Andra Grable
CD (DONA), CLC, BirthingFrom Within Mentor

My passion is helping women and their partners navigate the challenges and joys of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.
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I have been supporting women in labor as a DONA certified Birth Doula since 2011. I earned my Bachelors in Biology from Millikin University and taught science and math for 5 years in the Waverly, Illinois and Portland, Oregon schools. I received my Massage Therapy License in Portland, Oregon and worked in Springfield for 7 years until I became immersed in birth work. In addition to being an active labor doula in Springfield, I've been teaching the St. John's "Childbirth Express" class and helping women with lactation concerns as a Certified Lactation Counselor since 2012.  In addition, I've been leading BIRTHING FROM WITHIN© classes since 2013.    

​During the birth of my two children in 2005 and 2008, I felt well-informed, empowered and supported throughout the process. Reflecting on my positive birth experiences, I knew that I wanted to help other mothers experience a fulfilling birth as they define it. 

It is important for me to get to know the mother and her partner to discuss preferences and concerns before the important day arrives. I can help couples create a birth plan they feel comfortable with and encourage mom to discuss those preferences with her primary care provider. Open communication and exploration of birthing expectations can set the tone for a trusting and confident birthing experience. While attending her labor, my focus is on the mother and how best her partner/spouse and I can support her. 
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It is truly an honor to be present at the birth of a child and to provide the mother with nurturing, experienced support during such an important experience in her life.


Email: andra@doulasofspringfield.com

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Doulas of Springfield, Illinois

Testimonials

Choosing to have Andra present was the best decision we made for this birth. She made our fears around a hospital birth nonexistent and she made sure that she knew our wishes and communicated them to hospital staff. I was extremely happy with the whole birth experience.
- Jeannette

Andra was very in tune with my needs as a laboring mother. She was prepared and knowledgeable of techniques that helped me cope with the discomforts of natural labor. She was calm and therefore helped me stay calm and relaxed. She communicated well with the staff of the hospital. I was extremely pleased with Andra as my doula.
- Keri

Hiring Andra was the best decision we made during the pregnancy. Every woman should have this guidance and support for their pregnancy. Andra was available offering support, advice, guidance at every step. She did research for me, went to doctor appointment, talked to me on the phone, texted...she did it all! I had a wonderful support team during my pregnancy and when I delivered my baby. I highly recommend Andra and would love to work with her again! 
- Sara

I am so glad we hired Andra. Can't imagine labor without the extra support she provided! 
- Heidi

Andra was a great help in what was a very difficult labor that ended in a C-section. Her clarity and strength were much needed and appreciated. 
​- Nancy

Andra was a calming presence during our long labor and I really appreciated her hands-on support with back labor! She also helped my husband and me make informed decisions throughout! We were so grateful for Andra's kind spirit and tireless commitment! 
​- Melanie​

​Birthing From Within Class Testimonials

"Andra is a very caring and passionate person. You can tell she truly loves the whole birthing process and loves to help guide people through their journey. Andra is very well-informed and had a great teaching technique that was more conversational then lecture. I can't say enough good things about Andra and this (Birthing From Within) class. I would recommend it to any expectant couple."
​-Lindsey 

"For our first pregnancy my husband and I wanted to take as many classes as we could and thought worthwhile. I feel we got the most information and had the best experience in our (Birthing from Within) class with Andra. We learned so much in those few weeks and the information was way more in depth and concise than classes we had attended elsewhere or even in all the literature we were consuming. It was a weekly session of information, therapy and empowerment. I was able to express my fears, concerns and questions in a supportive environment and have each of them addressed in kind words with empirical information and anecdotes. It was such a great experience that we intend to do it again when we are blessed with another pregnancy."
​-Ellen 

"I really enjoyed this class. Things like this are extremely uncomfortable for me so you must be doing something right!"
​-Luke