So, you’re having a baby?
I can help with that.
Your baby’s birth will be a day that you remember for the rest of your life. The details may be fuzzy, but you will always remember how you felt. I can help make sure you feel supported during your birth. Of all days, this should be a day you remember fondly.
An initial interview (or consultation) is always free. Call or email me to see if a birth doula could be right for you.
I am a labor and birth doula in Portland, Oregon.
I act as a guide, helping you navigate the birth process.
This includes:
Physical Support
Emotional Support
Information

photo by Jeanette Lee Photography
Scarlett Lynsky, CD(DONA), ICCE
Certified Birth Doula
Certified Childbirth Educator
My Philosophy
While I enjoy supporting unmedicated births, my passion really lies in supporting the pregnant person and partner or other support person in discovering what is important to them and helping them through whatever challenges they face. There is no one way to give birth. A successful, joyful birth is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever a good birth means to you, I will work to help you achieve that. If “plans” need to change, I will help you navigate and process the change in “plan”.
My Style & Ideal Client
My style in prenatal meetings is to be frank, informative and slightly irreverent. I can laugh about the more uncomfortable aspects of giving birth and I really seem to connect with families that use humor to cope with difficult situations. My favorite clients are the ones who ask a LOT of questions because it helps me understand what they know, what they do not know, what their worries are and what they feel confident about. I really get to know clients this way and can tailor my services to their specific personality.
Having been a gestational surrogate, I also really enjoy supporting surrogates and Intended Parents (IPs).
Special Training
In my doula work, I frequently use a piece of fabric called a Rebozo for comfort in labor. I’ve also received training in Spinning Babies (spinningbabies.com) techniques for optimal positioning and Acupressure points for pregnancy and labor.
My Background
I am a native Portlander, who was born at home in the late 70s. I’ve been fascinated with birth since I was a teenager. When I had my first child–a daughter–in 2002, my fascination only intensified. Between my first and second child, I decided to become a childbirth educator. That second child, a son, was born in late 2006 and by 2008 I was certified to teach childbirth classes. Not much later I began attending births for friends and it was clear that this was something I had to keep doing. So I did! I have been certified through DONA since early 2011 and have attended over 100 births to date. Our family is now complete, but in 2013/2014 I was pregnant and gave birth as a surrogate gestational carrier for a same-sex couple. Then in 2017 I carried another surrogate baby for my friend and her husband.
Who I serve
I am comfortable supporting VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean), same sex couples, trans clients, single mothers, mothers planning to place child for adoption, parents that have experienced infertility, miscarriage or infant loss, and I support all birth plans including planned cesarean, planned induction and planned use of epidural and/or analgesics. If you have a special situation, please ask me about it. Nothing is taboo.
Check My Availability
*I take up to 4 clients in a month*
View My Doula Match Profile
Including availability and testimonials.
About the Process
Step 1
Ask around for recommendations or search the web to find two or three doulas that might be a good fit for you. Give those doulas a call or an e-mail and ask for a free interview. Doulas know that having a good fit is important, so this way you can make sure you feel comfortable before you hire.
Step 2
Interview your potential doulas. This usually takes place in the comfort of your own home.
Step 3
Make a decision and sign a contract with your doula. Doulas accept payment in a variety of ways. I ask for a deposit upon hiring me, an installment at the first prenatal and and the remaining balance at your final postpartum visit.
Step 4
Schedule a prenatal visit. You will typically get 2 prenatal visits to discuss your wishes and needs.
Step 5
At 38 weeks (or before), I go on call. This means I have my phone near me at all times, including (especially?) at night while I sleep.
Step 6
Go into labor. 🙂 I ask that as soon as you think you are in labor, you to call me, even if you don’t need me yet. This way I can make arrangements on my end to be ready when you do need me. It will take me an hour to an hour and a half to get to you once you call me to come. I will be with you for your entire labor.
Step 7
Have a baby. Once you’ve had your baby it takes about 2 hours for things to settle down after delivery. Once things are all stable and calm, I will go home. Over the next few days I will be checking in by phone.
Step 8
Schedule postpartum visits. I will make an appointment to visit you at home about 3 days to a week after the baby is born. If you need any referrals I will provide you with resources. I will make another appointment, usually 1.5 to 2 weeks postpartum.
Pricing Info
The Doula Package Includes- Free initial interview (in your home or place of your choosing)
- 1-3 prenatal visits (usually 2)
- Labor support in hospitals, birth centers and homes
- 2 postpartum visits
- 24/7 on-call availability starting at 38 weeks
- Back-up doula support
- A non-judgmental listening ear
- Knowledge of techniques to turn a posterior or breech baby
- A sense of humor
- The flat fee is based on a range. You will be asked to use the honor system to pay an amount that feels fair for the service that I rendered and the impact it had on your birth. For clients who need it, I can offer a scale that slides lower than $1500.
Location
Birth doula, located in Portland, Oregon and serving the Greater Portland Metro Area.
Get in touch via email!
Or call me!
503.234.6685
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