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From a first time mother:

 

When I found out I was pregnant I thought to myself "I want a completely natural home birth, we will be using Midwifes, this will be the perfect birth, I will go to prenatal classes" However, I never thought, "I will definitely have a doula" even though the idea lingered in the back of my mind. My husband pretty much left it up to me whether or not we would have a doula. I knew I wanted one, needed one, but the cost was hanging over my head especially knowing our income was about to be cut pretty well in half and on top of that we are bringing a being into this world! Having a doula was not only for me, but my husband. 

To keep a long story short, the only things that happened the way I wanted was: Yes, we used a Midwives, and we went to prenatal classes. At the prenatal classes they praised on and on about doulas, and I had to have a doula, I knew it-my husband needed a doula. So one night I was on the Internet and I came across an ad about a doula looking for clients, I checked out the site, pretty well the only doula site I looked at, and knew it, instantly. After a few short (very quick responses) I knew it, pretty well before meeting our doula, I knew Amber was "the one". As cliche as it may sound, this was going to be someone there at my side during one of the most intimate times in my life and I trusted Amber. She is worth ever penny I have ever had and will ever have. 

Amber was by my side during the unbearable heat of the summer, one of the first people I turned to when I found out my daughter was breech, the one who kept me positive when I had lost all hope for the "perfect birth" she reassured me every step of the way that "yes, I could do this" and that this was going to be my birth, my experience. She was there the entire time. When I told her my water broke she was right into action, excited yet calm, as were we. Back and forth to the hospital, at my house, taking pictures with our consent, there was the perfect air about the entire birth. I remember her putting a blanket onto my husband when he fell asleep, and all of us feeling it was OK that he was able to take a snooze 'cause Amber was there to be by our sides. 

I was in labour for 23 hours, deep down, I knew I was not going to have the perfect breech birth I wanted, but thanks to the midwifes and Amber I had decided I was going to labour, I knew all the benefits, people told me I was crazy and asking why I would want to go through all that pain and suffering. But, to be honest-There was absolutely no pain and suffering. It was the birth that was meant for me, it was pure joy, it was the hardest thing I have ever done, but the most rewarding. I have never felt so alive and womanly. The only thing I would change is having the doctors shutting her out and being separated as I was being wheeled into the OR for my "emergency C Section" looking around and knowing that she was missing from the moment, the picture (definitely not by choice). Not being able to hold my daughter right as she was born. Knowing she must have been pacing back and forth being antsy waiting for some news. Then seeing the look in her eyes as she held my daughter for the first time.

There is just something about Amber, no words will ever do justice, you need to have her there, part of your birth to truly understand, then you will realize exactly what I am talking about. She may not have been able to give me EVERYTHING as fate has it's ways, but she came into our lives for a reason. To help my family, to be a doula-to do what she is does best.

Ryan, Autumn and I couldn't be happier. Amber will always be part of our lives, our story, someone that is part of my daughters story. She has been an inspiration. 

- Marie, Ryan & Autumn

  
 

for Amber my doula:

"I gave birth to my second son during a trying emotional period and Amber provided incredible support during that time. She listened carefully to the story of my first son’s birth and then helped me make solid decisions about what I wanted to happen the second time. As a result, going into the birth, I felt calm, aware, and strong. Through my entire labor Amber provided steady assurance – walking with me, holding my hand and sitting with me – her very presence a soothing balm and source of strength. She quieted my panic. She quelled my fear. She reminded me how strong I was.

Amber is one of those rare souls who are doing their life’s work as it was meant to be. When I see her face, tears of gratitude well up in my eyes because I know that without her, I would not have had the wonderful birth experience that I had with my second son. I will cherish my memories of that day for the rest of my life. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude I hold for her."

