I hired Amy to help me with my third child. Amy was so nurturing and took such good care of both me and my baby. I loved the way she interacted with my child and played with her, talked to her, held her. I always felt so comfortable then taking care of myself since I knew my baby was so being nurtured as well. I felt better equipped to deal with my day after a shower and a nap and a bit of "me" time. Her suggestions and support regarding feeding helped to set me up for success. No matter how hard the hours were before her arrival, I knew I had a reprieve coming with someone who understood the importance and hard work required to achieve my goals. I could survive the long nights of no sleep and a demandig baby when I knew my time would come to rest when Amy arrived the next morning. I can't put a price tag on that knowledge and comfort!
Jennifer, Apex, NC
As first time parents of a wonderfully high-spirited baby we were running on empty when we contacted Amy to help us during the day as my husband and I transitioned back to work. We feel so lucky to have found her! From her first day with us we've known that our whole family is in loving and capable hands. She cares for our son as we would, helping him to learn and develop and grow, and teaching us all new things along the way. Not only is she wonderful for the baby, but also for me as a new mom - picking up the slack in household chores and making sure I'm taking proper care of myself - physically and emotionally. I really don't know how we would have made it through these past few months without her and would happily recommend her to anyone with a new baby (or a new mom and dad) in need of loving care.
Kathleen, Raleigh, NC
After the birth of my first child, it was Amy that kept us sane during that first month! She was so accomodating, compassionate, and understanding not only in comforting my newborn but navigating my emotions as well. Her kind and sweet disposition makes her a natural as a Doula. Also, she was very knowledgable, but if there was something she was not as well versed in, she would research the topic during the evening and come back to me the next day with the information. I feel as if we hit the "Doula jackpot" in finding Amy!
Mary, Raleigh, NC
I would highly encourage anyone who is having a baby to use a postpartum doula. Amy was fantasic in easing the transition to motherhood by offering support and advice in a gentle way. She helped build my confidence and was very encouraging. You can tell she absolutely loves babies and this is her calling. She is very trustworthy and I even left my few week old baby alone with her to run to the drug store and she watched him for a few hours once while my husband and I went to an infant CPR class. It was also helpful that she would run errands that I couldn't do since it's so hard to get out of the house with a little one. I would definitely use Amy again if I have another child.
Michaela, Holly Springs, NC
Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Amy Gottholm and I am a certified postpartum doula, servingfamilies in Apex, Cary, Holly Springs, and
Raleigh, North Carolina.
What's a "postpartum doula?"
We are newborn care specialists specifically trained to help new moms and families adjust to life with a new baby (or two)! Postpartum doulas provide a variety of services, including newborn care instruction, breastfeeding support, care for the new mother, and meal preparation.
Why should I hire a doula?
In our society, much emphasis is placed upon the prenatal period and birth experience. Once the baby is born, parents are left to their own devices upon release from the hospital. They are completely unprepared for the exhaustion, confusion, and questions that arise during the first few weeks at home with baby (for example, "Is my baby getting enough milk?" "Why won't she stop crying?") An experienced doula will provide the support and encouragement that is critical to the well-being of both the parents and the infant.
For further information, please see the Doulas of North America's position paper at:
http://www.dona.org/publications/position_paper_postpartum.php
Hours of availability
I am available during the hours of 9:00 am-2:oo pm Monday through Friday. I also work with colleagues who are available during nighttime hours.
Next steps
If you are interested in learning more about my services, please contact me at (919) 349-7389 or amy@doulacarebyamy.com. I would be happy to meet with you in person so that you may determine if I would be a good fit with your family.
