What my clients have said...
"From a husband's perspective: We could not have had the beautiful, natural childbirth experience we wanted without Amara. Amara's calming presence, trustworthiness, and kind spirit allow her to be an amazing doula. Beyond her wonderful personality (that you will lean on heavily during a natural childbirth), Amara should be hired for three key reasons -- Extensive Knowledge: Amara's intelligence and education shined during our interactions with her. Not only does Amara have 70+ births under her belt, she is also well-read. Amara's expertise is a lost art--something you just can't find on the Internet or in a book or two. In many ways, Amara is like a big sister, a mother, and a trusted friend all rolled into one while still being a fiduciary professional throughout. Before the birth, Amara helped us study childbirth positions and calming techniques, reconnect as a couple, craft a birthplan, and become much more educated about the natural childbirth experience. After the birth, Amara helped my wife learn to breastfeed (after a tough, extended emergency room experience two days after the birth) and put us in touch with an outstanding lactation consultant. Networking: Putting us in touch with the right lactation consultant is one example of Amara's connectivity to the natural childbirth community. She is well-known and well-respected at the Midwifery Center at DePaul--rightfully so; without Amara we would have gone to the hospital much earlier than we needed to. If you encounter any problems at all before, during, or after your birthing experience, Amara will be there for you. If she can't give you the help you need directly, she will put you in touch with the right people to get the help you need. If you hire her, you will be impressed with her resourcefulness. Value: Amara's resourcefulness is one of many reasons that Amara's services are a great value. At first, I felt apprehensive about the cost of a doula...we had just moved, purchased an old home, and were losing my spouse's income. Looking back on our journey with Amara, I can't believe she doesn't charge more. My wife's contractions began late at night. When Amara arrived early in the morning, she was absolutely incredible. She timed contractions, comforted my wife, and helped me move her upstairs in and out of the shower. Without Amara, I am not sure if I would have been able to finish packing our bags (they were 90% packed, but timing contractions and comforting my wife was MUCH harder than class made it sound), take care of the dog, call the midwives, and get meals ready. Everything Amara did helped. Her calm presence and birthing expertise put both my wife and I at ease. When we left for the hospital, she helped me carry my wife into the midwifery center, set up, and comfort her during the toughest times of labor. Amara knew what to say, when to say it, and HOW to say it. She is worth her weight in gold! Beyond her relaxing presence and kind personality, Amara's work as a doula is simply outstanding because of her extensive knowledge, networked connections, and tremendous value." -- Mike
"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 through 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." -- Michelle
"My husband and I moved to Virginia when I was nearly eight months pregnant with our first child. I was nervous about switching doctors so late in the game, so I began searching for a doula to provide extra labor support. When my husband and I first met with her, Amara put us both as ease. She has such a warm personality, it felt as though I was talking with an old friend. I was induced unexpectedly one day past my due date. I really wanted a natural birth, so being induced was the last thing I wanted. I was in labor for over twenty hours. We called Amara from the hospital, and she spent the entire night with us. When transition set in, I became exhausted and discouraged. Amara did a wonderful job of supporting both my husband and I. She reminded me of my birth plan and encouraged me to stick with it. If it had not been for her reassuring presence, I would have lost all confidence in myself and begged for an epidural. She was also a wonderful support for my husband. She helped him remain calm, and explained that everything I was going through was completely normal. With her help, he was better able to relax and enjoy the birth. Hiring Amara as our doula was the best decision we could have made. She allowed us to give our son the peaceful birth that he deserved. We will be forever grateful!" -- Jamie
"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%!" -- Amanda
"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 labor coach to-be 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 had her support during my pregnancy."-- Danielle
"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!!" -- Jessica
"After a fast but difficult first 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 reasons 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." -- Nathalie
"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!" -- Elizabeth
"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!" -- Jenn
"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."
-- Barbara
"After finding out we were
expecting baby #2 my husband and I decided we wanted an 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 an unmedicated birth experience."
