It is such an honor to be a Labor Doula. I am dedicated to inspiring and empowering mothers prior to and during their labor and delivery.

I provide compassionate and professionally trained support for mothers and their partners during labor.

The mothers I assist are treated with constant individual care during their labor and given the upmost respect for their individual choices they have made in the labor process. I assist in bringing out your inner strengths as I support your choices.

I am the proud mother of one son, who came into this world to bless my life and the lives of others.

I have completed my CAPPA Labor Doula training in addition to having a certification of completion of Childbirth Education classes in Colorado, although my practice is now in Lake Oswego, Oregon.

In addition, I also have over 8 years experience as a certified Usui Reiki Master and Teacher. Upon request I combine Doula comfort measures and support with the healing and relaxing support of Reiki energy work.

"The presence of a supportive woman during labor and delivery significantly shortens the labor and may reduce complications." - Judith Walzer Leavitt, author of Brought to Bed.

It is my strong belief that having a Labor Doula present lends a significant support system to woman and their partners during the birth of their child. If you do not have a partner present with you, it is beneficial to have a Doula stay by your side throughout the entire labor as an integral part of your suppor team.

Providing empowerment for a woman during labor is the greatest role of a Labor Doula. It is a priviledge to not only witness the birth of a new child into this world, but also to support a woman during their most magnificant achievement.

I provide Labor Doula services in Lake Oswego, Tigard, Tualatin and Portland. My fee for Labor Doula services is $400. This fee consists of a $200 non-refundable deposit, paid at the date of the contract signing. The remaining balance of $200 is paid no later than your 32nd week. My services include two visits prior to delivery. During these visits I can assist you in designing your birth plan, provide relaxation techniques, discuss guided meditations and to answer any questions I can about the labor process. Once you are in labor, I will be with you throughout your entire labor, and about two hours after the baby is delivered. I also provide one postpartum visit. You may contact me to set an interview and to discuss my availability via email: brightabundance@yahoo.com or by phone at (971) 230-8674.

The birth of your child is the most rewarding event of your lifetime. It would be my honor to provide the comfort and caring support you need during this most precious event.

Here are my suggestions for great links, websites and blogs for expectant mothers and their partners: MORE TO COME.

Here are the recommendations and comments from some of the delivering mothers I have had the priviledge of assisting during their labor and delivery:

***********************************************Lynn helped me feel both content and supported during my C-Section. What was most helpful to me was her knowledge about the hospital I delivered at and how I would be taken care of there. She helped me to feel confident about having a C-Section, even though it was not what I had planned. I would recommend her services to my friends. I consider her an asset to anyone’s delivery, vaginal or not. I’d be happy to be a reference for her! There was nothing I had to ask for. Lynn went above and beyond! Misty S. 4/08).

“Being a childbirth educator and having attended many births myself, I can, with some authority, share that Lynn’s services are invaluable for both parents, and I know that her nurturing presence left a positive imprint on our baby girl. Her positive presence and focus on what our needs and wants were and meeting them to the best of her ability, is what I liked most about Lynn’s services. Lynn was helpful to my husband and me in creating clarity around our birth plan.

I would use Lynn’s services again. Having Lynn at our birth was one of the best parts of my experience. I would be happy to be a reference for her”. – Amanda W. (11/1/07)

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"Lynn was tuned into my needs. She was ost helpful to me both during my pregnancy and during my labor and delivery. I had a positive experience. I feel that the fees for her services were reasonable. She was very good. I was glad to have her present for my birth." - Julie P. (12/24/06)

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"Lynn was very helpful at answering my questions and she had good suggestions during my labor and birth. Lynn was kind and compassionate and I would recommend her to my friends. She was helpful to my partner and to me. She spent 15 hours with me during my labor. Lynn was a lifesaver. I don't know how I could have labored without her. She was so helpful to me. Having Lynn at my labor and birth was the greatest thing I could of asked for!" - Lisa S. (3/18/07)

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"Lynn became an effective, helpful and critical part of the birth team. She was able to reinforce my suggestions and offer helpful explanations, advice and alternatives. She was kind and compassionate to everyone in the room and the family seemed to benefit from her presence. Lynn demonstrated professional behavior. Lynn was present for the laboring mother for over 15 hours. She never seemed to tire and was at the patient's bedside and "bath-side" for her entire labor. Lynn was wonderful, amazing, fantastic! Thank you so much." - Merrilynn A., NM (Nurse/Midwife). (3/6/07)

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HERE ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A LABOR DOULA PRESENT AT YOUR LABOR AND DELIVERY:

1. Shorten first-time labor by an average of 25%.

2. Reduce the need for a cesarean section by 50%.

3. Reduce requests for epidural anesthesia by 60%.

4. Reduce the need for forceps-assisted birth by 40%.

* A Doula recognizes that your birth experience is an important event that you will remember all of your life.

* She understands the many choices you have and can help you wriite a birth plan or a list of your preferences in giving birth and welcoming your baby into the world.

* A Doula provides emotional support for you before, during and after your labor and birth.

* She provides or suggests physical comfort measures that your partner can give during the labor and birth, such as massage techniques, breathing exercises, and position changes. If you do not have a partner, your Doula will provide these comfort measures for you.

* She gives you an objective view of your labor and can help you understand how your labor is progressing.

My purpose as your Labor Doula, is to be present as a part of your support team during the birth process. It is greatly beneficial to both you and your partner.

I will never make your decisions for you. Rather, I am there to explain any confusing issues, to encourage you and your partner to speak your minds and stand up for your choices in the birthing methods you have chosen.

Although it is not within my professional scope as a Doula to perform any medical procedures, I do provide the emotional support that is needed to empower your body, mind, and spirit during the labor and delivery process.

I will be there to assist you with comfort measures, making your labor more tolerable and suggest methods that may help speed your labor along.

I will never attempt to influence your decisions. I am present solely to support your decisions and encourage you to use your own voice.

My role as your Doula is to support you whether you decide on "natural childbirth" or decide to take pain medication. This is YOUR BIRTH and I will offer the same level of compassionate support regardless of your choices.