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). Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner.  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 2 wonderful daughters.  The Eldest, 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 2.5 years 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).

The latest edition is my "gift".  After a long journey and suffering 2 miscarriages she is a blessing.  Her birth gave me great perspective on the power of surrender and the need for great support.  Our plan for a homebirth was dashed but out of that came a hospital birth with so many powerful and wise women.  My wonderful husband took it all in stride and was able to find his place, never feeling put out.  I have also learned the beauty of breastfeeding even through challenge and again the value of support.  She along with her big sister motivate me every day and have changed me in ways I never thought possible.  A mom who is more in love with her kids every day. :)

I look forward to the day that they too can experience the wonder of birth (either as a mothers themselves 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 9 years.  He has been extremely supportive of my Doula/Educator 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.   

I have been on this Doula journey since April 2005 and have been primary Doula at almost 50 births.  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 each other to be better than the day before.  I am currently member of DoulaC.A.R.E and 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 have become a Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner with the HypnoBirthing Institute and seek to bring HypnoBirthing to the fore of childbirth education in Toronto.

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, family and professionals) are treated with respect and dignity.  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 for over 20 years.   My greatest skills are as 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.