Portland Doula Collective
www.portlanddoulas.net
(503) 504-6952
ecnedurp9@yahoo.com
Certified Labor Doula, Certified Rebozo Instructor, Dad Certified, BS Psychology

My children, more than anything, have given me a passion for birth and in helping empower women and couples throughout pregnancy and the journey of birth.  I graduated from the University of Oregon in 1996 with a degree in Psychology, focusing on Early Childhood Development and Outdoor Recreation and Pursuits.  I worked as a Facilitator on an outdoor Challenge course where my job was to guide, empower and motivate people from all walks of life.  I was passionate about helping and inspiring people to find their own inner strengths.

It took the birth of my first child in 1998 to give these passions a more clear purpose.  Since then I have been inspired to help other woman on their journey through pregnancy and childbirth.  Through the birth of my three babies, I discovered the joy and satisfaction of making my own choices and realized just how important this can be in a woman’s life.  I love being able to advocate and educate mommas and couples by supporting them through labor and by helping them process and feel satisfied with the choices they made.

I have witnessed births in hospitals, at birth centers and home births.  My experiences include medicated and unmedicated birth, and I have supported a variety of birth needs and circumstances including VBAC, induction, cesarean, LGBTQ families, twins, sexual trauma, over 40, high risk, single parents, water birth, non English speaking spouse/family members, to name but a few.

As your Labor Doula my goal is to provide comfort measures and to support and guide you on your birth journey.  I will help educate you and your birth team about your birth options, provide continuous labor support and help you process your own personal birth experience.  Every birth is unique.  It is my goal to provide non-judging care, compassionately and calmly.  I will also work with your partner and your care providers to create a more relaxing birth environment.

I am also a Certified Rebozo Instructor and I am Dad Certified.  I feel passionate about using the Rebozo to help create a more comfortable environment for both mom and her partner. I use relaxation techniques, visualization and comfort measures with my Rebozos.  I enjoy helping Dads/Partners feel more relaxed and prepared during labor.  My goal is to give the Birth Partner tools to feel more able to assist in comfort and to feel more mentally present with the birthing mother.

In my free time I enjoy cooking and sharing food with my friends, spending time in nature, sitting on my front porch staring at the night sky, treasure hunting at garage sales, creative writing, creative decorating, and spending quality time with my three children and husband.

For more information and rates, please contact me directly or take a look at www.portlanddoulas.com.  Take care and Enjoy these precious days of your pregnancy!