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Amara is calm, supportive, reliable, knowledgeable, and great! You cannot go wrong with getting support and labor services from Amara. She met with us at least twice to answer questions, lend materials, and go over our forms and questions. She is excellent support and stayed with us through labor and delivery, and worked seamlessly with our midwives. She encourages husband participation, and serves in whatever capacity with which you feel comfortable. She has a soothing, calming influence in a very stressful and uncertain time. She followed up with us a couple times, and is always there for on-going information and access to mothers' support groups etc.

My mother passed away from cancer two weeks after I found out I was pregnant. Knowing that I wouldn’t have her there physically, I kept envisioning giving birth and there being this huge hole where she would have been encouraging me through her own experience and loving me through mine. That was when I knew I needed a doula. One of the amazing midwives recommended Amara. At our first meeting I knew that she was the right person with the right energy to stand in that hole and help me through. My husband was a wonderful support and strength for me, but there is something about having a woman there to wipe your brow who knows what you’re feeling. Once connecting with Amara she opened my eyes to a whole new world of information and possibilities. Through her lending library my husband and I were able to watch several dvds that gave us a clearer understanding of natural childbirth and helped me take a lot of the fear out of it. Here were women who were not screaming bloody murder like on tv but instead being empowered by their own strength and ability to embrace the miracle of giving life. Amara was there from the moment we met to answer any questions that I had or direct me to the proper sources. She guided me with a loving hand and helped me find the answers that I was searching for.

On November 13th, 2011 my water broke. I was eleven days from my due date. Twelve hours later I had still not begun having contractions and was advised by the midwives to allow Pitocin to be used to help my body along. At first I was reluctant and very sad because this was not part of my birth plan. Amara was wonderful asking the questions that I may not have thought of to be sure Pitocin was the right step. When we were all sure that for my baby’s safety it was necessary, she jumped on board and told me that I could do it. I was very heart set on not having an epidural and was afraid that Pitocin meant an epidural was coming. She reminded me that I could do get through anything.

At 9am we decided it was time for her to join us. My husband and I were so relieved when she arrived. She brought with her a sense of confidence, support, positivity, and excitement. She made several suggestions to help me find positions that might help my body progress while also allowing me to follow my body and intuition. The most helpful thing she did for me was remind me when the contractions felt like they were never going to end to “get to the peak and it will pass”. She reminded me that the pain I was feeling was my body’s way of helping Lilah get into the proper position for birth. Amara reminded me of the purpose of this time which enabled me to embrace the contractions and ride them out without any pain medications. On November 14th, 2011 at 12:14pm our daughter Lilah Ann Coulborn was born. She was a very healthy 5lbs 7oz and 19 ½ inches long.
Giving birth is an extremely personal experience. For me, I knew my mother was with me in spirit and my husband would not leave my side, but the added support of a doula like Amara could not be replaced. She made both my husband and me feel at ease and we would definitely recommend her services to anyone! Thank you Amara.

Amara was our doula for the birth of both of our daughters. In 2009, I contacted her because I was transferring my care at around 30 weeks from a free-standing birth center in San Diego to the Midwifery Center at Depaul in Va Beach. In the short time we had to get to know each other, Amara answered all of our questions and truly helped us become more prepared for our first birth. While I felt very much ready for my first delivery, Amara really guided us through the difficult parts of that labor. Both my husband and I felt afterward that she really made our first daughter’s birth possible - that without her it would have been a completely different, and much less lovely, experience.

