I'm a first time mom and since I wasn't able to have a midwife I definitely wanted an advocate to…read morebe there and supportive during my labor and birth and someone to ask questions and be there for me during my pregnancy. After doing some research and talking to several doulas - I decided to go with Loving Hands Childbirth doula - Linda Wolters. After the first talk on the phone I felt so comfortable communicating with her and she explained the job of a doula and more importantly she made it apparent that she was a doula and more by being available to voice any concerns to any time of the day. We had an initial meeting where we discussed my vision of labor and birth and she helped me clarify some key points. She's very informative and always has an answer to my concerns or questions. Throughout my pregnancy she wanted to be kept abreast of any changes and progress made. She helped a lot with any fears I had about the pregnancy. We had determined that I would have a natural birth in the birthing pool. However, I ended up being induced and having a slightly complicated labor due to hypertension. She arrived at the hospital and remained with me the whole entire time, I don't even remember her taking a break or nap or leaving to get anything. She encouraged me with every contraction and praised me for the progress I was making. She kept me focused whenever the nurse or doctor tried to pressure me into several interventions. She had several techniques to help alleviate pain - aromatherapy (that was great, the smell of peppermint), sacral massage, birthing ball, breathing techniques, and coaching for the daddy. In the end I did it - gave birth to my beautiful daughter without pain medicine until after she was born. I really don't think I could have made it through all of that without her there - it was like having a best friend to hold your hand throughout everything. She didn't leave immediately after the birth either - she stayed to make sure I was bonding well with little one. She will soon be visiting me again for my post partum visit and also she was encapsulating my placenta. I would highly recommend Linda to anyone who is pregnant, I really feel that a doula is needed for every pregnancy. I even talked my friend into getting a doula and she loved the process of having that extra support that only a woman can provide.

My husband and I hired Angela for the birth of our first child, and I could not recommend her…read moreenough. I truly would not want to have another baby without her present. Prior to taking Angela's prep classes, my husband commented on how the role of a doula suits less dominant personalities best, as they require assistance asserting themselves. How wrong he was! We took her comfort in childbirth, infant care and breastfeeding classes, and by the end of the series he told me to ask for her number. Before she even consulted with us we were ready to put a deposit down. Angela met with us a handful of times prior to labor, and then met us in Gainesville (we traveled from Ocala) early in the morning when I went into labor. She stayed with us for our entire 24 hour labor, and guided us through every step. She laid out candles, played music, massaged me for hours, asked for specialty laboring tools and brought some herself, advocated for things I wouldn't have known to ask for, and held my legs as I pushed for hours. Labor was far from an easy experience but I felt supported the entire time because Angela was there to ensure I was taken care of. Following my daughter's birth, she traveled to our home twice to consult me on breastfeeding and proper weight gain. This was invaluable, as my mom was unable to be with me following her birth due to COVID, and I really needed the emotional support. If you're wondering if you should hire a doula or are looking for the right one for you, look no further. You will not regret adding Angela to your care team.

From the husband/father: My primary motivation behind hiring Angela was to ensure that my wife had…read moreas much guidance as possible before, during, and after the birth of our first child. This was especially important to me in the event that I couldn't make it to the hospital (military), having Angela there to coach and reassure my wife was critical. To say that she did amazing would be an understatement. I did make it to the birth and I must say: Hiring Angela was the best money that I've ever spent. She knew everything to do and say at those crucial moments when, let's face it, the husband is clueless. She met with us for coffee a few days prior to labor to go over what to expect, and when to leave for the hospital vs. false alarms. She was very knowledgeable, thorough, and personable. There is no price too high for the assurance and comfort that she provided my wife leading up to labor. During the delivery she arrived just after we did, after midnight. For the next 17 hours she comforted my wife through labor pains with methods that I, and I'm assuming the nurses as well, were totally unaware of. She set a soft mood with little electronic candles, and helped my wife get some much needed sleep. After the delivery she helped us with the nursing, postpartum care, and infant care. She also made recommendations for books, videos etc. that would help us on our new journey. About a week after the delivery she made the 45 minute drive out to our house to check up on us and the baby. Even after labor and delivery, Angela was still able to comfort my wife during the rough first weeks with our son. It was notice from both her and I, after each interaction, how much better and confident she made us feel as new parents. I can't recommend Angela enough and would be willing to vouch for her, and her services at a moments notice. We will be seeking her services again if we have another child, and will recommend to her to any expecting couples that we encounter.

Amanda is truly a God-send. I can't say enough great things about her and her work! I never planned…read moreon having a doula for my second birth; but my husband was out of town and Amanda was the first person I thought of to call. She drove 45 mins in the middle of the night to get to the hospital. On top of that, she had to wait outside for 3 hours until my Covid test came back - all during that time, she was constantly in contact with me and my mom making sure I was ok. Once she came in, she had everything I never knew I'd even need. She was so calm and comforting and always made me feel like I was in control and reassured me I could have my baby naturally. She brought anything you could want and everything you forgot (she even left me with her phone charger when mine wouldn't work :)) Not only did she help me deliver my baby boy naturally, she cut his cord and followed him into the NICU when I asked her to. She goes above and beyond and truly feels like a family member being there. Personal experience of giving birth is the best experience I'd want a doula to have and trust me, she has that! I can't and would never recommend anyone else!

