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Birth First Doulas

5.0

Based on 88 reviews

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Emily Birkland

23:44 09 Jan 21

My husband and I had the best experience working with Birth First. We had Bri & Alicia. They were both great and always very responsive. Early on in my pregnancy I could just text them with any questions I had and they’d get right back to me. They also really helped me figure out what I wanted and didn’t want during labor and delivery. They are a wealth of knowledge and I would definitely recommend them.read more

Lauren Shapiro-Neiwert

20:05 09 Jan 21

Bri & Alicia were fantastic! They were really supportive all along. We zoomed in advanced and helped me prepare and understand what to except. So much more helpful than other sources and it was like my own personal google :)During birth, Alicia was amazing. It made my birth experience so much better. Helping me navigate the hospital was so important. It also was so helpful to my partner so he could be more supportive.read more

Ashley Hirai

22:51 31 Dec 20

Kim was a fantastic support to both me and my husband during my second labor and delivery. After having an epidural in my prior delivery (without a doula) and not being able to feel the contractions to push effectively, Kim helped me to have the full experience I wanted the second time around. She has a wonderfully calm energy and fun spirit and we quickly bonded over a shared connection to Hawaii. She carefully listened to my desires and preferences to develop a support plan to help achieve my goal while not providing any false hope as births rarely go according to plan. I ended up needing an induction that was quite slow to start and Kim provided some soothing acupressure and massage as we waited. When active labor kicked in intensely (2.5 hours start to finish), Kim supported me in finding my instinctive rhythm and ritual to ride the wave of contractions rather than being pummeled by the undertow. It felt so intense, natural, empowering and exhilarating...I’m talking straight out of spiritual midwifery! She was beaming right along with us as we welcomed our baby boy. Kim also made a postpartum home visit and really helped with breastfeeding tips and support. Doula care should be the standard of care and even if I hadn’t experienced the delivery of my dreams I would have felt successful and supported. Thank you for the tender loving care, Kim!read more

Candyce Monteleone

23:35 21 Dec 20

My husband and I had the pleasure of having Kim with us for the birth of our first child! She is amazing! Kim is warm, compassionate, professional, intuitive, and encouraging.Having her support made an incredible difference for us, both before the birth and during labor/delivery. We’re very thankful for Birth First Doulas and all the resources that were available to us through them.read more

Benjamin Caldwell

01:41 20 Dec 20

Kathy was the most amazing doula! Couldn't have done it without her. What a great help she was. Perfect in every way. Highly recommend.If you are having a baby don't even try to do it without a doula. It's so nice having a helper and counsel on (specifically) your side.Kathy taught us so much and was truly amazing. Certainly feel lucky she was a part of our daughter's birth.read more

Louis E

04:56 17 Dec 20

My wife and I went through the birth process with Camilla and Atika. We decided to use a doula to increase our chances of a natural child birth and to offer her support in areas maybe I couldn’t.Despite some deviations from the birth plan we couldn’t have been happier with our birth experience and ultimately that’s due in large part to the doula’s efforts. 10/10 would birth again with Camilla and Atika.read more

Sara Rabuck

17:16 12 Dec 20

We hired Atika and Camilla as our birthing doula team and they were invaluable to reaching our birthing goals of an unmedicated birth even when I had to be induced with pitocin and because of them- we did it! The meetings ahead of time helped my partner and I feel empowered and they answered all our questions. It wasn't until I went into pre-labor for 2 weeks and then actual labor that we truly needed them more than ever. Texting at all hours, support, questions felt endless for us and they were there through it all. I was a high risk pregnancy, had a long labor with some complications like infections and unexpected twists, compounded by anxiety and they handled it all effortlessly. They advocated for us, kept me & my partner calm, helped us navigate the pain for over 18 hours of labor, supported my partner, provided massage and counter pressure for hours, encouragement and guided breathing mantras as the contractions got more unbearable, wiped my butt, cleaned my puke, took pictures when she was born, helped with the first steps of breastfeeding. They are the most beautiful people and we couldn't have gotten through this without them. They would have been worth double the price because these birthing moments are the most impactful transformative memories we have and the nurses just cannot stay in there to provide that direct support. Thank you thank you thank you❤❤❤❤read more

Claire Alexander

17:13 12 Dec 20

My partner and I had a really fantastic experience working with Birth First Doulas and specifically with Crystal for our labor and delivery. She provided excellent knowledge and support navigating prepping for the delivery, and joyful and much needed support during the event. Having a sense of comfort and safety during a quarantine can be tricky, but having her there absolutely helped us achieve that and the birth experience we wanted. We are both very grateful that she was with us.read more

