Birth Stories from Our Circle
At Full Circle Midwifery, we’re honored to walk alongside families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Read stories from the families we’ve served in DeLand, Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, New Smyrna Beach, and across Central Florida, and discover how our home birth and midwifery care supports confidence, comfort, and a truly personal birth experience.
-
“My experience with Estee and Full Circle Midwifery has been a sweet treasure and now friendship. Estee is both wise and down to earth. Able to hear mom and honor her space and wishes. She creates a safe space with her presence for mothers to birth in. I love how her understanding of birth goes deeper than the physiological but of the energetic side as well.”
— Amber A, Orlando, FL
-
I’m sitting here holding my fifth baby in my arms as he sleeps soundly. I’ve had many births where I was still reeling after several months trying to cope with the trauma that came from the birth of my baby. But this one…I stare at him and just cry tears of joy. His birth was everything I needed and didn’t think would ever be possible. After being told that I have a lazy uterus…After being told that I had to have cervical checks…After not being allowed to catch my other babies myself…After being told that I could not have a home birth because I lived too far from the hospital. My beautiful son was born into MY arms while my amazing midwife stood a few feet away in my bedroom. After hours of breathing through each contraction and taking a break to sleep and work internally through my own fears, I got off the bed when I heard the thunder roar outside and got on my knees on the floor next to the bed…and I did my favorite part of birth…I pushed. Next thing I know, he’s in my hands, and I find that we have our first son. My supportive husband held me like he always does even though he had fears and trauma from the past. My oldest daughter stood nearby after holding my hands or filling my water cup all through the labor. And we all cried together. Estee was there! Her support was palpable! After having doctors and even past midwives DO things to my body that I didn’t want, ask for, or give consent, Estee didn’t even blink an eye when I didn’t want her to touch me without asking. She walked me through how to break my water when I said I wanted to. She validated my feelings and honored my wishes in every way! I could feel the confidence she had in me. Saying I’m thankful doesn’t express my true feelings.
Dawn A., Orlando, FL
-
Six months ago, I called you after midnight telling you “I’m in labor”, it was late, you were just finished with another mom, you were tired, but you didn’t make me feel uncomfortable to call you, NOT AT ALL. You just came and stayed with us for more than 12 hours! You are a hero Estee - a very strong and loving woman. You helped very well through that phenomenal night. Me and my baby Elan will never ever forget what you did for us. That night was one night in a life time, and I’m so thankful that you were the one in there. I love you forever.
— Elia G. , Lake Mary, FL
-
After being told motherhood would not be possible for me biologically, once I found out I was pregnant, I knew I had to make a choice that protected and honored my life and that of my babies! For our family, that choice was home birth and spiritually we were led to Full Circle Midwifery! From the initial meeting, I knew these were the people that were meant to be apart of this chapter of my story. The birth of my daughter was truly empowering! It was everything I needed and Midwife Sadie showed up in every way I needed! The connections built with each midwife is so personal, they make you feel like family! So it was a no brainer that we would return to Full Circle when we were blessed with a second pregnancy. The love, care, and attention the second time around was just as amazing as the first! I could go on and on trying to express my gratitude for Full Circle Midwifery, especially Sadie and Estee but truly no words could ever capture it! It’s a feeling, an imprint in the nervous system, one that rewrote fears and traumas, a deep love! Thank you to Full Circle for being there for me as i entered the most sacred chapter of my life - Motherhood! And thank you for the deep knowing that the support is continual!
-Antwinae, Orlando FL
-
Wow wow wow!!! What an amazing experience. Not only did we transfer to Full Circle late in my pregnancy because of my midwife, but Estee and her team truly made me and my husband feel welcome and loved. I’m so thankful for the love and care they showed and gave me during my first pregnancy. I’m truly so thankful for everyone on the team—from getting amazing tea when you first walk in to the incredible midwives who truly care for you and listen to your concerns. I had a wonderful, hard, and long labor, and Sonni, my wonderful midwife, and her student midwife, April, were there for all of the ups and downs. Sonni trusted me even when I didn’t trust myself, and she was calm and patient when things got hard. When I thought I might have to go to the hospital, she never once made me feel pressured. Even though my story was long and hard, not what I thought it would be, it was still everything I could have ever asked for. I couldn’t have done it without Sonni and Full Circle. I can’t thank you all enough for what truly was a life-changing experience. I will definitely be back in the future for all my other pregnancies.
— Esther L., Daytona Beach, FL
-
We have used full circle midwifery for two home births and I can’t imagine ever hiring a different midwife! Estee and her entire team are so caring and are as hands on or as hands off as you want them to be. I’ve always felt supported and informed and empowered to make the best decisions for my birth and my family.
