
Alison Akan, Portland Doula
I’m an advocate of equality for all. As your birth doula, I’m there to ensure you are respected, supported, and empowered during your journey through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. I am fascinated by birth and the power, challenges, and growth that it brings and feel great fulfillment in being a reassuring presence for the birthing person, partners and any caring birth attendants. No matter the labor and birth environment, I help you through with emotional, evidence based, and physical comfort measures. I’m eternally grateful to be the person you choose to experience this journey with.
I’m an American with Puerto Rican ancestry but moved to Sweden at the age of twelve. It was a great age to learn a new language and culture, and it shaped me in countless ways. Sweden has a very diverse culture and I learned to respect and honor people from many different countries. My calling to support people encouraged me to become a nurse/midwife assistant, and I worked in labor and delivery in Sweden for two years where I attended over 300 births. I treasure every experience as we are all truly, so unique. Birth work is the most meaningful job on earth to me and there is nothing I would rather be doing.
I moved back to the USA in 2016 and met my husband in Los Angeles. He had also recently moved from his home country of Turkey to study, and we got married shortly after. We moved to Portland, OR in November 2019, we love exploring nature and meeting new people. When I’m not at births or teaching childbirth classes, I am most likely meal prepping or at the gym. Being married to a fitness professional definitely helps keep me organized, healthy and active. I believe fitness and nutrition can play an important role in our quality of life. Meeting people where they’re at, helping make small, daily, habitual changes – especially during pregnancy, labor and postpartum – is something I love encouraging if there is an interest.
Doula Training
DONA Birth Doula Certification
6 Month Birth Doula Internship, Mother Tree Birth Services
DONA Approved Childbirth Education Training
Lamaze Childbirth Educator
DONA Approved Breastfeeding Support
Cultural Competency Training
Spinning Babies Certified Training
American Red Cross Adult & Infant CPR
Areas Of Specialty
Unmedicated Birth, Out Of Hospital Birth, Water Birth
Virtual/Remote Doula Support
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
IVF Pregnancy
High Risk Pregnancy/Birth
Medical Induction
Twins/Multiples
Single Parent Support
Religious Families
Military Families
Adoption
Surrogacy
Culturally Appropriate Care
LGBTQIA+ Families
Polyamorous Families
Body Positive
Trauma Informed Care
Survivors Of Sexual Abuse
Recovery From Addiction
Pregnancy or Infant Loss
Massage & Acupressure
Babywearing
First Aid & CPR
Fluent In Swedish