Testimonial for Amanda Echols
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!
-Cassandra G
October 05, 2019
Amanda Echols
Owner of Faithful Haven Doula Collective
Birth Fee: $1750