The first person I contacted when we found out we were pregnant with our second daughter was Amara. My husband had to be deployed for seven months of my pregnancy, and in many ways, Amara sort of stood in for him by supporting me completely throughout the pregnancy. I contacted her more times than I can count, and she was always receptive and encouraging. I also took her Birthworks class during that pregnancy, and in comparison to the class I had taken during my first pregnancy from a doula at the free-standing birth center in San Diego, Amara’s class was more thorough and seemed to approach birth and the female body in a more organic way than most birth classes. Plus, Amara makes it fun :)

My second labor and delivery was much different than my first - and during each we had different needs from a doula. During my first, Amara met us at the hospital where we were delivering after we had labored for a few hours at home. She provided counter pressure for my back labor, gave my husband a lot of ideas of how to support me through the labor, and encouraged my husband to take care of himself, too.This time, things went much faster. Amara met me at home and spent a couple hours helping me through my back labor while my husband got ready and dropped our daughter at a friend’s house.

The time at home with Amara was really pleasant, and when my husband came back and it was time to go to the hospital, she helped us get ready and encouraged me to walk to the car - something that I was not having an easy time doing :) Our daughter was born just a few minutes after arriving in the hospital, but she was taken away from us pretty quickly with some complications. My husband went with her to the nursery, and Amara stayed behind with me for a really long time, which really helped me cope with not having my baby after a fast labor.

I could write paragraph after paragraph about Amara - about how she helped me deal with my insecurities with both of my births, about how without her knowledge combined with her presence there, I would probably still be questioning myself. Amara has more empathy and respect for emotions than anyone I have ever met, and I feel so lucky that her amazing presence has been an integral part of my childbearing - and delivering -experiences.

If you hire Amara, it will be the best thing you ever do for the birth of your child. Hands down she is the best in the area, and I plan on having her at every one of my children's births! It would never be the same without her.

Amara was so compassionate and appropriate during my labor and birth. It was such an amazing and healing experience. We will hire Amara again to be our Doula for our next child if we're in the area! Amara provided excellent support and communication for weeks before I went into labor. She helped me progress labor through positioning techniques, and helped relax and calm me during active labor and transition. She didn't overstay her welcome after our bundle of joy arrived. My husband felt included and supported by Amara. Everything was perfect and I can't wait to do it all again! :)

What an amazing birth! And it all began so peacefully once I secured Amara as my doula. We were in a struggle last year with finances, so already we were sure we could not afford a doula. However, I kept thinking that I NEEDED this kind of support if my second child was going to be born without drugs, intervention or complete fear. I felt I should at least call around... I wanted this natural birth so badly. Little did I know, that once I spoke with Amara on the phone, this would be our first contact into a relationship that would last a lifetime and a birth that was more amazing than I could have ever imagined!
We made our initial deposit, and though we met at week 34, I made sure that I connect with Amara as much as I could. I wanted the most from this Mother-Doula relationship! She was always SO WILLING to speak on the phone or answer e-mails about my fears. I think I had more fear than excitement, yet both existing at the same time. Amara made sure that I kept focused even while preparing for the birth. Her words of encouragement were very powerful during the last six weeks. I am a visual learner, so Amara helped me to come up with ways to focus, and as I e-mailed her the latest happenings of the day, she kindly replied that same night and encouraged me more. SHE was a pivatol part of the process to get me to CALM DOWN and be ready to give birth. I was stressed over finances, and I was stressed wondering if everything would be ok. "Could I do it?" "Would this baby also be posterior?" "Will I have back labor AGAIN??" Amara would keep me grounded.
Finally, on a Saturday, I took a walk to calm down, meditate and pray. That morning I had a peace beyond understanding. I walked home sensing that this would be the day. It was the night! Late that evening, after I took a bath, I was ready for bed and my water broke... I called Amara and she was wide awake at 2:00am ready to head to the hospital. We arrived at the birthing center and did not realize that I was already 10 centimeters! I was ready to push! Amara did not know this so, she got there about half way through as the hardest moments for me began. So, in reality she was not with us so long for the birth, but OH how we needed her. She was quiet, calm and very assertive to my needs. She would tell me how to focus and to remember this, that and the other things we spoke about in the past few weeks. She was there mostly AFTER the birth, and again, this was a huge help. We were so THRILLED to have had such a quick and problem-free birth that we forgot the pictures... Amara didn't forget! She took pictures for us, calmed me in the after pains and witnessed are new family of four! She stayed for about an hour after the birth, and for this we are grateful.
After the birth, Amara was attentive to write a beautiful birth story. It was creative, well though out, and very consistent with the time line of the birth. She visited us and shared in the memories.
Finally, I wish to point out that Amara has an extensive library. It was also VERY useful for me. The videos and books changed my thinking on natural childbirth and how I truly wanted this birth to be blessed. The fact that I could borrow these materials and not have to buy them was very helpful in our time of tight budgeting.

