Amy
Amy Dueck CD(DONA)
Email: blessedbellies@sbcglobal.net
Home Phone: 559-266-3374
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.
Testimonies
If Amy was your doula, please contact us to add your testimony!
