Hello! Thank you for your interest in Peaceful Beginnings Doula Service!! I want to take a few minutes of your time to let you know a little about who I am.

Amy Tirrell Machado
I was born and raised in New Jersey. I am number 2 out of 5 children. I went to Union College and William Paterson University. I played basketball at both schools.
In 1998 I learned I was pregnant with my first child, Ellianna Rose. She was born on March 25 after 7 hours of induced labor. I had the drug Nubain to help with pain for her birth. I pushed for 45 minutes and she came out and went right to breast. She weighed 7 pounds 12 ounces. I was 3 days over due with Elli. In 2001 I learned I was expecting my second child, Quinton Edward. I dreamed of a home or birth center birth, but my partner, Eddie, was not comfortable with the idea of an out of hospital birth. Quin was born in a hospital setting. I studied Hypnobirthing while pregnant with him. Quin’s birth was my most difficult. I went into labor on my own, but it was long and hard. I think it is because I was uncomfortable in the hospital. Finally after 12 + hours and 3 + hours of pushing Quin came into the world!! Weighing in at a large 9 pounds 7 ounces. I had a large tear from his birth, and also had used Nubain for pain while in labor. Quinton was born right on his due date.
We knew we wanted to have another baby somewhat close in age to Quin, and in March 2003 we learned just how close it would be! Cecillia Joy joined us on Dec. 1, 2003. She was born in a birth center, in a bathtub! The hypnobirthing really worked well this time and I did not use any pain medication. I was in labor for about 6 hours and pushed for I think 30 minutes. Cecillia was 6 days late and weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces.
Evellyn Leigh joined us on September 6, 2006. She was my first homebirth! It was the most amazing, peaceful birth. She was born in a birth pool, in my bedroom. 2 of my 3 older children were there to see her be born. On November 17, 2008 Adaline Faith was born. She was also a homebirth, and again she was born in the water. All 4 of my older children were there for her birth. My 6 year old son cut her cord! I was in labor with her for 5 days, due to her facing the wrong way, and then trying to look her way out. It was a long labor, but so worth it!
I had some feeding issues with Quin. Quin had a weak suck and I lost all my milk. We had to re-lactate and were able to work through it all. That experience led me to La Leche League(LLL). I knew after all the help that I had received, I wanted to give back and help other moms. So I became a LLL leader. After becoming a leader I still wanted to do more. And this led me to look into doula and childbirth education classes.
I have also had weight gain issues with Adaline. She just does not gain weight well. We have had to supplement, both at the breast and with formula/breastmilk in a bottle.
I am certified with Childbirth International to be a doula and teach childbirth education classes. I am also a certified The Happiest Baby on the Block instructor.