When the anesthesiologist came into the room, Amara suggested that my nurse check me one last time to see if there was improvement within the last 15 minutes and the nurse refused because I was checked not long ago.but once again, Amara had the right words and was able to have the doctor check me. With this, I was saved because I was at 10 cm and ready to welcome my baby girl. If she would not have asked, I would have failed with my original birth plan, and for that I am so thankful. She assisted me in breastfeeding right after the birth and stayed around a little bit until me, my husband and our baby girl were settled.

She was very encouraging and stayed positive to get me through all the pain. My husband was very impressed and said she was so helpful in showing him ways to help make me feel comfortable. We have good memories from this experience and can one day share it with our daughter in details as Amara wrote our birthing story to reflect what occurred that day. I am so blessed to have met Amara and was in the best care with her and my husband at my side. We will definitely have her as our doula again. I believe that all pregnant women should have a doula, but especially Amara because she is so positive, comforting and wants to help you stick with your birth plan in the best ways possible. I highly recommend Amara as your doula as you will be in the best of care!

I chose Amara as my doula for many reasons. First, I found it comforting that she had attended close to 100 births. In addition, she has four children of her own! I knew she was experienced. Also, in talking with her over the phone and in person, she was kind and caring. I knew I wanted a doula present at the birth of my first child to provide me with emotional and physical support. Also, I wanted to have someone in my corner as an advocate of sorts. Lastly, I knew my husband would need additional support too!
Thankfully, my pregnancy was easy. I felt pretty confident in my ability to give birth naturally, without the help of medication. I have very low blood pressure and an irregular heart beat (at times). Therefore, I knew that the less medication in my system, the better (for both me and the baby). Up until the week before I was due, I was confident that I read all the right books, I hired a doula, took a natural birthing class, did prenatal yoga & I was giving birth at a birthing center, etc.. However, the week before I went into labor I started to get scared! I thought, “there’s no way I’m going to be able to do this, I can see why people choose medication”. I knew that me asking for medication, even though it wasn’t part of my birth plan, might be a reality for me. I realized that thus far, I had intellectualized the birthing process and I was so afraid of the potential pain and of the unknown. I called Amara, crying. She was very calm and reassuring. She said that it was totally normal to feel scared and that everything would be ok.
The truth is, starting on a Tuesday; I had mild contractions, at night, when I would lay down to go to sleep, for several nights leading up to the birth of my son. The contractions would subside when I would sit upright. After 5 evenings with the “preview” contractions, I went into official labor on a Saturday night. We called Amara and she came to our house to help labor at home before going to the hospital. She was my Sherpa mountain guide, my big sister and Earth angel all wrapped in one. Through her guidance and support, I never once considered deviating from my birth plan, although she would have supported any choice I made. The thought of medication never even came into my mind because I was so in the moment.
I was on my knees and rested my head and arms in her lap during contractions. Is labor a picnic? No. Was it manageable? Yes. And Amara helped to give my husband and I comfort and security. She told me I was doing a great job and that my process was normal. I was in the moment and the breaks between the contractions provided relief. Every woman is entitled to her own birth experience. Amara helped me to have the birth experience that I wanted. I would recommend that every woman in labor have a doula and I would certainly recommend Amara! If we have another baby down the road, I will call on Amara again to be my mountain guide!

