Doulas
What is a doula?
Birth doulas are knowledgeable about, and experienced in, the birth process.
A labor doula provides emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing people before, during, and just after childbirth. We think our doulas are pretty special. They bring a wealth of knowledge and years of experience, they have supported hundreds of families on their journey to parenthood. They are skilled at helping protect the pelvic floor during labor and birth, having been trained by Dr. Lisa and Dr. Katie. Our doulas are grounded in evidence based information, are staunch supporters of patient advocacy, full of compassion, and truly love what they do!
Postpartum doulas work with families after bringing home a new baby. They provide day or night support and are there to help with a wide range of things from light housekeeping to infant care. They can help you get some much needed rest, teach you how to baby wear, change a diaper, or give that first bath. They are also great with older children in the home, can offer resources for other care providers, take care of the day's dishes and laundry,make meals and snacks, and help new parents to find their rhythm and learn about their baby’s cues. It really does take a village to raise a baby and our Postpartum doulas can be your guides to figuring it all out!
Amy Furnish
Amy’s professional and personal endeavors have always been driven by an unwavering commitment to supporting thriving children and empowered families- as a devoted eldest sister to 5 siblings, a professional nanny specializing in infants, a direct support, a social worker, and now as a Postpartum Doula!
Amy views the postpartum period as a time of profound transformation and is honored to witness and support families throughout the 4th trimester with non-judgmental, compassionate care. Amy integrates her social work education with her deep understandings of maternal health, infant development, nutrition, and community resources, to provide evidence-based information, emotional support, and referrals to local resources.
At the core of Amy’s approach is the principle of nourishment- whether this comes in the form of: preparing a nutrient dense meal or a warming herbal tea, a nurturing conversation, or caring for baby while parents rest or engage in a self care practice. Amy’s priority is to facilitate a space of nurturing where recovery and bonding can flourish. Amy hopes to leave the families she works with feeling confident, secure, and in connection with their babies and to their own intuitive wisdom as parents. As well as empowered with knowledge and resources so they continue to thrive long after her time with them.
Amy’s Background
Amy has felt called to the world of birth work since she was a teenager, and was further inspired by her time traveling throughout Mexico and Central America and learning about the birth & postpartum traditions from local communities. She has completed certification as a Certified Lactation Consultation and is also currently training to become an Innate Traditions Postpartum Practitioner. She is also a photographer and passionate about capturing the special magic of fourth trimester and motherhood!
When she’s not supporting families or traveling- she finds joy in cooking, photography, picnics in the park, and live music!
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Elle Dieal
Birth starts in the mind long before the first surge begins, and continues in our story of how we feel heard, uplifted, and honored. As a doula, I help clients find the information they need to make informed and empowered choices, and sink into practiced tools for coping and navigating their birth as it unfolds. I approach birth both from the mind — with evidence-based insight and advocacy — and somatically, as we go inward toward intuition and the experience of staying present, calm, and in-your-body.
My path to doula work began with my own journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Feeling genuinely supported and empowered during that time transformed me. It forged my matrescence — that profound becoming of a parent — into a new foundational pillar in my life. I witnessed firsthand what it means to be held with care during one of the most vulnerable and powerful transitions a person can experience, and I knew I wanted to offer that same presence to others.
Birth, in all its forms, is sacred and deeply personal. Whether you are planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, a cesarean, a VBAC, or something still unfolding — I am here without agenda. My role as your doula isn't to tell you how your birth "should" look. It's about listening, respecting your choices, and steadfastly encouraging you through every moment of the journey. I believe that when people feel truly seen and supported, they access a strength they didn't know they had.
As a Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor, I also bring a deep commitment to supporting families beyond the birth itself. Whether you are navigating the early days of feeding, working through challenges, or simply want a knowledgeable and compassionate companion in the postpartum haze, I am here for that too. This full-spectrum approach — from pregnancy through the fourth trimester and beyond — reflects my belief that the transition into parenthood deserves continuous, unhurried support.
It is my greatest honor to walk alongside other parents experiencing this transformative time, and to compassionately add ease to the transition. I can't wait to be part of your village.
