What is a Doula?
In greek, it means a woman who serves other women and that is exactly what it is to be a Doula. For me, being your Doula means i am there for you during the duration of your pregnancy to answer questions and be a support during labor and delivery.
15 YEARS CAPPA CERTIFIED
I have been a Labor Doula for over 15 years and I trained with CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and had a wonderful mentor along the way that i learned so much from. After my doula training i studied to become a child birth educator and have also taken several other trainings, one of which was with Spinning Babies™. Although the best experience is the HANDS ON experience, every BIRTH every MOMMA, and every SITUATION is differen, as you can read in the testimonials. I always learn something new from each birth.
What can i expect from a doula?
I am an emotional support and I am here to answer any questions, as well as build a birth plan. I also offer a childbirth class to all my parents so that you understand birth fully and are able to make the right decision for their birth.
Does a doula replace a doctor?
No! Doula does not take the place of a doctor, mid-wife, or nurse. Although we have great knowledge of what is happening to your body, we DO NOT perform medical procedures!
If i use a doula, do i have to have a natural birth?
A a doula, I do as many medicated as non-medicated births. My medicated mamas love the support of a doula. They like the fact that someone is with them to help them answer questions, and offering a helping hand in the room. I am someone to lean on and take care of them during these special moments.
Amazing Testimonials
Deneen
Compassionate
We had the best experience with Mandy as our doula. Throughout my pregnancy, we maintained regular visits where she built a relationship with us, guided and helped us to prepare a birth plan, and gave us countless pieces of advice. She was experienced and nurturing. In addition, Mandy was readily available via call or text to answer questions or concerns.
I went into labor early, and Mandy met us at the hospital, served as our liaison with hospital staff, and most of all, kept us calm. She played relaxing music, used aromatherapy, communicated with family members and friends, and just took control of the entire situation. Because of Mandy, our labor and delivery process went so smoothly. If we were to ever have anymore children, I would, without a doubt, call Mandy for peace of mind and an overall enjoyable experience. She is so knowledgeable and worth every penny!!!
Lexi
Non-Judgemental
Mandy is such a great person and can brighten your day in an instant. I'm SO glad i chose her to be my doula. I got monthly prenatal massages also. (She's amazing a those too) and we chatted about my pregnancy and about what to expect during labor. I couldn't havelabored and birthed my son without her support and encouragment. Labor is hard work! When i was exhausted and thought i couldnt go on any longer. She reminded me i COULD and of my birth plan, she was there to give me massages or whatever i needed in that moment. and she made sure the nurses followed/respected my wishes as well. And when i had to make decisions, we discussed it so i could make an informed one.
It's been 6 years and i'm still so thankful! If you're on the fence about hiring a doula, i would recommend 100% recommend it.
Ryan
Supportive
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mandy. She was a rock during a very tumultuous pregnancy and I can't imagine doing it without her. This was my third pregnancy, but the first to have complications. We learned at my week 20 ultrasound that my daughter had a kidney defect. I was high risk and the remainder of the pregnancy was a rollercoaster. Mandy was a constant source of positivity and calm amongst many uncertainties. I love that she was my massage therapist, prenatal yoga instructor, and doula...so by the time the labor rolled around, i was extremely comfortable with her and felt i had a confident friend helping me with delivery.
I am so happy we hired Mandy as our doula for my labor and delivery. She made the experience exactly what i was hoping for and will forever be grateful for her support during a very difficult pregnancy.
Leila
Grounded
I honestly don’t know how I could have managed without Mandy’s classes and presence at the birth of our daughter. My husband and I took her birthing classes and it is just amazing how much information gets left out when you’re going to the basic hospital classes. Not to mention, Mandy works with you to make sure you know what your birthing plan will involve, how to ensure it is implemented once you are at the hospital, and how you may need to adapt if the situation arises. She’s the sweetest, kindest, most supportive person and completely non-judgmental, always making you feel comfortable and able to ask any question. As a doula, she got me through an induced, pain-med free birth, answering each “I can’t do this!” with a joyous “Guess what? You ARE doing it! It’s happening!”
She trained both me and my husband to make sure we knew what was coming and how to deal with every possibility. Having Mandy on our side made my birth anxiety a lot more manageable, knowing there was someone who had my back and would give me the best information to make my decisions. AND she solved our disagreement on whether to call our daughter Rosemary or June by saying, “Why don’t you just call her Rosemary June?” in true Southern fashion! She’s one of the best souls I know and we were so lucky to have her.
Marlina
Advocate
After 5 years of trying to get pregnant, my husband and I were ecstatic when it finally happened. I knew I wanted to try and have as natural an experience as possible, to really be in the moment for the delivery of our son. After meeting with our midwife and discussing options, we realized we were in over our head with a natural birth. She recommended we consider hiring a doula. Mandy came highly recommended by our midwives and I had already developed a relationship with her through prenatal yoga. Little did we know at this point how valuable our relationship with Mandy would be! Mandy helped us wrap our minds around the birthing process. Her childbirth class was perfect, not too scary with weird videos but all the information we needed to be prepared. We discussed our plan and were well aware things don’t usually go as planned.
When it finally came time for our birth, Mandy was a constant help in a very complex situation. She was with us for almost 24 hours straight and never waivered. More importantly she never let me waiver. There were several times during the very long day of Pitocin induced contractions that I said, “I just can’t do this anymore.” Mandy was there to give me the strength and courage to continue. After a very difficult delivery, our doctor even commented how important Mandy was in getting us through safely. Mandy is the reason we were able to have the delivery we desired and that we made it through together.
Lydia
Nurturing
Mandy made my natural childbirth dreams come true! I couldn’t have asked for a more knowledgeable and inspiring doula. I began my journey with Mandy Miller Maternity Services during weekly restorative/prenatal yoga classes. I also used Mandy for monthly prenatal massages. Both the yoga and massages were my weekly/monthly highlights!
Mandy recommended books that we read and did birthing classes with me and my husband. She was able to put us both at ease and answer our questions.
Upon my checking in at the hospital, Mandy was there and spent the next several hours of my labor and delivery doting on me and making sure I felt as comfortable as possible. She was massaged my feet with lavender, provided me with word of encouragement/and tips for proper breath/pushing techniques.
Mandy even came by to “meet” baby again once she was two weeks old and bring her a gift!
My husband and I cannot say enough about how positive our experience with Mandy was! We would highly recommend hiring Mandy Miller Maternity Services for all your prenatal needs.
Reading all these testimonials, I have been moved to tears 🥲
Reading all these testimonials, I have been moved to tears. It has been a honor to be a part of all these births. I have enjoyed watching these sweet babies grow up ... time really does fly! It’s funny how some days I can’t remember where I have put my keys, BUT I can recall so many things about all these births: The 2am drives back to Macon to make a baby’s birth all while talking to the anxious mamas; Laughing at all the funny dads cracking me up as they wait for their babies to come in to this world; All the love stories I have heard from expecting parents; that first look as a mother sees her baby for the first time; the mom that sang “You Are My Sunshine” to her newborn as they laid the baby on her chest; All the laughter; All the tears of joy; All the deep breaths. I can remember it ALL...and gosh, I am truly blessed to do this.