 

From a first time Father:

"On the way to becoming a first time father, my wife was throwing idea's and things that she wanted to me at alarming speeds. One idea was to hire a Doula to help us with our labour  leading up to, during, and after the birth. I admit I was hesitant when first asked about it. My train of thought was " The nurses and doctors at the hospital will help us all that we need and that we could do this on our own." My opinion changed after the first time that we met Amber. Instantly, I knew that she was genuinely interested with our birth plan and would do everything that she could to help smooth out any hiccups that we would encounter in our uncertain path to come. My instincts were right. She was unbelievable though out the whole experience. 

In the early days of the pregnancy, Amber gave us information and answered any questions that we had( and they were numerous). It was so nice to have a persons voice who you recognized and trusted when we had concerns or questions instead of calling the hospital and having a stranger give an answer.

Amber's dedication to us was proven many times though the pregnancy.  We had a scare with two months to go and it was Amber who was right there in the hospital room helping calm us down by interpreting the doctors and telling us it was going to be all right. And it was. 

The next incident that we called upon Amber to help us though was a false labour, all though we didn't know it at the time. She quickly came over and was with us right up until we got dismissed from the hospital at 2 o'clock in the morning. 

Her real test was the real labour and I don't know how we would have gotten though it without Amber. My wife started having contractions at 2:30 on a Wednesday morning. I called Amber at 6 and she came straight over. She couched my wife with methods that  helped relieve some of the pains that she was experiencing and at the same time help her progress faster. After my wife could no longer stand being at home, we left for the hospital. Upon arrival at 3 in the afternoon, she was 3CM dilated. Amber and my wife continued to do excesizes like the pregnancy ball  and walking in an attempt to get the cervix to dilate more but, at 8:30 it remained at 3CM. The doctor on call referred to the labour pains false and sent us home because there was no progression since our arrival. This news hit my wife extremely hard as she was in severe amounts of pain and could not believe that we were on our way home. I tried to console my upset wife as best as I could but could not have done it without Ambers reassurance that she was in fact in labour and that we would return to the hospital very soon. At this point I remember asking Amber if she wanted to go home and we could call her when we went back to the hospital but  she quickly answered "I'm not leaving her side, she is in labour" We got home and my wife's labour pains increased exponentially. Following the long emotional day I was drained of energy and could barely stay awake but, Amber was right by my wife's side encouraging and consoling her  through the worst of contractions. I don't know how she managed to stay so energetic. We departed for the hospital for the second time at 4 in the morning and my wife had dilated to 5 CM.  For the next eight hours, Amber never left my wife side. Her constant encouragement and positive attitude really aided my wife though the worst pains that she has ever encountered. She also suggested pushing positions that shortened the time that my wife had to push. 

Finally at 3:22, our little Ethan was born. It was the greatest moment of my life and Amber was such a huge part of it.

There is no way to describe how truly amazing Amber was though the whole experience. When I lacked the knowledge or know how, she was right there to support my wife and give her the strength that she needed to get though to hardest of times. Her positive attitude and seemingly endless supply of energy kept me going as well. Amber was professional and at the same time casual. I strongly recommend her to anyone who is pregnant or planning a pregnancy. I know 20 years from now when I am telling Ethan about the day that he was born, Amber will be a huge part of the story." 

 

From a first time Mother:
 
"I want to thank to Amber for the assistance that she  provides me in various forms of non-medical support (physical, emotional and informed choice) in the birth of my daugther Sophie.

I remember when I went to IWK and the nurse offered  me a doula…I doubt because I did not who I will meet, and I was afraid to not be able to communicate because my English was so poor …but when I discover  Amber I was very happy. She show me a lot of patience and  emotional support,  She , with her training  offer support during prenatal care, special support too during childbirth and/or during the postpartum period.  

She was the one of the best companion with my husband at that special moment of my life . It was so  important have her support because my family was far away in Chile, and I did not have more people here where I can feel confident.

Amber: you were wonderfull and you tell me the right words at the right moment. I wish you the best all the best in your upcomming deliveries and I hope many other mums have the great  oportunity  to have a doula like you.  You made of that time a great , magic and wonderfull moment of our lives."

- Thanks of Sophie, Martin and Yanette