Portland Doula Co.
Guiding You Through Every Phase with Compassionate, Informed, and Empowering Support
Prenatal Support Uniquely for You
Why Hire a Doula?
Employing the services of a trained doula can help empower you to make planning decisions that will help to ensure your labor and birth experience feels safe, affirming and powerful.
Research shows that the support of a doula, when used in conjunction with that of a medical provider, will improve your sense of empowerment, outlook on your birthing experience, and result in fewer medical interventions in the delivery room.
We work with all families to tailor their doula experience to fit their needs. We are passionate about educating pregnant folks about pregnancy, labor and delivery. There should be no power hierarchy in pregnancy. Pregnancy should not feel like a medical procedure or something that is being done "to you". It is a natural process that you should feel empowered.
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We are here to remind you of your power and your innate wisdom.
We Support All Families
Our labor services are integrative and extend to families in different ways to meet each individual's needs.
Some families choose to work with our providers virtually to learn about their birthing options. Some choose physical in person support in the hospital setting. We provide FULL SPECTRUM services meaning we support families through preconception all the way through delivery, loss, or termination.
We are honored to be able to also support surrogacy families, adoption, abortion, and reductions.
Please contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Prenatal
Support can include:
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Comprehensive education to support you during pregnancy, labor and beyond.
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Birth Preferences Development
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Supportive services with reductions or abortive procedures.
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24 hour per day, 7 days per week on call support from 37 weeks on
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Email support & text support from the day you sign the contract!
​Labor & Delivery Support can include:
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Help through times of transition with comfort measures
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Remind you of your birth preferences
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Help your support person
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Massage
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Give encouragement
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Practice planned birthing techniques
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Provide feeding support after birth
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Setting a calm environment
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And so much more!
FAQ
What does a doula do? Doulas are a treasure trove of information. They are knowledgable about various comfort measures and often can help explain medical terms. They are not medical providers but they provide emotional, physical and educational support throughout pregnancy, labor and beyond. They also offer continuous labor support meaning they do not change shifts but instead stay with you until your baby is earthside.
How is a doula different than a midwife? A doula is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing person and their partner before, during, and after childbirth. A midwife is a trained medical professional who provides comprehensive healthcare to women and birthing people throughout the pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum periods. They can also offer gynecological care. Both doulas & Midwives see birth as inherently safe
Can I use a doula if I am having a c-section? Absolutely! Doulas can provide information & support when interventions are needed. They can provide you with information to prepare mentally, emotionally and physically for the surgery. Your doula will join you at the hospital and provide a calm support for you and your support person/people while you wait for the procedure. If your partner/support person does not feel comfortable about being in the OR, your doula can be present while they wait for you to return to the labor & delivery room. If you have someone in the OR with you, your doula can wait for you to return after the procedure. Once you return, your doula will help with the baby’s first feed and ensure you & your people are fed!
Will having a doula replace my partner? No! We want to ensure your partner/labor support person is as involved as they feel comfortable. I will give your person tips and suggestions. I will also ensure your person is supported (sleep, food, water) to ensure they can make it through the journey with you.
If I have a long labor will you change shifts or leave? No, we will be with you from the time you ask us to come until you are 1-2 hours postpartum. In the rare occasion when I feel the quality of your care is being compromised (due to lack of sleep or illness) I will ask my back up doula to come take over (with your consent).