Liz Haebe, Birth First Doulas

Liz Haebe, Portland Doula

The first time I was in a birthing room, it felt like home to me. I was helping my friend give birth to her first child and even though there were so many new and different things happening, supporting her just felt so normal and natural. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a helper, so doula work has always been a natural fit. Getting to help families as they bring a little life into this world is simply the best way I can think to give back. For me, being a doula is all about offering comfort, and personalization, and meeting the birthing person where they are. If you want me down on the ground with you, that’s right where I’ll be. I will hold your hand, massage your shoulders, and even give you a little foot massage if that’s what you desire. My goal is to make your birth the best possible experience for you and your family, while also offering support and information so you can feel empowered to make informed decisions. Being invited into the birthing room during these life altering moments is not something I take lightly, and I would be humbled and honored to share that space with you. 

I’m originally from Las Cruces, NM and came to Portland in 2007. In my down time, I volunteer with Planned Parenthood, help manage the Gateway Doula Group here in Portland, and serve as a board member for the Portland Doula Association as well as other committees around town. I live at home with my cat, Sondheim, and I love a good lazy Sunday lying on my couch binge watching tv. I can often be found daydreaming of my next tattoo and love to go out with my friends to enjoy the delicious food that Portland has to offer.

Training

N

CAPPA Labor Doula Training

N

Intensive 6-Month Internship with Mother Tree Birth Services

N

Advanced Full Spectrum Doula Course with Cornerstone Doulas

N

DONA Postpartum Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services

N

Supporting Survivors Who Birth, Eri Guajardo Johnson and Cornerstone Doula Trainings

N

Lamaze Childbirth Educator Training

N

Certified OHA Traditional Healthcare Worker

N

Collaborative Practice Advanced Doula Training

N

Trauma Informed Care Training

N

Seahorses And Unicorns, Transgender Birth Workshop

N

Cultural Competency Training

N

CPR/BLS Certified

Areas Of Specialty

N

Unmedicated Birth

N

Virtual/Remote Doula Support

N

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

N

High Risk Pregnancy/Birth

N

Medical Induction

N

Single Parent Support

N

Adoption

N

LGBTQIA+ Families

N

Body Positive

N

Postpartum Doula Care

N

Trauma Informed Care

N

Abortion Support

N

Pregnancy or Infant Loss

N

Survivors Of Sexual Abuse

Liz’s Testimonials

“At no point did Liz balk at the hurdles and obstacles. She fielded anxious texts and phone calls at all hours. She set up zoom meetings and did a remarkable amount of virtual handholding through the steps I found overwhelming (which was everything – it was all overwhelming when you’re simultaneously coping with suddenly working at home, losing physical access to your support systems, and trying not to get sick and die). Liz consistently balanced her empathy for my experience and feelings with strategizing how to deal with the situations that helped keep my sanity and continue moving forward. The day that I was scheduled to be induced, my doctor called saying doulas were allowed back at the hospital. Top ten best phone calls of my life. In the delivery room, Liz was present, gentle, skilled, and supportive to both me and my partner. I joke that my little one waited to arrive until Liz could properly join us instead of hanging out on a video chat via laptop. I cannot say enough about her positive impact on this experience for my husband and I. Should we have another child in the future, I will be requesting Liz as our doula.”

MANDY, NE Portland

“Liz was incredible with my VBAC! She is warm, funny, and very passionate about helping you deliver your baby the way YOU want to without any judgement or reservations. I had a very fast and intense labor and Liz was very quick to meet me as I was being admitted into Labor & Delivery. I had discussed with her previously of wanting to have an all-natural VBAC and she was supportive all the way through. When I couldn’t think or breathe, she was there calmly guiding me through everything and helped me regain control. She was my voice to the nurses and midwives when I couldn’t speak because of the pain and exhaustion. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for her encouragement and support, I would’ve had a very different delivery.”

TINA, MILWAUKIE

“Liz became everything I needed before, during and ever after my son was born. She checked-in with me (as much or as little as I needed) before hand and was a supportive presence throughout the long 30+ hours of labor I endured. I had my husband and my mother in the room and being the nurturing person, I am, I knew that I would struggle with their needs vs. mine, and that’s where Liz stepped up. She tailored herself to my very specific needs: I needed someone to be with my mom and comfort her when I was unable to. I needed someone to make sure my husband drank and ate, when I was unable to. I needed someone to tell me everything was going to be ok, when I was unable to believe that. Liz was there for all of that and more. A week after our son was born and we were finally settled in our home trying to get into the new rhythm of newborn life, my husband reflected on the experience and said “I’m so glad Liz was there. I didn’t know what to expect but I’m so glad.” Sometimes you simply don’t know what you need until you’re in the moment and Liz was there for those moments of uncertainty.We will all look back at our birth experience for what it was: a unique and universal experience across the human experience but what made my birth so special was knowing Liz was there, watching over us and I am forever grateful.” 

ANDREA, NE PORTLAND

“Getting our doula Liz with Birth First Doulas was the best choice we did! We got a late start on our journey, starting just 2 weeks before our daughter was born. Rebecca did a great job matching us with Liz. My husband and I felt an instant connection with her and she made us feel supported and at ease. During labor, Liz was there the whole time with us (30+ hours!). She knew just what to do to help me feel comfortable. Liz was an amazing support for my husband as well. She was so easy to talk to and always made my husband and I feel we had a voice, a choice, and a laugh. We could not have felt more cared for during our time with Birth First Doulas, especially during covid times.”

mandy & MIKE, beaverton