From the owner: Birth Doula, Labor Doula & Breastfeeding Support. Serving Ocala, FL and Gainesville, FL and…read moresurrounding areas. Ocala doula. Gainesville doula. Accepting new clients!!

Compassionate and skilled midwife…read more I have had the pleasure of working alongside Full Circle Midwifery, Estee in particular thus far, as a Birth Doula and I cannot speak highly enough of her expertise and compassion. Throughout our time together, Estee has demonstrated a profound dedication to her patients' well-being. Her calm and reassuring presence in the birthing space has truly made a difference for the families we supported. Beyond her clinical skills, Estee has shown genuine care and empathy for her patients. She took the time to listen, answer questions, and ensure that everyone felt heard and respected. Her dedication to holistic care is truly commendable. I wholeheartedly recommend Full Circle looking to having a physiological homebirth.

Estee and Sadie were absolute delights to work with. All the appointments leading up were great,…read morethey include time to chat and ask questions which is nice. Day of- they sat back and let my body do it's thing, offered support when I needed it, and made sure I was taken care of before leaving after baby boy came. They moved around my space quietly doing whatever they needed to do without disrupting the peace. Great support postpartum as well. I definitely plan to use them for the 2nd baby

My doula Holly Kaddour was amazing!!!! She was refreshing, supportive and always available to help…read moreand answer my questions. She guided me through the stresses of going from natural in a birthing center to transferring to a hospital, she was a rock through my 30 hr labor! I would highly recommend her for any momma looking for a calm, kind and compassionate birth worker.

Karen L. Was the perfect doula for my first birth. She was the exact presence I needed in addition…read moreto my husband and mom. My mom is usually pretty chaotic and very hovers and Karen balanced her out perfectly with her calm and grounding demeanor. If I wanted someone to worry with me I'd look at me mom and if I needed to forget my worry I looked at Karen. Her face was always peaceful and expected nothing from me. No look of question on her face, just acceptance of the situation and how I was dealing with it. She was very respectful of my religious beliefs and even provided materials related to my faith. One of the quotes she provided actually stuck with me through labor and I'll never forget it. "When my strength runs out, His is only beginning". I would absolutely recommend Karen to anyone who is mostly looking for a grounding and calm presence for their birth experience. Side note: my labor was on the longer side and Karen never complained nor did she look inconvenienced. She was very serving. She also took AMAZING photos of my birth and I get to look at the moment my baby came out. Very thankful.

Rebecca is truly an amazing human being! She will be your biggest advocate. She morphed into just…read morethe support I needed. If you are thinking about a doula, get this doula! Very educated in childbirth along with lactation. Nervous about Childbirth ask her about her hypnobirthing class! She can also show your birth support comfort measures. She does not take away their role. Rebecca simply makes sure you feel you are in control, you called the shots, you feel empowered. You are comfortable. From the moment I met Rebecca I knew she was my doula because she spoke my thoughts word for word. She said, "Birth is intimate and sacred. And it's her job to protect that." Those were my very words about childbirth intimate.

I don't know what we would have done without Rebecca. She held my hand all the way through, and…read morebelieve me, if you wind up in the hospital like I did, you will be infinitely glad she is with you!!! It is so important to have a holistic caregiver by your side, someone who understands birth is a natural process and believes in beautiful positive outcomes. Thank you Rebecca!!!

Having Annabelle part of our birth experience was a great decision! She is kind, patient and most…read moreimportantly informative and encouraging. She was (and still months later) always available to help! Thank you Annabelle!!

Personable, knowledgable... my pregnancy was very difficult and she kept me calm throughout my…read moreentire pregnancy . It was my first time . she became closer to me than my family helping me and encouraging me throughout it all . she came to me highly recommended and I also highly recommend her .

After the birth of my first daughter I was struggling with extra support in understanding the new…read morerole of motherhood and how the the first few months after were the hardest. From the moment I met Caroline I instantly felt a complete understanding, kindness and support that I needed. Her assistance with taking care of my daughter helped me to realize that self-care is also important in being the best mommy I can be. She's extremely caring and I felt myself and daughter were in great hands. I would highly recommend there services to anyone!

I cannot say enough about my experience with Birth Prep DOULA's and Erin- the doula for the birth…read moreof my baby boy in January. Throughout my pregnancy journey Erin was a steadfast source of knowledge and encouragement for my husband and I as we prepared to welcome our first child. I was striving for a natural, unmedicated birth. Erin helped me put together a birth plan that was just right for me, and helped me find my strength and my stride as I built up the confidence to tackle it. During the labor and delivery she utilized a number of techniques to keep me comfortable and keep my labor progressing. I'm lucky enough to say that I got everything out of my birth experience that I had hoped for... plus SO much more. I have infinite gratitude for Erin and everything she did for us during this special time in my life.