-- Paula
"I needed a postpartum doula to stay with me at night after my c-section so I would be able to keep my newborn baby in my hospital room while my husband returned home to care for our 2 year old daughter. Amara answered my prayers. She took such wonderful care of my newborn daughter and me. Her kind, gentle spirit was so comforting and reassuring. Having Amara with us made our hospital stay an enjoyable one. I truly missed her when I went home." -- Christy
"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!"
-- Jane
"Having Amara as our doula was a wonderful experience, at the birth as well as throughout my pregnancy. She was always available via phone or email to answer all of my questions and concerns. Her calming presence at the birth was a help to me, but also to my nervous husband as well! She was key in me completing the unique birth experience that I wanted, and held my hand every step of the way. Thanks Amara!" -- Emily
"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 advice and emotional support. Unfortunately, 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!" -- Allison
"My testimony is a little different than most. I hired Amara after the first doula had to quit. Amara was very easy to talk to. She wasn't evasive in any way, or judgmental. This was our second child, and my plan was to have a natural birth this time. Unfortunately, I became overdue and the doctors wanted to induce me. After having my first child induced, which led to a c-section, I protested another one! I had to make the choice to have a c-section instead of being induced. Amara was with me before the surgery and in the recovery room. She made phone calls to my family and posted pictures in an email to them. She stayed with my husband and I for 8 hours (or maybe longer) that day. Her support, kind words, and humor made the day easy to overcome. My husband said she was, "awesome" and I would have to agree. :) You won't be disappointed!" -- Laura
"I'm glad that Amara asked me for
a recommendation. She was wonderful. We'd had a doula with my last delivery
and both my husband and I felt so positively about our experience with her.
Unfortunately that was when we were living in TX and flying her here just
wasn't practical. J So I began searching for someone locally, knowing that
she would have a tough time filling the shoes of our previous doula. When
I found Amara's website I almost immediately felt a kinship with her. Her
birthing philosophy was very informative and definitely in line with my own
ideas. That was simply confirmed when we met her in person. She is very personable
and kind, and I felt at ease with her right away. When we hired Amara, she
made herself completely available to us and even loaned us a birthing ball
for me to practice with before our big day. When my water broke, we called
her and she checked in with us regularly until we asked her to come meet us
at the hospital. She helped us pass a long night, providing verbal and emotional
support, as well as information about the progression of my labor. She reassured
us about the nurses we had, as she had worked with them before, which helped
me to feel more comfortable. She never lost her sense of humor and did everything
she could to help my husband and me to focus on the task at hand, but also
to look forward to the reward that would be arriving soon. She took tons of
pictures that we would not have been able to take, and emailed them all to
us. After our baby was born she continued to provide support and information
about what to expect. During our after-delivery visit she laughed with us
and recounted some of the funnier moments of our long labor. My very favorite
gift was the birth story that she wrote, recounting our experience together.
It was so nice to have her perspective and insight (when the whole thing is
largely a blur). I would highly recommend her to anyone who is interested
in having a doula present at her birth, and I would highly recommend that
all prospective parents look into having a doula; we think they are wonderful."
-- Pam
"Amara was such a blessing to have by my side for emotional support during the birth of my daughter. My husband is in the Navy and was deployed when I gave birth. Having her there while my husband was gone was a big position for her to fill. I felt like I had not only a birthing partner but also a friend to help me through such an emotional time. She was caring, supportive, and knowledgeable through every step of the birthing process. The birthing story she writes up for each of her clients is wonderful. I had forgotten so many events that occurred while I was in labor. She had them written in a beautiful story for me to cherish for years to come. I recommend her to every pregnant woman." -- Heather
"My experience with Amara was wonderful. I will definitely recommend her to those whom are seeking a doula. My situation was a little different than most. When I met Amara I was about 32 weeks pregnant with my second child and had gone through 3 doctors, 2 of which I was not pleased with. I had some minor medical issues with my first child and was hoping to go with out an epidural with my second child. A nurse that was seeing me recommended that I contact a Doula and while looking into it Amara's name was mentioned. Very nervous about my soon coming labor I went and met with Amara. Immediately I felt at home in her presence, she is so very patient, kind and soft spoken. Normally you would meet with your doula several times, however because I was so far along and my baby came 3 weeks early we were only able to meet two times, but even still I was very comfortable with her. Amara is very knowledgeable and informative. She went out of her way to make sure that my husband and I were comfortable. I will never forget the things that she did for us that wonderful day on October 28, 2007. Thank you Amara for everything you did!!" -- Kristen
"On September 5, 2007, my
son's birthday, Amara's reassuring voice and full attention helped me through
some really tough times. She kept me mentally focused and was able to remind
me of so many breathing techniques and coping skills that just flew out of
my mind when things got rough. She kept me engaged when I needed to be and
she competently coordinated my birth plans, requests and decisions with the
hospital staff and nurses as my labor advanced. Even after my baby was born,
Amara stayed with me, took pictures for me and still kept me informed of continuing
procedures until I felt confident enough to handle the rest. I would highly
recommend Amara as a Doula for her professionalism, knowledgeable expertise
and calming presence. She made my birthing experience an amazing one."