Jenna Mandzuk

20:02 07 Dec 20

We are so grateful we chose Birth First Doulas!! We had the privilege of having Alicia and Bri as our Birth Doulas and there’s no way we could have survived our birthing process without them. They are the perfect team and are equally loving, caring, supportive, funny, intelligent, and very experienced. The excellent care they gave us when I was pregnant helped give me confidence and reassurance while educating us in everything we needed to know and be aware of. When it came time to get induced, we were scared and worried. They were there for us 24/7 through a traumatic birth experience and words can’t express how much they helped us. Thank you so much Alicia and Bri, we love and appreciate you!!!!read more

Adrienne Cardiel

20:22 22 Nov 20

Choosing a doula for my first birth was, hands down, one of the best decisions I've ever made. Working with Birth First Doula's was a wonderful experience. We really lucked out with Kim Kovac, she was the perfect doula for us. She was knowledgeable, gentle, mindful, resourceful, trauma-informed and calm. Having her in the delivery room was invaluable to, not only me, but also my husband. I ended up having a challenging labor and delivery and she helped us feel more calm and confident during the process. She was attentive and present throughout. She continued to be involved, available and supportive postpartum as well. We will be forever grateful for her presence during that life changing moment in our lives.read more

Alyssa Pearman

05:41 17 Nov 20

Rebecca was our doula for the birth of our first daughter and again most recently in July for the birth of our second daughter. We were so lucky to have her calming, reassuring, and gentle presence during each birth. Rebecca is incredibly knowledgeable and insightful. She helped us think about our birth preferences in ways we had not considered before and provided us with evidence-based guidance to help us make informed choices. Even in the midst of a pandemic, she met with us often over video call and was always available by email to answer any questions we had. Rebecca helped tremendously with positioning to help labor progress. She was also a wonderful advocate for us and our wishes. Even the birth center staff had amazing things to say about her!We also took several of the the Birth First Doula classes (virtually). All the classes were well organized, easy to follow and informative. We really appreciated that they quickly adapted their classes to virtual sessions so we were still able participate before the birth of our daughter.We would recommend Rebecca and the Birth First Doulas team whole heartedly to anyone considering hiring a birth doula.read more

Sarah Jane Kaplan

20:56 05 Nov 20

I am so grateful for Birth First Doulas. We connected with Rebecca for the birth of our first child in 2018 and immediately called her again when we were expecting our second. She was a confident, strong, and loving presence for us before, during, and after both births. She got to know us and our goals and helped us reach them along the way, advocating and guiding us every step of the way. She's truly become part of our family!read more

Margaret Goyette

01:30 31 Oct 20

We had a fantastic time working with Birth First Doulas. Rebecca did a wonderful job explaining the services that they offered and answering any questions that I had. We ended up teaming up with Camilla and Atika and felt so wonderfully supported by them during my pregnancy, labor and birth and postpartum. Working with them gave me the confidence to give birth at a birth center which is something that I was initially afraid of given that they didn't have pain meds at the birth center. I wouldn't give birth without a doula on my team now that I know how special it is to have their support. We hope to have Atika and Camilla as our doulas in the future!read more

Georgia Sinimbu

17:38 23 Oct 20

During the birth of my second child, Kim and I barely talked - our communication was primarily through her warm touch and very caring eyes. All necessary words were said during our various lovely encounters prior to the birth.My first child was born after a very long labor with hours of pushing which resulted on an emergency transfer to a hospital for a c-section. I did not have a doula then, and for many times, I felt lonely while laboring, missing a caring presence and a maternal energy to look after me. My second pregnancy was very challenging, not only by the COVID-19 pandemic but also by constant concerns from family members, all of that out of love, for my choice to try for a vaginal birth after a c-section (VBAC). Rebecca at Birth Doulas First suggested I interview Kim Kovac for doula and I’m so fortunate to have crossed Kim’s path and have had her as my doula during the birth of my second child. Kim embraced my choice and reminded me of my strength and abilities. When labor started, she met us in our house and helped move my body into comfort so I could focus on the big sensations and emotions. She helped me welcome them instead of fighting against them. She was assertive when we were uncertain of the next step and in a loving and affirmative way made sure that it was really time to go to the birth center.I barely remember what she said to me during the most intense moments, but I very vividly remember her hands on my back, gently rocking my hips and baby as she made her passage through the birth canal. I also remember her gentle eyes, almost as she knew even before I did, that I could and I would birth my child vaginally. And I remember her warm and proud hug, for have helped me not only birth a child, but also heal a past experience and birth a more confident and stronger version of myself.read more

