About Your Doula, Amy Owen:

 I am a DONA certified birth doula and trained postpartum doula who has been working as a doula since 2009.

As the oldest in a family of 5 children and an Aunty to 7 nieces and nephews, as well as friends' children, I have always been the one who helps everyone with their babies.  I thought it would easy when I had my two children, but I found out quickly that my husband and I needed help.  This led me to find out about doulas and, when I did, I knew what I was meant to do.  

I am an active member of DONA, Ottawa Valley Doulas, and the Association of Ontario Doulas.  As a member of these professional organizations, I keep myself up to date about best practices and changing protocols.  Though these organizations I adhere to specific Codes of Conduct and Ethical Responsibilities.  

In addition to my doula training,  I have a Bachelor of Arts (English/Psychology) as well as a certificate in Infection Protocol and Control (IPAC).   I am CPR trained.  My police records check for working with the vulnerable sector is up to date.   My COVID, flu and measles vaccines are also up to date.  I hold professional liability insurance.  I'm told that I'm a "baby whisperer."

When I am not working, you may find me with my two kids and husband; in my vegetable garden; neglecting my lawn; reading a good book on that lawn full of weeds (the bees love them); playing with my rescued dog; snowshoeing; or visiting my extended family (3 brothers, 1 sister, 12 aunts and uncles, 20+ cousins!).   I nearly always have a coffee or tea in my hand.  If I become your doula, I will always get you one on my way to your birth or your home!

My dream is for everyone to have a positive story to tell about birthing and parenting their baby.
  

Training: 

Bachelor of Arts (English / Psychology: Carleton University)
  • Mothercraft Birth Companion Training
  • DONA International Birth Doula Training and Certification
  • ProDoula Postpartum Doula Training
  • DONA International Postpartum Doula Training
  • VBAC Workshop (Lorrain RIgby-Larocque - Maternity Essentials)
  • Rebozo Connection (Gena Kirby Method workshop)
  • IPAC Certification (Childbirth International)
  • Breastfeeding for Doulas (DONA International)
  • Anti-Oppression for Birth Workers
  • Babywearing for Doulas (Bells Babies)
  • TENS for birth doulas (DONA International)
  • Pre and Postpartum Depression workshop (Shirena Smith for DONA International)
  • Breastmilk and the Infant Microbiome (Microbirth Training)
  • Birth Photography Workshop for Doulas (Elle Odyn)
  • Birth Planning for Potential Clients (Robin Elise Weiss for DONA International
  • Hypnobabies birth support (self study and through supporting many clients using this program)

*I take many workshops and courses every year and have not listed them all here.  I am required to continue my education in order to maintain my DONA certification but I choose to take more than what is required so that I can best support my clients.  I have taken a special interest in taking further training on providing trauma informed care, supporting all types of infant feeding, LGBT2SQ+ parent support,  postpartum mood disorders, and birth photography.

Experience:

  • President of Ottawa Valley Doula for 5 years.  Member of the executive team of volunteers for 9 years.
  • Volunteer Mothercraft Birth Companion 2009 - 2014. Continue to volunteer by teaching workshops to birth companions
  • Postpartum Doula with Community Doula Access (a not for profit providing doulas support)
  • Births in homes, hospitals and birth centers (with care providers present).
  • Working with clients under the care of obstetricians, midwives and family doctors
  • Postpartum support in clients' homes and also in hospital.
  • Vaginal birth
  • Caesarean birth (planned and unplanned)
  • Birth anywhere from 8 weeks premature to 15 days past estimated due date.
  • VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
  • TOLAC (trial of labour after cesarean)
  • CBAC (cesarean birth after cesarean - both planned and unplanned)
  • LGBT2SQ clients
  • Twins (births and postpartum support)
  • Pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome
  • Gestational diabetes (both managed by diet and medication)
  • Single parents
  • Parents choosing adoption (both those birthing and postpartum support for those who have adopted a baby)
  • Surrogacy (both for surrogates at the birth and postpartum support for [intended] parents when they bring their baby home)
  • Induction
  • Teen parents
  • Pain medications (epidurals, narcotics, nitrous oxide)
  • Use of a TENS unit during labour.
  • Non-medicated birth
  • Vaginal breech birth
  • Use of a traditional Mexican rebozo for labour support.
  • All types of infant feeding (Chest feeding, pumping, formula feeding and combinations of these)
  • Basic babywearing (I use a Boba stretchy wrap at postpartum shifts and can teach parents how to use one, as well as some other carriers.)
  • Postpartum mood disorders 
  • Care of premature babies.
  • Sibling care (it is so important for siblings of the new baby to feel included!)
  • Hypnobabies / hypnobirthing birth support.
  • Trauma Informed care
  • Fast births, long births, and everything in between!
  • Postpartum support for parents of babies from birth to 1 year.