-- Virginia
"I knew from the start of my pregnancy
that I wanted a doula. After I met Amara, I knew for sure she was the one.
She made me feel confident and calm. She was like an experienced sister. When
I was in labor, I trusted her, and her presence helped me trust myself. We
plan on having a big family, and I want her there with us for future births."
-- Anna
"Having a doula to help support
my wife took a lot of pressure off of me and eased my fears. I was a little
skeptical at first, and didn't really get why a doula was needed, but it was
really a great idea to have her there. I was able to relax a little and not
worry about remembering every detail from childbirth classes. Amara had been
through it all, she was capable and smart, and my wife really loved her."
-- David
"Amara Minnis, first my friend,
became my doula when I knew my husband would be deployed during the birth.
I was terribly upset to have him gone, but Amara has such a calm, peaceful
demeanor about her that you can't HELP but feel relaxed when she's with you!
She met with my husband and I before he left so she could hear what we both
expected from the birth based on our childbirth experience with our first
child. She borrowed my Bradley class booklet to read up on methods we wanted
to use. She provided me a birth ball (which I did labor on until she got to
my house at 4am!), she investigated what I could do for my lower back pain
while I was pregnant, and she offered to be a physical AND mental help throughout
my pregnancy whether my husband was home still or deployed! I could NOT have
had my child without Amara. My baby came 17 days early, my mother was arriving
at the airport 12 hours after Brayden was born so I had no one at home to
be with my daughter OR me when I went into labor. She drove to my house at
4am and took me QUICKLY to the hospital while my neighbor stayed at my home.
She held my hand when I freaked out, she completed all my paperwork, she always
spoke to me in a calm manner which kept me at ease. She even cried with me
when I found out I had a boy! I am BLESSED to have her as my friend and my
wonderful doula!"
--Theresa
"Having a (Amara) doula present
during the birth of my second son helped to make my labor more manageable.
I did not use a doula for the birth of my first son, but I wish I had of chosen
that option. Amara was very encouraging and supportive of my decisions. She
was also very nurturing and helped not only me, but my husband to relax throughout
this experience."
-- Christy
"We made the decision to select
a doula for our first birth because we wanted to make sure we had the support
of a caring and knowledgeable person that would help ensure our birthing process
would be as close to how we expected it to be. I am ever so grateful for Amara
being that person we depended upon. During the moments I felt weak and could
not be strong much longer she really stepped in and gave me the guidance and
confidence I needed. I am not one for having a 'cheerleader' on my side yelling
'you can do it!' Amara was sensitive to that because she had met with me and
spoke with me on numerous occasions beforehand to make sure she understood
who I was as a person and what she could do to cater to my personality in
order to ensure the delivery process went as smoothly as possible."
-- Allison
"Amara's presence helped us
become closer to each other during the birthing process. We were able to focus
on each other for support and we weren't scared because we knew we had someone
on "our" side. As a first time father I had no idea what to expect and the
classes we took just don't really prepare you for what you go through mentally
as you're watching your loved one struggling and in major discomfort. Having
Amara there really helped because when I didn't know what to say for support
she did and it kept both of us calm and focused."
-- Troy