Nancy Eisenmenger

18:13 20 Oct 20

How does anyone survive childbirth without a Doula? That's what I keep asking myself every time I think about how amazing Crystal Broer was at supporting me through labor, delivery, and postpartum. Part coach, part therapist, part advocate, part cheerleader, she was an incredible birth partner who was always in my corner. She combined the perfect amount of evidence based practice with empathy, confidence, and kindness. As I write this, my baby is one month old and still every day I think about how grateful I am that I had Crystal by my side.read more

Lindsay Miller Stokes

22:56 18 Oct 20

My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Rebecca and Birth First Doulas!This was our 2nd baby and we loved our doula (back in Colorado) that we had for our 1st baby, so we had high expectations. Rebecca did not disappoint. Because of COVID restrictions at hospitals we knew we wouldn’t be able to have a doula with us in person. We opted to do a couple of consultation sessions on Zoom with Rebecca. This was the best decision we could have made. Rebecca was warm, thoughtful, and able to share her wisdom and experience with us. We felt so supported and well informed and prepared for this labor. She sent us a number of helpful resources and she really met us where we were at and was able to tailor our meetings to best meet our needs! We really felt she was cheering us on even though she wasn’t physically with us during labor-and we remembered her tips and words of encouragement. We highly recommend Rebecca and Birth First Doulas!!read more

Jared Dayton

18:34 12 Oct 20

Rebecca with the Birth First team was awesome. Had a very engaging pre both online session to go over not only useful positions and ways I as the husband can assist my wife in home birth, but also how we should communicate during the process. Thanks to this I was coaching on new positions to try during contractions and it REALLY helped. Not only that but the placenta encapsulation process was quick and efficient. Would highly recommend working with them for your home or birth center delivery.read more

Hannah Lawton

03:02 08 Oct 20

My husband and I were fortunate enough to hire Atika and Camilla through Birth First Doulas, and as my husband said, “they are the best investment we’ve ever made.” Atika and Camilla helped us to feel informed and prepared for our labor, delivery and postpartum.We began working with Atika and Camilla at the beginning of my third trimester (via zoom and outdoor masked meetings). During these sessions, we discussed what my husband and I hoped the rest of my pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum would look like. They offered a variety of ideas and strategies, ranging from evidence-based practices to more spiritual guidance. This was tailored to meet our needs, and I know they have a plethora of resources, experiences and more to pull from to meet the needs of whoever they are working with.During my labor, Atika came over and eased any sort of anxiety that me and my husband were feeling. She helped remind me of a number of positions we had discussed to ease discomfort, as well as introduce some different ideas to target my specific pain. I felt infinitely more confident as a result of her presence which allowed me to spend most of my labor at home. I believe that spending my labor at home, in my natural environment, correlated with the fact that my labor was on the shorter side. When I finally went to the hospital, she helped me to advocate for my birth preferences and continued to help me find comfortable positions. Beyond that, she cheered me on and kept the mood positive.After the delivery of my sweet little guy, she stayed until my husband and I were comfortable. The following day, and coming week, Atika and Camilla checked in on us to see how we were adjusting.When I have had any concerns, both during pregnancy and now postpartum, they are just a phone call or text away. I feel so fortunate to have found them, and any mom-to-be would be lucky to work with them.read more

Ari Bissinger

20:05 05 Oct 20

We hired Kim just after the COVID lockdown started and didn't really know what having a doula during COVID would look like. Thankfully, our hospital started allowing doulas in person again just before our baby was born and Kim was such a warm presence throughout our journey. She really gave us both the confidence to have the birthing experience we wanted!read more

Mikayla Koenigsfeld

18:50 05 Oct 20

I had a wonderful experience with BFD! I can confidently say my delivery was shorter with Kathy's support & guidance.

Ashley Wu

14:54 18 Sep 20

We had the pleasure of having Atika and Camila as our Doulas. We could not have been more fortunate to have these two support us during our pregnancy, labor and postpartum journey. This was our first pregnancy, which not only comes with its own challenges and unknowns it was also during COVID-19, which added a whole new layer of uncertainties. Atika and Camila worked together wonderfully as a team and were able to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them as they clearly answered our questions and explained different processes and topics. Unfortunately, I had to be induced and because of COVID-19 they were not allowed in the hospital. However, they were still with us during the laboring process via FaceTime providing encouragement and suggesting different labor techniques to use during the laboring process. After our baby was born, they continued to be a great support team with answering all our new parent questions. If we have another child in the future, we will definitely be calling them again. I highly recommend both of them to support you during your pregnancy journey.read more

