Testimonials:
Learn what it’s like to work with me through the words of former clients…
“From pregnancy, to labor, to postpartum, Amy was incredibly helpful and we are so happy that we had her as our doula. The prenatal meetings both helped us prepare for the logistics of birth, including things we had never even thought about, and gave us strategies for pain relief and relaxation during labor. When we ended up having to be induced, Amy met with us to walk us through what to expect, and then was responsive throughout the night during the beginning of the induction. She is extremely knowledgeable on the physical supports that can be pain relieving through the birth process, but what was even more helpful was her emotional support and reassurance throughout the day. For a birth partner, she helps prepare for what’s to come and models what warmth and productive encouragement looks like. To the birthing person, she makes sure their birth plans/wishes are kept at the forefront, while also recognizing when circumstances change and helps talk through options at every turn. She was a joy to have as part of our birth experience, and we could not recommend her more.”
—Max and Martha, October 2020
“Amy was a great source of comfort and support throughout the entire pregnancy and childbirth process. She has a calming and friendly personality that instantly clicked with me when we met and she was always available to me whenever I had any questions or concerns about anything. During our prenatal appointments, Amy provided me with a wealth of information about childbirth that I had never known before, as well as great hands-on comfort techniques that we would use during labor. Amy not only empowered me with the knowledge that I needed, but was a calming presence and sense of comfort during the challenges of COVID-19, when I learned that hospitals were restricting the number of visitors for pregnant women. Because Amy would no longer be able to offer in-person support during my delivery, we worked together to create a plan that would allow me to birth at home for as long as possible before going to the hospital, so that she could provide me with as much support as I needed. Although I was pretty upset that my original birth plan wasn’t going the way I wanted, Amy kept encouraging me to stay positive and inspired confidence in my abilities. To make up for hospital limitations, Amy offered additional in-person and virtual prenatal appointments which were really helpful to us. When it came time for the birth, Amy provided phenomenal support and comfort when laboring at home and stayed with me all the way until we got to the hospital. She continued to provide virtual support through constant communication during the rest of my birth at the hospital and celebrated in our joy when our son was born safe and sound.
All in all, Amy has not only been a valuable asset to us as a doula but as a wonderful friend who will forever share in the treasured moments of the birth of our son for years to come. I highly recommend Amy and Little Engine Birth Services if you’re looking for a doula. You won’t regret it.“
—Maha and Omar, May 2020
“My husband and I felt an immediate connection with Amy. From our first phone call with her, it felt natural speaking to Amy about anything. One of our main goals was to become advocates for our birth plan, confident that we would be prepared for anything and that we would not be pressured into decisions by our provider. Amy was essential in getting us to that point.
During our two pre-delivery meetings, Amy was comfortable leading discussions about birthing essentials or answering any of our questions. Amy not only answered our questions, but she also brought things to our attention that we had never considered . . . In addition, Amy was great with hands-on support. She coached my husband through massage and other comfort techniques and showed me positions that would help alleviate pain during labor.
One day after my due date, I received some surprising news. My baby had flipped into a breech position, and I would have to have a Cesarean delivery the next day. I was extremely upset that I would not have the natural vaginal birth that I had hoped and planned for. I struggled to accept that this was how the birth would go. Amy validated all of my feelings, provided me with information about Cesarean births, and supported me as I made my way to acceptance. Because of Covid-19 restrictions, Amy was not permitted to be at my birth. We were disappointed, but Amy still supported us through constant communication while we were in the hospital. She shared in our joy when we sent her the first baby and mom pictures.
During the challenging postpartum weeks Amy continued to be a supportive and comforting contact. She answered all of my text messages at all hours of the day or night. Beyond answering questions, she helped us examine our feelings during frustrating and stressful times. She helped us navigate the inevitable feelings of new-parent inadequacy and reach a point of more confidence in our parenting.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Amy to anyone seeking a doula. Her calming presence, emotional support, and wealth of knowledge were an invaluable asset to our experience.“
—Jamey and Mike, March 2020
“My husband and I met with Amy for private childbirth classes and also took advantage of her virtual doula services for the birth of our son in January 2020. I was very anxious about the birthing process both for myself and my husband. Amy was super knowledgeable, helping me understand what to expect during each stage of labor as well as what possible interventions and pain management options I would have. She put my mind at ease and made me feel much more confident in my abilities to not only give birth but also how to clearly communicate my wants to the nurses and doctors. In addition, she discussed different support techniques so that my husband and I were better prepared for the laboring process. She was available by phone while I was in labor to answer any questions and provide support. I truly feel that both my husband and I were much more confident, knowledgeable, and less anxious because of the tools Amy gave us. If you are considering having a doula or want support before your delivery, I highly recommend reaching out to Amy, she is truly the best!”
—Sarah and Frank, January 2020
“We cannot begin to express how happy we are to have had Amy as our doula for the birth of our son in October 2019. She is warm and lovely, well-informed, thorough, and articulate. We loved the time that she took to meet with us during pregnancy, to go over our options and walk through different scenarios. She put us at ease quickly and made it feel like we were just friends talking. During labor/delivery, she was with us at the hospital the whole time, and, when things didn’t go quite as planned, is 100% the reason I did not end up having a c-section after hours and hours of pushing. She was gentle but firm, helped empower us to make the best decisions we could, and was indespensible to both me and my husband during the entire process. We recommend her without hesitation (and without prompting!) to every expectant couple we know or meet. She is fantastic.”
—Laura and Eric, October 2019
“I have sung Amy’s praises since we first met. I felt comfortable telling her my background and why trying for a VBAC was so important to me. Amy provided me and my husband with so much wonderful information leading up to my delivery that helped us throughout labor and the birthing process and we felt encouraged and knowledgeable going into labor, rather than scared and nervous. With Amy’s support, I labored at home for just the right amount of time and got to the hospital without much time for intervention on their part, which was exactly what we had hoped for! She made me feel supported and strong, and I am thankful each day we found her. It is because of her help and support that we were able to achieve the unmedicated VBAC we have hoped for and worked towards. I would recommend Amy to anyone and would never go through this process without a doula again . . . I am just so thankful for Amy and her services, and her friendship! She supported, motivated, and inspired me. I still can’t believe that we actually got exactly the birth we were hoping for and I truly feel like such a badass when I think of what we did. Pregnancy, labor and birth is all such a crazy life-changing experience, and I’m so happy I can now say I’ve truly experienced it all!”
—Liz and Zac, October 2019