Simply put- best decision I've ever made…read more This practice combines modern medicine with midwife intuition, teaching, and deep wisdom. I've never experienced holistic care quite like the Circle Midwifery team. Story time -- my baby was in the perfect position my entire pregnancy... until late in the game when they surprised us by turning breech. As nerve-wracking as that moment was, it also felt like witnessing something incredible. Watching the midwives calmly and confidently work together to encourage my baby to flip was amazing. Each of them knew exactly what to do, and they surrounded my fear with such grounded, focused, and reassuring energy. I felt completely supported -- it was truly a privilege to witness them do what they were clearly put on the planet to do! I've truly never felt so much love and support from a medical care team. I absolutely loved my experience with Your Circle Midwifery. From my husband's perspective: They heard my concerns about home birth without ever dismissing them. Instead, they made me feel informed, respected, and genuinely comfortable with the entire process. I appreciated the personalized care for my wife, our baby and her specific needs They provided incredible support during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum We are forever grateful for this team.

These talented beauties cared and coached us in the home birth I have been dreaming of. They had my…read moreback as I labored and eventually birthed my baby boy at home. I could not have done it without them. I highly recommend them if you want a natural empowered birth. They kept us safe and supported as I did the hardest best thing I've ever done.

I am so glad that I chose Beautiful One Midwifery for my care during my first pregnancy and birth…read more Kelly, Tiffany, and Christina all gave wonderful care, took time to answer all my questions, and never pressured any decisions. I always felt informed and supported in my decisions. After a long labor and successfully delivering my baby at home, I required a hospital transfer for extensive stitching. Tiffany drove me to the hospital and stayed with me the whole time, advocating for me and providing emotional support during the procedure. The postpartum care (in my home!) has been invaluable as I have navigated these first few weeks of having a newborn. The ladies would check on me and my newborn, provide breast feeding support, and answer any questions or concerns.

I had a baby in June of 2014 and decided that having a doula for my first baby - one I hoped to…read moredeliver naturally - would be helpful. I asked a friend who is very well connected in the birthing community who she would recommend of the names Id heard and she immediately said Kelly was outstanding. I was leaning that way already - her website was so thorough and she clearly cared about being thorough and stretching to extend all of herself and the resources she had to support her clients - but also just to be a resource to anyone visiting her page which I loved. I also wanted placenta encapsulation and she was able to offer doula services as well as the placenta services - and she also teaches a birthing class which I was able to watch online - so great!! I came to realize that my biggest need was someone to talk to prior to the birth to learn about exactly what was going to happen. Also - I would find myself with free-floating anxiety. The initial meetings with Kelly and my husband and then the availability to text or chat when stress or fear hit was honestly one of the best things I got out of our Doula relationship. Kelly was so able to validate and yet present either her experience, observations, or just a way to think about giving birth that removed the fear I didn't expect to have. I ended up being induced - during the two weeks "overdue" I was especially anxious and Kelly was again a helpful calming voice. The day I went in for the induction I was terrified. She had given me a link to online meditations Id been listening to for the last month and I was able to listen to them there while the contractions started. It was the perfect way to begin labor. It was also cool to have subtle but definite encouragement to go into myself and not worry about holding conversation with the others in the room. The labor ended up being awesome - no epidural, I was stronger than I expected and Kelly was there encouraging me but not "coaching" me. As the pushing continued and it became clear that I was going to need a c-section, she was again a good counterbalance to look to as my husband and I reconciled that it was indeed the way to go. While the crash c was happening, Kelly was there talking with my husband while they waited. After the baby was delivered, Kelly was there in the room to ensure my skin on skin feeding request was granted and Im really grateful that she took photos in case I wanted them of my first moments with baby. I was still under anesthesia and everyone else there was meeting the baby and stabilizing him. I'm so grateful to have those pictures to see what I couldn't experience consciously. Kelly came over after the birth to check in and see our baby again and chat through the day. I had some residual questions about maybe had I squatted longer, I could have delivered naturally etc. Kelly was quick to share her perspective having been there and to also encourage me to get the medical records so I could see exactly how it went down. I wouldn't have thought to do this - it was really informative and reassuring to read what happened and to see that we made good choices in the heat of the moment to ensure a healthy birth. Kelly's insights and experiences were so helpful. She also gave me a great lactation resource when I struggled with breastfeeding after the c section. I couldn't do the placenta encapsulation because of the c section so I can't review that - but I can assuredly say that my experience was what I hoped for an more and I was so much more prepared and supported at every stage because of Kelly. She is a nurturer, a super knowledgable professional (I loved that she has a masters in psychology too - so well able in dealing with highly emotional situations), and just a lovely grounded purposeful woman. She is not only a part of the birthing community but she creates a community for her clients to continue to support one another as we mother. I'm so glad I found her and highly recommend.

