I have an interesting history with Reed. I initially applied to Reed as an undergraduate in 1992,…read moreand got waitlisted for admission. It was in my top ten college choices because it "fit the bill" of schools I applied to. I went with Hampshire College instead, mainly because I wanted to stay close to home on the east coast and go to college in New England. Reed was a more selective school like Amherst or Oberlin was to get into, but had a campus culture that was more like Bard, Sarah Lawrence or Hampshire's granted it just happened to be on the West Coast. In 1994, after my first year at Hampshire, I took a road trip west with some Hampshire friends to spend time in Portland for the Summer. I TOTALLY fell in love with Portland, and Oregon, and found it a relaxing and cultured place to base myself (I'm from NYC), and Portland had a pretty interesting theater & film scene, so I wanted to come back and explore it more and decided I'd take my academic leave after my second year at Hampshire and base myself in Portland for at least a year. In the Summer of 1995, after I'd finished up my second year at Hampshire, I moved out to Portland from the east coast after filing to go on academic leave for the 1995/1996 academic year from Hampshire. It was a good change of pace for me, because I'd gotten a little overworked and burnt out during my second year at Hampshire. I did a lot of work in the theater community in Portland, and did sone film projects and took classes at the Northwest Film Center in downtown Portland as well. I enjoyed living in Portland so much, I had a lot of mixed feelings about even returning back East, so I decided to re-apply to Reed as a transfer student and finish up my Bachelor's out west instead. Although I was finally accepted to Reed as a transfer student, it came with a couple of steep caveats: I'd have to have taken my second year all over again to fulfill certain Reed distribution requirements because they felt my first two years from Hampshire didn't transfer well (this is when I started to get annoyed) although I had classes with A's and B's from Amherst, SmIth & UMass/Amherst. Not to mention two years worth of glowing exceptional evaluations from my Hampshire coursework, as well as strong recommendations from Hampshire faculty. This is when I started to realize that Reed is a bit pretentious and full of itself as an academic institution, BUT, I wanted to continue to live and work in Portland, and loved my apartment in SE Portland (within commuting distance of Reed's campus; so I could've lived off-campus) and didn't want to give that up; since I'd felt my biggest complaint about Hampshire was the insularity of being forced to live on-campus for all four years (this is in fact, STILL a Hampshire requirement, exceptions are ONLY granted on a case-by-case basis if you meet certain conditions). Then, in the Winter of 1996, the financial aid award letters arrived from both Reed & Hampshire: Reed gave me the BARE minimum (worse than my financial aid package at Hampshire had been my first two years) and ALSO requiring I maintain at least one year of on-campus residency (thus losing my apartment) AND of course, take an extra year longer to get my degree. Hampshire, in contrast, upped my financial aid to nearly full tuition for my final two years, offered to help pay for a semester abroad for Field Study (I'd also just applied to a Theater Program in London for the Fall 1996 semester) & gave me a scholarship to help me pay for books and any associated expenses. Um, what would you all have done? Bye, Reed & Portland. Oh well. The saddest thing for me was that I had to give up my really cute Portland apartment. However, I was on Field Study in London (practically paying nothing to attend the British American Drama Academy) in the Fall of 1996 coming back from Oregon, and then back in Massachusetts at Hampshire by January of 1997 (and practically paying nothing to finish attending Hampshire). So, in the end, it was the right decIsion for me to make, AND I got my BA in time in four years time from Hampshire instead. Sometimes though I do engage in a bit of: "What If I'd gone to Reed.....?"

This place is very convenient to Gigantic Brewing and Hip Chicks Do Wine it is a great place to…read morewalk your dog around if you are in the area. IF you are interested: Park in the north parking lot on Steele and then cross the pedestrian bridge and you will find an awesome open space to walk your dog. It's pretty low key, you may cross a person with their dog off leash but most dogs keep to themselves and there aren't many people who know about this area. Check it out if you can!

