Resources & Faq's

Resources & FAQ's

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"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

-Mahatma Gandhi

Frequently Asked Questions

What experience do you have?

I have my own birth experiences to draw from and I have also attended four other births. I have attended one home birth and three hospital births. I have experience with adoptions, twins, and premature infants. I have worked closely with fathers, grandmas, sisters, and single moms. I hope to continue to gain experience throughout my journey as a doula. I feel that my position as a breastfeeding counselor and my education in child development also lend to this position. Above all, I feel that my empathy, understanding, and patience as a woman, a friend, a sister, and a mother give me the experience and knowledge to do this work.

What training do you have?

I attended a DONA birth doula training in April of 2007. I have been through the Early Childhood Education program at Portland Community College with an emphasis in ages birth through three years. I have attended many breastfeeding workshops and have acquired breastfeeding training through my job as a private breastfeeding counselor. I have current adult/child/infant CPR & First Aid certification.

Why did you become a doula?

I had a wonderful experience with the birth of my second child. I was unaware when I had my first child that labor could feel so empowering. The biggest difference for me was not the amount of pain, it was my knowledge and a strong and educated support team. Because of the difference this made for my labor, I want to offer this to other women. I think that continuous labor support, childbirth education, and the genuine chance to breastfeed should be offered to all women. I hope to be a part of the change in the way women give birth in my own community.

What if I choose pain medication or a C-section is necessary?

A mother may choose to have both a doula and medications. A doula can still be very helpful through different types of medication, induction, epidural, and even a ceserean section. I prefer unmedicated birth and I will offer all of the information possible however, this is not my birth, it is yours. I believe that each woman should have their individual birth vision. Worries, questions, and concerns about labor, birth, and medications or interventions necessary may still exist and a doula can help the laboring family through this time. I can offer information, loan books from my personal library, and help you research specific interests or concerns. With or without medication I will still be available to hold hands, help with position changes, offer breathing techniques, and other physical & emotional comforts.

How often may we call or e-mail you with questions?

I welcome unlimited calls and e-mails from both mom and her support team. This is your labor experience and I want you to feel as informed as possible. I want to be able to address all of your questions and concerns as they arise. I am also happy to help you find other resources in the community. I want all mommies to feel as informed as possible because it is important to me that women feel more empowered throughout labor, birth, and breastfeeding. For this reason, I urge all parents to check out my recommended reading page and feel free to email me with questions.

What if you can't make it to our birth?

I always clear my calender in the weeks surrounding a birth. I give clients at least two numbers where I can always be reached. If for some reason an emergency were to occur and I became unavailable, I would recommend calling a back-up doula. Your family may like to choose your own back-up doula or I can refer you to one of the women I work with in our area. Some families like to meet with a back-up doula in advance and others are comfortable just knowing they have her information, should the need arise.