We had our baby at home on July 31, 2020. I can't even begin to express how thankful I am for the ladies at Barefoot birth. This was our forth pregnancy and first homebirth. I met Charlie A few years back and told my husband if we ever had another baby We were having a home birth. I contacted Charlie as soon as I knew I was pregnant and she helped me figure out the insurance stuff and took on my care. Never did my husband or I feel like just a file in a office. Every visit they took the time to listen to everything I had to say and They never treated me like it was something I should know being my forth baby or that it wasn't important. I was never treated any different because of my age when other OB's and nurse midwives would have considered high risk! When the Covid restrictions started for care providers they still went above and beyond to give the best care they could. This was by far my best pregnancy and birth. Under their care I didn't suffer any of the depression or anxiety I have in the the other pregnancies and I believe that is because I never felt pressured or judged in by them. I didn't fear my birth like past hospital ones due to trauma. I actually miss my appointments with them! My birth was everything I wanted it to be. They made it quickly to my house and had everything ready when Baby Grayson decided to come 3 weeks before his guess date! Erica and Bennett were so helpful at keeping me calm just by giving off their calm and confident vibes! They were hands off unless I asked or they needed to check baby. When he was born they made sure him and I were great helped clean everything up and helped me shower before leaving us to be with our family. I could not have done it without them. Charlie, Bennett and Erica are amazing and knowledgeable! They truly care and love what they do! I highly recommend you choose them for care! read more

Charlie attended my home VBAC - My labor progressed really well and efficiently. Charlie was there to help with all those simple things that seem so hard to remember when I was in labor (drinking, eating, massaging my back). It was very important to me to do my own vaginal exams - when I would do a check and describe what I was feeling she was so helpful to tell me what it was I was feeling - my bag of waters then my baby's head! At one point in my labor, I told everyone at my birth that the baby was physically stuck, not a mental block with labor or birth. Charlie was the only one at my birth who believed me that the baby was somehow physically stuck. I was almost in tears that I could no longer move my baby with hypnobirthing breathing. Charlie was the one who came to me and told me that if the baby is really stuck, I may have to just bear down and push him out. She understood how important laboring down was to me and helped me come to the emotional decision that this baby was going to require a little more to get him out. I am so thankful I had Charlie at my birth to help me through everything but especially this moment. When my baby was born, he had a nuchal arm and I felt so validated and understood it was likely his elbow stuck on my pelvis. Charlie also helped me with my placenta. I wanted to consume it raw in a smoothie. Charlie cut it into chunks and made a smoothie with some fruit from the fridge. It tasted like a fruit smoothie with a shot of Floradix Iron and Herbs. I didn't see Charlie at the moment when she was preparing the placenta, but saw pictures later. My son says those are the happy pictures of Charlie - she took so much love and care in preparing that smoothie for me and it was perfect postpartum medicine! I am so glad I had Charlie at my birth! read more

I had decided early on in my second pregnancy that I wanted to have a natural child birth. I knew that a doula was a great source of support for this, so on the recommendation of my neighbor, I contacted Charlie. She was amazing! We met at Starbucks to discuss my last birth experience and wishes for my delivery this time around. She came to my house for two pre-natal visits and sat with my husband and me for over an hour both times. Charlie is so easy to get along with and completely supportive of whatever we wanted to do. I think that was one of the things I loved most about her. There was no, "Well, this is the best way...." She simply listed to us, answered our questions and gave multiple options on things we weren't sure on. This allowed us to choose the birth experience that would be best for our family. She was available via text and phone throughout the course of my pregnancy. Anytime I had concerns or questions, she responded so quickly to ease my mind. (This allowed me to stay off the internet and not scare myself!) During my labor, Charlie was there with her bag of tricks to help me relax. She was fantastic with the nurses and CNM at Celebration Hospital. She put cold washcloths on my neck, had ice water and snacks for me and was awesome with the lower back massage techniques. I was able to use a birthing ball and she suggested all kinds of different positions to get me comfortable. For my full birth story, check out http://www.jackandemmablog.com/2013/01/hopes-birth-story.html. I am recommending a doula to all of my friends who are pregnant. I think it is totally worth every single penny, no matter where or how you give birth to your baby. A doula SUPPORTS YOU and Charlie was the epitome of this. read more

