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Tradtional Care for Today's Woman
Welcome to your Birth and Postpartum Resource Center
Here you will find a warm and supportive team of professionals who will care for you throughout your pregnancy and birth journey.
Our lactation professionals will guide you while you and your baby learn skills for a successful breastfeeding relationship and assist you through challenges.
Our Birth and Postpartum Doulas will be honored to care for your new or growing family.
About Us 
About Us
We are a private lactation practice that specializes in bringing comprehensive, individualized breastfeeding services and products to families in the privacy of your home. Louisville Breastfeeding Center provides the support and technical assistance needed to foster success for the breastfeeding family. Our experienced lactation specialists provide evidence based information and comprehensive, skilled assistance to help you through the joys and challenges of breastfeeding.
Our Doulas all work independently, as a supportive group for one another, providing labor, birth, and postpartum services. Together we work with our client families to provide the tools for confident parenting and a positive birth experience.
Classes
Services Our Breastfeeding Services Include:
House Calls
in the comfort of your home or birth place
Private Prenatal Breastfeeding Counseling to get off to the right start $40
In Home Postpartum Breastfeeding Consult, Latch check, and baby weight evaluation $90
Postpartum Breastfeeding Follow-up Counseling $40
Breastmilk Pumping consultation $30
Baby Weight Trending Scale $40 monthly
Our Doula Services Include:
Birth Doula
Studies show that women who are prefessionaly supported during labor and
birth have a signifcantly lower rate of medical interventions and are more
satisfied with their birth experience. ** Fees vary based on experience and
services provided. Contact us for a FREE prenatal consult.
Postpartum Doula
We will come to your home and help you with infant feeding, newborn care and
adjusting to your new baby and your new body. The weeks after the birth of
your baby can be emotionally and physically overwhelming. We will
support you with education, physical comforts, and assisiting you with family and
household care during this transition.
Postpartum Services are billed hourly and range from $15 to $25 for daytime
service and $20 to $35 for overnight care. Contact us to develop your plan.
Lactation Staff Breastfeeding Support Professionals
Amy Farnsley, CLC, PCD(DONA)
Certified Lactation Counselor,
Birth Doula,
DONA certified Postpartum Doula
I have worked with postpartum families since 2008. I stay current on perinatal care through membership in Birth Care Network, Postpartum Support Kentuckiana, Kentucky Lactation Coalition, DONA International, and American Pregnancy Association. My greatest experience, by far, is mothering my 8 year old daughter and 5 year old Boy-Girl twins.
I have known no greater joy than nursing my babies and no greater privilege than helping other mothers to nurse theirs
Doulas Our Doula Services are brought to you by
a team of experienced, educated, independent,
Birth and Postpartum Doulas.
Birth Doulas have been trained in supporting women through labor and birth and assisting with breastfeeding. Postpartum Doulas have been trained in breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery, and infant care. Many of our Doulas have certifications, qualifications, and experience in more than one related field. To find out more information about one of our doulas,
click on her name to see her personal bio page.
Birth Doulas What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a person trained and experienced in childbirth who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after childbirth.
Where does the word “doula” come from?
The word “doula” comes from ancient Greek, meaning “Woman’s servant.” Throughout history and in much of the world today, a cadre of women support a woman through labor and birth, giving back rubs and providing continuous emotional support. Like their historical counterparts, DONA International birth doulas know how to help a woman in labor feel better. However, today’s doulas are much more diverse than their predecessors. DONA International membership includes men and women from a wide range of ages and cultural backgrounds.
What effects does the presence of a doula have on birth outcomes?
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth:
* tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
* reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
* reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or vacuum extraction
* reduces the requests for pain medication and epidurals, as well as the incidence of cesareans
What effects does the presence of a doula have on the mother?
When a doula is present during and after childbirth, women report greater satisfaction with their birth experience, make more positive assessments of their babies, have fewer cesareans and requests for medical intervention, and less postpartum depression.
What effects do the presence of doulas have on babies?
Studies have shown that babies born with doulas present tend to have shorter hospital stays with fewer admissions to special care nurseries, breastfeed more easily and have more affectionate mothers in the postpartum period.
Does a doula replace nursing staff?
No. Doulas do not replace nurses or other medical staff. Doulas do not perform clinical or medical tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, monitoring fetal heart rate, doing vaginal examinations or providing postpartum clinical care. They are there to comfort and support the mother and to enhance communication between the mother and medical professionals.
Does a doula make decisions on my behalf?
A doula does not make decisions for clients or intervene in their clinical care. She provides informational and emotional support, while respecting a woman’s decisions.
Will a doula make my partner feel unnecessary?
No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable.