Juliana was a major help during a very vulnerable time. I booked multiple at-home lactation…read moreconsultations when I was freshly postpartum, and she provided personalized and thorough after-visit reports to support my breastfeeding journey. I was dealing with blood blisters, a poor latch, doubts and fears about supply, and a baby that was temporarily not gaining enough weight. As a first-time mom, it was extremely stressful, and there were many tears. However, Juliana's visits always left me feeling more informed, reassured, and capable. We also did a weighted feed during every visit, which confirmed that my baby was indeed getting enough to eat. I still remember the relief I felt when I learned that. Juliana is a big reason why I decided to stay the course with breastfeeding. (Thank goodness, because now I LOVE it.) My insurance covered the cost of the visits, so I just paid the $60 travel fee. I also attended her breastfeeding class with my husband before giving birth. This was super helpful, but I recommend taking the class within 1 month of your due date. We took it a bit too early in my pregnancy, and forgot a couple things by the time I gave birth. Overall, I would highly recommend booking a lactation consultation with Juliana if you're in need of support!

My husband and I visited Babies in Bloom in Vista, California while trying to figure out what…read morestroller and car seat would be best for our first baby--and wow, we are so glad we did! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with such warmth and kindness. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely helpful, not pushy at all. They patiently answered all of our (many!) questions and helped us compare different stroller options based on our lifestyle and needs. We left feeling confident in our decision, which is such a huge relief as first-time parents! The store itself is absolutely adorable--full of the cutest baby items you can imagine, from thoughtful gifts and baby clothes to nursery must-haves. You can tell everything is curated with care. It has that perfect boutique vibe without being overwhelming or overpriced. Babies in Bloom is a true gem for anyone preparing to welcome a little one. We left not only knowing what stroller we want, but with a big smile on our faces. Highly, highly recommend!

I had my second son last year, May 2020, at the beginning of a lot of unknowns during COVID. I had…read morebeen seeing an OB, with plans to have a nature delivery at Pomerado Hospital. In the last 8 weeks of my pregnancy, I contacted San Diego Midwives to see if they'd add me to their care, in order to deliver at a birth center. Fortunately, they were able to accommodate me so late in my pregnancy, and they offered a Covid cash discount because my insurance didn't cover midwifery , and the birthing center wasn't in network with my insurance. They also partnered with a billing service to help me confirm my benefits. Had my insurance covered, they would have worked with me to submit all the required billing information to my insurance for a small fee. They offered majority of my prenatal visits on telehealth , and the appointment I had in office, they clearly took careful precautions to follow Covid safety protocols. I felt like they went to great lengths to make sure I was comfortable with everything (to the extent I could be at 34-40 weeks wearing a mask!). Gerri, Heather and Andrea are a wonderful team. During my delivery at the birth center, they all ended up being there, and they were all so calm , I didn't even realize Gerri had shown up until I was almost pushing. They honored all my birth plans, and made any pre anxiety I had about not delivering at a hospital disappear. The follow up appts at my house were also very attentive and caring. I feel like the post partum care was definitely above and beyond what I received during my first birth, and I really appreciated that , especially since Covid made my post partum experience very different in terms of support. The birth center, A Family Affair, was extremely comfortable, including the bath tub , and the bed where I delivered. We were in and out in 6 hours ! I highly recommend this group of amazing midwives, and the birth center they partner with (or home birth if you choose!).