The awesome, sweet, caring, knowledgeable and trustworthy team Barefoot have you won't find it in many places! We reached out to Charlie very desperate when I was a few weeks away from my expected delivery due date because the center my husband and I chose to deliver our second baby had given up on us basically kicking us out and sending us to deliver at the nearest hospital to us (which we were barely familiarize with) due to last minute results from a somewhat inaccurate ultrasound on the third trimester. So basically Charlie and her team took our case and reviewed everything carefully, listened to what we had to say about the matter, trust our judgment about the situation and the ability they had to continue on with our case and gave us the choices we didn't get before, giving us back the peace of mind every couple wants to have when it comes to deliver/welcome their baby!. They made sure they find solutions to the different situations we were facing, and not just the pregnancy/delivery risks at the time but also to the financially aspect as well so we could deliver our baby naturally, in the water (like we planned from the beginning) and at a our home without having any medical intervention or having to go at a hospital like the previous birth center told us we had to do! Because of Charlie and her team we delivered a healthy and beautiful baby boy at home in the water without any of the issues or problems we were told we "would or could" have. And for that my family and I will be forever grateful! They turned a horrible and stressful situation into a beautiful experience! Thank you!! :) read more

A week after our precious home birth and I'm still in awe of the level of care and support Barefoot provides. I miss our appointments already! My husband and I knew we wanted a home birth when we started trying to get pregnant, and from a friends referral, we knew Barefoot would be our first call. From our first consultation with Charlie just before we conceived, to our prenatal care, childbirth education, labor, delivery, and postpartum support they always made us feel like a priority. Each midwife brings such a sweet presence and peace that made us feel right at home knowing they would meet us right where we were at every step of the way. Our prenatal care was so gentle and personalized. Each appointment was tailored to whatever we needed. Our conversations never felt rushed or questions pushed aside. Between their support, Rachel's guidance in our birthing classes, and all the books I read about natural birth, I felt perfectly prepared when our day finally arrived. Throughout labor I felt empowered to respond to my body in whatever way I needed without thoughts of doubt or fear. They were encouraging and supportive every step of the way, while allowing me space to explore each sensation and our boy was born peacefully into my arms. Postpartum they have answered every call and encouraged my natural instincts, helping me to settle into motherhood in my own power. Having been part of one of the most intimate experiences of my life, we consider them all family. Not a doubt in our minds that they will be our people in future prenatal care and births. read more

Barefoot Birth is for sure "as good as it gets" but they don't stop there - the Barefoot Birth team goes above and beyond to educate, support, encourage, and enable you to have the birth that you desire. With my first child I had no idea or desire to seek anything out of the typical hospital birth - but having been there once, I suddenly felt there must be more. And indeed, there was. Barefoot Birth introduced me to the true wonder that birth can and should be - helped me understand my own body better, helped me transition to a fuller understanding of birth - and then years later helped me deliver my second child in a peaceful and confident manner. Due to a blood disease, I did not have the option of a home or birth center birth, but Charlie was there for me in the hospital, and helped make it the very best situation we could have hoped for - she stuck with me the whole time yet she was never imposing or crowding. Instead she was instinctively present - helping me when needed, fielding questions so I didn't have to, giving me just enough advice when I looked for it to help me return to my own birth. After the birth Megan sometime quietly showed up and took the placenta for encapsulation, bring it back in pill form right to our doorstep later. (Does it sound crazy? Don't worry, they're ok with that. And will help you understand the benefits and make an educated choice whatever you choose.) Barefoot Birth quietly helped transform my experience with birth from one of discomfort and procedure to one of strength and joy. I cannot recommend them higher. read more

I am very belated on writing this very glowing review of Barefoot Birth. It is hard to believe my son has just turned 3 years old! Recently I have found myself to be expecting again, (sometime in May). I plan be utilizing the amazingly personalized, compassionate and knowledgeable services of their team for a 2nd time! Although it has been a while since I have visited Barefoot birth, I still vividly remember my very first visit with Charlie. I immediately felt at ease, like I was talking with an old friend. She calmly answered all of my questions, explained clearly how their program works and we were laughing together about family topics throughout our appt. My husband and I also decided to work with doulas Brandi (and Vanessa at that time). The delivery itself went very smoothly, (especially for a first time mom I was told). Midwifes Bennett and Erica took exceptional care monitoring me and my son throughout my labors and were so helpful suggesting/getting me into modified positions that worked best with my body to move delivery along. Brandi was phenomenal supporting me in an assisted position (for nearly 45min!), which was ultimately the way I was able to successfully deliver in the safety and comfort of our home. I am certain that there is no other group of people that I would rather have going through this experience with me and my family. I look forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting all the newer faces with Barefoot Birth and getting to again take this incredible journey together! Thank you!! read more

As soon as I met Mary Catherine I knew I wanted her to be a part of my birth experience. She made me feel so relaxed and comfortable. It felt like we had been friends for years. I explained to her my desire to have a VBAC, which she was very supportive of and helped calm all of my anxieties. Our communication was great all throughout my pregnancy. She came to our house a few times to meet with me and my husband to discuss any questions we had, as well as accompanied me to one of my appointments with the midwife. After my labor initially started fast and strong I began to stall and we discovered that my daughter had turned right occiput posterior. Fortunately, Mary Catherine was well-versed in "spinning babies" techniques, which ultimately helped my baby get back into the proper position and for labor to progress. She was right by my side for every contraction helping me to control my breathing, getting me in different labor positions, and using counter pressure on my back (which was AMAZING!). Without her support and knowledge I do not believe I would have been able to have the natural VBAC delivery I had hoped for. She was my rock throughout my 16 hour labor and her support was absolutely invaluable! Her services went above and beyond being a doula and encapsulating my placenta. I consider her part of our family now and will absolutely hire her to be a part of any future births we have. Thank you MC!! read more

