Get to know me...

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."
– Mother Teresa

I am pleased to offer true mother-to-mother support, encouragement and education to the families of Snohomish County & North King County of Washington.

 

Marianne E. Ames
I am a mother of three wonderful children, and have been happily married for over 6 years. We have welcomed our newest blessing just this past November, 2004.
I feel working with women and their families in this exciting time in their lives is my passion. It was my own unique experiences in childbirth that have transformed my feelings about myself as a woman, a wife and a mama. Childbirth uncovered for me feelings of confidence, self-worth and empowerment. Birth was a gift to me, a gift of insight into who I am and into who I have become. I look forward to helping you have the birth YOU desire and passing along that gift.

My Training:
Mother:
First, the most important part of who I am.... a mama. I am a mother of three beautiful children, and two angel babies in heaven. The joy of being a mother and seeing my children learn & grow & love everyday, has helped prepare me for the role of Doula. Motherhood has taught me patience, acceptance, not judging, appreciation for every moment, faith and unconditional love.

Breastfeeding Advocate and La Leche League Leader:
I have been an active member of La Leche League since 1999. In December of 2002, I became a Leader of our local group here in Snohomish County, Washington. As a Leader, I choose to respectfully provide encouragement and information by mother-to-mother support. I co-lead the LLL group in Marysville, Washington. We meet at Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 5115 100th NE in Room 5 at 10:00 A.M. We hope you will join us. Babies and children are welcome!

Certified Lactation Educator:
My training is through CAPPA. I believe in the superiority of breastmilk and feel passionately about supporting families who choose to breastfeed. I will be teaching at Valley General beginning in Spring of 2005 and am currently offering private classes.

Birth Doula, CD (PALS, DONA International):
I completed my Professional Labor Support Training with Penny Simkin, a DONA co-founder, through Seattle Midwifery School. I am certified with PALS and DONA International. While my formal training is beneficial, I really believe that nothing can truly teach me like the families I have served in labor and birth. I feel it is important for women and their families to be respected in the informed decisions they make. I believe in the ability to birth a baby. I support women in many different settings and from many backgrounds by providing information and options and letting them decide what is best for them. I recognize birth as a natural function of the female body, and one that doesn’t require routine interventions. 

I offer true mother-to-mother support! As your Doula my job is to help you feel secure, cared for, confident, and connected as a family; before, during and after birth.

 

Childbirth Educator:
I am certifying with ICEA, International Childbirth Education Association. I took my training through CEAS, Childbirth Education Association of Seattle. I am offering an un-biased, warm and thought-provoking series of classes based on ICEA's philosophy, "freedom of choice based on knowledge of alternative." I look forward to helping you discover the tools you need to have a clear understanding of childbirth as well as breastfeeding your new arrival.

Certified Happiest Baby Instructor:

 

Professional Memberships:
* Dona International (Doulas of North America)
* PALS (Pacific Association of Labor Support)
* CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association)
* La Leche League
* ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network)
* ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association)

Contact:
Marianne Ames
Snohomish Washington 98290
marianne@nurturingdoula.com
(425) 397-9757 or (425) 232-1451