There are a lot of different ways to become a doula. I am a certified labor doula, which means that I took a workshop and learned primarily though reading, classroom discussion, videos, and homework assignments. Then I had to complete my practicum, which involved serving five families as a labor doula for free, in order to get feedback from clients and their caregivers. Then I sat for a written test.

I certified through Birthingway College of Midwifery in SE Portland. I chose this route because reading, classroom time, and hands-on experience are how I learn best.

Doulas are nonmedical support professionals. A doula’s role is to help you through a certain aspect of your childbearing year – whether it’s labor support or postpartum support. We are trained to provide both physical and emotional comfort measures. We are also intended to be a non-biased, fact-based resource at a time of your life when everything is changing.

Here’s an example of some things I do in the delivery room: arranging pillows, suggesting position changes, making sure the person in labor is drinking enough water, applying chapstick, fetching snacks, breathing through contractions, tapping partner out so they can eat or nap or pee, corresponding with excited, expectant family members, applying cold or warm compresses, running a bath, dimming the lights, DJing, adjusting the hospital bed,  and/or sitting still and letting the parents work together on their own.

A midwife is a medical practitioner. A doula is not. Your midwife can check your cervix, listen to baby’s heart tones, determine the positioning of your baby, and ensure that your baby is delivered safely. Your doula can help you breathe through a contraction, teach you effective laboring positions, wipe your face, or perform a hip squeeze to release the tension in your back. Doulas and midwives are both birth professionals, but the scopes of practice are vastly different.

We are lucky enough to live in a city with an abundance of choices. When you begin researching and interviewing doulas, the most important factor you should consider is how you feel when you’re with them. Do you feel comfortable and safe? Do you like their sense of humor? Do you feel like you’d like to spend more time with them? Do you vibe? Your gut reaction to a doula candidate will be your best barometer. This is someone you’re going to have a baby in front of! You should feel comfortable with them from the very start.

All! I believe that any family who desires a doula should be able to have one. I am happy to incorporate traditions from any culture or religion into your birthing experience.

I have worked with families conceiving with IVF. I have worked with parents pursuing a trial of labor after cesarean/vaginal birth after cesarean (TOLAC/VBAC). I welcome working with all families, including plus size pregnant people, those who struggle with addiction, and LGBTQ families.