09/30/2021
Thank you Optimal Maternal Positioning! Iām proud and excited to be sharing the OMP for Parents workshop here in the USA!
Upcoming workshop dates in October, and 2022 dates will be released soon!
(Currently, workshops are being held virtually, stay tuned for IN-PERSON workshop announcements for next year! š„³)
Welcome to this series of Meet the OMP Educators. This week we meet the amazing Amanda van Zee AvZ Doula Services from the United States of America and truly appreciate how amazing she is in her intent to serve and support women to have a safe and empowered birth.
So Amandaā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦
1. Whats your deets? Your Name, where you live, what do you do?
Hi Iām Amanda and I currently live just west of Portland, Oregon USA. I am a stay at home mum of two kids, a wife, Birth and Postpartum Doula, OMP Educator, and in my free time Iām at the beck-and-call of our two Saint Bernards.
2. What got you into birth work?
The difference in my two birth experiences with my own children really highlighted how paramount doula support can and should be. Itās not just someone to squeeze hips and offer a cool cloth ā it was having a sister when my own couldnāt be there, a safety net when I couldnāt hold myself up, and my biggest cheerleader when the tough got going. Always two steps ahead of me, shining the light on what seemed to be a dark pathway. āØāØAnd that experience for me, changed everything. I feel every family deserves their version of ideal support. I knew I could be that person for someone, somewhere.
3. What would you like to be known/remembered for?
My authenticity. I generally donāt care to waste my time or others by trying to be anyone but me. Now, donāt get me wrong, we all have bad days, goofy days, and even-keeled daysā¦ but to the best that I can, you get ME. You get Amanda, every time.
4. What is your most used emoji?
Emojiās are great, but GIFs are where itās at! If I had to choose an emoji, it would definitely the one that is laughing with tears ā I love to laugh. I love being around light and fun-loving moods when itās appropriate. Just as much as negativity is toxic, Positivity and smiles are contagious. Iām always down for a classic dad joke.
5. Whatās the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Nothing is worth having if the journey to getting it isnāt uncomfortable. Growth comes from the hard things. I just wish I would have listened to this sooner
6. If you could add a word to the dictionary what would you add and what would it mean?
Not that this contributes to society in an impactful wayā¦, but perhaps parents in generalā¦ āPiddle-fartā. Oh boy do my kids sure know how to piddle-fart around when itās time to get ready for bed!
7. What skill do you think everyone should have?
Iām not sure if this is skill as much as it is a characteristicā¦ but the ability to be resourceful. Be it informational or practical... Being able to be self-reliant for most things is important, and Iām working to help grow my children into those people who donāt need to rely on an adult, a sibling, a spouseā¦
8. What superpower would you love to have and WHY?
I think the fact that we donāt have superpowers is what makes us special, resilient, and incredible. BUT if I could ā I would enjoy being able to breathe/swim underwater without the SCUBAā¦ nothing mythical like a mermaid (tho my daughter would think thatās pretty cool)ā¦ I just absolutely feel at peace when Iām meters below the surface, in a completely different worldā¦ only there to observe.
9. What is your Favourite quote of all time?
A couple are always just right there for meā¦ āØāDonāt cry because itās over, smile because it happened.ā -Dr. SeussāØāWe donāt have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.ā -Brene Brown
10. How would your friends describe you?
My friends would probably describe me as easy going, caring, and always willing to help. But they all know that Iāll protect those that I love (my family and theirs). We ALWAYS have laughs, enjoy cooking together, and just having good company. We have each otherās backs, always.
11. What made you decide to become a Certified OMP Educator?
Before the Educator program was available, learning and practicing the OMP techniques with clients during pregnancy and labor made a world of difference from the techniques I previously learned. Not because of the techniques, but I then knew the INTENT behind what I was doingā¦ and WHY I was trying to help clients do it. So when the opportunity came to be able to pass that AH-HA on to parents directly, so they could hold the power to fuel their own successful birth storyā¦ I had to. No questions asked. That and this pot of gold had to get on the ground in the USA. I feel so lucky to work with parents and to aid them towards their desired birth experience.
12. Whatās your one piece of advice to expectant parents?
My one piece of advice for expectant parents isā¦ Be active in your advocation for you, your baby, and your birth experience. That means taking all the opportunities to make a CHOICE. Yes, it can be overwhelming when you know that there are endless choices to make, but settle with those that align with your values, and leave you with a sense of safety.
Come find me at --> https://www.optimalmaternalpositioning.com/omp-profiles/amanda-van-zee