Please think twice before choosing Heather LeMaster as your provider…read more I wish I had listened to my intuition sooner and not ignored the many red flags I encountered throughout my care. I'm writing this review for anyone considering her as their midwife -- I encourage you to truly, deeply reconsider whether she is the right fit for you. From early on, I felt invalidated and dismissed. I had chronically low blood sugar throughout my entire pregnancy, and rather than receiving the support and care I needed, Heather denied my symptoms and was dismissive of my concerns. Instead of offering evidence-based guidance, I was shamed -- for eating fruit, for eating carbs -- at a time (first trimester) when I was sick and just trying to get through each day. Her constant warnings about delivering a "sugar baby" felt more like threats than medical advice, adding to my stress and confusion. I consulted the rest of my care team, including my PCP, and Heather heavily criticized that decision, routinely telling me that they did not know what they were talking about. She also claims to practice spinning babies, but none of what we did during my pregnancy aligned with the true Spinning Babies exercises and practices that my Doula had me practicing. It was frustrating, as I initially sought out a Spinning Babies provider. In addition to that, the one time I used the 24-hour help line, no one responded to me for over 16 hours. In her practice, she relied far too heavily on forms and checklists in an online portal, and rarely showed the kind of human care and emotional support that is absolutely essential in midwifery. When things got scary and I truly needed her -- emotionally and physically -- she simply was not there in the ways that mattered most. We ended up having to transfer to a hospital instead of our planned home birth, and despite it being in the contract, Heather did not transfer with us and was not involved in the birth at all. She sent a pathetic text message after hearing from her assistant encapsulating the placenta that the birth had happened. Looking back, I realize that, despite Heather always making me feel as if it was my direct fault when something went wrong, what actually went wrong with my birth wasn't about my body or my baby -- it was about my decision to stay with a provider who made me feel unheard, unsupported, and often blamed. That choice is something I now deeply regret. One of the most hurtful moments came in early postpartum (2 weeks), when she tried to go behind my back and privately consult my husband in an attempt to pressure me into medication -- after I had explicitly told her that I was not interested. She also pressured me to start it ASAP, as it can take a month to "kick in" and I "obviously needed it." Since my experience, I've met several others in the industry who shared similar concerns about her care. Many of them were just as confused as I was by the glowing reviews she has received, given the inconsistency in her approach and lack of real support. This further confirms my decision to speak out, as I hope others will be more cautious when choosing their provider. This review isn't written lightly -- my birth was over 8 months ago. It's written from a place of hoping that someone else who feels any of those early twinges of doubt listens to themselves and chooses a care provider who will honor them, respect them, and hold space for the incredibly vulnerable journey of birth.

I had such an amazing experience at Acorn Community Birth Center. From the beginning to the end and…read moremy postpartum visits, it was just such a wonderful experience. I was first greeted by Cristi, the executive director and midwife. She made me feel at ease and made me and my husband feel very comfortable. The birth center itself is in a peaceful community in Fallbrook. It has 3 birth rooms to choose from that are themed differently. I believe I chose the green room which acquired to my liking and it was extremely peaceful. The rooms are a good size and very comfortable. My birth experience was just perfect thanks to my midwife Debbie and the student midwives, Azure and Mel. They were so patient, kind, and so knowledgeable. I believe I met most of the midwives and they are all lovely. I love how you get to do your birth, your way, and the midwives guide you while following your lead. I don't trust traditional hospitals and I would much rather do a holistic birth with midwives, just as it has been done for ages. I would choose Acorn over and over again if I were to have more children. I even had to switch my health insurance just so I could give birth at the center versus a hospital and it was so worth it. It was such a beautiful experience.

This review has been long overdue. My first 3 were in the…read morehospitals with epidurals and my last two experience was unmedicated at Acorn. I never thought I would ever do a natural birth... but here I am! I will start by saying, natural birth is HARD. I went into my first unmedicated birth not knowing what to expect but I prefer it that way but boy was I determined!!!! Second time around I was nervous, anxious.. all the things! My first experience was great, although after labor I experienced some hemorrhaging. Once staff figured what was wrong they acted fast and I was relieved. It was a little traumatic for me but it didn't taint my experience with Acorn. I came back for round two!!! 2nd time around two years later! I delivered my baby girl on February 20th, my experience from start to end was amazing. During labor the team gives you and your partner space, during those moments were truly special. And probably one of my favorites. I had Cristi Sedona and Kyra for my team! And I would choose the same 3 every-time. Each of them brought a different vibe, but it was a mix that you need on your team! I can't thank them enough for making each experience so special, For me my husband and my family! If I was having more kids, no questions asked... I would do it again.... and again....

