testimonials
personal testimonies from mothers supported by Amanda during birth
from Michelle
“I decided to get a doula during my second pregnancy, not because my first experience giving birth was traumatic, but because I desired more knowledge about what my body was going through, an advocate to help have a voice for my preferences and plan during birth, and support to help provide both my significant other and I comfort and guidance to experience birth in a more natural way (despite still being in a hospital setting). I really wasn't sure what to all expect with a doula, but what I hoped to get was met tenfold! Not only did Amanda come with an ABUNDANCE of knowledge about everything my body was going through at each stage of pregnancy/birth, she also provided education on all of my options once I went into labor and entered the hospital (most of which I had no clue were even options), guidance and empowerment on how to get through my desire of an unmedicated birth, and so much more! Beyond all of her knowledge and passion, Amanda made me feel SO comfortable and cared for from the second I met her. She wash available anytime I needed anything and made me feel like a priority. When I went into labor(early) Amanda was right there in the middle of the night rushing to the hospital at the same time I was. She gave me the courage and support that I needed to get through my birth with my second son just as I desired. It was such a gift to have her by my side encouraging me through something so breathtaking-literally- and helping to be be my voice. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful birth and experience. I know that without Amanda's support ,my experience would have been much different. Amanda's care didn't stop at birth, she continues to check in, educate on how to help my toddler transition into being a big brother, and make sure I am taking care of myself. If you have ever considered getting a doula, I HIGHLY recommend giving yourself that gift of guidance, I know that for me, it allowed for one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.”
from Genelle
“Baby Z' was born last December and she made me and my husband first time parents. The road to her finally being in our arms was over a 3 year process of heartbreak and disappointment, but which ended with pure JOY. By my 3rd trimester, I realized that despite all my preparations, I needed someone to be my practical support through this first time process. I did a fair bit of research looking for the 'best' doula; talking to friends and having them share their experiences. I found Amanda through The Authentic Birth Center and she came very highly recommended, so I wasted no time in contacting her. What I appreciated most after that first inquiry was how quickly she got back to me. We set up our first coffee chat, and from that conversation alone, listening to her experiences and marveling at her knowledge, I knew 'she was the one'! I signed all the paperwork, and scheduled our future chats. 'Baby Z' made her entry into this world a week early, and having had at least two 'prep sessions' with Amanda, the night my water broke, I was excited, but felt strangely calm. Calm because Amanda had already walked me through what to expect and how we could respond. When we got to the hospital, I was able to recall from memory all of Amanda's advice on laboring positions and breathing. While I appreciated my own husband and the wonderful nurses, I was overjoyed to see Amanda walk in. Through breathing, massages and scents, labor was more bearable than I thought. Until it wasn't! Amanda supported me through my personal requests and was that calm presence I needed in the room. My favorite memory even as I type this, is during the final pushes to meet our little girl, I looked at Amanda and said "Can you count with me?". In return I was given a calming smile, and a squeeze of the hand, "Of course I will". Besides my own husband, Amanda's face is the one I remember walking me patiently through this surreal process and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thank you Amanda!”
from Kate
“Amanda Echols was my doula for my second child. I wanted a doula to help support me mostly through my delivery as my first daughter's delivery was traumatic and I was fearful of bringing those anxieties and issues into my second delivery. What I found with Amanda was that she was very helpful in delivery, but also with many other things leading up to the delivery and afterwards.
Leading up to my daughter's delivery, Amanda was helpful in providing me resources for my first daughter and how to prepare her for a baby sister. She provided book ideas, activity ideas, how to talk to my daughter, things to consider when we bring baby home. Things I would have never thought of. She also helped me prepare for things I had forgot about like breast feeding, pumps, postpartum recovery. She even provided me resources like mamma and me yoga classses and music classes for my 4 year old.
When it came to actual delivery time, Amanda was there to help me through the experience. She prepared me by letting meknow what to expect and also walking me through what they were doing in the delivery room during my cesearean. She helped to advocate for what I wanted in the delivery room during the procedure and right after delivery. We created a birth plan together and followed through on most of it I believe.
In the weeks and months following my daughters birth, Amanda was a great resource on sleep, feedings, schedules, bottles and other postpartum concerns. When I was on the verge of losing it, she was there and even offered to spend the night to give me some rest. Fortunately, her other advice helped and we were able to get our daughter to sleep longer at night.