This was my second at home birth, but my first with Barefoot Birth. I didn't have a great experience with my first midwife, but I had heard great things about Barefoot Birth so I decided to give them a try. Erica was absolutely incredible!! I could not be more thrilled with my experience. My babies tend to come very fast once I go into labor (so fast that our first at home birth was done without a midwife because she couldn't make it to our house in time). This was my third pregnancy and it was totally different than the first two even though it was my third girl. Erica answered every question or concern. She was always incredibly available. She even came to my house at 2 am when I started to go into labor but the contractions stopped. She stayed for a few hours during that time to make sure I didn't stay in labor and check on mine and the baby's vitals. When it came to me finally having the baby, she was there quickly (I live far out into the country). She checked mine and the babies vitals regularly. Bennett was there as well and was incredibly helpful too. They knew my husband wanted to deliver again. I loved how they let us do our thing as a couple, but were there for support if needed. They were both great during my after labor recovery at home and follow up appointments. I could never say enough good things about them. I HIGHLY recommend Barefoot Birth especially Erica & Bennett! read more

I transferred my care to Barefoot Birth at 26 weeks. I just wasn't feeling any type of personal care from the OB practice I was using. Every appointment with the large OB practice lasted around 15 minutes after waiting in the office for 45 minutes, and they were very upfront about letting me know it was anyone's guess who would actually attend my labor and delivery. I wanted more personalized care. I immediately felt a connection with Charlie when we met and knew I wanted her to provide my care going forward. Her visits to my home for complete and through prenatal care were never less than an hour. This being my first child, I asked her every question about pregnancy, labor, birth, and breastfeeding under the sun and she was always respectful and extremely knowledgeable in answering. She never made me feel rushed, uncomfortable, or dismissed. Because of the level of prenatal care I received, I was able to feel confident and secure when I went into labor and had a safe, peaceful, unmedicated water birth at home. My daughter and I also received 6 weeks of postnatal care that was equally as wonderful as prenatal care. I would recommend Barefoot Birth without hesitation to anyone seeking a home birth experience. read more

I found Barefoot Birth by chance as I was searching for midwife options for a VBAC birth with my second child. From the beginning Charlie and the other midwives were very knowledgeable about my options of what a successful VBAC could look like for me which I was very grateful for. They answered all of my questions and gave me the information and time to decide on the type of birth I wanted to have. They also were able to recommend other resources in the area for me to see during my pregnancy to ensure I had the birth I hoped for. Ultimately, I decided to have all my prenatal and postnatal care with Barefoot Birth and go to Tampa General Hospital for my birth. Charlie was able to come with me to TGH as my doula. During my labor, Charlie was an amazing resource as well as advocate for me to understand my options and feel empowered to make the best decisions for myself and my baby. I was able to have a successful VBAC and the birth that I envisioned with my son. I feel that having Barefoot Birth as an essential part of my birth team led to my son's birth being so successful and empowering for me. read more

I contacted Barefoot Birth toward the end of my pregnancy because I'd been unsatisfied with the previous establishment, and was luckily able to be taken as a client on such short notice! I've been so happy with Charlie's home-visits for my prenatal work. Especially when you're in your last month of pregnancy and the last thing you want to do is drive around, keeping appointments, it is a real blessing to have your midwife come to you. Charlie is so attentive and really makes sure to listen to your opinion, thoughts, and wishes for the birth. She is excellent at explaining all aspects of each choice that you have without pushing you one way or the other, allowing you to make your own decisions for how you want your prenatal work, labor, and birth to unfold. My partner and I are really looking forward to her being our midwife during the birth; we both feel really comfortable with her energy. I will be able to write another review hopefully within the next couple of weeks after our little one is born, and I'm sure it will be just as positive as this one. =) read more

Hiring Mary Catherine was one of the best decisions that my wife and I have ever made. After first meeting Mary Catherine I was supremely confident that my wife would be in great hands. It was obvious that she would offer not only the physical support, but perhaps even more importantly, the extra emotional support that my wife needed for the successful VBAC that was her heart's desire. I am so happy to say that she met and exceeded all of my expectations. She was everything that my wife needed her to be and more. Having her there was such a relief for me as well. My wife is one of the strongest people that I know but it's still very stressful to see her in pain. Seeing Mary Catherine work with Brooke through every contraction and encourage her through every moment of doubt and frustration over the course of 16 hours of labor made that stress load so much lighter. Mary Catherine was truly our rock from the beginning of the day until the time our precious daughter was born. I can't imagine not having her by our side for our future births! read more