I first met Amara when I was approximately 6 months pregnant. I had had a previous birth experience that was very traumatic both physically and emotionally. I had also lost two other babies in between my son and this newest pregnancy, leaving me with a large amount of anxiety. I knew I needed to have someone in the hospital with me who would be there for me through the entire ordeal. Someone who would talk to me, hold my hand, rub my back, hold my leg and do whatever else I needed to make this new experience a much better one, and dare I say it even a pleasant one.
It turned out that at 9 months pregnant my doctors decided it was medically necessary to have a cesarean especially with my birth history. Although I would not have a traditional vaginal delivery Amara was still able to offer me support over the phone and in person helping quell my fears about the surgery and how my 4 year old might deal with everything. Come the pre-op for the surgery she was there by my side talking to me, distracting me and helping me keep calm. Unfortunately during the surgery she was not allowed into the operating room, which was very difficult. But as soon as I was in recovery she was there in the recovery room, holding my hand, wiping any tears away, and acting as an advocate to the nurses for me as I was suffering from severe itching from the morphine.
I had set up a series of people to help me through the nights for the first few months after the surgery, Amara being one of them. She was the one “on duty” the first night home from the hospital for which I was very grateful. She stopped by the store on her way over bringing sandwich makings and set to making sure I was properly fed and hydrated within the first half hour of being there. The site of her immediately calmed me and made me feel much more comfortable. I knew I could rest my stitches and she would be my arms, legs, and shoulder. I trusted her with my newborn implicitly. Amara helped me out once a week for 2 months for 7 ½ hours overnight and I would not have changed a thing (except had her come more often if she could have). I highly recommend Amara as a doula, be it for traditional or surgical deliveries and as a post-partum doula “site for sore eyes” once you are home, tired, achy, and needing a friend. I could not have done it without her.

I don’t know what we would have done without Amara. She was an integral part of my birthing experience from pregnancy to postpartum she was a constant figure. She supplied excellent reading material regarding the natural birthing process that helped ease my nerves and anxiety of the unknown (as this was my first birth). She was always there via phone, text, or e-mail to answer any of my many questions and was certainly there at 4 am when my water broke unexpectedly at the 35 weeks.

What can I say, my husband and I weren’t exactly ready, our bags weren’t packed, the nursery wasn’t finished but Amara was a calming presence throughout it all. She pleasantly talked me through gathering my things during the early morning hours and guided me through my onset of contractions prior to my hospital arrival.

Because my water broke early, I was unable to birth at the midwifery center, which was my original birth plan. I was devastated by the news but Amara assured me that all would be fine in labor and delivery. She met my husband and I at the hospital just in time as I had to be induced and the contractions were coming on fast and hard. When Amara arrived, she brought a wave of calmness to the room and gave me the confidence I needed to know everything was going to be all right.

Even though my husband and I were not able to complete our birthing class due to our unexpected early arrival, Amara was there by our side talking us through the necessary steps of the birthing process. Having a preemie for your first birthing experience can be quite nerve racking and Amara stood right by our sides as the nurses whisked our child away and placed her in an incubator hooked to IVs, a heart monitor, and oxygen. Amara was our rock during this stressful time and I can’t thank her enough for helping us “keep it together.”

After the delivery, Amara called to check on us the following day and followed up with a phone call the day my child was discharged home. A week later she came to the home with the well-anticipated birth story. This alone is worth her services. I’m so glad we have that day for those precious hours documented forever. I loved my birth story and I can’t believe how much time and detail she puts into it. Amara truly makes the birthing experience special and I look forward to her services in the future, when that time comes;)

Amara was a wonderful doula, and I’m really not sure I could have done it without her! She came to our home when I was in early labor to give me tips on positions to use, how my husband could help me, and ways to try to speed up the labor. She allowed my husband to get some needed rest while I labored, and was available by phone or e-mail when we needed her (but wasn’t in the way either, going back home when my labor stalled out for over 12 hours). We met her at the hospital and she coached me when I was pushing. I really needed it, as I was in “the zone” and didn’t hear a word the midwife or nurse said. Amara was a calm, steady presence, and was very knowledgable and helpful to me and my husband. I’d definitely use her services again for another baby!

