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Crystal Broer, Portland Doula

Crystal Broer, Portland Doula

I believe that pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period are highly emotional and profoundly rewarding times in a person’s life. Support during these times is so crucial and can make a huge impact on how people feel about themselves and the mind frame with which they approach parenthood. As a doula, I specialize in physical and emotional comfort measures, natural pain coping techniques, and birth advocacy. I enjoy using touch as a way of offering comfort, reassurance, and presence. My ability to be a calm and informed presence in the room provides comfort not only to the birthing person but also to the loved ones supporting the birth experience. My goal is to always stand beside a birthing person to support their beliefs and desires, and if those are being challenged, to help them adjust as the birth unfolds. My overarching intention is to ensure the memory of birth is positive and cherished and that it can be looked back on fondly for a lifetime.

My own journey to motherhood began as a single teenager in high school. My midwife treated me with respect and dignity, which is how I imagine she treated all her patients regardless of their age or socioeconomic status. I don’t recall what exactly it was my midwife did or said but I do remember how she made me feel. This experience led to my passion for working with families in all walks of life during their own incredible journeys into parenthood. I strive to provide my own version of unbiased support that leaves families feeling capable, cared for, and respected. I currently live in Vancouver with my husband, Zame, who offers unwavering support while pushing me to chase my dreams. We have two wonderful boys, Drew, who is now grown and out of the home, and my teenage son, Aubyn. I enjoy traveling with my family, cruising around on my bicycle on a sunny day, and quiet Sundays at home with my boys watching football in our lounge wear.

Training

N

Oregon State Certified Traditional Health Worker

N

DONA-approved Birth Doula Training with Mother Tree Doula Services

N

DONA-approved Postpartum Doula Training with Mother Tree Doula Services

N

6-month Intensive Birth Doula Internship with Mother Tree Doula Services

N

Infant and Adult American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR AED Certified

N

Culturally Competent Care Training with Ciné-Med

N

Collaborative Practice and Professionalism Training through PDX Doulas at OHSU

N

Trauma Informed Care with Brooke Noli, MFT, PCW, CD

N

Advanced Massage and Acupressure Training for Doulas with Jennie King, LAc, LMT

N

HypnoBirthing with Kadie Barber, HBCE, CD(DONA)

N

Spinning Babies Training with Gail Tully, BS, CPM, CD(DONA)

Areas Of Specialty

N

Unmedicated Birth, Out Of Hospital Birth, Water Birth

N

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

N

Single Parent Support

N

IVF Pregnancy

N

High Risk Pregnancy/Birth

N

Medical Induction

N

LGBTQIA+ Families

N

Body Positive

N

Trauma Informed Care

N

Pregnancy or Infant Loss

N

Postpartum Doula Care

N

Rebozo, Massage, Spinning Babies

N

Babywearing

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Crystal’s Testimonials

“We loved our doula, Crystal Broer! As a first time mom and always anxious person, I didn’t know what to expect from labor and birth and Crystal took a lot of the mystery out of it for both me and my husband. Our pre-birth meetings with her were fun and informative. During labor, Crystal’s warm, practical and calm presence was a lifesaver both for me and my very freaked out husband. We had a challenging birth and recovery, and through it all, Crystal was the person I would look towards for reassurance and guidance.”

Julia & Mark, Washougal, WA

“Crystal is truly an exceptional doula! It was important to me to find someone who knows their stuff, but who can also keep it real, and that is exactly what I found in Crystal! Not only is she is knowledgable, supportive, and organized, but she’s equally warm, funny, and personable. Both my husband and I felt completely comfortable with her immediately. She supported us in our prenatal journey, throughout labor, and beyond. I felt informed and in control every step of the way with her by my side, and I know she helped my husband become a more empowered birth partner. We cannot say thank you enough to Crystal for being such a great support through our pregnancy journey!”

Kaitlyn & Bobby, West Linn

“I interviewed 3 doulas at BirthFirst and knew I couldn’t choose wrong—they were all amazing but Crystal felt like the one for me. I am so glad I had her helping me through my journey. As a Single Mother by Choice giving birth in a pandemic I knew I might only be able to have one person with me, so the selection of my doula was critical. Crystal did a great job of walking me through our prep for labor and then she pivoted seamlessly when the baby turned breech last minute and sent us down a new path. Crystal held my hand and supported me through a External Cephalic Version at 37 weeks and in the operating room before my c-section. She helped me navigate my anxiety when I didn’t know how to ask for what I needed (chatting with me about my favorite sports team). She talked me through what was happening in the OR when that also didn’t go to plan and then took priceless photos of me and my baby once we were together. Crystal used her extensive experience to support me but also listened to me and individualized my care and support to meet me where I was at. I can’t imagine having done this without her.”

