Testimonial for Portland Doula Love
When my partner and I decided to hire a doula for our first child’s birth, we knew about the variety of improved health outcomes but we could never have imagined the magnitude of support we ended up receiving from AshLee Lezama. From our very first meeting, AshLee impressed us with her depth of knowledge gained from dozens of births, from practical tips on pain management to informed non-biased perspectives on medical interventions. At every turn, she made herself accessible to us and became our go-to trusted advisor in the months leading up to the birth, especially when encountering new questions like how to design a birth plan, how to advocate for yourself in the hospital and what to pack in the go bag. She offered hard-earned insights and lived experience on any questions that popped up before, during and after birth. This alone would have been enough to provide a ringing endorsement but when my partner had a rapid case of preeclampsia, our plans suddenly changed and AshLee Lezama was there to change with it. During our long induction, we frequently reached out to her for guidance on different paths for the induction and she helped us navigate an unanticipated birthing situation confidently. When labor actually begun, she arrived quickly and helped both the birthing partner and the non-birthing partner fully contribute and feel supported in both small moments and terrifying ones. She felt like an integral member of our team, fully supporting both of us while not eclipsing either of us, our roles, or the shared significance of the moment. She brought a variety of supports to the birth, from essential oil diffusers to battery powered candles. AshLee Lezama made us feel safe, secure and supported in an unexpected birth journey that included four days in the hospital and constant decision making in sleep deprived states. We couldn’t imagine the birth any other way and we recommend her services to anyone looking for this kind of passion for her job.
-Tom McQueeny-Rose
December 24, 2024
Birth Fee: $0 to $3000
Postpartum Rate: $45 to $65
