Birth Doula In Portland Oregon

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

N

DONA Birth Doula Certification

N

6 Month Birth Doula Internship, Mother Tree Birth Services

N

DONA Approved Childbirth Education Training

N

Lamaze Childbirth Educator

N

DONA Approved Breastfeeding Support

N

Cultural Competency Training

N

Spinning Babies Certified Training

N

American Red Cross Adult & Infant CPR

Areas Of Specialty

N

Unmedicated Birth, Out Of Hospital Birth, Water Birth

N

Virtual/Remote Doula Support

N

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

N

IVF Pregnancy

N

High Risk Pregnancy/Birth

N

Medical Induction

N

Twins/Multiples

N

Single Parent Support

N

Religious Families

N

Military Families

N

Adoption

N

Surrogacy

N

Culturally Appropriate Care

N

LGBTQIA+ Families

N

Polyamorous Families

N

Body Positive

N

Trauma Informed Care

N

Survivors Of Sexual Abuse

N

Recovery From Addiction

N

Pregnancy or Infant Loss

N

Massage & Acupressure

N

Babywearing

N

First Aid & CPR

N

Fluent In Swedish

Alison’s Testimonials

“Two words: ALISON AKAN. My first birth was an incredibly traumatic and unnecessary c-section so I wanted to do things right this time. My husband and I debated back and forth on hiring a doula because money was tight and we weren’t sure it was necessary. I decided to go ahead and interview a couple anyway and when I met Alison I KNEW I had to have her for my VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) attempt. I literally drove for Uber eats to raise the money to pay for her because it was THAT IMPORTANT that I have her there. Alison equipped me with tons of knowledge during my pregnancy to prepare for my birth. Once I was in labor, Alison came to my house and I don’t think she left my side for literally 15 hours. Even though I know that I’m the one who pushed out my baby unmedicated and no one could do that for me, I know without a shadow of a doubt that I couldn’t have done it without Alison. When I started to really doubt myself and my body’s ability to birth my baby unmedicated, she helped calm my mind and remember that I was BUILT to do this! An incredible doula and now a lifelong friend. One thing is for certain going into my next pregnancies, Alison will always be an essential part of my births! Thank you birth first doulas! Thank you Alison! (On a side note, loved meeting Rebecca and her ability to match me with Alison and taking the classes they offered. I found them helpful and informative!)”

bryce, Portland

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