From my husband (who is much more eloquent than I am!): Amara Minnis is one of the most caring, compassionate individuals you could ever hope to have while journeying through this process. She is kind, soft-spoken, and extremely attentive to the mother and significant other as the pregnancy progresses to the labor and birthing process. Her assertiveness combined with her own experience as a mother position her as an ideal guide during the critical stages of labor and delivery. Amara is a conscientious listener, one who will remain carefully sensitive to the wishes of the birthing team. Of equal importance, she genuinely cares about the special role a doula plays and sincerely believes in the positive impacts on the partners and the baby. Her passion reflects in everything she does. For anyone seriously considering the prospect of a birthing doula to assist in this wonderful experience, I would provide my highest recommendation for her as she will provide you with an unparalleled, quality experience.

I chose Amara as my doula because she made me feel calm when I was around her (she still does, almost a year later!). I knew she would have the experience of what I was capable and would help me make informed decisions throughout the labor.

When I realized I was a "high risk" pregnancy (type 1 diabetes) but wanted an intervention-free labor, I knew I would need a doula to help me. My husband is very nervous about my safety and our baby's so I knew he would be susceptible to hospital staff. And since I hate hospitals, I wanted someone there to help us stay in control and mellow.

My labor was 49 hours and Amara was a champ! She texted back and forth with me in the early hours while I was still roaming around doing errands. She came to the house when things picked up speed and she soldiered through the 26 hours we spent at the hospital before my beautiful son was born. I got the vaginal delivery I wanted, I knew what was going on the entire time and was in control and I felt safe always. I am convinced I would have had a c-section were it not for Amara!

I also appreciated that Amara took copious notes during the entire labor process. She also does a birth story afterward and it was one of the reasons I chose her! I'm a writer and it's priceless for me to have accounts of everything going on. It's something I hope my son will also appreciate one day.

I pushed for three hours before delivering and Amara was right there holding one leg (with my husband holding the other). At one point I wheezed out that I was running out of steam and Amara told me very firmly that I could do this and I was going to push this baby out because I was strong. It was EXACTLY what I needed when I was ready to give up and not long after my 8 lb 12oz boy entered the world!

Amara was a fantastic support not only during my labor with my 10 pound baby girl, but before and after her delivery. All of her experience shines through when she's in action. I was particularly impressed with the fact that during my cesarean section she waited for THREE HOURS to see me. I had no idea she had waited as I assumed my birth team would have gone home with the decision of surgery made. She continues to be a supportive friend and I am really thankful I went with my gut and hired her. Every woman needs a doula during labor, in my opinion.

With so many decisions to make as we prepared for the birth of our first child the best choice we made by far was to have Amara as our doula. We moved to Norfolk when I was 28 weeks pregnant and decided that we would like to have a drug-free birth experience for our baby at the Midwifery Center at DePaul. We were new to the world of midwives, doulas, and natural delivery and as we worked to better educate ourselves we were so glad to find Amara as a wonderful partner in the education process. My husband and I can not say enough about how well prepared, educated, intuitive, thoughtful, and kind Amara is. She is one of those rare individuals who has truly found her calling in her life work. Being a doula suits her so well and those who have her as their doula really benefit from that. With Amara's calm and reassuring guidance my husband and I were able to have the drug-free experience we desired and we welcomed our daughter into this world in a peaceful, loving environment. My husband and Amara were the perfect birth team for me- my husband was my rock to keep me calm and strong and Amara was the gentle wave- calmly pushing me on and guiding the way.

All the rave reviews are warranted! Amara is such a beautiful person inside and out. We hired her based on her experience and spirit. She was there for me during my 40 hours of labor (that ultimately ended up in a c-section) and provided me and my husband with much needed advise and emotional support. Unfortunatly, I was unable to labor the way I had planned, but she stuck with us and was there until the end. My husband and I are extremely glad that she was by our side. I highly recommend her services!

