“Having Amber as our doula was without a doubt the best decision we have ever made! Her extensive support and communication throughout pregnancy and her knowledge, comfort, quick thinking and guidance during labor and delivery were invaluable.
She was communicative and responsive for all our pregnancy questions including when signs were pointing to labor starting. Labor progressed unexpectedly quickly and Amber's presence was what got us safely to the hospital just in time to push! She provided physical and emotional support for my wife during the car ride and was right there in triage and delivery as we welcomed our son 30 minutes later! If it weren't for her, we may not have made it to the hospital!
We truly could not have gotten through this without her.
If you are considering a doula we could not recommend Amber enough!”
-Yana and Pat
“It is hard to find the words to summarize how critical Amber’s presence was at the birth of my first child. She brought reassurance when there was fear, humor when there was frustration, education when there was confusion, and compassion when there was discomfort. I cannot imagine that I would look back on the birth so positively if it weren’t for her, and I also cannot imagine giving birth again without her there!
We planned to work with a doula because I was anxious about childbirth and it just seemed like something we could do to make birth less scary - but I hadn’t really given thought to what sort of specific support we needed and even wondered if it was really necessary seeing as I was planning a medicated hospital birth (which ultimately turned in to an induction) with a CNM. Thankfully, Amber knew exactly what we needed even when we didn’t, and ended up being more valuable to us than I ever could have imagined: she was an empathetic and educational confidante during the horribly uncomfortable final weeks of pregnancy, she advocated for me to the hospital staff (and gave me the strength to advocate for myself), she showed my partner what he could do to help make labor more comfortable for me, and she ultimately coached me through pushing (an absolutely amazing and empowering experience).
I have encouraged all of my friends to consider working with a doula (and of course have encouraged Chicago-area friends to talk to Amber!) regardless of their specific hopes for their birth and regardless of whether they see a specific need for support. Birth is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be a moment when an experienced, compassionate presence can really make the difference. I will forever remember the hours in the middle of the night, when I was too scared and uncomfortable to sleep, but wanted my husband to get some rest so that one of us would have energy to take care of our baby the next day…Amber stayed up with me all night, making conversation about everything and nothing, bringing me popsicles and keeping me calm, hanging string lights to make the room as inviting as possible. Even if everything had gone perfectly and as expected (it did not!), her presence in those hours alone was a joy of incredible value.”
-Tayler
“If you’re thinking if adding a doula, specifically Amber, to your birth team, do not hesitate, DO IT! There are so many decisions to be made during the prenatal and postpartum journey. Choosing Amber as my doula was the easiest of them all. She was an integral part of my birth team. As a first time mom, I had many anxieties throughout my pregnancy. Amber was amazing every step of the way. All questions and concerns were answered and reassured almost immediately. She helped me determine a birth plan toward the end of my pregnancy. Most importantly, she walked my husband and I through all the steps of my planned induction, unexpected scenarios that may come up, and how she will be there to assist throughout the birth. She provided tips and techniques to use during the final days of pregnancy all the way through labor.
She was a phenomenal additional support person on delivery day. My induction came with multiple unexpected challenges, and Amber was there by mine and my husband’s side with constant encouragement. Her calming energy and supportive nature carried us through the entire labor. She was an amazing support for my husband throughout the day as well. She guided him through my labor process and how to best support me. She turned the sterile hospital delivery room into a warm and welcoming space. She worked so cohesively with the hospital staff. It was truly amazing to witness. Amber turned what could have been a traumatic birth experience to a peaceful and positive one. Having Amber as part of your birth team is an absolute must!”
-Nicole
“Amber is the whole package. She’s calm, personable, and well versed in all things pregnancy and birth. She was our go-to person during the third trimester, labor/delivery, and postpartum. She is knowledgeable of the physiology of birth and educated us thoroughly in preparation for labor. She provided us with techniques and exercises to prep my body for labor as I approached my due date. She helped us make a birth plan and made sure the hospital staff knew our wishes during the delivery process. Most importantly, she was our saving grace during labor and delivery. As first time parents, we weren’t sure what to expect in the moment despite all our preparation. With nurses in and out of the hospital room, we were thankful to have Amber as our constant motivator throughout the whole process to explain everything as it happened and put our minds at ease. She utilized natural pain relief strategies which allowed me to have an unmedicated birth. She supported both me and my husband during the most intense stages of labor. If we are fortunate enough to have another baby, we would not hesitate to use Amber as our doula again!”
