About Me
I came to doula work after the birth of my first child, when I realized that giving birth is fundamentally transformational, changing us forever and setting the stage for parenthood. Birth tends to be unfamiliar until we experience it ourselves. The anticipation can bring up many feelings, fears and curiosities. Each of us will have our o
I came to doula work after the birth of my first child, when I realized that giving birth is fundamentally transformational, changing us forever and setting the stage for parenthood. Birth tends to be unfamiliar until we experience it ourselves. The anticipation can bring up many feelings, fears and curiosities. Each of us will have our own path through the process. My job is to be a guide in these uncharted waters, providing information, emotional support, and physical assistance to help you navigate the passage.
Each birth is as unique as each individual. I come to this work without an agenda, only a desire to offer solid support. I believe birth is intensely personal and intimate, so my care centers around your needs and wishes, tailored to you and your family. My goal is to help you build confidence and deep trust in your body and birth team, so you can drop into the birthing space feeling safe and supported-essential elements for allowing physiological birth to unfold.
I bring a strong interest in baby positioning and a curiosity about how birth has changed in our modern context. While I believe the female body is designed to birth, I also recognize that the contemporary world is not designed for women. Our current reality differs dramatically from our evolutionary history, with implications for how we birth. I work with clients to mitigate potential complications prenatally while understanding that much remains outside our control. I see birth as an experiment in both setting intentions and surrendering to the unknown. And it is my job to help build the container where both things are possible.
Lina Sylvae
I've lived most of my life under the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and these rich ecosystems have shaped both me and my practice. Their sturdy presence, complex balance, and life-affirming gestures are brilliant allies in the birth process.
I also bring a background in holistic nutrition and herbal medicine, as well as training in basi
I've lived most of my life under the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and these rich ecosystems have shaped both me and my practice. Their sturdy presence, complex balance, and life-affirming gestures are brilliant allies in the birth process.
I also bring a background in holistic nutrition and herbal medicine, as well as training in basic breastfeeding support and Spinning Babies. I've recently completed the Somatic Experiencing training, which gives me the tools to run a trauma-informed practice and, hopefully, help craft a positive initial experience of parenthood.
Currently, I live in a log cabin in the woods outside of Portland, Oregon, with my husband and two beautiful children. I spend a lot of time outdoors, in my garden, hiking, weaving baskets, knitting, and cooking. I serve the surrounding area as a birth doula and educator.
Why Doula Care?
Better Outcomes
Research has consistently shown that doulas are an effective tool to reduce unwanted interventions. In one study from 2022, women who received doula care were 52% less likely to have a cesarean delivery and 57% less likely to present with postpartum depression/anxiety. These findings demonstrate that confident, consistent support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is correlated with positive maternal outcomes.
Continuity of care
In today's medical system, pregnant women typically see multiple providers and rarely know who will be present at their birth. I offers something different: a consistent, trusted presence from pregnancy through the postpartum. With prenatal meetings, birth attendance, and postpartum home visits, I aim to provide the continuity of care that builds confidence and support—whether you're birthing in a hospital, birth center, or at home.
Partner support
Doulas don't just support women in labor—they support partners too. Birth can feel overwhelming for partners who want to help but aren't sure how. I provide guidance, suggest comfort techniques, and create space for partners to be fully present without carrying the weight of being the sole support person. I also track the partner's needs, encouraging self-care like eating, staying hydrated, and napping when appropriate. Many partners report feeling more confident and connected to the birth experience with a doula by their side, able to focus on their emotional connection rather than worrying about what to do next.
In Home Care
Pregnancy can be a busy time, filled with appointments and to-do lists. I endeavor to make doula care easier to add by conducting prenatal visits and postpartum care in clients' homes regardless of birthing location. In-home care creates a feeling of ease and continuous support, which is a significant component of a positive birth experience.
Postpartum Followup
Giving birth is one of the most physically challenging, emotionally rich, and psychologically complex experiences of a woman's life. The changes she undergoes can be overwhelming and drastic. For this reason, my birth services always include postpartum follow-up in the home to help with the adjustment to parenting and newborn care, as well as processing the birth and navigating challenges. Proper support during this critical period can reduce postpartum depression and anxiety, build confidence, and set new parents up for a positive newborn experience.
Testimonials
I remember roaring through my contractions like a wild animal, with Lina's voice in my ear telling me to embrace every wave. I did just that. My daughter was born in a whirlwind of energy and emotion—an experience I cherish to this day.
Lina was my rock, my champion. She brought the most calming presence: confident but open to every option
I remember roaring through my contractions like a wild animal, with Lina's voice in my ear telling me to embrace every wave. I did just that. My daughter was born in a whirlwind of energy and emotion—an experience I cherish to this day.
Lina was my rock, my champion. She brought the most calming presence: confident but open to every option, assertive without being overbearing, and an absolute rockstar with pain relief counter-pressure techniques. I cannot recommend her enough.
-Sonja
Like a heartbeat to cling to, Lina mothered me into my own motherhood. I had the most beautiful birthing experience where nothing went according to plan. And yet it was the exact delivery I believe was destined for me and my family all along.
Lina is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, and kind. But above all, to me, h
Like a heartbeat to cling to, Lina mothered me into my own motherhood. I had the most beautiful birthing experience where nothing went according to plan. And yet it was the exact delivery I believe was destined for me and my family all along.
Lina is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced, compassionate, and kind. But above all, to me, her greatest gift and capacity is her ability to radiate a warmth of love.
-Haley
Lina is such a gift and I encourage you to invite her into your birth experience. She is versatile and holds the space for you to experience and accept all the feelings (physical and mental) that happen during the birth of your child. Her calm guidance, emotional presence, soft voice, and fierce loyalty empowered me in ways I have never e
Lina is such a gift and I encourage you to invite her into your birth experience. She is versatile and holds the space for you to experience and accept all the feelings (physical and mental) that happen during the birth of your child. Her calm guidance, emotional presence, soft voice, and fierce loyalty empowered me in ways I have never experienced before. I hope you are blessed enough to have Lina by your side. I could not have done it without her.
-Amanda