Jessica Strickland 
Jessica Strickland
Birth and Postpartum Doula
I am a DONA trained birth doula, serving the southern Indiana and Louisville area.
My husband and I have a beautiful baby girl named Adelaide and our birth experience was greatly impacted by the presence and support of our doula. That was when I realized I had a passion for supporting women and their partners experience the birth they choose. Childbirth is a natural and beautiful process. It is truly amazing what a woman and her partner can do with knowledge, support and love. The birth experience in you is the birth you choose. Being educated about your options is the key to having an empowering birth experience, regardless of the outcome.
Amy Farnsley 
Amy Farnsley, CLC, PCD(DONA)
Lactation Counselor
Birth and Postpartum Doula
Owner Louisville Breastfeeeding Center
Proud Mother to a 7 year old daughter and 4 year old boy/ girl twins
Serving Greater Louisville, KY & Southern IN
Relevant Professional Training:
CLC (Certified Lactation Counselor)
CPR certified - Adult, Child & Infant
PCD(DONA) - Certified Postpartum Doula
DONA Trained Birth Doula
Postpartum In today's culture, we are missing the traditional "village" that should nurture and support women postpartum. When families live far apart, or close friends and family have busy, conflicting schedules the new parents can feel very overwhelmed. A Postpartum Doula can fill in the gaps and provide care, information, and comfort. Whether you are first time parents or adding to your growing family, I will feel honored to support you as you recover and get to know each other.
We love our Doula! It felt so comfortable to have Amy in our home, caring for our family after the birth of our son & daughter. She was a great help with breastfeeding and really knows babies!
~Stacie Gibson
Do I Need Help Why Would Lactation Counseling Be a Good Idea?
Prenatal
While prenatal lactation education and consultation can be useful for all mothers in order to help breastfeeding get off to as smooth a start as possible, for some mothers it can make all the difference! If you have experienced / are experiencing any of the following medical or personal issues, we urge you to consider calling our lactation counselors for a prenatal consultation:
* Difficulties with breastfeeding a previous child for any reason
* Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
* Infertility/trouble conceiving
* Hormonal imbalances of any kind
* A history of irregular menstrual cycles/amenorrhea
* Minimal or no breast changes during pregnancy
* Gestational Diabetes
* Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
* Maternal illness (chronic or acute)
* History of breast surgery or injury (including breast reduction and breast implants)
* Known fetal genetic or congenital problem
* History of depression or other mental illness
* History of sexual abuse
* Breasts that are unusually shaped or extremely asymmetric in size
* A planned C-section for any reason
* Twin/multiple pregnancy
Postpartum
While most women can benefit from some "fine tuning" during their early breastfeeding experience, certain situations can be resolved much more quickly and easily the sooner they are addressed. If you are experiencing any of the situations listed below, please consider calling as soon as possible, rather than waiting to see if the situation will resolve itself.
* A baby who is not latching on within the first 24 hours
(please do not use a nipple shield to get a baby to latch before the milk has come in!)
* A baby for whom supplementation of any kind is recommended.
* A baby who is not passing meconium, or ceases to stool after the meconium is
passed.
* A baby who is not gaining weight once it appears mature milk has come in.
* A baby who is losing weight rapidly.
* Nipples are sore, cracked, bleeding, blistered, scabbed, or painful in any way.
Breastfeeding should not be painful - if nipples are damaged something is wrong and
should be addressed as soon as possible.
* A baby who resists latching, or is fussy, agitated, or seems uncomfortable at the
breast.
* A baby who is nursing "all the time" and never seems satisfied or contented, even if
weight gain is adequate.
* A premature or near term (36-38 weeks) infant, or an infant in the NICU for any reason.
* A baby born by caesarian section.
* A baby with any unusual anatomical or genetic defect
* A mother or baby with any illness or condition.
