“I had not just birthed my baby, but caught baby with my own hands. I had confronted demons and won. Surrounded by those most important to me, I found the inner strength I had lost. I held baby to my chest. I felt the thick layer of vernix, smelled the sweet aroma of the newly born head and suddenly, the battle I had just won felt so far in the past. As if it was already years in the distance. A beautiful memory of a victory…”
Read More
“For years, I’ve educated and supported families through births. Today I proved to myself the awesomeness of my body and the healing nature of a supportive birth team. #dukebrownbro was born Tuesday July 3rd at 1:45am caught by his mother in their home surrounded by love. Weighing 8lbs 3oz and 23inches long…”
Read More
“I was a guest on Midday Live with WBKO13 with Amanda Woolen of The Grateful Moms Doula. We talked comfort measures and what you’ll learn during Lamaze Class. Watch us get 'hands-on' with a live demonstration of a technique that provides much needed comfort and decreases pain during active labor. I’ve also opened up registration for fall Lamaze Classes...”
Read More
"What struck me as I sat there, was my view in that hospital Labor & Delivery room. In front of me, despite an active birth, was an empty bed with the monitor straps left behind. I want every one of you planning a hospital birth to know that freedom of movement and intermittent monitoring is a safe option for most moms and should be discussed with your care provider.”
Read More
I've experienced the helpless feeling of standing just on the other side of the "scrubs only" sign. It’s an anxious feeling, as you are suddenly separated from the family you've supported throughout their pregnancy and birth. There you wait. Helpless. Everything is out of your hands. Some relief comes when you hear the cries of a newborn, but full relief never comes until you see mom and baby, both safe, healthy and together in recovery.
Read More
"Earlier this month I got to share a postpartum visit with a Lactation visit at a Doula client’s home. It was the first time Amanda Woolen CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor) had been out in action since having her baby 4 weeks earlier. It was such a joy getting to see her back in action! This particular family was sent home from the hospital with..."
Read More
"Her name is Amanda. Alone, she kneels in the birthing pool surrounded by only water with my hands holding hers. She was distracted by doubts about her abilities to manage the pain and a swirling flood of emotions, as her body began to prepare her for delivery. In this moment, a Doula needed a Doula. When we all find ourselves stripped down to our vulnerable places, may we all lift each other up. In labor and in life."
Read More
"Students are typically in their 3rd trimester at their 1st Lamaze class, and fairly close to meeting their baby. I often find myself wishing they had known some pertinent information much earlier in pregnancy or even prior to conception. This led me to compose a list of 10 things to know BEFORE pregnancy that I talk about now in Pregnancy Prep Workshops."
Read More
"I am NEVER offended by someone not knowing the specifics of my job, because I'm aware it isn't a common career choice. Personally I hadn't even heard the word Doula until I was 25 years old and had already been through a pregnancy and loss. Therefore if you answer no there is absolutely zero judgement and I'm happy you've taken the first step to learn what a doula is."
Read More