Patty’s Approach to Doula Work

I recently supported first time parents welcoming their baby into the world as a doula for the very first time and I was filled with an overwhelming feeling of “this is exactly what I am meant to be doing!”. As a birth doula, I want to help birthing folks and their partners create their ideal birthing plan through evidence-based information, a wide variety of coping mechanisms, and communication tools. My goal is to support families in achieving the birth experience they envision and to reduce fear through all the peaks and valleys of their journey by instilling confidence in their inherent ability.

I approach each person and their pregnancy with curiosity, one of my personal values, so that I can guide you as you make decisions that serve you/your family best. I believe that birthing people are incredibly resilient and strong. As your birth doula, I want to advocate for you, give you encouragement, and support you with comfort measures during this most transformative time. As someone who has not experienced labor, I practice non-judgement and believe that each person has the right to choose their birthing preferences.

Patty’s Background

I have a BS in Athletic Training and a Masters of Art in Education. I found immense joy in my first career as a healthcare professional at a DII university. My 6 years of professional experience are serving me well as a birth doula because I am very knowledgeable and confident with the anatomy of the body, creating a calm environment in the face of uncertainty, and being able to adapt under pressure. For the past 8 years, I have been a people leader where my personal focus is on developing young adults through open communication, kindness, and trust.

All of these different experiences have led me here, at the beginning of a new chapter as a birth doula, with a passion and desire to help others through the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy, labor, and birth. I completed my DONA Birth Doula workshop through Doula Love in April of this year and I’m continuing my education through the Doula Love 6-month mentorship program.

I have lived here, in the beautiful city of Portland, since 2018. My family lives in St. Louis, MO, which is where I grew up. I adopted my sweet dog, Roxie, in 2022 and she has been the best, most joyful addition to my life. You can often find me outside in the warmer months on walks, at a park, or hiking, and during the winter I thrive on all my creative hobbies like embroidery, puzzles, and pottery. And of course, my year-round love for reading.