-Janelle M., Longwood, FL
-
Just had my 2nd home birth with Estee and I would never want to do it any other way! My first baby was an induction and emergency c-section so when I got pregnant again I knew I wanted a completely different experience. From the first appointment I knew working with Estee and Full Circle Midwifery was the right move for me. Estee's confidence and respect for birth is contagious. Every question I had and decision that came up she supported me through with evidence based information AND encouraging me to trust my intuition. Both my births with her were amazing. My 2nd baby was a 10 hour labor born in the water. My 3rd was a 4 hour labor born right next to my bed. Both incredible experiences I will cherish forever! I felt supported and safe every step of the way. Thank you Estee!!!
-Taylor L., New Symrna Beach, FL
-
Full Circle is exactly that. It a full circle of absolute love and support. Estee is so thoughtful and intuitive! No question was stupid. She was insanely supportive of me and what I envisioned for my home birth. She also put up with my insanely goofy husband with grace! She is a blessing and I am so happy to have had her for the process, birth and postpartum.
-Sydney C., Port Orange, FL
-
Estee took the time to get to know me, answered questions, and encouraged me to make the decisions I was comfortable with, given the evidence-based resources provided. My homebirth was an incredible experience and I’m so grateful for my team and care through Full Circle!
-Lesley A., DeLand FL
-
This was my second home birth, but first experience with Full Circle Midwifery! From the moment I entrusted myself to their care, they were nothing but kind, attentive, gentle, and caring towards me. My first birth wasn’t the best experience, specifically with the midwifery I chose. They made sure to sit and listen to my entire birth story MULTIPLE times to get a full picture of what happened the first time around and ensured that it wouldn’t happen with this midwifery team. Not only was the prenatal care wonderful, but the birth was INCREDIBLE!! Sonni and student midwife April attended my birth and they were present without being overbearing. Their presence was supportive, gentle, and they allowed me to be in total control and intuitively trust my body. They made calm suggestions when my labor stalled for a moment, and gave me time to decide on what I felt was best. Ultimately, they were just wonderful, knowledgeable, and supportive friends in my birth space. I couldn’t speak higher of this midwifery team. Well done ladies, and from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!!
-Haley M., Port Orange, FL
-
At the beginning of my pregnancy I toured 2 other birthing centers and then I called Full Circle Midwifery to set up a time to meet with them and just from that one phone call I was certain I wanted to go with them for my prenatal care and home birth. All the midwives were absolutely incredible throughout my pregnancy - they genuinely cared and would thoroughly answer any questions I had. Sonni was the midwife that attended my labor and she was absolutely incredible!! She was positive and encouraging throughout my labor, giving me the confidence I needed to get through it! There was a difficult moment during my labor, but Sonni handled it with such grace and assurance I never felt afraid. Full Circle also offers many wonderful recourses -motherhood circles, prenatal yoga, mommy and me yoga, lactation groups, and more. During the harder times in pregnancy, the motherhood circles became a safe haven for me, filled with support and understanding from other mamas. I truly can’t say enough good things about Full Circle. Without a doubt I will be returning to their care for baby #2!
-Sylvia B., Deland, FL
-
Where do I even begin?! WOW. What a team, what an experience. The redemptive birth of my dreams all thanks to Full Circle Midwifery. I was photographing a beautiful home birth when I met the wonderful Estee. I knew from that moment that I'd want her to be my midwife when I had another child. Sure enough, less than a month later I was calling her for midwifery services because I found out I was pregnant. From the very first time I stepped foot in the office (but really, a blissful retreat), I felt so unbelievably at ease that I was in good hands. Their office is a dream. The most comforting and beautiful space you can imagine. Every appointment felt like a hangout session with friends who truly cared about you and your baby's well-being. Warm, friendly, knowledgeable, encouraging. I will never have enough great things to share about how AMAZING these ladies made my entire pregnancy and birth. The day I gave birth came. They were there for guidance and check-ins when I needed it but never interfered unless necessary. When it was time for my son to meet us, I was offered exactly the amount of support that felt encouraging and not overpowering or forced. They allow mamas to trust themselves. They give you the space you need to enjoy the beauty of those first incredibly special moments. Estee and Sadie will forever be two of the most important people who allowed me to have the best birthing experience I could have ever hoped for. Everything was perfect. THANK YOU, FULL CIRCLE!!!
Jacelyne C., Orlando, FL
Kind words keeping us going *
Kind words keeping us going *
We are so thankful to the families who have trusted us with some of the most intimate and beautiful moments of their lives, allowing us to share them to educate and inspire others about the midwifery care we provide.
If our care has touched your heart and you feel moved to share your own story, we would be honored to hear from you.
You can reach us anytime at info@fcmidwifery.com.