Amanda is a hard working, dedicated, funny, relatable, doula with a side of spunk! She is Certified in Labor & Postpartum Doula work, and is a Yoga Instructor! This lady can flex her muscles and her brain with the wealth of knowledge she has for all things pregnancy, baby, and parenthood! Let’s get to know her!
What do you love about being a doula?
I’m so in love with the doula/client relationship that we get to build. There is something so incredible about the bond created through support.
“Confident, strong and dedicated to her clients”
What led you to become a doula?
Being the birth support for my sister, twice, although life changing, shockingly wasn’t the start of my journey!! My path to being a doula started when I was working with a wonderful group of folks at the Detroit Mama Hub and Honey Space, teaching prenatal yoga and facilitating prenatal talking circles. It was those vulnerable moments in our groups, that I realized how much support these bright souls were looking for. I even started reflecting on lack of support that I, myself, felt when I was pregnant with my son. That community gave me a new perspective and led to me where I am now.
Tell us about your family.
I’m married (12 yrs this year) to an incredibly supportive husband, Chris. We have a big-hearted son, Preston (6), a little lady on the way, as well as a spazzy dog, who keeps us on toes, Phyllis.
If we turned on the radio in your car, what would we hear?
My radio is always on 105.1 The Bounce, because… c’mon. That’s a great station. My apple music, however? The question is, “what won’t you hear?”
“Amanda is a voice of reason. She has a way with seeing both sides of the situation, and finding the best and kindest outcome.”
What are your favorite resources for expecting parents/new families?
Metro Detroit Doula Services’ website 😉
Passionate, Thoughtful, Genuine
What are you reading now?
A Good Day for Chardonnay by Darynda Jones
What is your philosophy for birth, and supporting birthing folk & their partners through labor/early parenthood?
Creating an environment for clients to feel safe, supported, heard, and ready for this journey. I want them to feel like someone is always in their corner while the baby, and the parent(s) are learning about one another.
What’s your favorite show/movie, vacation, food, hobby?
Movie: High Fidelity
Show: Golden Girls or The Office
Vacation: We do A LOT of camping in northern Michigan
Food: I love a good sandwich 🙂
Hobby: knitting
Who is your role model?
I’m lucky to have some wonderful women in my life show me what it means to be a strong human, who stands her ground for her family. I will say my role model outside of family is Bea Arthur. She was a trailblazer for women, an ally for LGBTQ+ communities, animal lover, mega talented, superhuman. Her image to me showed what you can accomplish being driven, stern, but overall loving and kind.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love shutting down and dedicating my time to catching up on podcasts or shows I’m behind on.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d love to have the power of flight. It just feels like such an escape and a freeing opportunity to feel weightless, with the wind in your hair.
Give us your best piece of advice to expecting parents/new families?
If it serves you, be openminded to the concept of flexibility and adaptability. Whether in pregnancy, labor, or when baby is home, sometimes the path isn’t quite what you imagined. Staying open to the idea that there are many roads that can lead to the same destination, can provide peace and maybe give you the ability to let go of the heavy words/feelings like “failure” or “disappointment.”
What is your favorite song to karaoke?
Amy Winehouse – Valerie
We can attest Amanda’s is SUPER talented at singing and knocks “Valerie” out of the park! Do not wait a moment. Contact us today to have Amanda as your doula or join her in her yoga series with MDDS!