Training and Education
- Full Spectrum Doula Training & Certification, Doula Trainings International
- Healthy Children's Project 95hr Certified Lactation Counselor Training
- Certified Lactation Counselor, The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice
- Spinning Babies, Foundational Workshop
- Evidence Based Birth, 9.5 CEUs on: PROM, GBS, AMA, Due Dates, VBAC, and more
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Infant and Adult CPR/AED Certified, American Heart Association
- Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens Course, American Heart Association
- Abortion Companion Training, Chicago Women's Health Center
Doula Fee: $2200
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Sarah Doggett
Becoming parents is a huge life transition. As your doula, I’m here to help you find the information you need, keep a sense of humor about it, and let the rest go. I strive to include both birthing parents and their partners in the conversation, preparation, and process of creating birth and postpartum plans. As each birthing family has unique needs and preferences, I hold space for you to find your path for your birth experience. I truly believe having the right kind of gentle, accepting and strong support during this time can bring more peace to families and the whole of society. I love to bring my own sense of calm and delight to pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I will listen with an open mind to your wants, wishes and needs. I have a mellow nature that tends to put people at ease so you can also enjoy this incredible time.
I have been educating myself about birth and babies since I was pregnant with my first child in 1999. While in labor, I had an epiphany that I wanted to help other parents to have the kind of support that I received. I was naturally drawn to attachment parenting and started making and selling infant slings and nerding out on bonding, baby wearing, and the parent/baby connection. As a new mother I trained as an Infant Massage and Communication instructor, deepening my interest and commitment to healthy families. Four more babies and 20 years later, the humbling magic of birth still draws me in.
In 2006, I attended DONA approved Sacred Doula Training. This in-depth training that honors the rite of passage that IS birth, uses birth art, affirmations, the power of story and listening. It fueled my passion to surround parents with support even more. Since that time I have been helping families as a birth and postpartum doula. To be of service in offering comfort and ease in the challenging transition into parenthood is such a life enhancing blessing to me. I continue to seek out education about birth, reproductive health, and babies, and to believe that this is the most fun and interesting work I could be doing. I have found that being a doula does not limit me to helping ONLY with birth and babies, but rather it is a part of who I am. I use the same reverence and skills to help people through all kinds of life transitions and challenges. Using reiki, other energetic practices, and essential oils enhances the healing and help I can provide exponentially.
Mama to five growing kids from elementary school to college. I love to dance, make things with my hands, walk in the forest and hug trees, cook delicious food and sing. In a past life I received a BA in Language Studies (Japanese) from UC Santa Cruz and traveled overland from Denmark to India.
Training and Education
Sacred Doula Training with Carrie Kenner (DONA) 2006
Supporting Parents Through Grief with Carrie Kenner 2007
Undisturbing Birth Workshop with Sarah J. Buckley MD 2014
Advanced Doula Training with Carrie Kenner (DONA) 2017-2018:
- Powerful Prenatals
- Journey Through the PelvisPlacenta Encapsulation
- TENS Unit and Rebozo Skills
- Breast/Chestfeeding Resources and Skills
- Business Skills for Doulas
- Supporting Families in Grief
- Sacred Birth Journey for Couples from Anni Daulter of Sacred Pregnancy
- Belly Binding and Sealing from Anni Daulter of Sacred Pregnancy
Doula Fee: $2400
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Julia Martin
As your doula, my main goal is to provide unwavering support and a calm nurturing presence for you and your family throughout your birth and postpartum journey. From our first meeting, I hope we are able to build trust and clear communication as we partner together on this exciting adventure.
One of my greatest desires is to help you achieve the kind of birth and postpartum experiences you have envisioned, while also being fully prepared if circumstances arise that are out of your control. I’m committed to providing resources that will help you feel educated and empowered to make the decisions that are right for you. Wherever you choose to give birth to your baby, and whatever parenting choices you make in the early days and weeks postpartum, I want to make sure you feel supported and can trust in me to advocate for you during this precious time.
I’ve been so lucky to give birth to 5 children of my own, including a set of boy/girl twins. My firsthand experience has given me insight into the joys and uncertainties that come with becoming a new parent. At times it can definitely feel overwhelming! As your birth and/or postpartum doula, I look forward to working with your family to discover the best ways to care for and support your families specific needs.
I look forward to connecting soon!
Qualifications
- Certified Oregon Traditional Health Worker
- Birth Doula 6 Month Internship, Mother Tree Birth
- DONA Birth Doula Training, Mother Tree Birth
- DONA Postpartum Doula Training, Mother Tree Birth
- DONA Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula (In Progress)
- Licensed Massage Therapist, Oregon School of Massage
- Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
- Mamamassage/nurturing bodywork for pregnancy-Leslie Stager RN,LMT
- Infant massage-Mary Ady, CIMI
About Julia
- Loves coffee, crafting, gardening, hiking, camping, all things related to water (ocean/rivers/lakes/streams).
- She and her husband stay busy (and a little crazy) with their blended family of 6.
- Native Oregonian, grew up snowboarding at Mt. Hood and playing softball. Always up for a competitive game of pool, darts or shuffleboard.
“We had Julia for postpartum doula help after bringing home twins. It was the best possible decision we could have made for such an important time in our (and our babies’) lives! Julia immediately struck us with her warmth, humor, and experience as a doula and mom of twins. Most importantly, from day 1 we were completely comfortable trusting her to take excellent care of our babies, which allowed us to relax, connect with each other, and get some very needed rest. Julia was always willing to share her experiences and give advice when asked. We really appreciated that she was supportive of our decisions and approaches regarding things like feeding and sleep training and tried to help us make those approaches work. Having Julia’s support during the 4th trimester was a huge game changer for our mental and relationship health and we’re so grateful! ”
— Jessica and Rhiannon (and Sylvan, Rowan and Loren)
Doula Fee: $2300, includes one prenatal or postpartum massage
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Mel Swanson
Doula
My introduction to doula work came somewhat unexpectedly during my years of family planning. Instead of going down the path of parenthood, I became encompassed by the birth world and every aspect that came along with it. Beginning professional doula work helped me realize that supporting families through the childbearing year was not just a career but a passion. What started by chance has turned into my calling. Adding photography to document these intimate journeys gave me another way to connect with the families I served.
At this time, I'm focusing primarily on backup postpartum support and I aim to be a warm, anticipatory presence during this wondrous, yet challenging transition in your family's life. Holding space, providing rest, offering resources, and helping you care for your little one is a true honor. My hope is that you'll look back on this sacred time and remember the love & self-care that helped you recover and connect with your family. I offer inclusive care and have been working with a myriad of diverse family structures in the Portland area as they've entered parenthood for over 7 years, handling their precious newborns with intuitive touch, respect, and understanding.
When I'm not supporting new families, I am immersed in my infant photography work at Sommessa Photography, lifting weights at the gym, cooking for loved ones, hiking, rehabilitating rescue dogs, and spending time with my critters.
Training & Education
- Labor Doula training through Birthingway College of Midwifery
- Postpartum Doula training through Birthingway College of Midwifery
- Emergency Childbirth for Doulas, Holly Scholles
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Infant and Adult CPR/AED certified, American Heart Association
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Kelly Overly
Birth and Postpartum Doula and Certified Lactation Counselor
There are moments in life that connect us to each other in ways we could have never imagined. The intersections of woman to mother, of man to father, of individuals forming families, of science and nature, these are the moments that can seem both miraculous while mundane and then somehow, blend into one and other seamlessly. Birth is possibly one of the greatest of these intersections. Within these amazing intersections, great change occurs, and not only is a child birthed, but so too, is a parent.
As a doula, I support these intersections where new life is brought into the world and family grows. I believe in the power of the birthing person and feel called to be of service and support during a time of great vulnerability and strength. I seek to help create a birth experience that feels safe, supported, empowered and loving for everyone involved in the birth story.
I help the birthing person through knowledge of natural pain coping techniques, labor positioning and comfort massage. I’m a big advocate for evidence based information and have a great appreciation for all of the options a birthing individual has - from a cesarean, epidural, or induction to an unmedicated home birth in the water. Everything has its place and I want to help you figure out what works best for your body, your baby, and your family. I believe the power of feeling in control of one’s body and of one’s desires during the birth experience can greatly enhance the enjoyment felt surrounding birth - this drives me to help my clients become their own best advocates. I believe that even the smallest of voices should be heard and respected as if they were the loudest of roars and one of my goals is that my clients are heard throughout their birth experiences. This story belongs to you, the birthing family, and I would be honored to assist you in the specific ways you need to navigate this incredible time in your life.
Background
I worked in the Oregon and Washington wine industry for many years before I felt a calling to be of service to families during a time of incredible growth. On my path to becoming a midwife, I was delighted to find my home in doula work. I trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula through Mother Tree Doula Services in Portland, Oregon where I have mentored other aspiring doulas. I volunteered as a Labor Doula for the Gateway Doula Project at Providence Hospital, I served as the Board President for PDX Doulas at OHSU where I also mentored new doulas. I have served as a general board member for Birthingway College of Midwifery and was both the Vice-President and President of the Oregon Doula Association. I have been certified as a Birth Doula through DONA International and as a Traditional Health Worker for Oregon State. I am a Certified Lactation Counselor and the Practice Manager at Jewell Chiropractic. I gave birth to my first child in December 2019 with the much appreciated help of an epidural, and to my second in February of 2022 unmedicated at home in the water. I have a personal understanding of how strange it is to be a brand new parent during a pandemic. When I am not busy supporting birth and new families, I can be found at home with my kiddos baking, gardening, or playing and feeling so lucky to be their parent. When they are sleeping I’m constantly trying new crafty things - macrame, crochet, weaving, and my latest adventure is embroidery - so far my flowers look a little wonky, but I’m enjoying the process!
Experience and Relevant Education
- Healthy Children's Project Certified Lactation Counselor Training
- The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice Board Certified Lactation Counselor
- DONA Certified Birth Doula
- Oregon State Traditional Health Worker
- DONA-approved Birth Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services
- DONA-approved Postpartum Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services
- Birth Doula 6-month Internship with Mother Tree Birth Services
- ICEA-approved Childbirth Educator Training with Portland Doula Love
- HypnoBirthing with Kadie Barber HBCE, CD(DONA)
- Culturally Competent Care Training with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Collaborative Practice and Professionalism Training with PDX Doulas
- Spinning Babies Training with Tammy Ryan, AvdCD/BDT(DONA), SpBT
- Spinning Babies Training with Gail Tully, CPM, Spinning Babies Founder
- Trauma Informed Care with Mandy Davis Ph.D., LCSW
- The Impact of Stress on the Developing Fetus with Sherri Alderman, MD, MPH, IMH-E
- Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Men and Non-Birth Partners with Sam Stevens, MS, LMFT
- Gender Diversity in Health Care with Amy Penkin, LCSW
- Bridging Theories of Grief with Judith L.M. McCoyd Ph.D., QCSW, LCSW
- Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
- Advanced Massage and Acupressure Training for Doulas with Jennie King, LAc, LMT
- Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas
Doula Fee: My fee is $2900 - $3500.
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Patrice Morris
Postpartum Doula
As your postpartum doula I would love to help you gain secure ground in new territory, and confidence for the road forward. I began supporting new families decades ago, before I knew the word doula. After giving birth to my own baby, I was on the receiving end of invaluable help and guidance in the early days. Now that my daughter is thriving in her adult life, I have returned to the only work that makes sense — lending a hand and heart to parents just beginning on the path.
As your life shifts into a new normal you deserve to be supported by a team of trusted professionals. I see myself filling the role of ideal auntie or grandmother, sharing experience and pragmatic wisdom, with your family’s best interests at heart.
During this time of full-immersion caregiving, I will support you in feeling cared for. You deserve to have someone anticipate your needs and respond with kindness.
During this time of overwhelm, I will support you in feeling room to breathe.
During this time of constant change, I will support you in feeling acceptance of where you are right now. Take comfort in knowing that bodies heal, babies grow, and families adapt in their own time.
During this time of steep learning curves, I will support you in feeling confident as a parent. As you become more attuned to your baby’s non-verbal language you will trust yourself to respond with a clear sense of what they need at that moment.
My ongoing anchor in life is the Big Mother. Lately I’ve been able to recharge to my heart’s content in the forest, by the river, or at the ocean—ideally all three. (Thank you, Oregon coastal forest!) Being alone in nature is essential for my mental and physical health, and for my spirit. It’s easy to feel the beauty and rightness of things just as they are, in constant motion. I find solace, ground, trust, connection, and rejuvenation. I like to think these qualities travel with me when I show up to support you.
Specialized Offerings
Infant Massage Instruction
Sharing touch and focused interaction with your baby facilitates growth and development at all levels. It promotes sleep and strengthens the bond between baby and caregivers. An infant massage routine provides relaxation for both you and your baby, and it can be incorporated into your baby's care at any age.
Jin Shin Jyutsu Physio Philosophy
As a student and practitioner of Jin Shin Jyutsu acupressure for nearly forty years, I understand the ways in which body, mind, energy, and emotions affect each other. I can show you how this simple healing art is applied, in a non-invasive hands-on way, to yourself or your family. It doesn’t matter if you have thirty seconds or thirty minutes, utilizing Jin Shin Jyutsu will harmonize, energize, and give your body a chance to find its balance.
Relevant Training and Experience
- Postpartum Doula Training, DONA International approved, with Jesse Remer, Mother Tree Doula Services
- Newborn Care Specialist, Foundational and Advanced Training, with Newborn Care Solutions (NCS)
- Breastfeeding for Doulas and Healthcare Professionals, with Christina Whitlow IBCLC, CD (DONA)
- Nourishing Support: Breast/Chestfeeding Education for Doulas, with Robin Kaplan, M.ED., IBCLC, FNC, founder of San Diego Breastfeeding Center
- RIE Parenting Preparation Course (RIE is Resources for Infant Educarers founded my Magda Gerber), with Courtney Dern of Beech Street Parenting
- Holistic Sleep Revolution, with Lyndsey Hookway, Holistic Sleep Coach
- Sleeposium 2022 Pediatric Sleep Conference, with Child Sleep Institute
- Preventing Trauma in the Birth Room, Level I, Darcy Perinatal Counseling
- Powerful Prenatals Communication Training, with Carrie Kenner
- Infant Massage Instructor, International Association of Infant Massage Instructors
- Practitioner, Jin Shin Jyutsu Physio-Philosophy
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, American Red Cross
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Jen Reed
Doula
I never thought that being a doula would be something I would add to my wheelhouse. But then I had babies.
My name is Jen, and I am the director of Modo Yoga Portland, which I co-own with my sister. I have been teaching yoga for twelve years; most often with swear words, and always with curiosity and humor. This path leaves me constantly in awe of the way bodies work and filled with a reverence for the mind-body connection that yoga so often provokes.
Since becoming a doula, I have continued my study of anatomy as it pertains to the birth process, and believe, more than ever, in the power of movement and positioning both prenatally and in labor.
As your doula, I hope to hold space for you to find your strength and trust your body’s wisdom. I will absolutely keep your body moving during the birth process as much as possible to help facilitate more space for baby and comfort for you. In moments of challenge, I am there for you for support, reassurance and encouragement. I hope to help balance the myriad of sacred emotions that arise during the birth process with a modicum of humor. Let’s make this a joyous occasion!
In addition to my doula certification, I am also certified in the Body Ready Method, which uses exercise science and body biomechanics principals to optimize ou bodies for birth. We all carry the story of our lives in our tissues: our trauma, our sports, our professions and how we generally carry ourselves throughout our days. Pregnancy often exacerbates these compensation patterns, which can lead to unnecessary pain during our gestation. As an add on, I can offer private movement sessions that are based on a personal body analysis to identify areas that could use strengthening, lengthening and awareness in preparation for your labor.
Birth is more than an event. It is a transformation that changes people into parents, and groups of people into villages. From a yogic perspective, birth is one of the most humbling paths to total surrender and has added mountains of awe to my already awe-filled perspective, and it is an incredible honor to support you on this journey.
I am nourished from being a wife, mother of two gorgeous boys, getting my hands dirty in our small urban farm, watching yoga wiggle its way under students’ proverbial skin, and being a part of an incredible village of support for whom I am incredibly grateful that I get to see on an almost daily basis.
Experience and Education
- Cornerstone Doula Trainings: Labor and Birth Doula Training
- Body Ready Method (Birth Prep and Optimization Course)
- Spinning Babies
- 40 Hour Bliss Baby Prenatal Yoga Training
- 500 Hour Modo Level 1 Yoga Training
- 200 Hour Modo Flow Level 2 Yoga Training
- 200 Hour Level 1 Baptiste Power Yoga Training
- 200 Hour Sequencing Training with Dina Tsouluhas and David Testo
- 20 Hour workshops with Nikki Doane and Eddie Modestini, Noah Maze, Tiffany Cruikshank and Rocky Heron
- Co-Owner and Director of Modo Yoga Portland
- Prenatal Yoga Instructor at Modo Yoga Portland
- 12 years as an instructor at Modo Yoga Portland as well as Montreal, Los Angeles, New York City, Seattle, Prince Edward Island, and Cincinnati teaching hatha, vinyasa, and restorative yoga
Doula Fee: $2000
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Kimmi Burk
Doula
Kimmi Burk is a mom of two, a newborn and family photographer, a postpartum doula, and an office manager with Jewell Chiropractic.
She was introduced to Portland's childbirth community and BBC when she was pregnant with her now-four-year-old, and has since been working to be a part of enhancing the postpartum experience of those in the community however she can. She experienced postpartum depression and anxiety after both of her pregnancies, and leaned heavily on BBC's virtual support groups after her second.
Contact us for more information and to hire a Doula.
Our postpartum rates are:
$60/hr for nights (8-hour minimum)
$50/hr for days (4-hour minimum)
Intentional awake overnight care for medical necessity:
$75/hr (8-hour minimum)
Ready to connect with a Doula?
Still have questions?
Get in touch and we'll be happy to chat.