-Karah and Ray
“Having Amber as our birth doula was the best addition to our birth team we could have asked for! She was such a rockstar, from our prenatal appointments before I gave birth, and especially in the delivery room. During our prenatal appointments with her, Amber was extremely knowledgeable in educating both my husband and I on the birthing process, different birthing positions, pain management and calming techniques I could utilize during labor and delivery, as well as things my husband can be doing to help me relax, and helped me create my ideal birth plan. On the day I was induced, Amber went above and beyond in her support for both my husband and I. Right when she arrived at the hospital, she got to work immediately in helping me stay relaxed during the intense contractions I was experiencing using the calming techniques we worked on prior, and providing massage to areas of my body I was feeling discomfort. My husband constantly raves about how supported and prepared he felt with Amber’s help as well from what he has learned from her, and her helpfulness during labor and delivery. We both are incredibly grateful for her energy and encouragement during the entirety of the birthing process, especially when it came time to push and our little one finally joined us earthside. My birthing experience was incredibly positive, and we highly recommend any expecting parent(s) add Amber to their birth team as their birth doula!”
-Shaheen and Piotr
“As a first time mother, with a high risk pregnancy, I was very anxious about labor and delivery. Amber helped me shift to a more positive outlook as she prepared me for the process. While labor and delivery is never predictable, I felt well informed and ready for the various scenarios that could arise. During prenatal visits, Amber and I discussed my ideal birth plan, potential medical interventions, labor positions and breathing techniques. I was induced at 37 weeks due to some pregnancy complications and having Amber by my side was one of the best decisions I made for my family.
Her gentle nature coupled with her preparedness and extensive knowledge ensured I had a smooth delivery. She created a peaceful environment in the labor and delivery room using bulb lights, lavender scents, music, and massage. Being in labor and delivering a baby feels vulnerable and she was extremely professional, never letting me feel embarrassed or ashamed about the process and instead assuring me that everything happening was very natural. She also knew how to be present when we needed her, but gave my husband and I space to enjoy and experience all the emotions encountered in our first moments as a family.
Amber's postpartum care and support has also been incredible, from helping with the challenges of breastfeeding to showing us how to use our carrier, she has answered so many of our questions. Her holistic approach and availability has helped me with the transition to motherhood. She makes it feel like I'm calling my best friend or sister for help!”
-Soraya
“Amber has been such a fundamental part of my postpartum / newborn mom experience. I didn’t give birth, and even though we planned and waited for baby M for years, bringing her home elicited all sorts of unexpected emotions and stressors. Amber supported and encouraged me. She told me that M was thriving, that I was rocking it as a mom. She sang to her, told me to take a nap, and showed me the trick to trimming her nails. She’s a part of M’s story - one of the many women who have stood alongside me through this long journey to and through momhood - and I’m so grateful to her. If you’re pregnant or planning to be - CALL HER!”
-Erin
“I cannot thank Amber enough for her support during my pregnancy, labor and postpartum journey! This was my first pregnancy, so there was so much I did not know. I feel like Amber really educated me on the process and helped guide me to make decisions fo my birth plan. I always thought that doulas were more for individuals who wanted a natural/ unmedicated birth. I knew that I wanted to do an epidural and Amber so was supportive and did not have any bias either way. She informed me of the pros and cons of all medical interventions so that I would be prepared day of, if things did not go as planned. I'm so grateful that I had Amber because she really helped day of when my epidural got disconnected somehow (anesthesiologist fault) Amber used essential oils and massage to bring my pain level down and guide me through. My OBGYN told me at my 6-week follow up that my doula was wonderful, and I have to agree! I highly recommend her.”
-Mandie
“I reached out to Amber who was a referral from a friend and it was the best thing we did! Initially, it was for breastfeeding support. At first I looked at pumping/breastfeeding as a job and something I needed to do for my son. Now with Amber’s help it has gotten so much easier and I enjoy it so much!
Breastfeeding is so so hard and with her tips and guidance our journey with breastfeeding has done a 180! I now breastfeed because of the incredible bond it has allowed me to share with my son and it’s something I will always treasure! I never thought it would be something I enjoy so much. For a while I didn’t think I could physically do it. Amber helped us with latching, positions, milk supply, nipple care, pump settings and flange size.
She is so patient and wonderful. After our in house consult she has been checking in via text regularly and making herself available for any additional support my baby and I need! I highly recommend letting Amber help you along your journey!”
-Brooke