Jena Passaretti

17:29 09 Sep 20

My husband and I had heard many great things about hiring a Doula and we decided to go with Birth First Doulas. From the get go, Rebecca was amazing to work with and I felt very listened to and cared for. She helped match us with Crystal who was a great fit for us. We were excited to meet Crystal and she really helped us throughout our journey. Crystal is kind, warm, funny and really easy going. What none of us expected to happen was a global pandemic. Unfortunately, this limited any in-person support she had planned to give. Nonetheless, she consistently went out of her way to be available and a fantastic resource. She was very available over text and I felt I could ask her any question. My biggest concern with a doula was having a certain type of birth experience pushed on me, but that was not the case at all. Crystal was very affirming with our choices and if we weren't sure about something, she provided ample resources. She pointed us to some amazing accounts and experts to follow online and they have saved us! Crystal wasn't able to be with us during the birth of our son, but she still was able to provide support via video and help my husband throughout the process. She also helped us make informed decisions at every step in the process. I was induced and she helped us understand what would happen at every step. After 30 hours of labor, my beautiful son was in my arms and it was all worth it. I would have loved to have her in person but that just wasn't in the cards. When I wasn't able to breastfeed for a few reasons, Crystal helped me through my decision to move to formula while helping me feel comfortable with my decision and work through the guild I had. I highly recommend Crystal and Birth First Doulas. Thank you so much!read more

Katrina Rogers

21:47 07 Sep 20

We are so happy we chose to work with Birth First Doulas. They were so good at listening to what we were looking for and hooked us up with the perfect doula for our family! From our first meeting with Kim we knew that she was the person we wanted to help us bring our daughter earth side. Her kindness, warmth, knowledge and wonderful energy were all qualities that helped us before, during and after birth of our baby. She set up in person visits and adjusted to COVID-19 restrictions by providing virtual visits for us to check in and taking all the safety precautions very seriously, we always felt safe. In our visits she provided valuable materials and resources- from stretches and yoga to informational exercises and advice for the both of us to work on to prepare for our labor journey, she had it all! Kim is so easy to talk to and is a great and patient teacher. When the day finally came she met us at the birth center and was such an amazing support for both my husband and myself. She had a grounded and calming energy and knew exactly what to say and do when we needed it. When we were transferred to the hospital she was able to join us, and we were so thankful that she was there. After 19 hours of hard labor we were both exhausted, and when we thought things might be taking a turn for the worst, she helped us remember to advocate for our birth plan and that we were allowed to ask for a second opinion. We will be forever grateful for that, and for her presence with us for those two days. When it was time to deliver she was there to take pictures, hold space, and make sure we had everything we needed. We truly couldn’t ask for a better experience with a doula and cannot speak highly enough about her! We truly feel she was meant for us and our birth story may have turned out very different if we hadn’t had her knowledgeable influence, advise, and support; for that we are SO GRATEFUL. We miss her so much already, and know that we will be reaching out to her when we are planning for our second baby! From the bottom of hearts, we love Kim and would recommend her to anyone wanting a wonderful doula experience.read more

Carmelle Cooper

01:55 07 Sep 20

We had an amazing experience with Birth First Doulas! We hired Kim Kovac, our doula, in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, and she provided incredible support! Her knowledge and guidance was so valuable as I entered the last few weeks of pregnancy and during my labor. We cherished getting to know Kim, even during the pandemic; we were able to foster a wonderful relationship via virtual and socially distant means. Kim was able to come to our house to help me comfortably labor at home, and she helped me get all the way to 9cm! It was truly an incredible experience and I am so grateful for her calming presence, as it made my birth experience so memorable. It was so disappointing that the pandemic prevented her from being in the hospital when my baby was born, but her calming spirit kept me going, as I pushed for 4 hours. Kim is full of knowledge and positivity and will be a wonderful support for every birthing person and their families. Thank you, Kim!read more

Maarika Krumhansl

23:50 04 Sep 20

Extremely satisfied with our experience with Birth First Doulas. This is my second birth. We used a doula from a different company for my first birth, and I am so glad we switched to BFD for this birth because my doula experience this time has been much, much better. We worked with Kili and I cannot recommend her highly enough. What I most appreciated about her was that she met with me and my husband virtually several times before birth, which helped us build a strong relationship and foster trust. Kili also gave me lots of targeted pelvic floor and back exercises, which made this pregnancy the most comfortable pregnancy I could have imagined! No aching back! No round ligament pains! No sore hips! With Kili's guidance, we were able to achieve our goal of a completely unmedicated and intervention-free labor and delivery, and our baby girl was born quickly and without any complications. We are so grateful to Kili and Birth First Doulas!read more