I saw Leslee while pregnant with all three of my kids. She is wonderful and was there for me…read morethrough each unpredictable point in all of my pregnancies. She really cared about me as well as my babies and I really appreciated that. I always trusted her and felt comfortable with her. She has a great sense of humor while still being very professional. She is also incredibly knowledgeable and a great listener! I would highly recommend her to anyone!

From the owner: Leaders in Women's Health…read more Meghan Andrews is a Certified Nurse Midwife and Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. She obtained her BSN from San Jose State University and started her career in Labor and Delivery.

Just had my first baby with Jamin and Emily and what an amazing experience it was! From first…read moremeeting Jamin to my last postpartum visit the care was exceptional! I work in the medical field and know that this kind of care is hard to find. They truly are passionate about their clients and go through every aspect of pregnancy with such diligence. I felt so supported and taken care of the entire time. They are like family now Will absolutely use them for my next home birth!

San Diego midwife was the best care I could have asked for! Jamin and Emily were absolutely amazing…read morestarting off with my pre natal visits, always making me feel welcomed and loved. They took such great care of me during labor making me feel safe and cared for. After my daughter was born they continued to check in and I love that even though I no longer need care they always welcome us to keep communication. I would recommend them to anyone who is pregnant and looking for a midwife!

Wonderful prenatal care experience. Terrible birth and postpartum experience. If it wasn't for my…read morefamily intervening and hospital transfer not sure if my baby would be here today... Kayti allowed me to be in active pushing for over 4 hours and expressed no concerns. My family pulled her aside on two occasions expressing their concerns regarding the prolonged time and belief that my baby was in jeopardy. Kayti insisted that it was completely safe for me to continue pushing. My family had to intervene and call 911 against her recommendation to get me to the hospital. Upon arrival, the hospital team catheterized within seconds. Kayti and team tried to do a catheterization multiple times at home and were unable to do so. My delivery and its aftermath revealed multiple critical health concerns which were related to a high stress prolonged birth: my baby's cord blood showed excess acidity, indicating high stress levels and posing a risk of brain damage; my baby's glucose levels were low, requiring 24 hours of monitoring; and my baby had difficulty regulating his body temperature, dropping as low as 94 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating placement under a heating lamp. All these complications relate directly to a stressful and mismanaged labor.

No words can truly describe the experience I had with Kayti but I will try my best to write it out…read more I was referred to Kayti from my doula Rosie. She was the first Midwife and the only midwife I called to interview. I instantly knew that she was going to be my midwife. The prenatal care that I had with Kayti was remarkable. My appointments with her were more than clinical. My husband and my toddler were able to come to the appointments. I truly felt that Kayti listened to everything I had to say. She really got to know me as a whole person medically and personally. Which is really needed when you are planning an intimate home birth. During my labor Kayti and her student, Amy were there for me every step of the way. I was never scared at any point of the birth. I put all my trust in them and felt supported the entire time. This says a lot because my labor was over 48 hours and I ended up transferring to the hospital because baby did not want to descend into my pelvis. I believe that Kayti did everything she could for me and my baby boy. When she told me that we needed to transfer. I knew it was the right decision. Even then, I felt like my baby and I were safe. We then transferred to the hospital and Kayti stayed with me and advocated for me until I had to go back for a cesarean. Post natal care was just as amazing. Since I did not get to have the birth that I had planned at home, Kayti planned a rebirth and a bone closing ceremony for me at my home at our last meeting together. That was exactly what I needed emotionally and spiritually. This just shows how thoughtful and loving Kayti is. My baby boy didn't come into this world as expected, but it was his own unique story and Kayti was apart of this unforgettable experience. I am forever grateful for her and Amy.

It's really hard for me to put into words how mush support Tiffany brought to the birth of my son…read more I did not have the easiest of labors, and knowing that I had Tiffany there to support me every single step of the way helped release extra stress around his birth. When something didn't work, she came up with another tactic and worked so well with my midwives in making sure I was getting the best care possible. When my husband needed a break, she was right there by my side offering support, encouragement and listening to my fears. I can't recommend Tiffany or her services enough. If you are looking for someone who is clearly so passionate about bringing healthy children into this world and making sure the mother has an advocate and supporter by her side the whole entire time, then you need to hire Tiffany 100%. I'll definietely be using her services for baby #2!

