Testimonial for Portland Doula Love
?I knew very early in my pregnancy that I wanted a doula as I am not partnered and would need a support person at the birth, especially since this would be my first hospital birth. I wanted someone to be able to advocate for me or remind me and the providers of my birth preferences.
After telling doula love what I was looking for in a doula, I was given different profiles of doulas and ended up interviewing Catheryn Apsey. She met all my points on my wishlist, so I ended up choosing her as my doula without even interviewing anyone else.
Over the course of my pregnancy, Catheryn met with me several times, to talk about my vision and preferences for this birth, about comfort measures and also ways to encourage an easier labor (for example exercises or positions to help baby engage in the pelvis). I was able to text her any time with updates, questions or concerns and she would respond with support, both emotional and instrumental/ educational. She also has a wealth of resources for other birth related providers, such as chiropractic care/ acupuncture and so on.
When it looked like I might "have to" get induced, she helped me cope with the stress and offered to adjust the birth plan to still get an experience I would be comfortable with.
Luckily, I went into labor spontaneously. Catheryn was at the hospital right as I got there, provided important emotional and physical support throughout the birth and stayed until I was transferred to recovery (though she offered to stay there too).
I'm so grateful for her. I felt comfortable with her despite it being such an intimate and vulnerable experience and I 100% trust her. She is reliable, empathetic, knowledgeable, supportive... everything you could wish for in a doula. I highly recommend doula love's matching service and recommend Catheryn in particular. I would 100% want her to be my doula for any subsequent pregnancies/ births.
-Jana
March 27, 2025
Birth Fee: $0 to $3000
Postpartum Rate: $45 to $65