Classes 
Please Reserve your Space by Registering for Classes Call us at 502-640-1778 Or click HERE to pay now
Spotlight Breastfeeding Other Classes
Introducing Solids 
Introducing Solid Food ($15)
Common myths and misconceptions Signs of readiness Introduction process Effect on Breastfeeding Healthy first foods and foods to avoid Making your own baby food BF 6-12 mo Toddlers 
Breastfeeding Your Baby
6 months -Toddler, and
Weaning ($20)
Teething and other changes that influence nursing relationship Solid readiness and first foods (brief introduction)
Sleep issues and nighttime parenting Benefits of toddler breastfeeding Common toddler nursing habits and normal toddler traits Gentle weaning (nighttime, mother led, baby led)
New Baby Postpartum 
Newborn Care and Postpartum Recovery
Talk to the Experts
Mama Recovery, Support, and Care Meet the Postpartum Doulas and create your
Postpartum Plan
Diapering - general hygiene and cloth diapers Meet the Diaper Fairy
Bathing, Umbilical Cord Care, Schedules, and Recognizing when to seek Medical attention Feeding Cues and signs of thriving baby Coping with fussy times & normal newborn behavior Baby wearing Mama's Hip baby wearing demonstration
Attachment Parenting 
Attachment Parenting
$20 per family
Learn what attachment parenting is The 7 Baby B's Family Sleep Understanding Baby's Cry and coping with fussy times Discipline Sibblings 
Siblings Class $10 per —family
(Suggested age 3-9 years)
For the Kids:
Class designed to excite and prepare the sibling for upcoming transition Safety Feeding, Bathing, Diapering Expectations (What are babies really like)
Craft to give new baby for gift Certificate of completion For the Parents:
Tips for handling jealousy & aggressiveness Tandem nursing and/ or weaning the older child Time Management Family Sleep Return to Work 
Breastfeeding and Returning to Work ($15)
Expression techniques and strategies Breast milk storage guidelines Feeding options Childcare Options Talking to your employer about Breastfeeding Maintaining your milk supply Bf Multiples 
Breastfeeding Your Multiples ($25) ***
Reasons to Breastfeed and clarifying the myths Childbirth and immediate postpartum factors Basics of an effective latch and signs that it is working Establishing supply and handling the first few weeks Nutrition for the breastfeeding mom How to know baby is getting enough milk Coping with infant fussiness Infant appetite, behaviors, and growth spurts How to recognize signs that you need medical attention What is unique to breastfeeding multiple babies Navigating Breastfeeding with Premature Babies and Babies in the NICU *** This class is FREE to members of the
Louisville Mothers of Twins Club
Instructor is Amy Farnsley, CLC, PCD(DONA),
Breastfeeding Mother of Twins
$10 off MyBrest Friend Twin Nursing Pillows
ordered at time of class
Spotlight Contact Us 
502-640-1778 Serving Greater Louisville Kentucky and Southern Indiana
Gifts Gifts Certificates
Perfect for the expectant mother and family
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In-Home Breastfeeding Support
1 1/2 - 2 Hour Consultation
$90
-
Coming Home
One Day Postpartum Doula Service. Get organized and feel confident in your recovery plan. Learn Newborn basics and ensure feeding is off to a good start.
$150
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Postpartum Doula Basic Package
12 Hours Postpartum Doula Care
$250
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Private Prenatal Counseling
Prepare for Breastfeeding and get off to a great start
$40
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Gift Certificate
Purchase the number of $20 Gift Certificates to total desired Gift. Breastfeeding and Doula services only
$20
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Preparing for Baby
Private consult with experienced Doula, to evaluate your home and postpartum plan. Ensure that you are prepared with knowledge and neccesary supplies for baby's safe arrival home. Calm your fears and feel confident about the changes about to take place in your family
$50
Prenatal BF Class 
Prenatal Breastfeeding ($20)
Reasons to Breastfeed and clarifying the myths Childbirth and immediate postpartum factors Basics of an effective latch and signs that it is working Establishing supply and handling the first few weeks Nutrition for the breastfeeding mom How to know baby is getting enough milk Coping with infant fussiness Infant appetite, behaviors, and growth spurts How to recognize signs that you or your baby need medical attention Posptartum Doula What do postpartum doulas do?
What a postpartum doula does changes from day to day, as the needs of the family change. Postpartum doulas do whatever a mother needs to best enjoy and care for her new baby. A large part of their role is education. They share information about baby care with parents, as well as teach siblings and partners to “mother the mother.” They assist with breastfeeding education. Postpartum doulas also make sure the mother is fed, well hydrated and comfortable.
How long does a postpartum doula spend with a family?
Doula support can last anywhere from one or two visits to more than three months.
What hours can I expect a doula to work with my family?
Some doulas work fulltime, with 9 to 5 shifts. Others work three to five hour shifts during the day, or after school shifts until Dad gets home. Some doulas work evenings from around 6 pm until bedtime, 9 or 10 pm., and some work overnight. Some doulas work every day, some work one or more shifts per week.
What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nurse?
The role of a postpartum doula is to help a woman through her postpartum period and to nurture the family. Unlike a baby nurse, a doula’s focus is not solely on the baby, but on fostering independence for the entire family. The doula is as available to the father and older children as to the mother and the baby. Treating the family as a unit that is connected and always changing enables doulas to do their job: nurture the family.
What is a postpartum doula’s goal?
The goal of a doula is to nurture the parents into their new roles. As they experience success and their knowledge and self-confidence grow, their needs for professional support should diminish.
How does a doula nurture the parents into their roles?
