Growing Together
Building the Future of Birth and Reproductive Healthcare in the Greater Philadelphia Region
Lifecycle Wellness and Birth Center is an independent, non-profit organization that has been providing empowering, midwifery-based gynecological and birth-oriented healthcare since 1978. Our distinctly different model of care is grounded in evidence-based practices and personal connection.
Why Giving Matters
Every contribution plays a vital role in helping us bring our vision to fruition. Together, we can build upon our strong foundation and make a lasting impact to create meaningful change in reproductive and birth care for thousands of individuals and families in the Philadelphia region.
Lifecycle’s Clinical Successes
- Nearly 16,000 births in 45 years!
- 12% C-section Rate at Lifecycle-Bryn Mawr vs. PA (30.8%) & national (32.1 %)
- 2.1% babies born with low birth weight vs. PA (8.5%) & national (8.6%)
- Breastfeeding rate >90% vs. PA (74.8%) & national (83.2%)
- Preterm birth rate = 3% (2023 for Lifecycle) vs. PA: (9.6%) in 2022
- Episiotomy rates: 1.8% in 2023 vs. national (4.6%)
Improving access to midwifery care
Research shows that people cared for by midwives are less likely to have cesarean sections (7.6% vs. 19.9%), low birth weight babies (1.9% vs. 5.2%), and NICU admissions (1.1% vs. 6.7%). They are also more likely to be breastfeeding at discharge (97.4% vs. 87.5%). However, fewer than 1% of pregnant people in the U.S. receive midwifery-based birth center care.
Like much of the country, access to the midwifery model of care is limited in our area. It is our mission to create more options in the Greater Philadelphia region for safe, out-of-hospital birth. With your support, we can do just that!
Donate today and be a part of this transformative journey.
Midwifery-based healthcare services:
- Pre and postnatal care
- Midwife-assisted birth at our birth center
- Planned hospital births with our midwives
- Gynecological care and well visits
- Contraceptives
- Conception services
- Lactation support
- Menopausal care
- Mental health services
- Classes and workshops
- Support and community groups
Testimonials
“My experience as a client, for the pregnancy and birth of my two daughters changed the way I look at and what I expect from my healthcare providers across the board. I felt fully equipped to navigate both births because I knew I had agency in making decisions for my body, and I was a trusted partner in the birth experience.” —Sarah
“The reassurance and guidance through delivery was exactly what I needed to feel empowered and capable.” —Danielle
“I’ve been coming to LWC for over 15 years. The midwives and NPs have counseled me through anemia, perimenopause, uterine fibroids, and more. I am so grateful for their informing and empowering care.” —L.M
“I am super grateful for the supportive, individualized care that I received at Lifecycle throughout my pregnancy and postpartum. Every appointment was thorough and gentle and started off with, “what would you like to talk about today?” I always felt I was in competent hands and had a safe place to talk through my fears and concerns. I’m especially grateful for midwives Advah and Elsa and NPs Ruth and Jamesina and nurse Hannah for all of their compassionate, tender care. It’s evident how they (the staff) care from the heart and want the best for each patient.” —Michelle
“This was the best medical experience I’ve had in my twenty years of existence, and I’ve had many medical experiences. Extremely grateful to feel heard and seen.” —Evelyn
Email kmchugh@lifecylewellness.org for support with financial transactions such as donations of stock or securities.
