Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here.
I'm Lyndsey, a birth and postpartum doula serving families throughout Southwest Washington and the Portland metro area.
My approach is rooted in deep, wholehearted care, simplicity, and nervous system regulation. Guided by evidence-based education and centered on informed consent, I'm endlessly fascinated by the physiology of birth. I love helping families understand what's happening in their bodies, why different techniques work, and how to make choices that align with their values, intuition, and goals.
Whether you're hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning an epidural, preparing for a cesarean, or simply wanting to feel more confident as you prepare to welcome your baby, I'm here to help you feel calm, informed, and deeply supported.
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Washington State Certified Birth Doula
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Apple Health (Medicaid) Provider
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Birth & Postpartum Support
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Evidence-Based Birth Education
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Serving Vancouver, WA & Portland Metro
"Magic is believing in yourself, if you can do that, you can make anything happen."
What are the benefits of having a doula?
**Physical Support**
Doulas provide comfort and labor progression through hands-on techniques like soothing touch, counter pressure, and breathing methods, often to as "doula magic." Their skilled hands and positioning strategies can assist a baby in navigating the pelvis and reaching the birthing parent's arms.
**Emotional Support**
Doulas offer essential emotional support to families, enhancing the birth and fostering an environment conducive to a holistic and calm labor experience. Regardless of whether the birth is unmedicated or involves complex medical interventions, everyone can benefit from the nurturing connection during this remarkable time.
**Partner Support**
The experience of the birth partner—be it a partner, friend, or family member—plays crucial role in the birthing process. Doulas are dedicated to supporting each partner, allowing them to engage as much as they wish, with physical and emotional assistance making a significant impact on everyone.
**Evidence-Based Information and Advocacy**
Doulas are equipped to help families access evidence-based resources, empowering them ask informed questions and make educated choices about their births. They facilitate communication between clients and hospital staff, helping families find their voices and advocate for optimal care.
Studies Show
Improved Birth Outcomes
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Lower Cesarean Rates: Research consistently shows that continuous doula support lowers the likelihood of cesarean birth.
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One study found a 52.9% lower chance of cesarean birth for those who received doula care.
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Another study showed a 40.9% lower adjusted odds ratio for cesarean among Medicaid-insured birthing people with doula support.
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Reduced Preterm Birth & Low Birth Weight: Doula care is linked to lower rates of preterm birth and low-birth-weight infants.
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Decreased Postpartum Depression: Parents supported by doulas show reduced rates of postpartum depression and anxiety.
Positive Impacts During Labor & Birth
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Less Need for Pain Medication: Clients who receive continuous labor support are less likely to request epidurals or other pain medications.
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Shorter Labor: Some studies indicate that doula support can help shorten the duration of labor.
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More Positive Birth Experiences: Birthing families often report feeling informed, supported, and more satisfied with their birth experience.
Enhanced Postpartum & Infant Outcomes
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Higher Breastfeeding Rates: Individuals with doula support are more likely to begin and continue breastfeeding.
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Improved Infant Well-Being: Some research shows higher Apgar scores and greater early bonding when doula support is present.
Health Equity & Cost-Effectiveness
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Closing Outcome Gaps: Doula care has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for families facing social, economic, or medical vulnerability — helping reduce disparities in maternal health.
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Cost Savings for Families & Healthcare Systems: By decreasing medical interventions (such as cesareans, inductions, and NICU stays), doula care can reduce overall healthcare costs.