Legacy Mentor Series: Roberta Frank on Midwifery, Birth, and Personal Transformation

By: Care Messer | Autonomy, Midwives, Podcast | February 12, 2026

Today’s show kicks off the Legacy Mentor Series with Roberta Frank, a trailblazing midwife whose impact on my life is indescribable. It is an honor getting to share many of my mentors who have passed on their love, time and advice over the years that I have been in birth work. I credit these people for helping to create the Birth Education Center and all that it has offered.

In this episode, we discuss the transformative power of birth, the wisdom of midwifery, and the importance of respecting a woman’s natural ability to give birth. And once again, Roberta passes on her observations and wisdom from a lifetime of witnessing birth come into the world.

Roberta shares her journey from experiencing a traumatic hospital birth to becoming a pioneering midwife, founding the first state-licensed and longest running birth center in California. Best Start Birth Center just recently closed after being in business over 35 years. We discuss the innate knowledge women possess, the critical role of support and respect in the birthing process, and how birth can be a profound healer of past traumas. This conversation is filled with practical advice for families and birth workers, and a powerful message about trusting the processes of life, birth, and death.

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

About the author:
Care is the founder of the Birth Education Center, San Diego HypnoBirthing and Cuddle Sanctuary San Diego. She is a Birth Educator, Hypnotherapist, Birth and Postpartum Doula, INNATE Care Provider, Erotic Blueprint Coach and also professional Cuddler. She specializes in connection work between people and increasing self boundaries for a more balanced life together.

X

All group classes are held online with everyone’s cameras on to cultivate the intimacy between families.

We have no date yet for returning to in-person group classes.