Bethany Smith

7/19/2024

Amanda is an incredibly valuable member of a birth support team, no matter how many previous births the mother has experienced. I was first pregnant during early COVID, planning a hospital birth. I reassessed when I learned that my husband couldn’t be present and I’d have to labor in a mask. Amanda (newly certified doula then) championed my birth at Beginnings Birth Center, in spite of our needing to hire from the approved list of doulas as first-time parents. I got to choose my doula for my next birth and it was a no-brainer to hire Amanda. My husband takes on enormous responsibility while I’m laboring and I knew he needed support too. Amanda was that for both of us and so much more. She could not have been more honoring of my exacting wishes. Amanda continued to be there to support and coach me, offering invaluable suggestions and tools to help with breastfeeding complications and postpartum healing. I cannot emphasize enough how much of an asset Amanda has been. When you invite her into this magical, life-changing moment in your life, she will remain in your family's lives as an incredible friend and support always! 

Madeline Morgan

7/12/2024

Amanda was one of *the* most integral parts of my birth experience! 

As a first time mom, there was so much unknown to me surrounding birth and postpartum. Amanda took the time to not only get to know me and my preferences, but my husband as well. She helped educate me on labor and delivery, helped me understand my options in birth, and even helped me learn about postpartum topics I was unsure about. She was nothing but supportive & involved leading up to my birth. 

During my labor (36 hours in all!!) she was there exactly when I needed her. Having a doula for not only emotional support (she was so kind, patient, and encouraging) but physical support as well, was so key to helping me cope. She helped recommend different coping mechanisms throughout contractions, especially when in the moment, it can be hard to remember all the things you learned in birth class! She advocated for me while in the hospital to help give me as many options as possible (birth ball, tub access, etc.). She also encouraged me to make the best choices for my baby and I, especially when things were not going as I had hoped. When I got an epidural, which I had hoped to avoid, she offered me grace and encouragement, reminding me that I wasn't failing, I wasn't giving up, and that I had made a great choice to give myself what I needed in the moment. 

Amanda also captured my labor and delivery through some beautiful photos that I will forever cherish. She truly made such a profound impact on my birth experience, as well as my husbands! We both have agreed we cannot imagine what labor would have been like without her there. She is a true gem! I highly recommend her services and her expertise for anyone, first time mom to tenth time mom!