Doula services
Our birth center offers doulas to all families during labor and birth. Doulas are available on-call and can be called to the bedside whenever the family feels ready and desires additional support. This amazing service comes at no additional cost to the family. For any additional questions regarding doula services, call (541) 201-4210.
Birthing ball
Doulas may assist with exercises to encourage proper positioning and dilation.
What is a doula?
A doula is a non-medical professional who is trained to provide physical and emotional support during pregnancy, labor and birth for families. The primary role of the doula is attuning to the patients needs and attending to them throughout the laboring journey, creating an environment that empowers women to trust the wisdom of their bodies. Feeling physically and emotionally safe during childbirth is essential for optimal outcomes. Doulas work alongside the team of nurses and care providers to ensure full spectrum, wrap around support. A doula does not replace the birthing partner, but rather enhances their presence by offering tools and techniques to provide comfort and confidence to the laboring woman.
Doulas can provide various forms of support, such as soothing touch (massage, counter pressure, acupressure), creating a calm environment (dimmed lights, aromatherapy, music), assisting with water therapy (shower and labor/birthing tub), using warm or cold packs, holding hands, guiding breathing techniques, helping with movement and positions, and offering nourishment and hydration to sustain the laboring woman. The emotional support and verbal encouragement doulas can provide can help relieve pain, promote relaxation and better labor progress.
Research shows that women who utilize doula support during labor tend to have lower rates of cesarean deliveries, reduced need for epidurals, shorter labor times, and a higher likelihood of positive birth experiences. Studies also show a potential decrease in C-section rates by up to 50% when supported by a doula.
Meet our doulas
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Meet Tracy
With over 25 years of experience as a birth and postpartum doula, I’ve had the honor of supporting more than 1,200 families through pregnancy, labor, birth and the early weeks of parenthood. This work is my passion, and it’s a true privilege to walk alongside families during such a profound and transformative time in their lives.
I bring a calm, compassionate presence and a deep understanding of the emotional, physical and informational needs of birthing individuals. My support is always personalized and continuous—whether through evidence-based education, hands-on comfort measures, or advocacy to help you feel confident and informed in your choices.
My goal is to create a nurturing space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to trust your instincts. Every family deserves a birth and postpartum experience that feels safe, supported and aligned with their values—and I’m here to help make that possible.
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Meet Shivaani
My passion for supporting mothers and families began over 15 years ago, when I became a mother myself. Giving birth to my three children opened my eyes to how deeply transformative—and at times overwhelming—the journey into parenthood can be. I quickly realized how essential it is for families to have real, compassionate support during birth and postpartum.
What began as a natural instinct to support friends eventually grew into a calling. In 2023, once my children were older, I formally trained as a birth and postpartum doula. I now have the privilege of holding space for families during one of the most powerful times in their lives.
I approach each birth with deep presence, intuition, and respect for the uniqueness of every experience. I take time to connect, listen, and tune into what’s truly needed—emotionally, physically and mentally. My role is to remind you that you’re doing an incredible job, to offer comfort and reassurance, to help you cope with intensity, and to gently guide when adjustments are needed. Above all, I trust the birthing process and bring a calm, grounded presence that helps create a peaceful and supportive environment.
I’ve witnessed how the energy in a birth space can shape the experience for everyone involved, and I’m honored to be part of that space for the families I serve.
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Meet Jenn
I am a Certified Doula, Photographer and Lactation Educator. With nearly two years of experience supporting families as a doula and over a decade behind the lens as a professional photographer, I bring a unique blend of presence, creativity and care to every birth space I enter.
Supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period is my true calling. My approach is rooted in deep emotional connection, compassionate care and evidence-based support. I strive to ensure that every parent I work with feels seen, heard and empowered throughout their journey.
Whether offering hands-on comfort during labor, providing postpartum guidance, or helping you navigate early feeding challenges with my background in lactation education, I tailor my support to meet your unique needs. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing and informed space where you can feel confident and connected every step of the way.
It’s an honor to walk alongside families during such a profound life transition—and I look forward to being a part of your story.
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Meet Marie
With a decade of experience in birth work and the lived wisdom of being a mother myself, I’ve been serving families in our community as a birth and postpartum doula since 2022. I’ve supported well over 100 births and bring a nurturing, intuitive and grounded presence to each family I serve.
My approach integrates traditional wisdom and natural practices designed to empower, educate, and soothe. Drawing on tools such as aromatherapy, healing touch, massage and acupressure—alongside emotional connection, I help families feel relaxed, supported, and spiritually held as they welcome their babies into the world.
As an empath, I am deeply attuned to the subtle, nonverbal cues of laboring women, allowing me to offer personalized support that fosters safety and openness. The care I provide is both intuitive and evidence-based, using proven techniques to ease intensity, support progression and honor each birthing person’s unique path.
I see birthing as sacred and approach it with deep reverence. I am trained in trauma-informed care and prioritizes safety, respect and emotional support throughout the entire process.
Supporting all birthing preferences and paths—including unmedicated births, water births, VBACs, epidurals and cesareans—I always ensure that my clients feel heard, respected, and deeply cared for.
Since joining Ashland Community Hospital in December 2023, I’ve been honored to co-create meaningful, empowered birth experiences with families—and look forward to many more years of this sacred work.
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