April, SW POrtland

“Crystal was wonderful to have by our side during the preparation and birth of our daughter. We wanted a natural birth at the hospital, which she was thorough in determining exactly what our wants were for any situation and giving suggestions and support for those choices. When I was ready to give up she was able to provide encouragement and alternatives to help us achieve our goal. We appreciated everything she was able to do for us including taking my husband’s spot during the most difficult parts of labor so he could eat, to capturing the moment of meeting our daughter. We agree we would absolutely have her with us for our next child!”

Krista & Cheyne, Hubbard, OR

“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.”

Claire & Lee, cedar mill

“My husband and I can’t say enough good things about Crystal. We interviewed several doulas but we were immediately drawn to Crystal’s positive and calm energy. Leading up to the birth of our son, she asked us thoughtful questions and really got to know us as a couple and our hopes for the birth. She was extremely responsive through text, emails, and phone calls and is truly a gifted communicator. During the birth itself, Crystal provided consistent soothing support through all phases of labor and through the significant amount of downtime we had before it was time to push. Her presence was calming and positive and she tirelessly sat with us and used massage techniques to keep me comfortable. She strikes the perfect balance between being a wonderful support system and a patient advocate. My husband and I can’t imagine our birth experience without Crystal — we would hire her again in a second!”

Rachel & Michael, SW Portland

“Crystal was an amazing asset to our birth team! My husband and I knew as soon as we interviewed her that she was the one we’d be working with for the birth of our first child. If you’re looking for someone who is down to earth, easy going, yet also happens to be incredibly detail oriented, Crystal is the one for you. She had a way of putting us both at ease. My husband trusted that I would be in good hands during labor in case he needed to step away for a break. When the labor got intense, she kept our wishes in mind and guided us through an unmedicated birth as we intended. I truly feel like we could not have done it without her! We will be forever grateful that she was there to support us for the birth of our daughter!”

Molly & Kelly, N Portland

“I can’t recommend Crystal enough. Her competence, reliability, and professionalism were evident from the beginning, but what we could never have predicted in an interview was her stamina! Crystal stuck it out with us through a labor that stretched over multiple days, massaging my back through contraction after contraction, for hours on end. She helped us plan the kind of birth we wanted, and when things didn’t go as we had planned, she was there to help us think through our options and make informed decisions at each step along the way. She was a huge support to me and my husband, and my mom still talks about her when she tells the story of my son’s birth. Crystal is an excellent doula who will bring comfort, experience, and a calm, reassuring presence to your birth.”

Sarah & Dinesh, SE Portland

“Crystal was the perfect balance of support for our birthing experience. She is very professional and yet still comforting on a personal level. We felt she was very open minded and did not judge us in any way for making one decision or the next. Her most valuable role in our pregnancy was helping my husband feel confident in his purpose/role in delivery. She gave him the tools he needed to comfort me throughout the laboring process. My husband and I feel closer than ever to have gone through such an intense process so harmoniously. I would absolutely recommend Crystal- she is a good listener and will let you do as much or as little directing as possible- she is not invasive or over powering which is very important for a type A mama-to-be! You will be in caring and comforting hands with Crystal- and major plus- she gives AMAZING massages!”

Ashley & Jay, SW Portland

“Crystal was our amazing doula for the labor and delivery of our first baby. Her compassion and knowledge were a tremendous help to us as we navigated the confusing process of preparing for baby. During our time in the hospital, Crystal provided both physical and emotional comfort and helping to advocate for us when things were hectic.  We both agree that we would not have wanted to go through it without her! She was available for my entire (very long) induction and did everything she could to help keep me comfortable and ensure that I felt I was being listened to. After baby was born, Crystal continued to provide emotional support during the overwhelming first month and it was so nice to be able to lean on her for information, compassion, and understanding. She is level-headed, steady, respectful, compassionate, and a very calming presence. We cannot say enough good things about her.”

Emily & Aaron, SW Portland