Ashley Fryer, Portland & Vancouver Doula
I came to birth work understanding the long-term impact that pregnancy and birth have on individuals and communities. My intention is to provide the space and support for families to grow in the unique way that is right for them. I recognize the challenges of dealing with fertility and alternative conception methods as well as building a family outside the cultural norms. Whether supporting families as a doula or an educator, my approach is grounded in empathy, humility, and trust in each parent’s ability to determine what is right for their family. Regardless of what challenges or decisions you might face, my goal is to provide you with evidence-based information as well as the mental and emotional space to lean into your own instincts. I find this work to be challenging, meaningful, surprising, and powerful. I believe that the way in which birth happens can transform individuals and generations. I recognize the privilege I hold as a white, cishet woman within the birth world and I am committed to decolonizing and abolishing white supremacy, starting with myself.
As a birth doula I lean into connection with an emphasis on informational and emotional support. I prefer to observe and explore together to find the next step forward, rather than leading with my own assumptions of what that next step ought to be. Empowering partners to take an active role through birth is key to the work we do together. My approach is trauma-informed and I strive to work collaboratively with each member of your team. I am also prepared to support families through unexpected loss and complications.
As an educator specializing in childbirth prep, I tend to take an eclectic approach, leaning on evidence-based resources, my own experiences in birth rooms around the Portland Metro area, as well as the knowledge and skills each parent brings to the table. Private education with me begins first and foremost with your priorities and goals for birth. My hope is to give you an understanding of the basics of birth – what your body is doing and what to expect throughout each stage – as well as a variety of practical tools and strategies for coping and comfort. Parents who work with me often describe feeling a greater sense of trust in their ability to navigate birth together, making use of their team and the tools available to them.
Training
DONA Postpartum Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth
Intensive 6-Month Internship with Mother Tree Birth
Evidence Based Birth Instructor
Fair Play Method Facilitator
Thompson Method Breastfeeding Program: Professional Edition
Culturally Competent Care with CineMed
Adult, Child and Baby First Aid/CPR/AED with The Red Cross
Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas with Lactation Education Resources
Racism in Perinatal and Pediatric Health with Nurturely
Postpartum Doula Specialty Areas
NICU Babies
Multiples
Cesarean Recovery
Cooking
Breast/Body Feeding Support
Birth Processing/Birth Story Listening
Trauma Informed Postpartum Care
Postpartum Anxiety & Mood Disorders
Helping To Establishing Sleep Routines
Baby Wearing
Demos Of Baby Gear & Products
Elimination Communication
Nursery Set Up
Sibling Support
Supporting The Transition Back To Work
Birth Doula Specialty Areas
Unmedicated Birth
Surrogacy
Adoption
Single Parent Support
IVF Pregnancy
High Risk Pregnancy/Birth
Medical Induction
LGBTQIA+ Families
Polyamorous Families
Body Positive/People Of Size
Postpartum Doula Care
Trauma Informed Care
Survivors Of Sexual Abuse
Recovery From Addiction
Pregnancy Loss/Infant Loss
Abortion Support
Childbirth Education
Mother Blessing Celebrations
Baby Sign Language
Baby-Led Weaning
