Meet Amanda Dodson

Owner of Oceanside HypnoBirthing & Doula Services

 
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Most of my doula career was spent overseas, supporting military families both on and off base. I had the incredible opportunity to learn about Japanese birth culture and forge lasting friendships with the local community. Returning to the States was a significant transition, and I felt a mix of nerves and excitement as I explored the birth community here. Since then, I’ve become increasingly involved in advocacy work within the military community.

What inspired me to become a doula? Honestly, it was a chance opportunity. I had never considered a career related to birth; my own experiences were smooth, with no major complications during my pregnancies.

Two years after my third child was born, we were stationed in California. A friend who had completed doula training piqued my interest, and it was the perfect time for me to pursue something for myself as my kids grew older. I found a nearby doula workshop, and the rest is history.

Over the years, I've seen doors of opportunity open, and becoming a doula has truly transformed my life. It has taught me how to connect with families in ways that few get to experience. I've learned that being a doula requires humility, selflessness, and love. I strive to create a peaceful and calm environment for parents, no matter how their birth journey unfolds. Each experience has allowed me to learn and grow, equipping me to better support families in the future.

There are so many exciting developments happening in the birth movement, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. It’s an honor to accompany families during such a life-changing milestone, whether through teaching a class or serving as your doula. My goal is for you to enter your birthing experience with love, confidence, support, and empowerment!

Professional Milestones:

  • 2008: Completed DONA Training with Gerri Ryan in San Diego, California

  • May 2010: Certified DONA doula (CD(DONA))

  • October 2010: Practitioner Certification in HypnoBirthing The Mongan Method (HBCE)

  • 2010-2012: Volunteer with Operation Special Delivery (OSD)

  • July 2012: Advanced Doula Training at the Spinning Babies Workshop

  • 2013-2016: Established and served as President of the Japan Birth Resource Network

  • 2016: Co-Founded the Military Birth Resource Network and served as President

  • September 2014: Hosted and participated in a DONA Birth Doula Workshop taught by Linda Herrick ACBE

  • 2016: Awarded MCB SD Butler Spouse of the Year in Okinawa, Japan

  • February 2015: Founded and co-owned The Birth Education Center of Okinawa

  • 2016: Completed the Evidence Based Birth professional online program

  • 2017: Established the Military Birth Resource Network at Camp Lejeune

  • 2023: Became a CAPPA Labor Doula Trainer and CAPPA Certified Labor Doula

  • 2024: Training to become a Certified Peanut Ball Instructor

  • 2024: Sat on the North Carolina Doula Task Force

  • 2024: Became a MyCAA Approved School

Tricare and Doula Support

Amanda can provide services under the Tricare Childbirth and Breastfeeding Demonstration Program, she is an In Network Approved Tricare Doula.

 
 

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