Here is some information on two of the doulas that I use as back-up:

Amy

Amy Dueck CD(DONA)

I grew up in Clovis and got married shortly after graduating from High school. Our first blessing came as a surprise, as we were still newlyweds. I was terrified of the birth ahead and the stories that every labor room veteran told me just fed that fear. As the day approached, I clung to one friend who was honest about the pain of labor, but encouraged me that I could do it! She didn’t feel it necessary to tell her “horror story” of labor, as some women had done. When the day came I realized that my body knew what to do. After my precious daughter was born I realized that so much joy had been stolen from me over the past nine months because I had allowed the fear of labor to take over me.
Since then my husband and I have been twice more blessed. Our daughter was given a brother when she was three and then another brother three years later. All three of my labors were very different and all three very thrilling. After each one I had a new insight into who I am and how much more strength I have than I realize.

My Training

I believe that the most important part of my training is simply the fact that I’ve given birth. I’ve been there, and now understand the different emotions, fears and pains that a laboring woman can experience. I received my certification from DONA (Doulas of North America) in September of 2003. That certification required attending a 16 hour DONA-approved workshop, reading several books on not only the process of childbirth, but on my role as a Doula in assisting with the birth. During my process I also was required to get good evaluations from three laboring mothers, their doctors and the nurses who were present for the births that I’d assisted with. I certainly don’t feel that I know all there is to know about childbirth. I am constantly learning and seem to take something new from each birth.

My Love

I love babies. I see them as a huge blessing in the lives of their parents. When I was a little girl, I would choose to be around babies over kids my own age. I looked forward to being a mom and couldn’t imagine anything more wonderful. Because of my love for babies, I have a devotion to their moms and desire to help them in the process of childbirth. It is a miraculous experience and I want all moms to feel that way, even in the heat of labor. I want to see moms have a healthy, joyful experience that they can look back on with delight rather than feeling that they were out of control. I believe that if a mom has a positive labor experience, it will help her in those first few weeks as she takes on this new role as a mom.

To the Dads

I have such a special place in my heart for you. I love seeing how you care for this wonderful woman in your life. I consider it a treasure to be a part of the most important day of your lives. I want you to understand that a Doula is not hired to take the place of you. I feel that you are vital to her comfort and security in the delivery room but I want to take some of the pressure off of you. I want you to feel secure that if you don’t know how to help in a given situation that I will. I often get a bigger “thank you” from the dads than the moms. So if she asks for a Doula, don’t feel threatened or think she’s implying you can’t handle the labor room. You are necessary, and a Doula can help you both get through it.

Kathryn DiPalma CD(DONA)

I am a woman, wife, sister, friend, but most of all – I AM A MOTHER!

I’ve been married to my husband Dave for 29 years, and we live in Fresno, California. Dave is a current student at The Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary with plans to become a hospital chaplain. We have 2 grown and married children. Our son, Brian is married to Audrey and they are living near Atlanta, Georgia where Brian will begin his PhD in Hebrew Bible at Emory University. Our daughter, Kristy is married to Cody and they live here in Fresno.  Kristy is expecting our first grandchild in Feburary 2011.  To say the least, we can’t wait to meet him!

Through the years of raising children, I was a very involved mom in the lives of our children and their friends. I was a Cub Scout leader, a Boy Scout leader, and a Girl Scout leader for many years. Being active in my children’s lives was very important, so I was always a room mother, and went on all the field trips. During Kristy’s competitive dance years, I was a team mom, and in high school became a cheer mom. Being with so many ‘miniature adults’ gave me an appreciation for life and the endless amounts of energy that they produce. Dave & I often joked that we need to replace the front door to our home with a revolving door, because we always had so many kids coming and going.

Shortly after our kids were married in the summer of 2009, I began to explore what my ‘new’ life direction would be. Becoming an empty nester and  wife of a seminary student,  gave me time to explore my goals and passions.  I have always loved babies, and began looking into ways that I could be involved with them. Becoming a Birth Doula, was a perfect match for my skills.  I received my training from 2 DONA International trainers in March 2010, and I became certified through DONA on Sept. 21, 2010.

It would be an honor for me to be present at your birth and a pleasure to serve you in every possible way!