Brittney Leverkuhn

1/12/2023

Amber was absolutely amazing. After a very complicated pregnancy and c-section with my first child I was nervous about having another baby. When I got pregnant with my daughter I decided I wanted a doula to help me through the pregnancy and childbirth. My goal was to feel calm, respected, and in control (all of which I didn't feel in my first birth). Amber helped us achieve that. My labor was incredibly long but Amber stayed by my side, kept me and my husband calm, and eventually my daughter was born. I was lucky to have gotten my VBAC.

There were times during the childbirth where I believe things would have gone differently if Amber wasn't there. I pushed for 4 hours and finally the doctors wanted me to make a decision to use forceps or go for a c-section. We were lucky enough to have some time to think about what to do. Amber helped us feel confident in our decision to rest, try pushing again, and then make a decision after that. My birth eventually required forceps, which I didn't plan for, but since I knew the information, felt calm and respected, it was easier for me to accept the intervention (granted it wasn't without some tears on my part, I was definitely nervous). In the end, my daughter was born and we were healthy and happy. Amber never pushed her opinion on us, she was accepting and warm with all of our questions. She was a calm and steady presence when we needed her. I am so, so grateful that she was there during my daughter's birth.

Emily Hayter

9/16/2022

Amber made me feel more prepared for my birth than I ever could have imagined. Throughout my pregnancy, she fielded all my anxious questions and thoughts with gentleness, patience, and lots of resources. And we couldn't have gotten through our 35 hour induction without her! Amber's calm, patient, steadfast spirit helped keep me and my husband feeling grounded and safe as we welcomed our baby girl into the world. Never pressuring or speaking with bias, Amber heard all of my concerns and pains in labor and supported us in every decision we made along the way. We couldn't have asked for better support and care! 

Kate

9/1/2022

Amber provided a variety of prenatal support starting early in the second trimester. She helped process decisions surrounding prenatal care, understand routine prenatal tests and procedures like the anatomy scan, etc. She curated resources to help me, my partner, and even our family through each of these stages. As our pregnancy progressed, she was a valuable listening ear and decision making partner, helping us to think of B.R.A.I.N and make good decisions for our family. She met with us in depth to go over labor, our birth plan wishes, and prepare us with coping techniques. When I started to have higher blood pressures at 36 weeks, we went into daily communication about my vitals, doctor's visits, etc. to prepare for any scenario that could arise. When it came time to go with a 38 week induction, she met with us again to process this change and make sure we could still have as much of our birth plan honored as possible. 

In labor, Amber was the best gift. She helped me labor through the night, which allowed my husband to get much needed rest. She helped him help me through position changes, counter pressure, and more. As the induction progressed and decisions needed to be made, she held space for our decision making and helped us advocate for ourselves. I can't imagine going through labor without her. She truly has become like a family member to us-- I am so glad she was the first person my son met other than his parents & grandmother! She was more than we could've asked for. After birth, she helped with so much processing and problem solving as well. Just knowing she was a text away to answer questions or provide encouragement made the postpartum days so much easier. I truly can't think of anything Amber could've done better. She anticipated every need and helped us advocate for ourselves, our baby, and our best birth.