01/02/2026
Calling all pregnant and postpartum mamas in 2026!
I am still offering birth and postpartum doula services in Eastern Oregon (and yes, I travel). Services are free for EOCCO, PEBB, and OEBB families! I’m also thrilled to report that both United Health and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon may also be covering doula services this year and both companies have asked me to contract with them.
Whether you’re a first time mama or if you already have a kid (or three) at home, you WANT a doula by your side. Why?
A doula is a trained, non-medical support person who walks beside you on your parenthood journey emotionally, physically, and educationally. We do not replace medical care, we complement it by focusing entirely on YOU.
During pregnancy, a doula:
- answers questions without judgement
- helps you understand your options
- teaches you (and/or your partner if there is one) to advocate for yourself
- supports you as you make informed choices
- provides reassurance, grounding, and a steady presence
- is on your side
- can recommend or connect you to resources that may enhance your quality of life (not just baby related)
- cares about your emotional well-being, not just your medical history
During labor & birth, a doula:
- offers continuous support (no shift changes)
- helps with comfort measures, positioning, breathing, and coping with change
- supports your partner so they can better support YOU
- helps you feel safe, heard, and empowered
- is a calm, anchoring presence in a storm of emotion
- remembers what all those pregnancy books and childbirth education videos said if you forget
During postpartum, a doula:
- helps with recovery and rest
- encourages you to prioritize your own needs and rest above friends/extended family
- offers to process your birth experience with you
- validates what you’re feeling
- helps you adjust to your new (and ever changing) “normal”
- guides you as you navigate whatever joys and challenges come next
- assists with light cleaning and local errands
- can watch over baby while you nap, eat, or shower (but ONLY if that is your preference)
- cares for the whole family, not just the baby
Why hire a doula? Because birth isn’t just a medical event. It’s a monumental, life-changing, human, emotional, transformational experience. Research shows that doula support is associated with:
- shorter labors
- lower rates of intervention
- increased satisfaction with the birth experience
- stronger emotional well-being postpartum
If anything proves that the research is accurate, it’s the increased coverage by insurance companies. Doulas save them money! But beyond the research, having a doula means you’re not doing this alone. It means having someone whose only job is to protect your space, your voice, and your experience. Birth deserves to be held with care, and so do you. As Dr. John H. Kennell stated, "If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."
If you’re curious, have questions, or just want to talk, my inbox is open. Happy 2026!
Empowered Birth and Postpartum in Eastern Oregon I am a birth and postpartum doula serving the community of Baker County and surrounding areas. I also provide birth education and other services to local families. I can’t wait to meet you! Meet Shelley! Services I offer packages and services for ev...