Tara Sova

00:06 30 Aug 20

My husband and I had the pleasure of working with Alicia and Bri during my pregnancy and the birth of our first baby. Although we never actually met in person due to COVID, we had plenty of FaceTime meetings, text conversations, and emails. I never felt a lack of communication! Through the multiple forms of communication, they guided us through the final weeks of pregnancy, helped prepare us for the upcoming labor, and answered any and all of our questions and concerns. They were very caring, fun, supportive, and responsive. They were well-informed, organized (even though this was an unusual situation), and provided a great deal of educational pieces. And even with all of their experience, we still felt in control of the process. Due to visitor restrictions, I was sadly unable to have either of them with me in person during my labor. However, they were available via FaceTime when I needed them. Overall, I am happy with Alicia and Bri (and this group!). Their personalities complement each other well, acting as a true team. I can only imagine how much more elevated my experience would have been if COVID were not an issue. Please consider this group if you are in search of a doula/doulas.read more

Heather Wolfgang

18:02 24 Aug 20

We were blessed to have Kim as our doula and teammate during our pregnancy. Kim was supportive with all of our choices for our birth and we are so grateful to have had her by our side. We <3 Birth First Doulas!!read more

Felisha Bahr

16:48 24 Aug 20

Our experience with Birth First Doulas and specifically, our doula, Crystal, was nothing short of amazing. Crystal was there with us every step of the process. From the planning and counseling to the actual birth - she was the exact support we needed through the journey with our first daughter. The resources provided by Crystal and classes from the Birth First Doula program were invaluable. Thanks so much to Birth First and Crystal for everything!read more

Whitney Riggins

20:11 11 Aug 20

Taking on a doula for my first birth was totally the right decision. Brooke and Rebecca gave me all the resources I needed to feel confident as well as providing emotional and actual physical support if needed! I felt endlessly supported throughout pregnancy and beyond. Knowing that I had assembled the best team I could find gave me so much confidence to birth my baby! Rebecca and Brooke being a part of that team made it 110% of what I needed. They even encapsulated my placenta afterwards which was awesome. These folks rock!read more

Kara Brody

13:51 28 Jul 20

Brooke and Rebecca are AMAZING. We had a wonderful experience with them during my pregnancy, during labor itself, and postpartum. Their expertise and years of experience made me feel supported throughout the process. They both made sure that I was informed, understood my options, and helped me emotionally, mentally, and physically through the birth process. Additionally, they took the time to understand my husband's needs as well which made us both more confident and comfortable throughout the process.I had a very long and intense labor and luckily was able to deliver vaginally. I truly think that without the support of Brooke and Rebecca I would have needed a c-section.I HIGHLY recommend Birth First doulas and Rebecca and Brooke to any expecting family!read more

Joanne Albertsen

21:01 08 Jul 20

Wonderful experience from our first meeting through the birth and after! Brooke and Rebecca were such a knowledgeable, warm and reassuring team at our appointments and were easily available via text and email as we got close to the big day. Rebecca arrived at our house before we left for the hospital to help me through labor, and was so focused, calm and supportive. She offered a lot of different positions and techniques throughout my labor. She was a wonderful advocate at the hospital when I felt overwhelmed and unsure in the face of the staff (who were great too, just not necessarily on Team Me). Even when I decided to get an epidural, she was totally supportive and nonjudgmental. Due the baby's position I ended up needing a c-section, and she stayed until the last few minutes before I was wheeled out. She came back to check on me while I was in the hospital and again after a few weeks to see how we were doing. I was so glad to have her on my side! Cannot recommend Birth First Doulas highly enough for supportive, knowledgeable, and attentive care.read more

Carley Berkey

18:40 08 Jul 20

I cannot say enough good things about Brooke and our experience with Birth First Doulas. Despite having a baby during a pandemic, Brooke managed all of the changing information and guidelines with grace, compassion, and empathy. I looked forward to our weekly calls leading up to the birth because she was able to answer all of our questions, listen to our concerns and give us tools to handle the physical and emotional turmoil that happens in any birth and was especially true for having a baby during the time of COVID. At the birth we had Brooke attend virtually. Even though this was not the original hope when we started, having her support via text and video helped my confidence and I am certain led to a faster and less stressful birth experience. Brooke has the magic of being able to listen deeply and meet people where they are; I felt that she really understood my needs and concerns and tailored our sessions and information to meet my needs.Postpartum I have had the privilege of working with Kili to do exercises to heal and strengthen my body after childbirth. Kili is awesome - she has been so positive, supportive, and attentive to making a program fit my life. I feel like my posture, pelvic floor, and body awareness are improved so much more by working with her after this pregnancy - I only wish I could have worked with her for my first birth as well!read more

