Lena Wood .:. Cascadia Birth Services .:. Doulas in Portland, Oregon

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Lena Wood

My philosophy:

I believe that one of the most profound gifts we can offer a pregnant woman is a safe space for her to share her joys, fears, and hopes around her pregnancy. Attending my first birth was a magical experience, confirming my intuition that providing holistic birth support will be my lifelong work, a vocation that feeds my spirit and challenges me to grow in ways I never could have imagined. Every birth since then has taught me so much about the inherent strength and power that women carry within.

As a doula, my goal is to provide that space for women to feel heard, supported, and validated during their pregnancy journey, which is a transformative one no matter what the circumstances or outcomes are. I am actively working in my community to expand the doula model of care to include experiences such as abortion, adoption and pregnancy loss, which have often traditionally have left many women feeling stigmatized and isolated. As an aspiring midwife, I bring a deep respect for the diversity of women’s experiences and preferences for birth, as well as a commitment to learning and growing as a birth professional.

My background:

My path to doula work and women’s reproductive health began, ironically enough, with my experience as a trans-racial and trans-national adoptee. I have always been drawn to birth and pregnancy, while at the same time recognizing that families are created in many ways. My work as a doula is grounded in my core conviction women are the ones who are best able to make decisions about their pregnancies. In addition to my doula work, I also spend time each month supporting women through in-clinic abortions, and volunteer as a peer counselor for a pregnancy options talk line.

In my previous career, I worked as a Montessori elementary teacher, leading a classroom of 1st-3rd graders. My undergraduate studies focused on geography, environmental history, and sustainable development. I have nearly 15 years of experience working with children and families to my work as a doula. Friends and former clients say I bring a calm, grounded energy to my work (maybe it’s that good, old-fashioned Minnesotan upbringing…), along with a gentle sense of humor and an uncanny ability to appear awake and alert even after only a few hours of sleep!

What clients have to say about Lena:

I chose to have a doula to provide support to me and my husband during the birth of our first child. I felt so fortunate to find Lena for this important role. Lena has a calm and competent presence that gave me confidence both before and during the birth. She worked to answer my questions and identify my options as we prepared for the big day. She provided encouragement without judgment, allowing me to discover the path that was right for us. I hope that many other mothers will enjoy the guidance of such a supportive doula.

~Roberta and Ben

What other birth professionals have to say about Lena:

I have worked with Lena twice at Kaiser Sunnyside. Both times I have been struck by her wonderful, calm presence, which is so beautifully blended with knowledge. As a CNM working with her, I feel absolutely confident in her abilities and so glad to have her as part of my patients’ care/support team.

Last night when I was working with Lena the thought occurred to me that she is one of those special people who has a truly unique and special ability to be with women during labor and birth.

~Robi Jaspin, Certified Nurse Midwife