Amara was/ and continues to be a great support in my new journey as a mother. Her services as a doula were exactly what I needed to have the birth experience I was hoping for. As I entered labor there was some concern about the condition of my son, and my body had already been emotionally exhausted. But my determination, and Amara's focus helped me stay confident and when labor reached its most intense she was able to break thru to me, making everything seem so much easier. In my opinion, I couldn't have done it without her. At least not the natural way I intended.

Amara was a great support to me and my husband during the birth of our first child. She came to our home in the middle of the night when my labor started, provided emotional support to me and my husband during labor, and was a calming physical presence to us both. I did wind-up needing a c-section, and Amara was very supportive and stayed until I was through recovery and back in my room. She was also available to me during my pregnancy and after the birth for any questions I had. I highly recommend her!

When I discovered I was pregnant in September 2008, I knew immediately that I wanted to have a doula during my labor and delivery. So, I began the search for my to-be labor coach and I ran across Amara’s website. I stopped searching for a doula, because once I met her in person, I knew she was “the one.” My significant other traveled during the majority of my pregnancy, and it was “iffy” if he would even be able to attend the birth of our child. So as the d-day drew closer, I was in constant contact with Amara and she was always quick to respond back to me, no matter how silly my questions were. She is always so reassuring and encouraging. She helped me build my confidence up with labor and breastfeeding, two of my huge concerns. One of my favorite things that she does as part of her services is the birth story she wrote up, and I still get tears in my eyes whenever I read it. Amara is truly a gifted doula, and I am so thankful to have her part of my pregnancy.

Amara was wonderful! She was very calm and nurturing and supportive. She assisted my husband giving him help and suggestions for how to support me throughout labor and delivery. With her help and assistance I had a labor that was satisfying. I felt that I was in control and a part of labor process instead of labor just happening to me. Thanks Amara you were wonderful!!

After a fast but difficult 1st delivery and learning that my husband was going to be away for the birth of my second child, I decided to look for help and found Amara. Her help before and during the birth were one of the biggest reason I had a great delivery for my little girl. She was always available and extremely knowledgeable and her support, even though luckily my husband was in town, helped me approach the birth in confidence. My baby girl was born early May 2009.

When making decisions about how our second child would be born, my husband and I decided that we would like to try to have a natural childbirth. One of the most important decisions we made was asking Amara to serve as our doula. I found her using the DONA website and immediately after reading her website and receiving her response e-mail, I knew she was right for us. After our first telephone conversation lasted over a half an hour, I was convinced! Amara lent me books to read in preparation, was always there with advice, and overall was a knowledgeable resource and calming influence. When I went past my due date, Amara was positive and hopeful. I ended up with a completely unmedicated birth at 40 weeks and 3 days! She definitely made my experience easier and helped to make both my husband and I comfortable. My son's birth was exactly as I had hoped - and Amara's support was unmatched before and during the birth. I would recommend Amara's doula services 100%!

Having Amara as our doula made for a wonderful birth experience. Since this was our first child and my husband is in the Navy, we knew we wanted a doula to help us through the event and stand in if my husband couldn’t be there. After some research and a great initial meeting, we hired Amara. From the moment we hired her, she was always available and checked in regularly see how everything was going. When I called Amara to let her know I was in labor and didn’t think I could do it by myself much longer, she was at my door with a hug and reassuring words about an hour later…very fortunate, since my husband was on the ship! Amara took care of getting me and my things ready and driving me to the hospital (fortunately my husband arrived a few hours after we did, having been helicoptered off the ship). She was a constant comforting presence throughout the labor, letting me know I was doing a good job and how things were progressing. Her calm words and presence encouraged both me and my husband and enabled me to have the drug- and intervention-free delivery I wanted. My OB had been skeptical when I told him I was hiring a doula (he’s had some poor experiences in the past) but changed his mind when he saw how helpful Amara is and realized that she isn’t there to interfere with the doctor but rather to help the patient have the best possible birth. Amara, thanks for everything – we couldn’t have done it without you!

