Our Story

Midwife owners Cathy Rude Westbrook, Natalie Wommack, and Connie Blokkum forged a partnership in 2003, initially focusing on homebirths. Seven years of dedication, supported by their families, turned their dream of owning a freestanding birth center into reality.

In October 2010, they acquired a historic 1939 house in Old Katy, transforming it into the future Katy Birth Center. By December of that year, the center secured licensure, completing preparations to open its doors as a fully operational birth center.

January 2011 marked the center’s operational launch, initiating a journey of guiding expectant parents through the miracle of new life. Welcoming over 2,500 healthy infants into the world, Katy Birth Center continues its joyous mission with each new client, family, and little one—an ongoing celebration of dreams fulfilled and miracles embraced.

Statement of Philosophy

We believe:

  • Childbirth is a natural and divine occurrence, orchestrated by God. When approached in the most natural manner, devoid of unnecessary interventions, it typically unfolds as a straightforward delivery, resulting in a healthy baby.

  • Preventative healthcare and conscientious prenatal care stand as the optimal strategies for averting complications during this sacred journey.

  • The midwife plays a pivotal role, guiding the birthing couple through the entire process of pregnancy, labor/birth, and the postpartum and newborn periods with vigilant monitoring.

  • Recognizing childbirth as a family-centered event, we advocate for parents to shape the experience according to their desires. We actively encourage specific requests, aiming to honor and fulfill the expectant parents’ preferences surrounding the birth itself.

  • "Katy Birth Center has such a special place in my heart. The midwives here are patient, kind, warm and intelligent women that are passionate about caring for mamas and their babies. Prenatal appointments were something I always looked forward to. I was given as much time as I needed to chat through whatever was on my mind and that made me feel so cared for. If something came up that couldn’t wait between appointments, I utilized the client care portal to message my midwife and received quick, thorough responses. My midwife honored all of birth plan desires and truly had a servant’s heart throughout my entire labor. The way she helped me and encouraged me was so unforgettable, it brings me to tears. The support I received postpartum was also very special, as it is such a sensitive time. My midwife was gracious, encouraging and available to me whenever I needed her after I gave birth. I truly can’t put into words how grateful I am to have had my VBAC at KBC. "

    — Abrena Free (★★★★★ Google Review)

  • "The Katy Birth Center is a hub for the most fabulous midwives in the Greater Houston Area. We are a truly blessed city to have Shani! Sara! Melissa! And their entire team. As a fellow midwife, I am picky, and let me tell you! I would feel comfy picking them over and over again."

    —Andie Wyrick (★★★★★ Google Review)

  • "Top-notch personalized care, and so much birth/health education provided as well. I always felt so taken care of, listened to, and respected. I had five beautiful peaceful, prayerful births here, and I cannot praise all of the midwives and ladies at KBC enough."

    —Anabelle Ndu (★★★★★ Google Review)

  • "I can’t write enough praises for the Katy Birth Center! Every appointment is so intentional - I was cared for emotionally, physically, and mentally. This team has so much to offer in education, years of knowledge and experience, access to natural supplementation, individual care, and freedom for choice in my medical decisions. In my opinion, this is the only place in the Houston area you will find such Christ centered and holistic care for pregnancy and birth. We had such a positive first pregnancy and birth experience and now a healthy and happy baby boy! Forever grateful!"

    —Keelie Jones (★★★★★ Google Review)

  • "We LOVED the Katy Birth Center! We had Melissa as our midwife and she was nothing but supportive and very knowledgeable the entire pregnancy, labor and postpartum period. We felt very cared for during our time there, it felt like family going in to the birth center and now it feels so weird to not be there anymore. Some of the things we loved: thorough and long appointment times that helped cover all basis/any questions we had, numerous resources, very personable, and very informative. My husband and I agreed that this was perfect for us, especially as new parents. Now we have our sweet baby girl with us and get to keep sharing our stories from the birth center with our friends. We are truly grateful!"

    — Jiwoon Park (★★★★★ Google Review)

  • "I had my dream pregnancy and delivery because of Katy Birth Center. Sue was my midwife and she was so caring throughout the entire journey. The entire staff is amazing and I felt very taken care of. The birth center itself felt “homey” and I was always so comfortable there during all of my appointments. The delivery itself was exactly what I had wanted and imagined and my needs were always met. I can go on and on about my birth story but trust me when I say you are in good hands here!"

    — Karon Lee (★★★★★ Google Review)

  • "I gave a FIVE star rating only because Google won’t let me give SIX. Melissa Nealy is the most unbelievably awesome midwife, possibly ever. While I’m sure that all the midwives at KBT are super legit, she gets my wife’s and my vote as the best!!!! Shani was an amazing help at the birth of our son, as was Margo. The ladies at this place are the best you’ll find anywhere!"

    — Steven Radenmacher (★★★★★ Google Review)