8 days ago my husband and I delivered our son at the Birth Cottage and had a great experience. The prenatal care we received always felt personal and private. This was our first baby so we had lots of questions, Layla and Alice were both extremely patient in listening to the both of us. When I went into labor I ended up going to the cottage too early so I was sent home, or in my case back to a hotel room. I didn't know when the "right" time would be to go into the cottage, but 16 hours later I dilated to 5cm and got to stay. When I got there we set up camp in one of their bedrooms and I had planned on having a water birth. After several hours passed, I was uncomfortable and ready to get my baby out. Alice was the midwife "on call" and she had her two birthing assistants there. I was in a lot of pain and I ended up resisting to push, one thing they tell you at the birth cottage is to push when your body tells you too and boy did my body let me know! Finally after telling Alice over and over how much it hurt, she told me I was the only one who could get my baby out. I had to push with the pain. Her birthing assistants were absolutely wonderful, they did everything I asked from filling my cup up with ice water to putting an ice pack on my back. Alice allowed me to squeeze her two fingers and my husband held me from behind. I pushed for 30 minutes until my baby's head came out and then I did one more push and the rest of his body followed. Immediately Alice put him in my arms and all I heard was my husband sobbing and my baby crying. This made it all worth it. She checked me after I delivered the placenta, helped our baby latch properly to nurse, examined our newborn and massaged my uterus back to firm. Three hours later my family and I were home, snuggled in bed, happy as could be. I highly recommend the birth cottage to anyone wanting a natural childbirth experience, both woman will make you feel empowered to birth and support your needs. No monitors, hospital rules, epidurals or formula. All strength of the mommy and support from the midwives. read more

Absolutely LOVED my time at the Birth Cottage! I'm very petite and with my first pregnancy had lots of questions that my initial obstetrician didn't seem to have the time to answer, besides the fact that I only saw him for 5 minutes most visits! Both Layla and Alice were very personable and knowledgeable. They easily put my fears to rest, and gave me tips/tricks to help. Plus they have a great library with books/videos that you can check out if you have more questions about specific topics. SO amazingly helpful with the almost nightmare that was breastfeeding, and they always empowered me to listen to my body and speak up when necessary. They helped me create a birth plan that fit my needs and even shielded me from my overbearing step-mother during delivery. I can't say enough kind words about them! They made my first pregnancy so wonderful and stress-free so obviously, I'm back for my second and I didn't hesitate one bit making the call! ***Note: Layla is a firecracker, but she is so supportive, and there's no one else I'd rather have on my side. She always made sure I was okay with what was happening, shutting down all other voices in the room. ***Also, they were wonderful to my husband. Giving useful tips on how to keep him included in the breastfeeding process and so much more I really didn't have any negative experience the entire 7 months. read more

I water birthed my first child when I was living in another city and knew that I wanted to do the same with my second. Thankfully, there was a water birthing option in Tallahassee. Layla and Alice are extremely experienced, and I felt confident that I was in good hands. The difference with having a midwife is that she is also very much interested in your emotional and psychological health, something that is often missing in the conventional medicine setting. Layla gave me time to talk about and better understand certain parts of my first birthing experience that I hadn't been able to speak to anyone else about. She also took the time and effort to create an appointment for my relative to take a tour of the facility and ask any questions, because she saw that I was nervous about my relative accepting the fact that I wasn't birthing in a hospital. I also loved that my 4 year old was able to participate in the pre-natal appointments, and to feel a part of the process of becoming a sibling before the baby arrived. Birthing is a journey to motherhood--a new role and a new identity--and I feel grateful for the care I received here. read more

The moment I stepped in to the Birth Cottage, I felt a vibe that made me feel that it was a safe place to have my child, like a second home. Layla and Alice were both so caring and ready to help with whatever I needed. They even went above and beyond by seeing me at additional visits because I was a scared first time mom. They took time to really listen to anything that was on my mind and were always ready with advice. Even if we did not agree on something, they always respected my decisions and treated me so kindly. My birthing experience there was amazing! I walked in expecting a water birth, but when I arrived I was already fully dilated so we had a change of plans and I gave birth in what I call the country room. I was so unprepared because my little girl came earlier than I expected. They had everything I needed and walked me and my family through everything while making it feel like it was just our time and showed me the joy in the whole experience. My postnatal visits were just as incredible and informative! I can't imagine having my child anywhere else!!!! read more

I gave birth to my second child with the Birth Cottage in 2001. Yes, that may be vintage: but it was by far the best birthing experience I've had out of all my 3 pregnancies thus far. Not only my birthing experience, but my entire prenatal care duration as well. They set the bar high and empowered me to experience what a real birthing experience should be. At the time Alice was the midwife and her daughter Layla was a student I think. I just loved the vibe of this mother daughter duo and how cozy the cottage was. If, I hadn't moved to GA and decided to have my third child in "advanced maternal " age, I would've camped out in Tallahassee to have my third baby. It's such a pitty that Florida doesn't allow traditional midwives serve women over age 35. By the way my third pregnancy and birth went well and healthy! read more

Amazing midwives. Experienced, caring, and just a fun family to be part of! Prenatal care is everything. Never rushed or felt bad for asking questions. Completely personable. The midwives allow you to take charge of your birth but with their experience and help within hands reach for peace of mind. I'm on my 3rd baby using them and I wouldn't want anyone else delivering my babies. read more