Looking for a Doula with Compassion and Dedication?

The Portland Doula Collective was started in 2009 by a group of women with a passion for pregnancy, birth, and the transition to parenthood.  In addition to our birth doula services, we are also happy to offer both a group and an individual childbirth education series.  Our doulas have typically received their training and certification through Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, OR.  Please take a look at our profiles and contact one of us.  We are dedicated to making your birth a positive experience and look forward to learning about your preferences.

At the Portland Doula Collective we provide emotional and physical support to women through their pregnancy, birth, and beyond.  We believe it is important for women to have access to resources and information regarding their birth choices and to be empowered to make informed decisions during this time.  We feel that women have the ability and right to have the type of birth they desire and we are committed to working with you toward this goal. We feel that communication during labor and birth are an important part of our job and we strive to foster a positive atmosphere between you and your birth team.

Why Have a Doula?

Doulas provide continuous care and support throughout labor and delivery.  They are available prenatally to help the mother (and partner) prepare for the type of birth desired.  After the birth, the doula can assist with initial transitions and help the new family access any needed support.

Research has shown that having doula support can reduce the need for interventions during labor and increase the mother’s feelings of satisfaction with the birth experience.
Specifically, having doula labor support has been shown to*:

  • Decrease need for a cesarean section by 50%
  • Decrease duration of the labor by 25%
  • Decrease requests for interventions such as epidurals (by 60%) and pain medications (by 30%)
  • Decrease need for other interventions such as Pitocin (synthetic oxytocin) by 40% and the need to use forceps by 40%
  • Increase mother’s sense of self-esteem and decrease the rate of postpartum depression six weeks after the birth
  • Increase continuation of breastfeeding six weeks after the birth

Our doulas will help you gather information in preparation for your ideal birth and will support you throughout the birthing process and immediate postpartum period.

*from Klaus, Kennell and Klaus (1993) referenced in the article Doula Care: An Age-Old Process Meets the 20th Century by Naomi Bromberg Bar-Yam (IJCE 18(4) p.18-20)