, as we were able to detect and fix imbalances during the pregnancy. I really appreciated how she blends modern medicine with alternative and natural remedies, and also all the recommendations of books and resources she provided to educate myself. All the postpartum support was perfect too, she actively followed up on my baby's and my own health and well-being. I feel like my words are not enough to describe how grateful I am that she was my midwife. Thank you for everything, Karen!

- Gwendoline Gonzales

Choosing Karen for our second child’s birth was absolutely the right move. I appreciated her long and personal prenatal appointments, the relationship she builds over the nine months, and her ability to answer questions outside appointments. She uses both western and alternative medicine with care and discretion and full informed consent. The real clincher was watching her handle multiple potentially scary complications at the end of pregnancy so quickly and confidently and gently that it didn’t register as anything concerning. It can feel like a lot of pressure to choose your provider so early in pregnancy without really knowing them, but I have no doubts about returning to Karen for any future pregnancies and births- she is the best of hands. PS she is the best with older (toddler) siblings!

- Emma Wright

I feel so blessed to have been able to have Karen as my midwife. I knew from the beginning I didn't want a hospital birth, but things weren't looking up for me. I was so unhappy with the lack of care I was receiving at Novant; notes in my chart about things that were untrue, never happened, or never discussed. I needed someone who actually cared about us, not the money being paid for these 10 minute appointments we were driving to that were over an hour away. When things are meant to be, all the pieces fall into place- and fall into place is what they did. From researching birth centers due to initially not being able to do a home birth to being recommended to her by other midwives/locations, Karen's name kept coming up! Things kept circling back to her. But I didn't have the space so I knew there was no way I could do it. But, again, when things are meant to be, they will be. She just so happen to have a cancellation when I reached out. I felt good about our conversation. It was like I'd talked to her before and she already knew my concerns. I could/can text her any time and she always answered/answers, never making me feel as though I'm bothering her. Questions about me or my baby were/are always welcomed/welcome. It was a win, so much so that I'm looking to begin work by her side! If ever you're looking for someone who's passionate about her work and her clients, Karen is your woman. You won't feel like a number or dollar sign. I'll always sing her praises. She was just who we needed.

- Hanna

Karen is absolutely amazing at what she does. She truly cares about her clients and is so committed to giving you the birth you desire. Her knowledge is unmatched by any physician I have encountered. She goes above and beyond for you throughout your whole pregnancy. The support I received from her after birthing my first child was immense. She was there to answer or support me through any milestone. My husband was so amazed at the care we received and said “she will deliver all our future children”. Karen is an amazing Midwife and woman, I would recommend her a million times over.

- Ashley Underwood

Everything about my first pregnancy was made amazing because of Karen. I went from being scared because the doctors I went to kept labeling me high risk just because of my age and weight to being beyond prepared, ready and confident thanks to the knowledge and experience that Karen holds. Even though my labor went much faster than planned (3 hours total) Karen helped make the entire thing go exactly the way I wanted it to. Even post partum care for me and my baby have been above and beyond what I ever could have expected. I do not regret one thing about choosing to go with Karen as my midwife and if I have any children in the future she will be the first phone call I make!

- Tabitha Barnes

Best midwife ever! I had my third baby with her and by far the best experience out of all of my births. She is so knowledgeable, caring, and fact based! Using natural medicine and western when needed and all at your discretion. Even when my birth didn't go exactly as we all thought, she remained calm I am so thankful to have had her there with all of her experience. Thank you so much karen for making my home birth dream possible!

- Sarah B Le Roux

Karen is an absolute dream! As a first Time Mom all I have ever wanted was a natural birth. To feel listened to and to be able to have a calm, respected birth, all of which Karen Gave me! She was so calm and collected during my 13 hours of labor and I couldn’t have done it without her! She pushed me when I needed to be pushed, respected my wishes, and jumped into immediate action to tend to me after the birth when it was needed! I have never felt safer with putting my life as well as my child’s life in someone else’s hands. She supported me through the whole pregnancy and was extremely informative even when we hit a couple of bumps in the road. It was such an empowering experience as a women and I am so blessed to have shared it with Karen! I truly look forward to working with her again in the future and highly suggest everyone to consider her for all their future Birth’s!

