Our professional team of postpartum doulas is here for you.
Working as a postpartum doula not only takes passion for helping growing families reach their full potential; it also takes tenacity, training, and collaboration.
Every one of our postpartum doulas comes to Family Tree Doula Services with their own unique experiences, comprehensive training, skill sets, and passions. Through our monthly zoom meetings and behind the scenes collaboration, our doulas ask questions and share insights to enrich our understanding of doula work so we can sharpen our skills and utilize our talents as a team. Some of our postpartum doulas have been a part of our team for over 3 years and gladly share their experience with the newer doulas on the team.
This team approach is how we are able to provide the best possible quality of care* to every family we work with. Collaboration is the backbone of FTDS postpartum support because we know that we’re stronger when we work together.
*We expect a lot of our doulas! Our doulas must have proof of completing professional training, attaining certification, undergo a background check, communicate their immunization status for our records, and have current infant/adult CPR certification.
Meet our Doulas!
Abby
TRAVELING DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist (Advanced) & Infant Feeding Specialist
ADVICE: Coming soon!
Barb
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist & Certified Lactation Counselor
ADVICE: You know your baby better than any book, website or doula, so trust your instincts, you know what to do!
Emmi
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula & CACHE Certified Newborn Care Specialist
ADVICE: If you are nervous about whether you are doing a good job, the fact that you're concerned means you care enough to be a good parent. The most important thing is loving your child and giving yourself that love, too!
Heather
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula
ADVICE: Be gentle with yourself and have grace as you find your way during this journey of parenthood. The journey looks different for every family.
Jen D.
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula
ADVICE: When people say "it takes a village", it's true! It's ok to ask for help or support. AND..take shifts with your partner so there is someone rested to take over.
Jennifer D.
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula
ADVICE: Each child is unique and special so do not compare your child to other children, just love them.
Jennifer F.
PORTLAND DOULA
Postpartum Doula, Bereavement Doula & Childbirth Educator
ADVICE: Everything is going to be OK, we can find what it takes to move you through this moment together.
Karen
TRAVELING DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist (Advanced)
ADVICE: Breath … it’s ok to feel overwhelmed and unsure
Karley
TRAVELING DOULA & PORTLAND DOULA
Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist
ADVICE: Find your people - friends, family, doulas, support groups, local community. It’s ok to ask for support, we are here for you.
Krystal
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator & Babywearing Educator
ADVICE: It’s ok to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, take the advice people give you and use what works best for you.
Lindsey
PORTLAND DOULA
Postpartum Doula
ADVICE: Your way is the very best for your family. Enjoy the process of discovering what your way looks like and gather evidence-based education along the way to help your family flourish in the next chapter.
Seidah
TRAVELING DOULA
Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist
ADVICE: Everything is a phase. Good, bad, sticky, or maybe even broken. It will all pass and you will be just fine.
Sheryl S.
PORTLAND DOULA
Certified Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist
ADVICE: Coming soon!
Sophia
PORTLAND DOULA
Postpartum Doula
ADVICE: Your needs are a priority! You can't fill from an empty cup. Ensuring your own needs are met will allow you to best care for your baby. It's not selfish to want a shower and some alone time.
ADVICE: Take time to plan your first few months as new parents just as you would your gender reveal, baby shower or even the birth of your baby.
Sheryl Cooksley
Founder, Family Tree Doula Services LLC. Certified Postpartum Doula, Infant Feeding Specialist, Newborn Care Specialist (Advanced), Grandparent Prep Trainer
In 2017, owner, Sheryl Cooksley, redirected her career after a string of personal tragedies and answered her life’s true calling to serve new parents and infants through postpartum doula care. It was out of this desire to see growing families receive the support and encouragement they desperately needed that Family Tree Doula Services was born. FTDS has grown into an ever-expanding team of doulas who’ve worked with families all over The United States and internationally.
Sheryl believes the key to a healthy environment for doulas to flourish is built on a foundation of mutual-respect, mentorship, and encouragement. As a certified postpartum doula and trained newborn care specialist, Sheryl knows firsthand from her years of experience what it’s like to work with new parents. She is generous with her hard-earned wisdom, and her passion to see her team and growing families thrive is the driving force behind everything she does. She understands the vulnerability associated with new parenthood and she sees the invitation as a true privilege.
Our team photos are from our First Ever "Family Tree Jamboree", our version of "doula day camp". The pure joy on the doulas' faces makes me smile. Observing their genuine love and care for each other, seeing their camaraderie and teamwork in person, made me realize that Family Tree has such a special team of doulas. These pictures make me very proud! - Sheryl Cooksley, Founder.