About Me

I am Amber Strong, the eldest of four children and now with four children of my own. Pregnancy, birth and babies have always been an integral part of my life, Each of my pregnancies and births was unique and special in its own right, but there were times where I had so many questions or doubted myself, and I would have dearly loved the unwavering support that a Doula can offer. I knew that this was a role I would love to fulfil for other families, and that to some extent, I had already been doing. And so when my youngest daughter was old enough for me to theoretically leave her overnight, I began to look in to training to become a registered Doula.

I have been enthralled, fascinated and amazed by pregnancy and birth for as long as I can remember. I believe passionately in a persons right to give birth wherever and however they choose and it is my role as a Doula that enables me to support you in achieving this. I feel strongly that people deserve continuity of care, an impartial advocate and access to all the information and choices relevant to them.

I enjoy supporting all families and their pregnancies, but as 3 of my 4 pregnancies were breech babies, I have a particular interest and desire to support those experiencing the same. I was also able to have a VBA3C (vaginal birth after a caesarean) and again, love working with people who want to explore the option of VBAC.

I have experience of breech birth, caesarean birth, VBAC, hospital birth, MLU and home birth.

Training

I completed my training in 2016 and have been fortunate to support many families as a Doula since then. I only ever take on one birth client at a time and don’t like to overlap – this is because I feel a large part of why people look to work with a Doula is so they have the continuity that is so often lacking in the rest of their care.  There are no guarantees in life, but as much as I can, by limiting my on call period and commitment to only one family at a time – I do my best to ensure that I can be there with them throughout their labour and birth. (It’s also way less stressful for me!)

I am a recognised Birth and Postnatal Doula with Doula UK, and adhere to their principles of best practice and confidentiality and I now mentor newly trained Doulas within the organisation. I also regularly facilitate a workshop on a local Doula training course around supporting parent voices, birth rights and navigating the NHS.

I am a trained Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, having undertaken training at the local Hospital and through the NCT. 

I am also trained in the 3 step Rewind technique – a process which helps those who experience feelings of fear or trauma to restructure the memory so that it no longer causes them distress.

Training courses completed include

Conscious Birthing Doula Training

Homeopathy for Labour and Birth

Reiki for Gatekeepers

Transforming Fear

NCT sling library volunteer

Babycafe volunteer

3 Step Rewind Technique

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter

Human rights in Maternity Care – Birthrights

The Queer Birth Club LGBTQ+ Competency Workshop

Biomechanics for Birth

Birth Emergencies for Birth workers

SANDS Bereavement care training – supporting families through pregnancy loss

The Birth Debrief Masterclass