I recently had my second baby and unlike my first I wanted to have a lactation consultant home…read morevisit as soon as baby arrived. I have PCOS and had a low supply and tongue tie with my first and wanted to get baby checked out right away so we could do what we needed to help milk production. Rosemary was amazing and came right away and helped me navigate all the things related to breastfeeding and feeding my baby. I felt heard and very well cared for in those beginning days when you are so vulnerable. We had a follow up today and she reassured me that I'm doing everything and heading in the right direction. She was really there to listen to what I had to say and my concerns and gave the advice that I needed to feel confident and keep moving forward. So thankful for Rosemary and Bridgetown baby for the much needed support.

We had such a wonderful experience working with Katrina and Bridgetown baby. Their insurance…read morechecking benefits and automatic, matching with lactation consultant were extremely helpful. We were lucky enough to work with Katrina who from the very first meeting, was incredibly kind, patient, and supportive. She created a comfortable, judgment-free space where I felt heard and understood. What I appreciated most was her collaborative approach. She really took the time to listen to our concerns, answer questions thoroughly, and work together to find solutions that felt right for our family. Her guidance was practical, encouraging, and tailored to our specific situation. I'm truly grateful for her expertise and compassion, and I would highly recommend her to any family looking for knowledgeable and caring lactation support.

As a single mom struggling to support my highly sensitive teen, when I first came across Nicole's…read morework I thought, "her parenting coaching sounds like exactly what I need." And indeed it was. Nicole helped me: --understand the neuro-science behind the nervous system and how my--and my teen's--nervous systems were influencing my parenting approach; --recognize how to become attuned to both of our nervous systems...I learned to be curious instead of judgmental (about my own and my child's feelings and reactions); --translate the knowledge and awareness into action with suggested techniques that made a huge difference in how my kid and I communicate; and --equally if not most importantly, grant myself (and my kid!) grace in the moments that are as hard as being human is. I'm not a perfect parent, but with Nicole's support I have become more mindful, more empathetic, more curious, and more grateful for what goes well in my relationship with my child. This has helped in the immediate term--and I believe has set us up for the future--to trust each other and create more space for joy.

Before working with Nicole, I often felt like a terrible mom. My almost 4-year-old son was having…read morefrequent tantrums, and I felt helpless. Our home was filled with yelling and shame, and I knew I needed better tools--not only to handle my son's meltdowns, but also to manage my own feelings around them. Coaching with Nicole gave me exactly that and more. She helped me see how much of my parenting stress was tied to my own perfectionism and anxiety. With her guidance, I learned to show myself compassion, which allowed me to create deeper compassion and connection with my son. Now that he's four, does he still have tantrums? Yes--but I'm able to respond with much more grace (not perfectly, and that's OK) and compassion. His outbursts are usually shorter, and I no longer feel like an "angry mom" all the time. Instead, I feel more confident, more connected, and far more loving in my parenting.

My husband and I received a referral to Rachael from a friend. We met with her while I was in my…read moresecond trimester and quickly knew that we wanted her to be part of our birth story! Rachael was incredibly helpful and supportive during my pregnancy, available to answer questions when we were faced with baby challenges and decisions surrounding the birth. We met with her multiple times to get to know each other and talk through our plans. Also, she provided great support via phone/text/email in between our visits. Despite our best efforts to encourage our baby to turn around with natural and medical interventions, she remained in the breach position and we ended up scheduling a c-section. We were unsure what a doula's involvement would like in this scenario. Rachael was super flexible and walked us through her experiences as a doula at a c-section and provided so much moral support during this exciting but challenging time. When the time came, Rachael was right by our side at the hospital, joining us in the operating room as our baby was brought into the world. Her positive energy and support were so appreciated, especially when I didn't feel well. After some skin-to-skin time, my husband took our baby as I was feeling quite ill. When his focus turned to her, Rachael was there to comfort me - rubbing my head and helping me breath through it all. It really helped me push through the nausea so I was able to hold my baby again. Following the birth, she helped us get settled and encapsulated my placenta. The pills were ready and waiting for us when we arrived home. We are incredibly grateful to have had Rachael as our doula. We found the experience of working with her to be highly valuable and we appreciated having this lovely, genuine, kind soul with us as we welcomed our daughter into the world.

