We recently had the opportunity to have one of our doulas interviewed by Maine Women Magazine, for her accomplishments thus far in the field. Franci Bliss, even though new to the doula field, is drumming up buzz by being a very young and talented doula at that! Franci is now a high school senior, but when she started here with Portland Doula Collaborative she was a freshman. What were you doing when you were a freshman in high school? I can tell you, I was not watching mo

When I first became pregnant with my second child Lily, I knew right away I needed help. My first delivery wasn't traumatic per say, but I left the hospital feeling completely overwhelmed, in excruciating pain, and with no one to help me...(I mean really help me care for myself, not come over and hold my baby.) My husband at the time had to return o work fairly quickly after we brought Lily home, and I had a 2 year old as well to take care of. I knew going into this one I

Portland Doula Collaborative has partnered with The Baby Sleep Geek to offer local professional birthworkers a workshop that will help them navigate the rough, choppy waters of infant sleep issues. When baby isn’t sleeping, no one is sleeping! Sleep deprivation is common and expected when you have a new baby but there are things you can to help your client’s whole family be better rested. Join Maine’s only certified infant and child sleep consultant to learn more about how m

Ever wondered why everyone is so excited about babywearing? What are the benefits? Well we set out to ask some questions about the history of babywearing to set the record straight! Here is what we found out. Babywearing dates back centuries where families practiced the art of wearing their children to keep them safe, while still being able to take care of other household tasks. (Mostly Mommas here....) Wearing your little one provides multiple benefits, our favorite ones

Suze Orman thinks so! In a recent segment she did, Suze was asked if hiring a doula was ok by a caller. We love her recommendation stating that a doula is a necessity not an optional service. You can check out her full length segment here by clicking the link below.... http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000162344 Please keep in mind that a doula can help you not only through labor and deliver, but also with postpartum care. Here at Portland Doula Collaborative we offer

What is a postpartum doula anyway? Can't I just hire a nanny or a baby nurse to make it less expensive? These are both questions I hear alot from families who have just made the leap into needing assistance at home right after having a baby. Ultimately each family is different in their needs throughout the postpartum period. Some familes do well with support from families and friends who come to hold the baby, feed the baby, or even tidy up for the mom, (hang on to those f