Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amy Giles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Amy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
My husband and I took over a birth center in 2010. Every step of the way produced all kinds of challenges with growth. Going from paper charting to an EMR, setting up new procedures and guidelines for the practice, hiring challenges with growth, setting up and taking insurance, help with billing, etc. My advice is to manage your growth and expectations. Pushing to grow too fast and getting ahead of your company’s abilities can be detrimental. Be prepared for setbacks, issues, and problems. Know they are coming and work through them peacefully and methodically. You can overcome them with time. Be patient and enjoy the ability to do what you love in a safe and peaceful way.
Amy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In 2004, I found a local birth center and literally told the owner that I would clean the floors, take messages, wash dishes…I just wanted to be around birth. This wonderful woman, who is my mentor, is Rebecca Burpo. She created Allen Birthing Center in Allen, TX. It was only a year old and I desperately wanted to learn from her as she was so well known in our area. I worked with her for five years and became her Clinical Director. When she wanted to retire, she graciously and generously offered and guided my husband and myself into purchasing and owning the birth center.
I had no idea how to run a business like this. Midwifery school didn’t teach me anything about that. My husband, Jeff Giles, took over the financial side of the business and took care of the facility and administration of the birth center. That allowed me to focus solely on taking care of our clients. We have now owned Allen Midwifery & Family Wellness for over 14 years together and have had the privilege to serve thousands of clients. We have expanded into hospital births, well woman exams, visits for men, hormonal treatments for all, and have a FNP on staff.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Taking care of clients in a birth center, you truly have to care about people. I wanted to create a space where clients felt supported in all their decisions. To truly have the care and birth they desire is my life’s work. I want my business to be a welcoming place for all our clients’ families. We are family-owned and treat our staff and clients like our own family. For the birth center to still be growing and taking care of so many families over the years, it makes my heart happy to know that we have been succeeding in our vision. I believe our reputation stems from providing individualized, client-centered care.
Any advice for managing a team?
Our staff is a family. My husband and I own the business together and treat our staff like our extended family. We care for all of them and have had long lasting relationships with anyone who has worked for us. We want to be there for them in times of need and be able to offer support for them as they grow their careers. I believe if you invest in the lives of your staff, create a space where everyone has a voice, and express gratitude for their work morale remains high.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allenmidwifery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allenmidwifery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllenMidwifery
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-amy-giles-192b58196/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/allen-midwifery-and-family-wellness-allen?osq=allen+midwifery