Working with Rachael was an absolute dream! She is warm, compassionate, smart, and invested. Our…read moreprenatal appointments were long and thorough. She really took the time to get to know me, my partner, and our 2 year old son. In the weeks leading up to my birth, she was wonderful about checking in to see how I was doing and even came over with some essential oils when I hurt my back! I had a very fast birth and Rachael helped me to stay as calm as possible and reassured me when my confidence started to waver. She's extremely knowledgable about counter pressure techniques and positions to better support labor. I don't know how I could have done it without her! I also highly recommend Rachael's postpartum services. They are invaluable! Those first weeks with a newborn can be crazy and it was so nice to have another set of hands as well as a listening ear. She's the best!

Callai is an absolutely wonderful doula. I wasn't sure if I really needed a doula for my second…read morebirth, as I knew I wanted to get an epidural this time. But I'd had a very traumatic birth with my first child, so I figured we could use all the extra support we could get. In the end, my husband and I were both so grateful that Callai was there. It was comforting just to know that we could talk to her about any decisions that came up, with her wealth of expertise on everything labor and delivery. Callai met us at the hospital and helped through the early contractions, and even after I got the epidural it was still so helpful to have her there. It was the middle of the night so my husband was able to get some rest, while she checked in on me and helped me change positions. The delivery went great, but I had some complications after. Having Callai there was so perfect, because my husband was able to have skin to skin time with our baby and Callai was at my side holding my hand until I was stable again. She had just the calm and reassuring presence that we both needed after coming into this experience with some PTSD from our first child's birth. If we ever have another baby, we will definitely choose Callai as a doula again.

There isn't much to say except that Callai is an amazing doula…read more My husband and I worked with her for our first child. My goal was to go for a natural birth while still giving birth in a hospital. After finding that all the midwives were unavailable or booked for my due date I ended up going with an ob/gyn. I was nervous about what seemed like a less than ideal situation for a natural birth. On the suggestion of an out of state friend I looked for a doula and found Callai. Working with her was the best decision my husband and I made. When you're going through labor it is so important to have a supportive team, and I am so glad that she was there with us. It was my first experience with labor, and frankly I was nervous, anxious, and a little scared However, with Callai's help, I achieved the birth I had hoped for. Labor is truly one of most transformative but toughest moments in life, and I will never forget how she got me through it. When I didn't think I could keep going she knew I could and so I did. She expertly engaged with the hospital staff to get me the birth I wanted. She was a true advocate, and I will be forever grateful. Thank you Callai for everything. If you are reading this because you are looking for a doula, stop your search and go with Callai!

I could not have asked for a better doula! Our sessions before labor and delivery were thorough and…read moreinformative and really helped me feel prepared. Once labor began to kick in, Lori was there every step of the way with support, encouragement, coping strategies, and help through every minute of it.

Lori was an incredible doula. Being our first birth and with no family in the area, we were looking…read morefor some support and guidance through this time. We chose Lori because she seemed pragmatic and had a lot of relevant life experience. As a mother and former school teacher, Lori brings a very grounded yet enthusiastic energy to her work. She is friendly, knowledgeable, and up to date about everything from home births to medical interventions. She is personally familiar with the various medical facilities in the Portland area, and knows how to navigate their systems. As labor progressed at the hospital, Lori provided us with techniques to remain comfortable and to move the labor along naturally. She helped us understand the medical procedures and their implications as they arose. Lori was very realistic, and did not minimize the challenges of birth. She listened to our goals and wishes, and compassionately provided her professional opinion and insight. Her warm, can-do attitude helped us remain confident and empowered throughout the journey. We highly recommend Lori's services! -- Dan & Kathryn

