Let me introduce myself!!  My name is Amber Terhune.  I am the mother to two beautiful little girls, Sierra and Kai'Lani.  Both of my girls were delivered in a hospital.  A CNM helped me with my first delivery, and since my second daughter was nine week premature, an OB/GYN had to deliver her.  Besides the prematurity of my second, both deliveries were pretty smooth. 

My first labor lasted approximately 6 hours.  My midwife and L&D nurse, were almost like doulas to me.  They remained with me, helped support me, as well as my husband.  They were very supportive over my wishes, and help me have a labor and delivery that I could only dream of having.

When I went into labor with my second daughter, I was nine weeks early.   We had the same L&D nurse, which was great.  Our midwife wanted to attend the delivery, although she couldn't be the care provider.  But, Kai'Lani was in too much of a hurry, and our midwife missed the birth.  This labor was very hard for me.  Although it went smooth from a medical view, it was very hard for me-physically. I believe that since I was so scared of the situation that was very rapidly approaching, the birth of my 31 week old baby, I couldn't relax, and couldn't focus on getting through my labor.  I was fighting my own body, trying to stop the labor, and instead was making things worse.  My husband was great, but I believe that if I had had the extra support, I probably could have put my fears aside, if even a little bit, and went with the flow a little more. 

I have always had a very strong passion for pregnancy and childbirth.  I love every aspect of it-from conception to birth, and on to the postpartum period.  Each one is a miracle, and I love to witness and support the family, while they make this miracle happen!!  I believe that pregnancy is very natural and safe, and that every women should be informed of this.  I also believe that every family has a right to be completely informed of, along with the pros and cons of any procedures and accept or deny any procedures that are being ordered during labor.  I believe that every women can do it...with the proper knowledge, and physical and emotional support. 

I have a very stong need to nurture, and educate.  If I have helped the family have the birth they desired and deserved, then my need to nurture is met.  With all this being said...this is why I chose to become a doula!!