Nikki Gaither

21:59 09 Mar 20

We hired Atika Hagen with Birth First Doulas for the birth of our first baby last month. She was an invaluable asset from pregnancy through post partum. But where Atika really shines is during labor. I know that she had a major impact on the positive outcome of our natural birth experience. She knew what to say and how to help make me feel comfortable and how to coach my husband in participating as well. Her wealth of knowledge and experience brought peace of mind to our family during what could have otherwise been an uncertain or potentially stressful time. We love Atika and highly recommend her to anyone seeking additional support during labor.read more

Karissa Deane

20:04 04 Mar 20

Working with the Birth First Doulas and our Doula Kathy, exceeded our expectations from both the doula agency and our amazing doula herself. Kathy was a joy to work with and provided the perfect combination of being fully present and available during the birth process, while allowing my husband and I to share an intimate and powerful experience between the two of us. She gave us the confidence during our first laboring experience that enabled us to deliver our first baby trusting she had our backs the entire time. Kathy has continued to go above and beyond in our postpartum period, by visiting and holding baby, talking through our thoughts and experiences and continuing to support us and become a lifelong family friend. I couldn't recommend Kathy more. If you're looking for a sweet, loving, bubbly and strong energy as your Doula, Kathy will bring that and more. We love Kathy!The BFD agency themselves were amazing as well. Facilitating a speedy response when I began looking for our doula at 17 weeks pregnant. They handled the financial aspects allowing us to create a pure connection with our doula outside of money. They provide many extra services including a wonderful birth class and nurturing circle, and so much more.read more

Madeleine Miller

19:08 17 Feb 20

Choosing Birth First Doulas was one of best decisions we made during our pregnancy. The support, advice, and resources provided by Brooke and Rebecca throughout the pregnancy were invaluable. I knew that I would have the guidance I needed regardless of how the pregnancy or delivery unfolded.Brooke and Rebecca's calm, positive, yet confidence demeanor put my husband and I at ease. From the beginning they listen to us and made us feel like they were on our team. I couldn't imagine not having their support during the pregnancy, delivery and after coming home from the hospital. Brooke's care and attention to my needs as a mother was especially helpful as we transitioned home with our new baby. We plan on using them again for any future pregnancies and would recommend them to anyone.read more

Sydney Smejkal

00:44 06 Feb 20

My husband and I had a great experience working with Bri and Alicia! Having their guidance and expertise while navigating first time parenthood was invaluable. We took full advantage of the BFD class offerings as well! We really enjoyed each class experience and felt knowledgeable and well informed when the birth finally took place.read more

Ashley Jemes

00:30 06 Feb 20

Our family’s experience with Birth First was wonderful. Our doula, Crystal, was amazing and I felt empowered and excited to have her as part of our birth team. She was so knowledgeable and professional, and and had so much grace in how she discussed birth and our upcoming labor and delivery. It is clear that the birthing process is Crystal’s passion! My partner and I both really appreciated the peace of mind in having her support. She was my rock during pushing and allowed my partner to focus fully on the birth of our daughter—an experience we both cherish. We are so grateful and highly recommend Crystal and the entire Birth First team (the classes were also excellent—informative and practical).read more

Adrianne Barlow

22:00 05 Feb 20

It's tough to express in review format how grateful we are to have had Brooke and Rebecca as our doulas. My husband and I have said so many times since our daughter's birth that we don't know how we would have made it through without Brooke, and her postpartum home visit was so powerfully helpful in processing a difficult delivery. We've told all our pregnant friends that the money spent at BFD was the best we've spent on anything, ever!read more

Samantha Reynolds

20:05 13 Jan 20

Brooke and Rebecca are the dream team when it comes to doula's in the area! If we could give them 10 stars we would! My partner and I had no idea even what a doula was before we hired them. My birth experience was exactly what I had imagined it to be because of their expertise. As soon as we hired them when I was 20 weeks pregnant we had a resource to text or call whenever we had things come up. My pregnancy wasn't easy emotionally due family drama and Brooke and Rebecca were always there to help with my stress. They didn't only help me with my stress they were a always there for my partner as well. We learned so much from them from the prenatal appointments where we made our birth preferences and learned labor positions and pain relief techniques. To the false labor contractions I had weeks before she was born. Then most importantly the one on one support I got during labor that got me through 9 hours of contractions from Rebecca before getting an epidural. Even after I got an epidural Brooke was there to rub my feet, keep the room very peaceful with fake candles and dim lights, she was always there to help me understand what the nurse or doctor was suggesting (when you are in labor you don't know what to choose when things come up and they are your advocate). One of the most special things that Brooke did was take photos and videos of our daughters birth so my partner and I got to enjoy that moment without distractions and the photos are absolutely incredible to look back on! They also got to check on us at our apartment when our daughter was 2 weeks old which was wonderful. When we have another baby in the future we know without a doubt we will be hiring Brooke and Rebecca again!read more

