Doula // doo-la
The word doula is Greek, which simply means "one who serves". The term doula is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant families before, during, and after childbirth. A doula uses comforting touch, breathing, and relaxation techniques, as well as positioning to promote an optimal birth. Doulas offer support to expecting mothers and families by guiding them through the information aspects of pregnancy and beyond. |
Welcome Mamas!
My name is Amy and I am so excited for your journey through childbirth.
I have been a doula for about 6 years since the birth of my own baby, and I've attended over 200 births ranging from homes to birth centers to hospitals. I have been trained and/or certified in several of our local and international doula programs such as DONA international, Spinning Babies, Gilligan's Guide, Modern Doula Education, Hypnobabies, Evidence Based Birth, Body Ready Method, and more. I am also a placenta encapsulator and printer, as well as a Certified Lactation Consultant and Birth Photographer. I've worked as a volunteer in the HCMC doula program, Methodist doula program, and Everyday Miracles, and I've been the owner of Wholly Mama Birth Doula since my passion in birth work began.
I have a passion for helping others and for empowering women in any stage of life, especially as they are bringing new life into this world.
Whether it be emotional support, physical support, childbirth education, information on classes, guided meditation, relaxation techniques, or to simply occupy space so that you know you don't have to go through birth alone, I am honored to use my creative and kind energy to help guide all women in their path toward motherhood.
I love being part of the birthing community and being able to show mothers how to trust their bodies and their brains during birth. I have helped at-risk women, women in poverty, and private clients, and I have valued each experience as its own story unfolded before me.
Together, we can develop your birth preferences and how to expect the unexpected, so that the birth that you envision can become reality. I can show you great techniques for overcoming pain in labor, and how to tackle the obstacle of fear. And most importantly, I can remind you that this is your birth.
Outside of being a doula, I have a degree in fine arts, specifically printmaking. I am also a musician and love playing folk music! I have a wonderful daughter, a beautiful baby boy, two crazy cats, and a lovable pooch. I love yoga, going for walks, archery, and watching movies and playing games with my family.
My name is Amy and I am so excited for your journey through childbirth.
I have been a doula for about 6 years since the birth of my own baby, and I've attended over 200 births ranging from homes to birth centers to hospitals. I have been trained and/or certified in several of our local and international doula programs such as DONA international, Spinning Babies, Gilligan's Guide, Modern Doula Education, Hypnobabies, Evidence Based Birth, Body Ready Method, and more. I am also a placenta encapsulator and printer, as well as a Certified Lactation Consultant and Birth Photographer. I've worked as a volunteer in the HCMC doula program, Methodist doula program, and Everyday Miracles, and I've been the owner of Wholly Mama Birth Doula since my passion in birth work began.
I have a passion for helping others and for empowering women in any stage of life, especially as they are bringing new life into this world.
Whether it be emotional support, physical support, childbirth education, information on classes, guided meditation, relaxation techniques, or to simply occupy space so that you know you don't have to go through birth alone, I am honored to use my creative and kind energy to help guide all women in their path toward motherhood.
I love being part of the birthing community and being able to show mothers how to trust their bodies and their brains during birth. I have helped at-risk women, women in poverty, and private clients, and I have valued each experience as its own story unfolded before me.
Together, we can develop your birth preferences and how to expect the unexpected, so that the birth that you envision can become reality. I can show you great techniques for overcoming pain in labor, and how to tackle the obstacle of fear. And most importantly, I can remind you that this is your birth.
Outside of being a doula, I have a degree in fine arts, specifically printmaking. I am also a musician and love playing folk music! I have a wonderful daughter, a beautiful baby boy, two crazy cats, and a lovable pooch. I love yoga, going for walks, archery, and watching movies and playing games with my family.
MISSION
To educate and empower pregnant people, birthing partners, and new families in the Twin Cities, who want better outcomes and more positive experiences, through emotional, physical, and educational support.
To educate and empower pregnant people, birthing partners, and new families in the Twin Cities, who want better outcomes and more positive experiences, through emotional, physical, and educational support.
A Doula DOES:
Hold professional training: Hiring a professionally trained doula is important in ensuring you will receive the care and support you deserve. I am trained and through DONA International and strive to be continually educated and up to date with adequate curriculum necessary to serve you best.. Encourage families: Building a trusting relationship with your doula will also build your confidence to make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience. I will do my best to make a lasting impression so that your memories are happy ones! Recognize birth as an important event: Not only do doulas understand the physiological aspects of birth, but also the emotional needs of growing families. Each birth experience is unique and will be remembered for a lifetime. Guide you through your journey: Doulas will help you become educated in labor and birth preferences. You will be offered guidance to create your ideal birth plan (and a back up plan), information on different comfort measures, and a supportive hand in achieving a positive experience. |
A Doula DOES Not:
Perform any clinical or medical tasks: A doula's sole purpose is to serve as a companion to offer emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Make Decisions: I will strive to provide you the information needed to make the best decisions for you and your baby. Speak to the staff on your behalf: Doulas have your best interest in mind, but are not able to speak for you. We know that you are strong and because of that it's encouraged that you (and your birth partner) use your voice. Project any personal beliefs onto you: We all have our own beliefs and opinions. Doulas are not here to judge, so please be yourself. |
CERTIFICATION, AFFILIATION, & EXPERIENCE
Certified Birth Doula - DONA International Trained Postpartum Doula - Modern Doula Education Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) - Healthy Children Project Private Birth Doula, Sibling Doula, & Postpartum Doula Body Ready Method Certified Pro Certified HypnoDoula - HypnoBabies Spinning Babies Trained Gilligan's Guide Trained Evidence Based Birth Continuing Education Everyday Miracles Doula Methodist Hospital & Park Nicollet Volunteer Doula Postpartum Doula - Welcome Baby Care Blooma Birth Doula HCMC Doula Program Doula Match Program CPR Certified - Red Cross Maternity, Labor, Birth, Newborn, & Family Photography Placenta Encapsulation Placenta Printing Babywearing Bellycasting |
My husband JD, Our babies Nova and Bellemy, and Me!
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Wholly Mama // Labor & Delivery Services // whollymamabirthdoula@gmail.com