Our Story

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Amy grew up near Fort Wayne, Indiana and after attending Ball State University came back to Fort Wayne where she started a family and put down lasting roots.

Fort Wayne Doulas + Lactation (FWD+L) was built on the foundation that: the journey is the destination in parenting. And no one should ever feel alone in this journey of a lifetime.

Over the years FWD+L has blossomed into something beautiful. A group of women brought together by their passion to serve others and bring healing, compassion, and absolute joy to growing families in northeast Indiana.

FWD+L specializes in postpartum doula care including: after-birth recovery support, breastfeeding, newborn care, light housework and meal preparation. We look forward to providing unwavering care and desired resources to families as they discover their parenting style and grow their families.

Meet Our Team

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Amy Sickels,
BS, CPD, IBCLC

Founder, 2014

Amy looks forward to providing unwavering support and desired resources to families as they discover their parenting style and grow their families. Amy believes the journey is the destination in parenting and with the right support, even the largest hurdles can be overcome.

A woman with dark hair and bangs, wearing a green t-shirt and gold jewelry, smiling at the camera. She has tattoos on her arm, and the background appears to be an indoor setting with blurred furniture. 
Certified Postpartum Doula

Alyssa Oprie,
RN, BSN, CD/PCD (DONA)

Caring for and supporting new families is Alyssa’s primary goal and passion. Whether it’s your first or your fifth, Alyssa can help you through the transition of bringing new life into your family.

In addition to working with Fort Wayne Doulas as a postpartum doula, Alyssa is a certified birth doula through DONA and has been a nurse for over 15 years, currently working as a labor & delivery and postpartum nurse. She and her husband are raising four children and they felt first-hand the benefit of a postpartum doula. Alyssa knows that each family has their own specific needs and parenting styles, and each birth experience and newborn are unique. She’ll work with you to ensure your preferences are prioritized and your individual needs are met.

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Izabella Thompson, CLS

Certified Lactation Specialist

Izabella’s passion for supporting the breastfeeding dyad comes from her love for nutrition, holistic health and birth. She works to serve and meet you wherever you are in your journey.

Izabella grew up in the greater Indianapolis area and moved to Fort Wayne in 2023. She works to assist families with lactation support and care throughout their entire lactation journey. As a Certified Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) she works alongside IBCLCs and pediatricians to best care for the breastfeeding mother and baby holistically. 

Georgia Manges, CPD

Certified Postpartum Doula

Georgia is a birth and postpartum doula who is passionate about trauma informed, culturally sensitive, and socially inclusive care. As a postpartum doula, her goal is to open-heartedly serve you and cater to your unique needs. As you navigate all that postpartum entails, Georgia will support you with a steady presence, calming energy, and attention to detail. Her primary goal is to help you feel supported and heard and to make your postpartum transition a bit lighter.

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Sara Ecenbarger

Office Manager at The Haven Wellness

Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, Sara brings comfort and care to everyone she meets. She looks forward to showing you around The Haven and making you feel at home.

Agency of Support

Fort Wayne Doulas + Lactation specializes in lactation and postpartum support services. To be able to serve you better, Fort Wayne Doulas + Lactation has a team approach to care where families are able to have a customized schedule and continuity of care. Serving the Fort Wayne and surrounding areas, Fort Wayne Doulas + Lactation promises to provide consistent, unwavering support for you and your family.

You are never alone.

We look forward to getting to know you better.

Contact Us