Anchorage Birth Center (ABC) opened its doors in August of 2015 and is exclusively utilized by the midwives of Midwifery and Women's Health Care (MWHC) at Geneva Woods. MWHC has been participating in out-of-hospital births for more than 13 years, since its inception in 2002. Prior to the opening of ABC the midwives of MWHC utilized the facilities of Geneva Woods Birth Center for their out-of-hospital births. We are proudly accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC). 

It is the belief of Anchorage Birth Center that pregnancy and childbirth are natural extensions of the human experience; with respect to the individuality and uniqueness of each woman and her family’s experience. Caregivers support this experience through collaborative, compassionate care for the mother and her family. 

ELKE SYREN, BIRTH CENTER MANAGER

Growing up in Austria it was very clear to me early in life that I was supposed to become a midwife. I was always drawn to pregnant women and babies. I was fascinated by their stories of pregnancy and birth. After completing my training in Austria, I moved to Switzerland and delivered thousands of beautiful babies in picturesque Swiss hospitals.. After meeting my husband, a lifelong Alaskan, I left my home and moved to Alaska. Quite soon after arriving in Anchorage I connected with midwives here and started working as a birth assistant. I had never attended a birth outside of a hospital before and I was in love. After our first daughter was born I decided my needs as a mother to my children outweighed my desire to continue working full time. Shortly after she was born her sister came and I became a full time stay at home mom until the day I got a call from the midwives at Anchorage Birth Center. When they offered me a position as the birth center manager it became clear I missed having midwifery in my life. Now I work behind the scenes but still get to enjoy birth and babies. In my free time I enjoy spending time on our boat out in Prince William Sound, traveling to Hawaii and other foreign countries, hiking, biking but most of all I love spending time with my family.

The Midwives

The midwives of Midwifery and Women's Health Care at Geneva Woods have exclusive privileges of Anchorage Birth Center. 

Meet Laura, Onica, Trina, Trish, Felicity and Kimberly (not pictured) here!