I highly recommend Amanda if you are looking for a partner in your delivery, natural or cesearan. I'm sure she would have been even more helpful, had it been a natural delivery. Thanks Amanda!”
from Cassandra
“Amanda is WONDERFUL! My husband is in the Army, and we didn't know whether he'd be able to come back from a deployment when our daughter was born. I knew I wanted a doula so I wasn't alone in the delivery room (and preferably someone who'd been to lots of births, since it was our first baby and I had no idea what to expect!). In the middle of these stressful circumstances, Amanda turned out to be the PERFECT doula. She is knowledgeable, caring, and one of the most generous people I've ever met.
When I interviewed Amanda, she spent hours with me in a coffee shop, talking about her experiences as both a doula and a mom of four. In that conversation, I was struck by how generous she was with her time, and how much she clearly loves her work. I felt good knowing that she'd been to more than 100 births. But I was still kind of hesitant, because as wonderful as Amanda is, she wasn't my husband. I went for it, and I am SO GLAD I did. The day I went into labor, it turned out I wanted a minimal approach to delivery--no music, no scented oils: I just wanted to concentrate on my breathing. Amanda followed my lead in being low-key, and quietly supportive. Or maybe it's more accurate to say that she figured out what I needed before I did, and set everything up perfectly before I even knew what to ask for. She gently suggested when to try the peanut ball, and when to get in the tub. She watched me when I was in the tub, and helped me arrange towels to get as comfortable as possible. She helped me when I was sick. I felt protected having her there.
When, by the grace of God, my husband got to the hospital two hours after our daughter was born, Amanda stayed even longer to make sure we were all set--that we had food, and were comfortable and confident as new parents can be. After my husband left, she generously came on postpartum visits when I was an anxious brand-new mom. I'd hire her again in an instant, and highly recommend her. You'll be so glad you did!”
from Lizzy
“I would highly recommend hiring Amanda as your doula - you will not regret it! The support she provided us from the day we met her was so helpful whether it was texting about questions or meeting to discuss our birth plan to the actual labor to postpartum support; she was there every step of the way. She is extremely knowledgeable, kind and has a passion for supporting couples and their babies. As first time parents, her support was immeasurable in easing our anxiety and helping us feel prepared and ready to welcome our little one the way we envisioned.”
from Tara
“Amanda made my birth the exact dream birth I've always wanted. With it being my last, I didn't want to go without a doula. Amanda came HIGHLY recommended to me and I knew within the first meeting that she was the perfect fit. Being a mom who suffered a bit of a trauma from my first birth, Amanda really helped to comfort me and she was there for me at any time I needed her. Mid pregnancy, she recommended a midwife so I could go toward a homebirth after a bad experience with my previous provider. She instilled a lot of confidence in me and helped me prepare for birth. Once I got established with the midwife, it was go time and Amanda came immediately. Her assist doula was there also and let me just say, my birth would not have been as beautiful and comfortable as it felt if they were not there. During my labor, they kept it light with pain techniques and making sure I breathe through the surges. Instead of feeling like staff, they felt like close friends. (It was hard to watch them leave). They were excellent with my toddler (who was sleeping during my birth) and absolutely amazing at making sure I was taken care of postpartum. I went ahead with the placenta pills which were ready almost immediately and were 100% worth it. I am so thankful for Amanda and I had the most perfect birth, for me, because of her. You can add me to the list of those who HIGHLY recommend her. Thanks so much, Amanda. Blessings.”
from Maureen
“Amanda is super knowledgeable and walked us through everything we needed to know prior to birth! We knew that our baby was breach and would likely be a C-section, and she offered lots of guidance in how to try to turn the baby, as well as how to approach the C-section. Well, I had a very determined baby who never did turn, so we had the C-section. We had a lot of questions about what happens at the hospital and what choices we needed to make about cord clamping, etc etc and she was able to talk us through everything very clearly, in a way that helped us make our choices. I really appreciated that she was very research-oriented and based her advice in studies and proven wisdom.
Although we did not have the experience of labor, I would say it was still very useful to have Amanda there for the delivery, and absolutely invaulable in the weeks after the delivery. It was my first baby and we were dealing with breastfeeding and latching issues, as well as sleep stuff (like everyone does!) and it was just very helpful to have someone knowledgeable and experienced to be able to call or text and just ask for some advice!”
