“I believe that birth is a sacred journey and that a woman's body is built with intuitive knowledge, ability and strength to realize this beautiful life event. As your doula, I will support and respect your birth vision and will consistently strive to empower you with knowledge and birthing techniques to attain your ideal birth. I feel truly humbled and honored to be of service to you and your family for this monumental life event.”
Barbara’s Approach to Doula Work
Giving birth is one of the most personal and vulnerable moments in life! Barb believes that a woman's body is gifted with wisdom and innate ability to grow and birth a baby and that when a woman feels supported by her birthing team, the experience will be positive, affirming, and memorable for all. With a grounded and calm demeanor Barb's intuitive nature will help guide you during your pregnancy and birth process. She strongly understands the benefits of having a doula in the room who will support her clients’ individual birth preferences. Barb is equipped with knowledge of potential care providers, birth locations, medicinal and non-medicinal comfort measures, and the medical interventions available, so that you can make the best decisions for your body and baby. Understanding that women and their supporters have an opportunity to significantly influence how their birth experiences unfolds, Barb is excited to utilize skills and techniques from her doula training, as well as her yoga teacher training to support you and your family. The birth experience lasts a lifetime, and Barb will do her very best to provide education, skilled techniques and loving support to help you feel empowered during your baby’s birth.
Barbara’s Background
Barb has always been interested in how the human body functions, and began her studies at California State Fullerton in Exercise Physiology. While in attendance she learned about the body’s muscle, aerobic and stress responses during movement. She and her family returned home to Portland after her husband’s military service was finished. After a career change she went into business. During her time as a business owner, she pursued her passion in physiology and spirituality, becoming a Certified Yoga Instructor. Barb is now incorporating her diverse skillset and years of experience in her Doula practice
Barb has two wonderful grown children and loves spending time with her husband of 33 years. They live on a farm with three chickens, two cats and a sweet black lab named Lucy. She is an avid gardener and spends her summers canning pantry goods. She loves to hike, practice yoga, spend time with family and friends and find moments to inhale, exhale and be grateful!
Services
Certification, Training, & Education
DONA International Certified Birth Doula, CD(DONA)
DONA International Approved Birth Doula Training (Taught by Wendy Scharp at Portland Doula Love)
Introduction to Childbirth Training (Taught by Wendy Scharp at Portland Doula Love)
Foundation of Lactation 101 Training (Taught by Krystal Key, IBCLC at Portland Doula Love)
Trauma Informed Care Education (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network) Culturally
Competent Nursing Care Training (ACCME)
American Heart Association Infant/Adult CPR/BLS
Trained Yoga Teacher Training (Bhaktishop, Portland, Oregon)