In 2014, we started care with Barefoot birth at roughly 18 weeks gestation. After a horrendous loss seven months prior due to a severe neural tube defect I was left with a such a bad taste in my mouth. All the mainstream doctors appointments, rotating doctors (who dont remember your names btw) and zero affection shown towards us as a family. After so many bad experiences we wanted to have a say in the kind of care and birth we wanted. Having Charlie as our midwife was just simple and her calm demeanor always kept me at ease. She visited me at home for most appointments and always took time to ask how I was feeling and if I had any concerns that I wanted to discuss. I've never met anyone as knowledgeable and passionate as she is about her work. She gave me the strength I needed to trust my body, every need was met and my birth went just as smoothly as planned. I highly recommend that if anyone is looking into a homebirth, they need to contact Barefoot birth immediately !! Such an empowering experience. read more

So grateful for Charlie and the Barefoot Birth family! I received great care throughout my pregnancy and was excited to have our second home birth with our third baby, Lucas! Charlie was so reassuring and knowledgeable. My labor was exactly 2 hours from start to finish. I was afraid Charlie wouldn't make it! I was so relived when she arrived so quickly after my call! She was calm and brought so much peace to the whole birth experience. I love that I was given so much freedom to labor the way I wanted to. I also bought our son which was so special. After having my first baby in the hospital in a natural birth, I know just how important it is to have a provider that cares and respects the patient's wishes. The care that Barefoot Birth provided for my family and I is nothing but the best. Thank you Charlie and BB for your service to the families and mothers in the Tampa Bay Area! We are blessed with your passion for natural birth and I pray God blesses BB & Your families greatly! Elizabeth Tavarez read more

When I decided I was going to have a home birth I turned to my local community for guidance. My first child was born in a freestanding birthing center, and though it was a good experience, I was looking for something better, something phenomenal, the "birth of my dreams"!!! The recommendations for Barefoot Birth started pouring in, and in, and in. Since I sourced such a variety of opinions, it was obvious to me that this was the team for me! I couldn't of had a better experience. My birth was spiritual, "easy", and absolutely beautiful. I felt relaxed, confident, and competent in my pregnancy, the delivery, and the all important postpartum period. The Barefoot Birth was there to support me and hold my hand, but I called the shots, isn't that how birth is supposed to be? I am eternally grateful for the sisterhood I found in Barefoot Birth and the loving care I received. I wouldn't recommend anyone else. read more

Words can't describe the impact Charlie and Wes have had on our family's experience. I had been seeing Wes for massage, and knew Charlie before our second (and third) pregnancy ended in an early miscarriage. I turned to Charlie with questions, she was so knowledgeable, but most importantly she was caring and sensitive to our family's deep emotions. Massage was a tremendous asset to healing my spirit. When we got pregnant a few months later it was clear there was no better birth team for our family. Charlie was wonderfully respectful to our intuition and I felt so secure in her care. Both Charlie and Wes have been patient and aware of our 3 year olds presence and feelings, it's a big deal who you invite into your home to provide care during pregnancy and birth and their presence in our home always felt natural and helped our son to warm up. we really did have the healing, whole family experience we'd dreamed of. read more

When we started our search for a birth photographer, I emailed several people.. and nobody seemed genuine or passionate about what they were doing, until we met Patti! We set up a meet with her, and to pay since I was late in the game already, and I instantly fell in love! She is AMAZING at what she does, the images she captured are breath taking, and she was a wonderful addition to our birth team, I even told my husband I wish she was a midwife so she could have been the only one we needed.. She's THAT cool ;) she was a complete fly on the wall, but there exactly when we needed her! She even jumped in to wipe my forehead when I got splashed from the water after my son was born.. It's the little things that count! Her attention to detail for her packaging also shows that she truly cares! The fact that she is a CLC and a LLL leader, makes you just want to high five her after your birth. read more

My husband and I recently brought our second child into the world with Barefoot Birth. The entire team made our prenatal period easy with their home visits and quick responses to any questions we had. They helped to support our somewhat difficult labor on actual birth day and keep us home, where we wanted to be most. Erica, one of the midwives, and Jenn, her assistant (and upcoming midwife), helped make our home birth experience peaceful and beautiful just as we hoped it would be. We would definitely recommend Barefoot Birth to anyone who's looking for an exceptional and personalized pregnancy and birth experience. (PS- the actual Community Roots Collective- the "homebase" is also very cute and has almost anything else you might be looking for maternal care, keepsakes, and pampering!) . Charlie, Erica and the ENTIRE TEAM are awesome! read more