- Savannah Langford

I love Karen and the work that she does! Karen is a wonderful human being overall. She is empowering, compassionate, knowledgeable, and prepared. It’s amazing having someone like that in your corner during a vulnerable time in your life. A big plus is that she holds monthly mom meetings to bring women together. I think it’s a great community to be apart of.

- Brittany Reeck

Karen is an incredible midwife. I felt so cared for by her from the initial phone interview all the way up until the last postpartum visit. I had many questions throughout the process and she thoroughly answered them all. She gave me such peace and confidence in her care and in my body’s ability to birth. She was supportive of my desire for an uninterrupted birth and never once made me feel pressured to do something I didn’t want to do. Her presence made me feel calm and safe. I knew the entire time that my baby and I were in great hands. I am so thankful that with her support I was able to have the home birth of my dreams. I will forever be grateful for Karen and if I have another baby, I will confidently choose her as my midwife again. She is the absolute best!

- Daniel&Sarah Osborne

Having Karen as my midwife for my second pregnancy was an absolute answer to prayer! She was everything I needed and more. From our very first conversation I knew she was “the one”. The contrast from traditional obstetrics care to midwifery was nothing short of astounding. The very first visit I had with her she asked “Is it ok for me to touch” before examining my belly, and I remember thinking, how considerate! Not one, NOT ONE, of my doctors EVER asked that when I was expecting/delivering my first child. It’s the little things like this and so much more that set her apart. She truly cares for every big and little need you have and she builds a personal relationship with you that makes you feel safe, important, and heard. From the depths of my heart I could never be more grateful for how beautiful my 2nd birth was, thanks to her guidance. If you are considering using The Wonders of Birth, this is your sign. DO IT.

- Jada Spencer

The wonders of Birth, Karen, and her team provided us with the most empowering, calming, and educational experience we could have been blessed with. She exceeded all expectations and is genuinely one of sweetest souls I ever met. I’m beyond grateful that God allowed our paths to cross.

- candice kirksey

Karen was amazing and helped me relax in a way that made the contractions much less painful. She was such a comfort and advocate for me. Trust Karen with your birth and relax knowing she will be there alongside you. I would definitely use her services again. She is fantastic!

- Katie Norton

Karen is absolutely AMAZING! She helped my labor go so smooth and was the rock I needed to get me through. If I was having more babies I would definitely use her again and I recommend her to all expecting mothers! She also helped me with breastfeeding, without her I would have had to use formula. She is truely a blessing and so patient.

- Abby Thomas

Took the child birth education classes and they were amazing! Just make sure to bring a notepad due to all the wonderful info you will be learning in just two days. Update I also hired her to be my doula. Let me just say there is no way I would’ve followed through with my natural birth plan if it had not been for her. She’s so supportive and helpful during the entire birth process. I plan to have her as a doula until I’m done having kids. I absolutely love her!

- Val

Karen has a passion for mothers and their babies and it shines through every interaction you have with her. She truly loves and cares about what she does, and that makes all of the difference. Her compassion and emotional support cannot be replaced.

- Mattea Crawford

Karen is wonderful! A must have calm and knowledgeable presence! 😍😍😍

- Elisabeth Parker

Having Karen as my doula helped me to have the unmedicated birth I had been wanting. My husband and I took the 12 week Bradley method course that she teaches. My husband was initially leary of 12 weeks of classes. But, after the birth, he realized that this not only gave us the knowledge we needed, but helped us both get comfortable with Karen and for her to know our personalities (and vice versa). She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful about childbirth and pre/post-natal issues. She and my husband worked together very well to coach me through birth. She kept me comfortable, encouraged me to relax, and knew what tools to use at the right time. She explained what was happening, as needed, and answered my questions. She also worked well with the midwife and nurse in regards to what birthing position to try next. Karen has a kind and caring personality (but can be "take-charge" when needed) and a passion for moms and babies. I will forever be grateful for the role she played in the birth of my baby boy.

- Wendy Waldt