hey there!
I’m Amanda Barta.
Birth Doula and Placenta Encapsulator.
I’m the educator, advocate and all around birth bestie you’re looking for in the Duluth, Minnesota area!
Psst…Calling All Women who are looking to have a safe, powerful and supported birth.
I believe you deserve to birth in a space where the power and decisions are yours to make.
ENVISION means to conceive or see something within one’s mind / to imagine / picture oneself / to conceive as a possibility in the future
From the moment life was created in your womb you have imagined, planned and painted a picture of how you hoped that birth would go. Now is the time to take what you have envisioned for your birth and make it happen. I am here to encourage you to believe in your power. I believe in your bodies design and respect your autonomy. I believe maternity care should start with an educated mother with a voice. I am here to help provide education and affirmation, to help you navigate your birth plan and ensure a sacred space for the birth and postpartum you have long envisioned.
With Love,
Amanda (Envision Birth Services)
Pregnancy Support + Wellness
Does the thought of picking a provider making you queasy? (Maybe not as queasy as the chicken that was supposed to be for last nights dinner.)
Here’s the thing, as your Doula, I want to create a relationship with you throughout your entire pregnancy. From the moment you get that positive test (or maybe even before you go-getter!) until you successfully and happily breastfeeding your snugly six week old. The childbearing year is both emotionally and physically tough, and having someone on your side to help navigate those challenges is GOLDEN. I encourage clients to book me earlier in pregnancy so I can help you work through everything from morning sickness, overcoming fears and doubts and of course preparing those glorious padsicles (more on those later). I am also full of helpful tips for optimal nutrition, wellness, movement, and more that you may not be getting in your short doctor visits.
Birth Preparation
“As a modern pregnant woman , you may receive conflicting messages regarding knowing. In one ear you may be told that everything you need to know is within you and you should trust your intuition; in another ear you may be told to become informed and rely on evidence based-research. One moment you may be told to trust your body, and the next moment you may be told that birth is risky and therefore you should rely on experts and technology.” -Pam England, Ancient Map for Modern Birth
During our visits together I will help you create a birth plan that incorporates both trust + preparation. I believe in the physiological process of birth and your ability to birth you baby when and how you want. I also recognize that different settings and situations may pose a need for plans of “wants” and “needs” during birth. We’ll talk about birth plan options, common interventions as well as making sure that YOU, the birthing person, remain in control.
It is my goal that you feel supported both in preparation and in personal growth.
I also believe that birth requires learning and unlearning which is why I offer opportunities for birth education both in person and online!
Postpartum Support
Let’s be real, you’ve probably dreampt of your baby registry, picked out a super cute swaddle blanket and thought about how darling your new bundle of joy is going to look in that new outfit you already bought…
You should probably spend some time planning and preparing for your postpartum healing? I often hear women ask, “What do you mean by The Fourth Trimester?” The postpartum period can often be overlooked by many. This is a time of rebirth and recovery. I’ll offer support for physical healing and nourishment as we make a plan and prepare for postpartum. I’ll be bringing you warm, yummy, nourishing meals for after the birth. Don’t worry I won’t forget the chocolate! Together we will also work to create a cozy space for rest and breastfeeding. Postpartum preparation is discussed during our prenatal visits and I also include postpartum visits as part of my services.
TESTIMONIALS
“Creating a birthing team that supported and believed in us and our desire to have a natural hospital birth was essential to us as first-time parents. We agreed that a Doula would be the key in this journey – in Amanda we found exactly what we needed. After meeting Amanda, we immediately connected and throughout our pregnancy we felt empowered and supported by Amanda in the journey we desired. Amanda provided us with the essentials, but also helped us to dig deeper into our birthing choices. She created a safe and caring environment and ensured our desires were upheld throughout the entire process. We created ‘our’ team and trusted our instincts – Amanda was an integral part of welcoming our son into the world – we couldn’t have done it without her!”
-Kelsey L.
“Amanda was extremely professional and blended in with my needs and energy as well as my partners throughout my birth. Even though this birth was my journey, having her presence, knowledge and support gave me confidence and strength to make it through. Her energy was kind and quiet. She adapted to the needs of the environment, working with me as well as nurse staff and doctors fluidly. I don’t know what I would have done without her support and suggestions for different positions or massage guidance, she made me feel like I had what it took to bring my baby earth side. This birth was internal so to mentally have the support was huge for me. I highly recommend Amanda as a Doula, she was truly incredible.”
- Florencia S.
“I experienced a really tough labor and postpartum with my first baby. So when I found out I was pregnant again I knew I needed to do everything I could to feel like I could trust the body God designed to give birth. First thing I did was seek out a Doula! Throughout my pregnancy and labor our amazing Doula, Amanda from Envision Birth Services was the best emotional and physical support we could’ve prayed for. She helped me accomplish so much to get the redemptive natural hospital birth I so desired. Her voice, words, & touch were more comforting than I can express. Amanda also helped my husband feel comfortable and confident in his important role throughout my labor. She helped keep the atmosphere calm, nurturing, and supportive, and I highly recommend the experience to anyone who is preparing for birth!”
-DeAnn E.
“Amanda was great support as our Doula with the birth of our first daughter. She met with us multiple times prior to labor to make sure we were prepared, answered our questions, and made sure we were comfortable with everything. She stayed in touch and was there during labor as support not only to me but also to my husband. We also did the placenta encapsulation and those were delivered the day after she was born. Highly recommend using Amanda services. I couldn’t imagine going through the experience without her support!”
-Alisha G.
Are you ready for a Doula?
Here’s What Your Birth Support Will Look Like When You Hire Me!