Tiffany Alblinger - a true angel here on Earth! This was our first experience of having a child,…read moreand Tiffany was the most amazing, helpful and supportive partner through the entire process. She came to our aid with information, experience and a quick-witted humor that always added fun to our time together. In this most intimate time, she was gentle, loving, hilarious, supportive, compassionate and incredibly generous with her time and knowledge - deftly answering my constant questions, no matter how silly or serious they were. She genuinely listened to us and respected our needs and preferences. Additionally Tiffany was integral in helping my husband feel supported and confident as we led up to the birth. And did I mention her sense of humor? She's hilarious - always keeping things light-hearted! One of the most impactful preparations Tiffany did with me during one of our pre-birth meeting sessions, was to walk me through my biggest fear. I was preparing for a drug-free, vaginal birth and an emergency caesarian section was my biggest fear. With her instruction, I closed my eyes and she gently led me (and my husband) through a scenario in which a c-section would be necessary. She stayed calm and gentle, as I got emotional and worked through the exercise. Once through it, I realized that my fear was almost worse than the potential actuality. And if it did turn to that situation, I would be more ready because we'd walked through it. This was incredibly effective for me, and my fear was eliminated. During the labor and delivery, Tiffany was such a calming presence for me and for my husband, as we navigated this new territory. She gave him support and instructions, while observing and helping me with whatever I needed. During the delivery, she held my hand, my leg and kept me focused in moments of doubt & fear, reminding me that I would soon see the beautiful eyes of my baby. After my baby girl was born, she celebrated the moment, and then gave us space as a brand new family of 3. This was a quality about Tiffany that I really appreciated - she always seemed to know when to insert herself to help, and then when to leave us to figure things out on our own. Tiffany has an incredibly special place in my heart, as she shared this intimate experience with myself and my husband. I can't imagine how the experience would have gone without her! We continue to keep in touch and if we decide to have another child, we will definitely look to her to take part in some way, whether it is again as a doula, or as our midwife. I can't recommend this amazing woman highly enough.

I am so happy to have found Amanda! My family and I absolutely love her, and I would recommend her…read moreto anyone planning a natural birth. Her passion for what she does shows, and she'll care for your baby like her own. This was my second birth, and when compared to the coldness and unfamiliarity of the hospital, I can't imagine giving birth any other way! I also want to mention that Amanda is prepared for hiccups. My baby got stuck in-between my legs, and Amanda was calm when helping baby and I get through it. She managed to untangle the cord, encourage me to continue pushing, and grab the resuscitator incase baby needed it. Amanda works calmly, swiftly, and effectively. Also, I'm convinced my baby already knew who she was! Baby could recognize her voice, and Amanda's loving energy because she was/is as calm in Amanda's arms as she is in mine. If we were to have another baby, we wouldn't hesitate to call her. She's worth every penny and much more. She is such a genuine person. Her support does not end the day baby is born, she continues to check in on the well-being of you and baby. I feel so fortunate to have had her as my midwife!

When I became pregnant with my second son I knew that I wanted a natural home birth after feeling…read moredisregarded during my first son's birth at the hospital. I did a little research and spoke to 3 midwives. However there is something special about Amanda and choosing her as my midwife was a no brainer. For one, she offered to have our first meeting at my house. Second, upon meeting her, she had such a calm demeanor and soothing voice that my worries and anxiety regarding a home birth went away. From then on my interactions with Amanda became more meaningful. I always brought my first son to all my appts and Amanda was so sweet at letting him play with her stethoscope. During these appointments she talks to your baby as she is checking baby's heartbeat. She looks at your health holistically, and even allowed to me to talk about stress and worries that I was experiencing at the time. I feel this was so important for my overall pregnancy health. The day I have birth I was already experiencing intermittent labor and my water was leaking out. Amanda came over and offered different options on how to get my labor to progress, and was so patient with me as I was able to dictate what I wanted to do and not do. She gave me the space to listen to my own body. She was incredibly patient and calm and guided my husband and I every step of the way. And let me remind you, her voice is so soft and soothing that when you are in the thick of labor contractions, she is all you will want to hear. Several hours later, my son was born and Amanda was by my side! Amanda is truly a caring person and it is evident that she loves what she does. Her energy is so warm and inviting. When my baby met her, he just melted into her, as if he knew her. This entire experience was nothing short of incredible for me, and I really have Amanda to thank for that. I encourage anyone looking for a midwife to consider Amanda.