Nancy Price

17:32 07 Jan 20

Hiring Brooke and Rebecca as our doulas for the birth of our first child was truly and absolutely worth every penny! These ladies are true professionals: knowledgable, respectful, supportive, and experienced. We wanted a doula for two reasons, 1. fear of pregnancy/childbirth and 2. an understanding that we had no idea what we were doing and needed help.We met with both Brooke and Rebecca leading up to the big day. They provided us with the information and assurances we needed to be prepared, emotionally and physically. I spent time early on on Google trying to teach myself, which only made the fear worse. I quickly learned that I could trust our doulas to educate us on what we needed to know to build a birth plan and know our options. They helped make me feel like childbirth was something I could handle. Of particular note for these meetings, they didn't just focus on the mom-to-be, but also on the dad-to-be and on the couple as a unit. This was important to us and a big reason why we decided on Rebecca and Brooke to be our doulas over others.Then came the big day. From the earliest pre-labor to birth was a day and a half. Rebecca was our doula "on call". She was on the phone with us from the beginning, suggesting ways to make early labor more comfortable and helping us as much as possible to maximize the time we were able to labor in our home. It felt great to not be alone during this time! Once we were admitted to the hospital, Rebecca was there making the experience a positive one, even for someone with great fear of the process; I am so very grateful for that! I wanted to labor naturally (without epidural, if possible), and I can honestly say I could not have done it if Rebecca wasn't there. When I felt at my weakest, Rebecca was there to support me with techniques to help me through. Even the nursing staff at the hospital complimented Rebecca on the wonderful job she was doing for us! Of course, she wasn't just there for me, but was also there to coach my husband, showing him how to help in ways he was comfortable with and to guide him on his own self care so that the experience was as positive as possible for both parents.We are so happy to have had Rebecca and Brooke as participants in our first pregnancy and birth experience. They were essential to making what could have been a scary and traumatic experience into the positive and empowering experience that it was. Thank you!read more

Natalie Dickinson

05:50 07 Jan 20

Atika and Camilla are absolutely incredible! They were thoughtful and knowledgeable, with a good sense of humor, throughout all of our time together. We loved our house visits, where they instantly connected with our daughter and made us all feel at home in their presence. They balanced listening to our needs with adding their own advice and perspective. They are such a great pair! As soon as Atika entered the room during my labor, I instantly felt calm and that I knew everything was going to be okay. She was a grounding support for me and my husband-- I was so happy she was there! When it was time for them to trade shifts, Camilla was respectful of our decision to be alone, and waited in the wings. When she did come in, it was so wonderful to see her beaming warm smile. We love them and are forever grateful they were part of the birth journey of our second child!read more

Natalie Kim

19:26 01 Jan 20

Camilla & Atika were the perfect doula team for us! They came with their own perspectives and balanced both the intuitive/emotional part of childbirth with the evidence-based information we were looking for. They tag teamed our birth in a way that never left us feeling abandoned. Camilla was a steady and calming presence (and a hand to squeeze) during the most intense parts of labor and pushing. Atika came by (on Thanksgiving no less) our house a couple days after we got home from the hospital. We also appreciated their advice on postpartum baby gear and how to set up our house. Overall, we were thankful that Camilla & Atika were part of our birth experience!read more

Lauryn Morrow

04:31 22 Dec 19

Kim was absolutely AMAZING. As a single mama I wanted to have someone who would be there consistently through the process. Hiring a Doula was the best investment I ever could have made. Kim went above and beyond for me and my little babe. I can’t recommend her enough & I wouldn’t have been able to do it without her!read more

Olivia Kroening-Roche

17:33 04 Dec 19

I first encountered Brooke and Rebecca through my job as a midwife working in the hospital. I get the opportunity to care for women and work with many different doulas throughout the birthing process. When I myself became pregnant, I knew immediately that I wanted to work with Brooke and Rebecca. After our first visit with them, my partner agreed they would be the perfect fit to help us welcome our first child into the world. They have a wonderful model of care, where one of them is always on-call for the birth. I loved this set-up and the confidence I had knowing one of them would be there to support us. Brooke was ultimately with us during the birth. She met me in my most vulnerable moments, loving and supporting me as if I were family yet also with the utmost professionalism. Our birth was challenging and long and beautiful and we are so grateful we had Brooke on our team to care for us as our family grew to three. We are forever grateful.read more

