A doula for every person who wants one.

PDX Doulas is proudly organized and run by a small group of dedicated volunteer doulas, funded entirely by donations and small grants. We are a diverse group of doulas who work with OHP clients pro bono as well as private pay clients. We offer the Traditional Healthcare model of care: 2 prenatal visits, being with you at your birth and two follow-up postpartum visits.

Inspiring care from the beginning.

PDX Doulas was conceived in October of 2000 by five new doulas with a dream of serving birthing mothers at OHSU. Thanks to the dedication and heart of the OHSU Midwives and OHSU Volunteer Services, along with our doula volunteers, we served our first family in June of 2001.

Since its inception PDX Doulas has had the privilege of providing professional doula services at no cost to 500+ birthing women and their families. We have attended high risk births, cesarean births, waterbirths, VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean), and supported grieving parents at stillbirths.

Who Are We?

PDX Doulas doulas must have attended a birth doula training and have skills to attend a birth for anyone in need. Some of our doulas are board certified while others are working their way towards Traditional Healthcare Worker certification so that they may begin billing OHP and other CCO’s for their time. However, this service is still at NO COST to OHP clients. Private pay clients can also request our services, however they will need to pay our doulas, and the price point will be set by each individual doula.

Our Doulas

Our Doulas do:

• Receive training on collaboration, diversity and patient confidentiality

• Are required to have attended a birth doula training

• Some of our doulas are brand new and wanting to gain experience and maintain the volunteer spirit, while others are seasoned doulas who want to find another way to give back to the community.

• Assist with comfort measures such as massage, relaxation, visualization and breathing techniques

• Suggest helpful position changes

• Will involve your partner, family or friend in the birth process (if desired)

• Provide continuous support during labor, birth and up to 2 hours postpartum

• Collaborate with your medical team to strive for the best possible birth experience

• Will check on your well being in person or by phone the day after your birth

Our Doulas don’t:

• Take the place of your medical provider

  • Perform medical tasks such as vaginal exams or monitoring fetal heart rate

  • Make decisions for you or intervene in your medical care

  • Replace your partner, family or friends