Hi, I’m Amber.
They say having a child changes everything, and with that change came a newfound purpose.
My own birth story is what led me to birth work. I had envisioned my ideal birth, and my doula provided resources and support for me to assemble a care team to make that a reality.
Then, I received a diagnosis for cholestatis of pregnancy. A single lab result changed my entire plan, care team, and birthing location; the only thing that remained constant was my doula. Her support and education helped us create a new birth plan, and we went into our 37 week induction with peace and preparation. I felt informed enough to know when to say no, and my husband was well-trained in pain management techniques and comfort measures to help me cope through back labor and pitocin. I felt in control of my body and my choices largely thanks to my doula encouraging me to advocate for myself, educate myself, and trust my body.
In the initial days postpartum, if you had asked me the best part of having doula support, my answer would have been how prepared we felt for labor and birth. Looking back, I am eternally thankful for her presence in those first hours after birth. Our son was transferred to the NICU and put on a breathing machine, and as previously decided in our birth plan, my husband went with him. It didn’t occur to me until a few weeks later that had my doula not been there, I would have been left alone in my hospital bed. Archie was born at shift change, and our room was a tizzy with hospital staff; in an instant, they all disappeared. My doula kept my mind busy and my body nourished. Her kindness and care meant so much to me, and really inspired me to pursue this work. We deserve this level of support, and I’m so excited to be able to provide it.