This review is for Sheryl, who came to my home as a postpartum doula…read more What a disappointing experience! This was my second time having a doula and Sheryl was a last-minute fill in. When we talked on the phone, I explained that my baby was a preemie with high needs that was to eat on a set schedule, and the first doula had success carrying her around in a sling as my baby needed that constant human contact. Sheryl arrived and said she would not be carrying my baby, that my baby needed to learn to sleep a certain way, so she took my baby's cradle from my bedroom (I'm a single mom in a small apartment) and put it in the living room. Well, being suddenly in a new environment and alone upset my baby so I listened to my baby crying much of the night and Sheryl walking to/from the kitchen and living room to tend to her (my bedroom is between the two). When I couldn't sleep and came into the living room, Sheryl seemed exasperated that my baby needed to be held so much. Sheryl also took liberties with my baby's feeding schedule -- set by a nutritionist because my baby was not gaining weight properly. Needless to say, my baby and I didn't get much rest and I felt bad for my baby for the care she received. To pay a small fortune ($230) for this type of service is frustrating, and when I brought this to Sheryl's attention, she dismissed my concerns, saying this is "typical for a fill in doula". Overall, Sheryl showed no interest in the needs of my child nor me so I do not recommend Family Doula Tree.

Can't say enough about this wonderful service of encouragement and support! I purchased a package…read morefor my nephew and his fiancee' as their first child was born. Our Family Tree Doula has been amazing, and given this sweet young family an extra boost of confidence and peace as they begin their journey as a family. From help with the birth plan, to lactation guidance, and any other information they have needed help with, this has been a wonderful resource. A Big Thank you to Family Tree Doula Service! Linda, Eagle Creek, OR

Kristen was my midwife for my firstborn. We had a great connection throughout my pregnancy. I felt…read morethat she walked a great line of alternative medicine and western medicine. (Or hippy v. science as my husband likes to say) She was always quick to respond when I needed advice. If an at home remedy was called for she would offer it up but if things needed more acute attention she didn't hesitate to recommend I get checked out at the doctor (high blood pressure) I had a loooong labor which wound up not progressing and I had to go to the hospital for delivery. She rode out the labor with us and was a wonderful presence to have around. When the decision was made to deliver at the hospital she made all the arrangements and would have come with (had Covid not been limiting things) She checked on my baby in the weeks that followed and answered the multitude of questions that come with new parenthood. Being able to do the well baby checks from my living room was so nice! Kristen was absolutely wonderful and I recommend her as your midwife. If we decide to go for round two I won't hesitate to call her up!

Kristen is an incredible, compassionate & supportive midwife. She takes the time to inform and…read morethoroughly present you with all of your options throughout pregnancy and after birth. She fought hard to give me the birth that I wanted and supported me & allowed me to make my own decisions when my daughter was in an unexpected breech position at 39 weeks. She helped me fight for the birth I wanted, and even though I didn't get to have it in the end she stuck by my side. I know I would not have gotten through that change in plans quite as well without her support. Two years later she's still there for me when I need her. I highly recommend Kristen!

Working with Kathy McLean was the best decision we could have made for the birth of our first…read morechild. She's an invaluable resource and provided wisdom, comfort, care, understanding, positivity, and enthusiasm as she guided us through pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and helping us answer postpartum questions. She was key in making a difficult labor and delivery (sunny-side up baby) actually joyful and peaceful. She was an MVP team player -- so much so, that our OB will keep Kathy's info at her office to continue referring to folks! A doula that can be bffs with a doctor is high praise :) We will always highly recommend Kathy to anyone we know! Thank you Kathy!

My wife and I had such a great experience with Rebecca! This review is long overdue as our baby is…read morenow a toddler. It was our first pregnancy so we didn't know what to expect. Rebeca helped my wife be at ease during the process and was a great resource of information. The moms groups that were run by The Birth Doulas was a nice setting for my wife, as she was able to make new friends and connect with others in a similar lifestage. If we were to enlist the support of a doula again, Rebecca would be our first call.