I recently met Amara through our Mom's Club and she is so amazing. Her nature is calming and soothing when dealing with her children, it inspires me.

The story I share is long, but well worth the read because it encapsulates why it is so important to have a professional who you choose to be by your side, no matter how you give childbirth!
Although I have given birth to my final child (#3), I WISH I COULD HAVE HAD AMARA at my side with each of my pregnancies. My first child was frank breach and a C-section was necessary. I lost a lot of blood and was in the recovery room by myself for hours. Then when with my dear son, the hospital's lactation consultants pushed the breast-feeding issue so hard (and I did breastfeed successfully) that they ignored the fact that my baby lost a higher percentage of weight than necessary. I kept saying I did not believe he was getting anything, but they said repeatedly, “Don’t worry, he’s getting enough.”

Well, to no real surprise to me, he had not gotten enough breast milk. The day after I went home, my son became slightly jaundice and was throwing crystals in his urine! Immediately, I called the doctor, but guess what I did – relied on my own instincts finally and supplemented him with formula and he righted himself within two days.

Also, postpartum I had an umbilical hernia that incarcerated. After you have a child, within a week, your belly button reduces. When it did, it clamped down on some intestinal fatty tissue. I felt that something was not right, so I called the doctor on call. The only one I had was who ever answered the phone at my doctor’s office. The next day was my regular scheduled my doctor’s appointment. By that time, my belly button was hard, tender, discolored, and hot to the touch. If I had Amara by my side, she would have been able to immediately tell me that what I was experiencing was serious and to go to the emergency room that night. Instead I waited an additional day for my one week check up, and with my newborn and husband with me, my doctor almost overlooked what I had going on. I had an idea something was wrong but had not experienced childbirth before, so I not confident. However, I felt I had to step up and question the doctor through recapping the symptoms – hard, tender, hot to the touch, and discolored belly button. Hearing my recap – the same stuff I told him earlier but in a condensed version, he got bright eyed, looked at it again and said he needed to make phone call. When he came back, he said he had made an appointment with a surgeon that I needed to go to directly and that I would have to have an immediate emergency exploratory surgery… remember, I had my newborn in the carseat beside me with a bewildered husband. Yeah, it was a bit stressful.

I share this with you all because if I had Amara by my side, this would never have happened. Her agenda is you! Unlike those that work in the hospital that depend upon the ratio of successful breastfeeding mothers vs. those that bottle-feed. If I had Amara by my side, I would not have experienced this situation and my first pregnancy would have been a more empowering experience with many more warmer memories that what I was left with without having someone like Amara.

If you know anyone that is or is thinking about becoming pregnant, no matter if having a vaginal birth or c-section, I highly recommend you offer Amara’s information. She is so intelligent, well-trained, warm spirited and will have the mother and baby’s interest at heart. She is there for you two and no one else! Give her name out to any woman wanting to become pregnant or those that are expecting. It will be the best thing you ever did for your friend or family member!

I have not yet used Amara's doula services but I certainly will when I have another child. I have had the pleasure of her company at many Moms Club events and she is so informative on anything relating to the birthing process. In addition, she has the most calming, peaceful personality of any woman I have met. These qualities are important and I am looking forward to her helping me when I have another child.

If you have been searching for a doula to work with your search is over. I honestly do not feel I can put into words how wonderful it was working with Amara!!
This was our first child so of course my husband and I had no idea what we were getting ourselves into ~ so we felt working with a doula would be best. After searching and interviewing and searching again we found Amara. Upon meeting her we knew she was going to be the perfect fit for us. She immediately made us feel calm and safe, almost as if we had known her for years. This is exactly what we looked so hard for. She was willing to work with us, she respected the goals we had for our delivery, and she supported us every step of the way. She was only ever a phone call or email away and when my husband called her to come to the hospital she was there immediately!
After a complicated pregnancy, a need for an early induction, and a 34 hour labor (which did not go even close to what we hoped for) Amara was still there!! She kept my husband and myself grounded and focused on our main goal and was a fabulous patient advocate!
We now have a healthy baby boy and a new dear friend! (Trevor, born September 2008).

