Amber Knowles

My Journey.

I am Certified Birth Doula through the International Doula Institute, Childbirth Educator, Evidence Based Birth Professional member, and co-owner of Your Chicago Doula. I previously worked at a trauma center as a radiologic technologist in many different departments including the operating room and interventional radiology. There, I honed my patient care skills, taking pride in what mattered most to me: compassion and respect. 

My love for birth work was sparked by my own positive experiences during pregnancy, versus those of some of my closest friends and family. I quickly realized the resources that should be available to all expectant parents, were often not. I celebrated supporting more than 120 families through their birth experiences and postpartum journeys since becoming a certified doula in 2021.

I act as a fierce advocate for expectant parents by creating the space needed for them to be active participants in the decision making process throughout pregnancy and in labor. My skill set includes supporting families seeking holistic care, often led by midwives at home, in hospitals, and at birth centers, in addition to those seeking VBACs. I received my Advanced VBAC Doula Certification through the VBAC Link to help clients achieve success in their VBAC. 

Confidence & Empowerment.

I pride myself in supporting all expectant parents, regardless of family style, birthing style, birthing goals, personality style, or parenting styles. I admire the strength of birthing parents and strive to help them discover confidence and empowerment, through evidence-based education, to make decisions that leave them with feelings of positivity and satisfaction surrounding their birth. My birth philosophy largely incorporates preparing the mind and body for labor, in addition to helping partners feel confident and able to be present and connected to the birth experience.

Advocacy.

I act as a fierce advocate for expectant parents by creating the space needed for them to be active participants in the decision making process throughout pregnancy and in labor. My prior experiences in radiology have helped shape my doula practice, as I bring deep familiarity with working well with providers and navigating policy and protocols to my birth doula work. My skillset includes supporting a broad spectrum of births from high risk pregnancies, induction of labor, and cesarean sections in the hospital setting, to low intervention, unmedicated births under the care of midwives in birth centers, hospitals, and at home. 

Commitment.

Creating lasting relationships with families during the postpartum period, a time when parents need a great amount of support and further education, is just as important to me as the day your sweet child enters the world.

Personal Life

Amber is a mom of three young children. Her family enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, gardening, partaking in all seasonal festivities, and taking care of their dog, cats, and guinea pigs. Amber is a fan of crafting, live music, and loves nurturing her children's minds through reading, play, dance, and art.