Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Larner.
Hi Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My doula journey began with the birth of my second child. My cousin had recently become a doula, and since I already wanted her to be present at my birth, I asked her to support me through that pregnancy. It ended up being a fast and furious labor, with me giving birth just 30 minutes after arriving at the hospital. Having Samantha as my doula was such a game changer and made the entire experience so much more manageable.
After that, I couldn’t stop talking about birth. I shared my story with anyone who would listen, devoured anything birth-related I could find, and found myself feeling inspired (and maybe a little jealous) hearing my cousin’s doula stories. I even started helping her design birth education handouts and later volunteered to help with social media for the Central Texas Doula Association.
Eventually, Samantha convinced me to take the next step and become a doula myself. I trained with Birth, Baby! Academy and launched my business soon after. I was lucky enough to have several friends who were pregnant at the time, so my first few clients were people I already knew and loved. It’s been such a whirlwind ever since, and I’m absolutely loving this journey I’ve stepped into!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For me, the business side of things has definitely been the hardest part of this journey. Starting my own business felt so intimidating that it was almost the reason I didn’t become a doula in the first place. Thankfully, part of my training with Birth, Baby! Academy covered the business side of doula work, so I felt a little more prepared going into it. Even so, I made a few mistakes along the way, like paying a company to file for my EIN and BOI when I later found out I could have done it myself for free.
As for the actual work as a doula, I’ve also had to learn how to market and promote myself, which does not come naturally to me. I really have to put myself out there in order to reach potential clients. Once I start working with someone, it’s clear that I have a passion and a gift for what I do, but first, I have to help people see that in our initial interactions.
It’s definitely been a learning process, but I’m growing more confident every step of the way and really proud of how far I’ve come.
We’ve been impressed with Amanda Larner Birth Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I love birth and everything about it. The way our bodies are designed to do this incredible, wild thing will never stop amazing me. My goal as a doula is to help every mom have the best birth experience possible, tailored to her unique needs and preferences. It’s truly an honor to walk alongside families during such an important chapter in their lives and be part of their stories.
Community and connection are at the heart of everything I do. My love language is words of affirmation, and I genuinely cherish the bonds I create with my clients. What sets me apart is the way I show up, not just as a support person but as someone who listens, encourages, and helps each family feel seen and confident. I’m proud that my business reflects that heart for connection and the belief that every birth story deserves to be met with care, respect, and celebration.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something that people don’t always realize about me is that I’ve always had a creative side. Before I ever thought about becoming a doula, I actually designed birth education handouts to sell on Etsy just because I found the topic so fascinating. Later on, I helped with social media for the Central Texas Doula Association, which was such a fun way to combine creativity with my growing love for birth work. I love having a creative outlet like that and still use those skills today in the handouts and social media I create for my own business.
Pricing:
- Everything But the Birth $600
- Standard Package $1600
- Extras Package $1900
Contact Info:
- Website: https://amandalarnerbirth.com
- Instagram: @amandalarnerbirth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandalarnerbirth
