Birth as Instinct

My belief that birth is instinctual for mom as well as health care providers and support women was on display in all it's glory last night. When we are given space and time to surrender to the natural flow of birth and accept its rhythms and pulses, a baby can be born in a way that is best for her and mom.

The majority of moms-to-be that I know fill their time up with childbirth classes and as many books as they can possibly read before labor. But when a woman chooses not to follow that path, to allow birth to unfold without any preconceived notions of what should happen, she is able to look deep inside herself and create the birth experience that feels perfect for the state she is in at that moment.

It was a blessing to witness such a rite of passage. A mom that, without ever trying out positions or massage or reading birth stories, fell into her own rhythm. She found her own inner voice and allowed the Universal flow of energy to sweep her up and deliver a baby.

Portland Birth Collective

Portland Birth Collective is a gathering of birth practitioners who have come together through the cooperation and community of supporting women through the natural process of birth. Through this collective we are able to guide and support one another as we each work with families in the Portland Metro area.

We offer grief support, labor doula and postpartum services, as well as education and resources during the childbearing year.

If you are interested in learning more, you can contact us at portland-birth-collective@googlegroups.com.

My Labor Doula Profile

As a Doula, I am honored to assist in whatever way you feel will best support you and your family prior to, during and after the birth of your new child.  I am privileged and humbled to be there for you and your family during the birthing process. 

My ongoing academic and professional experiences includes being a student at Birthingway College of Midwifery, a Postpartum Doula at an established birthing center, and a student Labor Doula. Throughout my work and academic responsibilities, I maintain an extremely flexible schedule to ensure you will never be without Doula support. 

My expertise includes pregnancy and postpartum diet and fitness designed to ease labor and recovery, Reiki healing, meditation, creative expression and relationship coaching (aka baby-proofing your life). If time allows, you will receive two-to-three prenatal visits where we will get to know each other. We can incorporate modalities that you and your family need, such as help with birth plans, birth art and pain coping techniques (massage and touch, positioning, breathing, meditation and visualization, vocalization, aromatherapy, energy techniques).

Postpartum, you will receive one visit, during which we will share your birth story and discuss all the challenges and joys that lay ahead. You will also receive any needed breastfeeding support during this time. 

Additional postpartum support can include meal planning and cooking, gentle yoga and exercise options, infant care techniques, natural healing, integrative life coaching, light housekeeping, dog walking and nanny care.