Amara is the #1 best decision I made for my birth. She was always just a call or email away whenever I had any concerns or questions throughout my pregnancy. And when I called her at 4AM in labor, she was ready to be by my side at a moments notice. :)

I found Amara to be very calming and reassuring during the birth of my second child. This was the first time I had opted to use a doula. My husband and I were both very glad she was there throughout the labor and delivery. Her support helped tremendously.

With Amara's guidance and assistance we were able to be confident throughout the amazing and overwhelming process of giving birth. Most importantly, her knowledgeable presence allowed my partner and I to focus on each other and gain strength through that connection. Our family is very grateful for her services.

Amara was absolutely wonderful to both myself and my husband throughout my labor and after our beautiful daughter was born via c-section. She was very comforting to me emotionally as well as physically, doing everything she could to keep me comfortable. She was never overbearing. She helped my husband be more involved in the process as he was having a hard time seeing me in pain. We will absolutely contact her for our next baby! Anne Kelley Carr (Lauren was born January 2007)

Amara has a wonderful, calm and reassuring presence. Even after just a couple of meetings with her, I felt comfortable telling her anything and had no problem being at my worst in front of her. She was very accessible and helpful in the weeks leading up to my birth. During labor, she talked me through each contraction, which really enabled me to cope with the pain. Her support helped me have a totally natural birth. I also used Amara's postpartum services, and I got a lot of great tips on baby handling and an understanding and sympathetic ear. I highly recommend Amara!

Amara was wonderful! She met us at the hospital, provided tons of support and took pictures too! I really appreciated her friendly and kind manner of helping me and also my husband to know what to do. I would highly recommend her services. I can't wait to see the birth story she has written, because I'm already forgetting details.

After finding out we were expecting baby #2 my husband and I decided we wanted a unmedicated birth experience with this baby. We also knew that we wanted to have a doula to assist us in the labour and delivery. Amara was highly recommended to us by our midwife and after interviewing her, we knew she was the one for us! Amara came and met with us twice before the birth to go over our birth plan, answer any of our questions and just to get acquainted with us. As my due date approached Amara was in constant contact with us and once I was in labour, she was 100% available. Her presence with us at our labour and delivery was invaluable and helped not just me as the mom, but my husband as well. We would highly recommend Amara to anyone and everyone who is expecting, and especially to those wanting a unmedicated birth experience.

Amara is an amazing, caring, wonderful person who would be the perfect birthing "coach" for you! She is so patient, calm, and supportive you couldn't ask for a better person to have in the delivery room with you!

Amara was everything I'd hoped for in a doula. I recommend her to anyone in need of labor support. She helped my husband and me immeasurably.

Amara was the #1 reason that I was able to deliver my third daughter pain medication free! She did an amazing job and I am so happy to recommend her to anyone. My husband was overseas for this baby so having someone in the delivery room that was there for me was critical.

In addition, my labor started a little rocky and lasted over 24 hours. Amara was there throughout it all and her support was outstanding.

Amara was my doula a year ago when I was preparing for the birth of my second child. My husband deployed for six months when I was 33 weeks along. Amara was not only my wonderful doula, she filled the role of partner/spouse. I depended on her 100% to get me to the hospital, to grab my bags/necessities, AND to coach me through contractions. She filled out all my paperwork at the hospital WHILE coaching me AND making sure everyone at the hospital knew my birth plan. She is amazingly calm and capable of more than one task at a time. She is so warm and comforting, she emits this glow of peace that is so important during childbirth. I recommend her without any reservation. She is a blessing from God in my birth experience!

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