Alison Akan, Portland Doula

“I LOVED my experience with Birth First Doulas — I can’t imagine navigating a birth without their help. I was matched with the most amazing human, Alison Akan, who was the rock by my side/soul sister from the outset. Alison brings 150% of herself into any situation, and from our prenatal visits, her thoughtful check-ins, the actual birth experience, and her postpartum attention I felt completely supported and held. She has a compassionate but direct and effective way about her that makes you have total confidence in yourself and your body. She is tireless, calm, and unfailingly professional; I am in total awe of her capacity and energy. She never left my side during the birth and helped make the experience manageable when things threatened to fall apart. Her postpartum visits, too, restored my sanity and made me feel a million times better about everything. If I didn’t have a name picked out for my daughter already, I would have named my firstborn after Alison :-). She is worth her weight in gold.”

Anita, Portland

“Hiring Alison as our doula was one of the best decisions my husband Matt and I made during our pregnancy/birth journey. From our very first introduction meeting with Alison, she made us feel so comfortable. Matt and I could tell right away how passionate she was about her work and how knowledgeable she was in her field. We both agreed that Alison would be the best fit for our family as our doula. As we began our work with Alison, she was incredible at making me feel supported and empowered during our discussions leading up to labor. Also, she was great at making Matt feel included in the entire process. Alison always made herself available to discuss my progress after returning from my OB visits so that she remained up to date on my pregnancy. She answered my questions and concerns with evidence-based research and made several helpful suggestions about natural ways to get baby and myself ready for labor. All the meetings, both in person and virtual, and text exchanges helped create an incredible trusting relationship that the three of us shared. I have no doubt that the relationship we had built over the several weeks leading up to my delivery was the key to our amazing birth experience. I cannot imagine going through labor without Alison by my side. Thank you so much Alison!”

Eva, Portland

“Calm, capable, intuitive, gentle, soothing, compassionate, and encouraging. Those are all excellent ways to describe our doula, Alison. Though it was her first birthing experience here in the States, my husband and I always felt confident in her abilities. She has a unique medical background, having chosen a career in healthcare in the country of Sweden. Once she moved back to America, Alison decided to become a certified doula, and I am sure glad she did. Having her as an extra support person during labor with my second child was indeed a God-send. Carrying a child and giving birth is one of the most demanding physical experiences a woman can endure, and having to do it during a pandemic made it a bit more challenging. I never thought that COVID-19 would have an impact on my labor and delivery in February 2021. It did, however, and Alison was there to assist both my husband and I. Not only did she give me excellent exercises (i.e., the Miles Circuit) to do towards the end of pregnancy, she also had several labor positions for me to try. She helped me stay calm and relaxed while breathing through my contractions, and she encouraged my husband as my primary support person. For anyone who is not sure if they should have a doula, I would highly recommend that they do. And they should most definitely look into getting Alison – they will not be disappointed.”

Rachel

“Alison is simply amazing. She was a real lifesaver for both myself and my husband during my labor. I’m grateful to have had her aid me through the most memorable yet life-changing experience that I’ve ever had. When I first met her, I knew right away that she’s the doula that I wanted to work with. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable in her profession, but also genuinely passionate and takes pride in helping mothers and babies alike. She took the time to get to know me and how I wanted my birthing experience to be. Then she walked me through what I can expect before, during, and after my daughter’s birth. I was super nervous and excited, just like any new mother would be, but Alison helped me calm my nerves and reassured me that she would advocate for me all the way through. And, of course, she did. She showed up right when I needed her and was patient and extremely calming throughout my labor process. She made sure that I was well taken care of by nurses and doctors. If it weren’t for her, I would not have had the beautiful pictures that I will cherish forever! She also followed up with us postpartum to ensure we were doing well and if we needed anything. Overall, Alison is an incredible doula that I would recommend to anyone. Thank you once again, Alison!”

angie

“Alison is a gem of a human being.  She provided doula care and emotional support throughout my pregnancy, labor, and delivery.  She was the first person who came to our home when I went into labor, and supported my husband in being an active participant in this part of the experience.  She kept me feeling calm and collected throughout the process.  Alison communicated the entire time with my midwives, and knew exactly when it was time for us to head to the birth center.  While there, she was a hands on support, offering touch massage and encouragement throughout the process.  I couldn’t have birthed without her.  And I wish she would have been here for my second birth!  She is such a wonderful gift of light, and I will always think fondly of her.”

bryana

“I met Alison during my pregnancy experience she was incredibly helpful. Alison was always available to me when I needed and she mentally guided me through the entire birthing process. After meeting with Alison, she explained to me her commitment and knowledge to being a doula and demonstrated her abilities every time she met with me and my baby. From the beginning Alison has been able to give me peace of mind and has expressed not only with words but her actions how she is a great caregiver on a mental and physical level. During my birthing experience Alison was there for me when I needed her to be. She stayed by my bedside until she knew me and my baby were receiving the best care. She expressed her genuine caring personality to me, which meant more to me than everything else combined.”

Arpa