Guiding Light Birth Services

As you now know, my name is Amanda Burke, I am a DONA International Certified Birth Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator (OPS) and life-trained Postpartum Doula.  I will give you a little glimpse into my life and how I see my role as your chosen Doula.

I am a mother to a wonderful daughter.  She is my "light" and has really motivated me to search out this vocation.  After her dramatic birth, I always thought that there has to be something out there, a support system in place so that women and families can feel a sense of accomplishment and power within the medicalized birthing world.  Soon after she turned 2.5years old, I sought out some terrific organizations after spotting an ad in the local paper seeking Doulas (this was the 2nd time in 2 years ... truly a sign).  I look forward to the day that she too can experience the wonder of birth (either as a mother herself or as an assistant) and my hope is by that time the pendulum will have swung back to a point where Family Centered Care is in the forefront of the Obstetrical practice.

I am a wife to a fantastically supportive partner for the last 8 years.  He has been extremely supportive of my Doula journey, encouraging me to continue when it seemed difficult and acknowledging that this is what my heart has chosen for my life to be.  We continue to grow as a couple each day and learn new things about each other.  We have a great sense of life, fun and laughter.  We are thrilled to announce that our next little member of the family will be joining the fold in the Winter of 2008.  It has been a long journey as we have suffered 2 miscarriages.  We hope to share the joy of living and laughter with them.

I have been on this Doula journey since April 2005 and have been primary Doula at 40 births to date.  I have truly found a sisterhood in the Doula community (one that is only matched by the Guiding community), it is the soft place to fall, a sounding board, an exchange of ideas and a way to challenge eachother to be better than the day before.  I am currently member and Toronto Regional Representative for DoulaC.A.R.E, a member of DONA International.  I have been able to crave a name out for myself in the birthing community in a very short period of time, and I look forward to the challenges ahead.  I have also completed my certification in HypnoBirthing labour Support, I am able to help not only HypnoBirthing families but all who seek a relaxing birth environment.  I have also completed my Certification as a Childbirth Educator with the Ontario Perinatal School.  I am currently completing my training with the HypnoBirthing Institute and hope to become a fully certified Practitioner by the Fall of 2008.

I have found my calling in helping women and families achieve a deserving birth, some of you will ask "well, what is a deserving birth?".  A deserving birth is a simple philosophy and achievable in our very medicalized world, it is the understanding that information will be presented in an unbias, balanced perspective, that all players in the birthing team (parents-to-be, grandparents and Doulas) are treated with respect and have a names.  Lastly, that the families chooses a birth environment that will facilitate comfort and positivity (music, encouraged to wear their own clothes, freedom of movement).  My philosophy also includes the idea that I meet clients where they are, that I assist without judgment or bias.  I have seen many different labours, interventions, medications and births, but the one thing I can say about all of them is that the women and families I have served have felt empowered and supported in their decisions to how they bring their children into the world.  I have a calling to serve and guide families in this capacity and I would hope that you would allow me to do the same for you.

I am currently living in Scarborough's EastEnd (close to the Pickering border), do not let the distance scare you as I am moments from the 401 and happy to travel.  I have been a long time resident of Scarborough and have a strong commitment to my community, I greatest service has been with Girl Guides of Canada.  I have been involved with Guiding since 1987, I have been an adult member since 1998.   My greatest skills are the helper, a coach and that I am people person.  I would hope that you will strongly consider a Doula to guide you through your pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum period.  I look forward to hearing from you.