Leah Schaab

04:37 03 Dec 19

We were so thankful to have Brooke and Rebecca be a part of our birth experience. They were both amazing resources during our pregnancy and postpartum. We had a positive birth experience because of their involvement, knowledge and care. I would highly recommend hiring them.read more

Kristin Eberhard

21:37 25 Nov 19

We are so grateful that Brooke and Rebecca helped us through our birth journey. The pre-natal visits with them helped us feel informed and confident, they were always available for any questions or worries we had, and I felt so much better with Brooke there at the hospital with us. If we had another, I would definitely want them by our side again.read more

Wylie Robinson

18:30 25 Nov 19

Rebecca and Brooke are amazing at what they do. We hired Birth First Doula's for our first child and it made a huge difference in our experience. Prior to labor, all of the consultation and advice we received was invaluable. On 'labor day' Rebecca was on call and helped talk through early labor signs over the phone before we got in the car and headed to the hospital. Once in the hospital labor room, Rebecca was able to coach with positions, breathing, and relaxation throughout the entire birthing process. Without her we would have never tried some of the positions that really helped progress labor. She was level-headed and a great leader in a situation that was very foreign to both my wife and I. I cannot recommend Birth First Doula's highly enough!read more

Kelsee Hobbins

20:10 24 Nov 19

Brooke and Rebecca were an amazing resource throughout our pregnancy and labor. I can’t imagine going through that experience without their knowledge and compassion.

J Burs

04:36 19 Nov 19

Brooke was there for the rescue! there aren't enough words to express are praise for Brooke. We have used her multiple times and have spent the week after delivery saying how lucky we were to have her there at our sides We have had some rough delivery experiences and when all the chaos is streaming around you in that hospital room, Brooke is like a guiding light to lead you through the journey. Before we had kids, I wouldn't have thought hiring a Doula was necessary with all the nurses, nursing assistants, students, midwifes, and doctors coming in and out of the hospital room trying to help. But when the final minutes are upon you, she was the person, actually the only person in the room who really knew us, what we wanted and how to get us there. Not only did she help us get through it, she also helped the doctors/nurse/midwifes get through it. These medical professionals, while doing the best they know how, are only human. And the stress in that room when things aren't going well, even overwhelmed them. Each time we have used Brooke, she has given the medical staff helpful suggestions, in Brooke's polite way, and I truly believe she was the difference between a healthy outcome and potential disaster. Her services were priceless as they not only bought us peace of mind but a healthy baby! While her services do cost money, for the rest of our lives we'll be thankful we spent it. Thank you Brooke!read more

Anna Kraemer

16:24 18 Nov 19

Rebecca Durlin Smith was our Doula for the birth of our son. We are first-time parents and knew we needed extra support during labor and delivery. Having Rebecca as our Doula was one of the best decisions we've ever made. I had a very long labor and she was with us every step of the way. Rebecca was supportive, informative, comforting, and helped me and my husband welcome our amazing baby into this world. We can't thank Rebecca enough! Our birth experience was immensely better because she was by our side.read more

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Many of the photographs on this site were taken by She Saw Things

Birth First Doulas is proud to be in partnership with Bridgetown Baby & Community Doula Alliance

Doula Service Locations: NW Portland, NE Portland, N Portland, SW Portland, SE Portland, Sellwood, Beaverton, Hillsdale, Tigard, West Slope, Sherwood, Hillsboro, Gresham, Tualatin, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, West Lynn, Happy Valley, Oregon City, Wilsonville, Oregon, and Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Washington

Hospitals & Birth Centers We Serve: Kaiser Sunnyside, Kaiser Westside, OHSU, Legacy Good Samaritan, Legacy Emanuel, Legacy Meridian Park, Legacy Salmon Creek, PeaceHealth, Providence Portland, Providence St. Vincent’s, Adventist, Hillsboro Medical Center, WHA Midwifery Birth Center, Andaluz Waterbirth Center, Alma Birth Center, Canyon Birth Center, and Home Births in Portland, Oregon

Doula Service Specialities: birth doula service, childbirth & parenting classes, newborn classes, certified doulas, natural birth, unmedicated birth, vaginal birth, water birth, epidural assisted birth, birth advocacy, cesarean birth, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), high risk birth, induction, twins and multiples, previous miscarriage and loss, LGBTQ+ families, body positive, single parents, surrogacy, hospital birth, birth center birth, home birth, and a variety of additional doula services in Portland, Oregon

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