Birth Doula
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Birth Doula •
I’m Anna,
Born and raised on the West Coast by a strong and compassionate single mom, I grew up surrounded by animals and community, learning early on the importance of service to others. That foundation has shaped every part of my journey.
I’ve always gravitated toward work centered around children and families, whether as a camp counselor, literacy tutor, AmeriCorps member at a family nonprofit in Portland, or a nanny and babysitter for over 15 years. My passion for birth work was quietly brewing all along. After watching The Business of Being Born in high school, I became captivated by the magic of birth and deeply concerned about maternal and infant health outcomes in the U.S.
That passion led me to earn my Master’s in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health, where I focused on maternal-child health. Since then, I’ve worked in public health research, specifically supporting early home visiting programs for new parents and babies. But I couldn’t ignore the pull to do more hands-on work with families, so I answered the call to become a doula.
Now, as a doula, I combine my education, research, and caregiving backgrounds to support families with evidence-based information, emotional grounding, and a little bit of humor. Whether you’re birthing in a hospital, birth center, or at home, I will meet you with respect, advocacy, and encouragement. I aim for you to feel heard, prepared, and empowered before, during, and after birth.
Outside of birth work, I’m a dog training nerd and foster with a local rescue, an avid hiker and neighborhood walker, a proud aunt, and a devoted pet parent to two dogs and a cat. I also love gardening, baking, audiobooks, and laughing with my partner.
QUALIFICATIONS
Training Birth Doula at Intuitive Birth
Bachelor of Arts in English, Lewis & Clark College
Master of Public Health with a Concentration in Maternal Child Health, Colorado School of Public Health
Unlock your confidence in childbirth with us.
Intuitive Birth | Childbirth Education — $199
Gain the knowledge and confidence to navigate any birthing scenario in a hospital, home, or birth center. Trust your body and embrace parenthood with ease.* Includes Nursing & Newborn course.
Nursing & Newborn Care — $50
This class is for parents who prefer nursing and newborn care education without the entire childbirth course. Learn to nurse and care for your newborn with ease and confidence.
Ways We Support You.
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Doula Care
From pregnancy to postpartum, our compassionate team supports you every step with guidance and physical care, like massage therapists for labor.
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Childbirth Education
Stand out in childbirth preparation. Master advanced labor techniques, effective pain management, and rapid postpartum recovery strategies.
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Nursing & Newborn
Build your skills and confidence in newborn care essentials, including breastfeeding, comforting techniques, and nighttime routines. Maximize your sleep!
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Doula Training
Comprehensive training programs for those aspiring to become knowledgeable and skilled birth workers, offering mentorship and hands-on experience.
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A professionally trained and experienced labor companion, a doula offers continuous mental, emotional, and physical support before, during, and after labor. They assist and support the mother and her partner achieve their birthing goals. Consider them akin to a specialized massage therapist for women in labor, a trusted birth advisor, and a compassionate therapist all rolled into one!
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Giving birth can be stressful and unpredictable, especially for first-time mothers. Having a doula by your side is like having your best friend, an expert in birth, ensuring you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.Here are some compelling statistics: Births attended by doulas reduce the risk of Cesarean section by 50%, shorten labor duration by 25%, decrease the use of pitocin by 40%, lower epidural requests by 60%, and reduce forceps or vacuum deliveries by 40%. Women supported by doulas also experience lower rates of postpartum depression, report higher satisfaction with their birth experiences, find the transition into motherhood smoother, and are more successful at breastfeeding.
Doulas provide support once active labor begins, helping parents recognize the right time to go to the hospital. This guidance is precious for first-time parents needing advice on when to seek medical assistance. -
Absolutely not! A doula doesn't replace the birth partner; instead, they complement each other. Doulas offer invaluable support to partners by guiding them on how to assist the mother best and providing them with opportunities to rest and recharge. Working closely with the birth partner, doulas leverage their training and expertise to actively empower partners to participate in the labor and birth process. After all, it takes teamwork to ensure a mother's comfort and well-being during labor!
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Regardless of the circumstances leading up to the birth, a doula is steadfast in providing unwavering support to parents. Even in planned or unplanned situations requiring a trip to the Operating Room, doulas are often permitted to accompany parents. And don't fret—while we're there, we'll capture those priceless moments of meeting your baby, ensuring you have beautiful memories to cherish forever!
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No, doulas are there to support parents in achieving their birthing preferences, regardless of whether they desire a medicated or unmedicated birth or whether they have an at-home or in-hospital setting.
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