Amanda Beaver Doula Profile

On February 28th we met with Amanda and our backup Doula Jesslyn to discuss our birth plan which included a water birthing pool. Tanya was having what she thought were "Braxton Hicks" during the meeting so they didn't think anything of it, as our due date was March 27th. At 2am Tanya was woken by what she later discovered to be surges (contractions). She sprung me from a deep sleep at 3am and I initially did not believe that she was in labor. After speaking to Pilar, our midwife, and observing Tanya's condition, I understood otherwise. What followed next was an anaerobic work out up and down 3 flights of stairs as I put the two kits together (one for her, one for baby) for our time at the hospital. We finally arrived at the hospital at 5 am. Ewalina had plans of her own! When I arrived in the room, Tanya was well into her world of active and passive concentration, largely thanks to the preparation experienced from Amanda's hypnobirthing classes. I reminded Tanya of her deep breathing exercises and Pillar smiled informing me, to my surprise, that we were way beyond that and that Tanya was in her final stage, fully dialated. Tanya was calm and focused throughout her labor and I can proudly say that I am still amazed to this day by the miracle of life that I was allowed to witness. I cannot think of another experience that has made more of an effect on me than the witnessing of our child's birth into this world. Ewalina was born 40 minutes later, coming into the world at 5 pounds and 5 ounces, 17 inches long, alert and ready to eat. Much to our surprise and joy she was also born as a leap year baby! I highly recommend having a doula and attending these hypnobirthing classes as a couple, as they prepare you for the dialogue of the birth journey.

Amanda Beaver was my hypnobirthing instructor when I was pregnant. I was very anxious to be a parent and terrified to give birth and she was instrumental in helping me achieve relaxation. During our sessions she helped me realize that I will be capable as a parent and that my body was able to do this and it allowed me to feel excited for the birth of my baby girl. Although she was frank breech and I had to have a planned c-section, the calmness I felt while going into surgery, was only made possible through my time in therapy with Amanda. After she was born, Amanda came to visit us both in the hospital, and has been an ongoing source of support and advice ever since. Thank you Amanda for all your help!

My partner and I were very pleased with our Doula Amanda Beaver. She helped to make our birthing experience a memorable and positive experience. Her knowledge and positive attitude was uplifting and reassuring before, during and after the birth of our son. She was a tremendous help to us during our long labour. She reminded us of our hopes and wishes, was encouraging when things weren't going as planned and was a much needed hand to my partner when exhaustion took hold. Without her support our birthing experience would not have been the same. We highly recommend Amanda's doula services and The Birth Nest!!