Amanda Standlee - The Fruitful Doula

Amanda was a fantastic doula.  She was very informative in the time leading up to the birth. She helped answer a lot of questions i had and made me feel very confident and comfortable with my birth plan.  When the time came to deliver, she was there waiting for us and was very helpful.  She was very calm and supportive.  She helped me through every contraction.  I seriously didn't want anyone else but her helping me through them.  I was having really hard back labor, and she knew exactly how to help.  My husband and my best friend both tried to help, but she was the only one that could do it right.  Even though my delivery did not go the way we had originally planned, Amanda was very supportive with the change.  Since the labor had stalled, she had many suggestions of how to help, and I was so thankful that she was there to guide me in these various attmepts.  It really made me feel like we tried everything.  I did not have that in my last birth, and have regretted it since.  My husband was very glad she was there for BOTH of us.  He did not feel confident in being the only coach, and was really glad to have someone with birth experience in the room with me.  I would absolutel recommend Amanda as a doula.  She is awesome!

Posted 7/19/2011

Amanda was fantastic! We didn't have a Doula with the birth of our first child, and after hiring Amanda for the birth of our second, I highly reccomend having a doula present! Amanda was honest without being pushy, and very knowledgable throughout our talks before the baby was born. She got to the hospital before me and had already checked me in so I didn't have to wait to be checked in while having very strong contractions. She was great during the labor using very helpful images and gentle massage to help me stay calm and relaxed, and at the same time, she continued to let my husband be very involved in the process. I very much reccomend her!

Posted 5/6/2011

 Even though my baby was breech and I ended up having to get a c-section, I found it invaluable to have Amanda as our Doula.  She helped us out with everything from tips on great baby-consignment clothes deals to writing a birth plan to holding my hand when they put a catheter in to prepare for surgery.  She talked me through what was going to happen in surgery and helped bring warmth and humanity to something that otherwise would have felt like an assembly-line, rather brutal medical procedure.  She made herself available by phone, e-mail, and social network site, and I always felt like I had someone to call on when I was feeling uncertain or scared throughout the pregnancy.  Additionally, she helped make my post-partum time much easier by recommending very effective methods to reduce "baby blues," including a post-partum wellness counselor who specializes in nutrition and supplements.  Please feel free to contact me if you want more information.

Posted 3/8/2011

I was going to try to have a VBAC, but because of circumstances out of my control that did not happen; During the whole time Amanda Standlee stood by whatever I wanted, and when I was nervous about the choice I did have to make in the end of having another c-section, she was there for me and helped me not be so nervous of having another one. Also, she helped me after having my precious baby to start breast-feeding right away. Even though my birth ended in a c-section again; the birth of my second child was not like my first!!! My first birth was a nightmare, while this one was almost the dream that I wanted, and having Amanda Standlee there helped A LOT!!! I would highly recommand having a doula, even if you do end up having a c-section!!!

Posted 10/7/2010

When we decided to look into having a doula Amanda met with me and we talked about our lives, beliefs and what I wanted my birth experiance to be and her role in that.  I found that she had alot of ideas to offer and that she was very supportive of my wishes for a natural VBAC. She also had alot of information to offer and links and resources.

When I went into labor she was at the hospital waiting by the time we arrived.  Helped me get checked in, asked questions of me and the staff to keep everyone informed.

As things progressed she was right there supporting me, encouraging me alot verbally.  She used confort techniques such as foot massage and pressure on my low back to help with relaxation and pain relief.  She was very good at including and working with my family who where there and involved as well. She continually advocated my wishes with the nursing staff, especially when we had a nurse who kept being invasive and disrespectful of my person and wishes.

When things began to get more serious and I wanted to sit in the tub they had trouble with the hot water not working in the tub, so she ran back and forth from the coffee machines to get me hot water for the tub until I had enough,  Amazing!

She took pictures for me through out to capture some of the moments for us and kept a log of times and progress and things going on in the room so that I had those memories for later!

Her being there enabled my husband to catch a quick nap after being up with me for 18 plus hours and yet I still had the support I needed while laboring. 

I loved her calmness and willingness to help, no matter what it took to help me have the birth that I wanted! 

Has followed up continually with me and I have found a new friend through this experiance! 

I would totally recommend her!

Posted 9/19/2010

It was great working with Amanda.  She had a lot of resources for me to use and as a first-time mom I really needed that.  Since all of mine and my husband's family lives out of state, it was great having her at the hospital.  It was also a big help having her at the hospital to advocate for my choices. She supported my decisions and helped me understand all the options available to me during my birth.  She has also been a great help after my delivery with breast feeding resources.  Thanks Amanda!

Posted 9/18/2010

I was in the category of contemplateing a cheep doula. After our 1st  visit, I knew that her help would be anything but "cheap."  It was going to be priceless.  My husband, a rough construction worker, was skeptical.  He viewed having a doula as a way out of his coaching obligation.  Amanda had a way of engaging my husband and helping connect us in our childbirth goals.  When she left, we BOTH were so excited and ready to get to laboring. Amanda professionally addressed my nurses with my childbirth goals and kept me focused as we transitioned from position to position.  She advocated for me to be able to eat, changed my towels out and kept her warm presence close as I inwardly worked through my contractions. She sat along side me with music, encouragement, and a little humor. 7 hours into unmedicated labor, the baby turned in utero and began to present her hand. Amanda held my hand and sprung into action as I melted in disappointment and fear.  She reassured me and my terrified husband that my efforts were not in vein.  An extensive cesarian was performed and Charlotte was born safe and sound.  I did get a few minutes with Amanda after surgery. She was there smiling and encouraging once again.  She came the next day to reflect upon everything and keep thing into perspective. My skeptical husband and Amanda shared an embrace as he thanked her for her presence.  He was now a believer.  My experience is proof that every woman needs a doula because you never know what is going to happen.  I didn't get my dream birth experience and had some healing to do as I mourned it's loss, but Amanda was there every step of the way.  Her presence was worth a million dollars to me and my family and I think we will always keep in touch.

Posted 9/18/2010