Self-confidence has a tremendous impact on a person’s ability to approach any task, and parenting is no different. DONA International doulas are taught to always consider parents’ feelings and always build confidence whenever possible. Doulas accomplish this through praise, acceptance and a non-judgmental approach. In addition, the doula will teach parents strategies and skills that will improve their ability to bond with their babies. A calm baby who is growing well will help parents to feel more confident in their skills.
Do doulas help mothers to deal with postpartum depression?
Unlike therapists or psychiatrists, doulas do not treat postpartum depression. However, they will help by creating a safe place for the mother emotionally. The doula will provide a cushioning effect by accepting the mother within each stage that she passes through. They relieve some of the pressure on the new mother by helping her move into her new responsibilities gradually. By mothering the mother, doulas maks sure that the mother feels nurtured and cared for, as well as making sure she is eating well and getting enough sleep. In addition, DONA International certified postpartum doulas are trained to help clients prepare themselves for parenthood, maximizing support and rest. These doulas will help their clients to screen themselves for PPMDs and will make referrals to appropriate clinicians or support groups as needed.
How do postpartum doulas work with a mother’s partner?
A doula respects the partner’s role and input, and teaches concrete skills that will help the partner nurture the baby and mother. The doula will share evidence-based information with the partner that shows how his or her role in the early weeks will have a dramatic positive effect on the family.
Why use a Doula Why Use a Doula?
Women have complex needs during childbirth and the weeks that follow. In addition to medical care and the love and companionship provided by their partners, women need consistent, continuous reassurance, comfort, encouragement and respect. They need individualized care based on their circumstances and preferences.
Our doulas are educated and experienced in childbirth and/or the postpartum period. We are prepared to provide physical (non-medical), emotional and informational support to women and their partners during labor and birth, as well as to families in the weeks following childbirth. We offer gentle, experienced, non-judgmental suppot to make childbearing women and families feel nurtured and cared for.
Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth
* tends to result in shorter labors with fewer complications
* reduces negative feelings about one’s childbirth experience
* reduces the need for pitocin (a labor-inducing drug), forceps or
vacuum extraction and cesareans
* reduces the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals
Research shows parents who receive support can:
* Feel more secure and cared for
* Are more successful in adapting to new family dynamics
* Have greater success with breastfeeding
* Have greater self-confidence
* Have less postpartum depression
* Have lower incidence of abuse
What is a Doula What is a doula?
The word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
A Birth Doula
* Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
* Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
* Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
* Stays with the woman throughout the labor
* Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint,
as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decision
* Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
* Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman's memory of the birth experience
* Allows the woman's partner to participate at his/her comfort level
Studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily.
A Postpartum Doula
* Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
* Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
* Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth,
infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary
Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.
Amy Morris 
Amy Morris, DONA Trained
Birth and Postpartum Doula
Since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by pregnancy and babies. I began my DONA Doula training in 2009, and currently am in progress of certification, both in birth and postpartum. I am passionate about empowering women during the amazing journey into mortherhood.
My commitment , as a Birth Doula, is to help my clients have their best possible birth experience, by offering pain management techniques and tools to help Mom and partner find their own way through their experience. Every woman deserves a Doula!
Families need an extra set of hands when they first come home from the hospital. Where extended family is not available, Postpartum doulas fill a void. It is such an honor to work with families as they tranisition into their new roles, ensuring that everyone is well cared for and nurtured.
Emily McCay Emily McCay
DONA Trained Postpartum Doula
I have helped mothers and families in the postpartum period since my own daughter was born in 2005. I bring a passionate energy and enthusiasm to new parents, as well as families welcoming additional children. I feel honored to be present with families adjusting to life with a new baby. “It’ is such an intimate time for a family, of healing, growth and change.
As a Postpartum Doula I can provide support, education and nurturing for the whole family, through the adjustment.” Every new parent needs to have a non-judgmental and compassionate listener. I believe that each family has to make parenting decisions based on what will work for them and it is my possition to provide the best resources to support them.
My own family includes my husband of eight years and my daughter, now five, who was born through a natural birth and nursed for a year and a half. Outside of my doula role, I visit lots of postpartum homes troubleshooting cloth diapering needs with my clients from The Diaper Fairy, a cloth diaper delivery service in Louisville and Southern Indiana.
“When I found out I was pregnant, I wasn’t planning on breastfeeding. In fact, I had negative feelings toward it. Emily encouraged me to try and I am so thankful she did! She helped me overcome some latching issues and to create a plan so that I could successfully pump and manage my career. I would not have made it 13 months of exclusive breast milk without her. And most importantly, it was such a special experience and I probably wouldn’t have tried without her encouragement!” – Leslie C
