Kathy McLean, Portland Doula

“Our family was beyond lucky to have Kathy as our doula for our birthing experience. She was the perfect advocate and cheerleader for us both, sharing her extensive wisdom, holding our hands as much as needed, and keeping us informed and comfortable every step of the way. We felt so supported knowing Kathy was available to guide us through the process —at home and in the hospital— helping us have the healthy birth we had hoped for. We highly recommend Kathy and Birth First Doulas for anyone looking!”

Lara, Portland

“I knew that hiring a doula was the right decision for me and my family, and based on the reviews I saw, I decided to turn to Birth First. I’m so glad I did. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my primary doula was unavailable, but Rebecca worked swiftly and I knew somebody would be by my side at the birth because of their backup policy. Rebecca communicated well with me and handled the situation beautifully. And everything worked out as it should because Kathy was phenomenal. I was looking forward to a birth with as few interventions as possible, and Kathy helped me achieve that. From the moment she walked into the delivery room (we’d never met in person due to Covid!), she was a calm, knowledgeable, confident presence. She effortlessly partnered with the medical staff while ensuring that my and my husband’s needs and preferences were met. She always read the room remarkably well. When a slight complication arose, I looked to Kathy for reassurance. I’m 100% certain that the reason I was able to pursue an unmedicated birth was due to Kathy’s support – I never felt pressured, and she provided the gentle, firm encouragement I needed. I’m so glad Kathy was a part of my family’s birth story.”

jennifer, Portland

“At first I’d never heard of a doula before and when I had met Kathy I was very intrigued by her work. Further along into my pregnancy she became family to us. Very informative and supportive and all together a great person. With my future pregnancies I wish for her to be by my side again. Even when it got complicated at the end she was there and helpful . . . Anybody who has the chance of having Kathy as their doula is a lucky person! Thank you so much Kathy for being my doula and becoming a part of the family. Couldn’t have done with you!”

Ariana, Portland

“Kathy is so wonderful. Kind, informative, compassionate and responsive. This was my first pregnancy and Kathy answered all of our questions as well as informed me of all of my options during the laboring process. She was supportive of all of my requests and wishes for delivery. She helped take the fear and turned it into such a joyful time for my partner and I. One of the things I loved most about Kathy’s service is how she helped my partner get so involved. She helped us both feel in control and as comfortable as possible . . . She has been a blessing throughout our journey and we are so thankful for her support as our doula. We highly recommend Kathy. Thank you so much for all that you do!”

Leticia, Portland

“Kathy was absolutely fantastic through the entire process of my son’s birth. My birth plan pretty much went out the window when I had to be induced at 41 weeks and I am so thankful to have Kathy by my side. She was my voice of reason and the perfect cheerleader. Despite pretty much nothing going as planned, my birthing experience was still a good one thanks to Kathy. She was fantastic after my son arrived as well. She was a huge support to me through our struggles to figure out breastfeeding. Words cannot express how thankful I am for everything she has done for us and I can’t wait for her to witness the birth of my next child.”

Brianna, Vancouver

“Let me tell you how AMAZING Kathy is! My husband and I are first time parents and had no idea what to do. Well let me tell you, getting Kathy was one of the best decisions that we ever made! She was there to comfort me and really help me through my labor. I honestly don’t know how I could have done it without her. SERIOUSLY! She took away my fears and made me feel like I could actually do it, like I could give birth . . . She did everything she could to make me more comfortable, we tried many different things and not only that but she has such a warm personality . . . She really gave me the confidence I needed to make it as far as I did. Thank you so much Kathy! You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you did for me and how much you helped me!”

Justine, Portland

“Kathy was so good to us! She met with us multiple times before birth, drove an hour at 3am to be at the hospital with us, took pictures and videos for us (cause we asked her to:), met with us twice after the birth, and checked in with us here and there after! She’s so knowledgeable, supportive, EMPOWERING, and does all of it from the bottom of her heart. So incredibly grateful!!”

Amy, Hood River

“Kathy was the most amazing doula! Couldn’t have done it without her. What a great help she was. Perfect in every way. Highly recommend. If you are having a baby don’t even try to do it without a doula. It’s so nice having a helper and counsel on (especially) your side. Kathy taught us so much and was truly amazing. Certainly feel lucky she was part of our daughter’s birth.”

Benjamin, SW portland tigard