What is a full spectrum doula?
Full spectrum doulas deal with pregnancy in all its various forms and stages. In her book, The Radical Doula, Miriam Zoila Pérez defines the term as: “a doula who provides support to people during the full spectrum of pregnancy – from birth to abortion to miscarriage to adoption.”
Every person’s pregnancy journey is unique to them and there is no “right way” to experience something so transformative. Whatever your circumstances – whether you’re dealing with a planned pregnancy or an unexpected one, a joyous celebration or a heartbreaking loss – we’re here to walk beside you and support you in whatever way we can.
Pregnancy means different things to different people and at different times. For some, it’s a fulfilling experience from start to finish; for others, it’s emotional and fraught. As professional doulas, our calling is to meet you exactly where you are and to support you in your unique journey, whatever that may look like.
6 Types of Doulas
Because pregnancy experiences and needs differ from person to person (and from stage to stage), doulas often receive specialized training in one or more of the following areas in order to provide tailored support based on each client’s unique circumstances:
Miscarriage Doula
Losing a pregnancy can be a heartbreaking experience. A miscarriage doula helps people cope with the emotional and physical aftermath of pregnancy loss and often provide ongoing support for future “rainbow” pregnancies and births.
Abortion Doula
An abortion doula specializes in providing emotional, physical, and informational support to those considering, seeking, or undergoing an abortion. This can be a very difficult time, and sensitivity and compassion are of the utmost importance.
Bereavement Doula
A bereavement doula supports families dealing with grief and loss due to a miscarriage, stillbirth, adoption loss, surrogacy loss, terminal diagnosis, or other pregnancy-related bereavement. They also often provide support during subsequent “rainbow” pregnancies.
Death Doula
Also sometimes called an “end of life doula,” a death doula offers emotional, spiritual, physical, and logistical support to people who are dying. In many cases, their work also includes assisting families and other caregivers before, during, and after the loss.
Birth Doula
Also known as a “birth coach” or “birth companion,” a birth doula provides comprehensive non-medical support to birthing people (and often their partners and families) before, during, and immediately following childbirth.
Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula focuses on a very important aspect of pregnancy: the aftermath. Childbirth may feel like the finish line of pregnancy, but it’s also a new beginning. Postpartum doulas support parents and newborns through the “fourth trimester” and all the changes to their lives, bodies, and families.
Full spectrum doula training
In order to become professional doulas, we undergo in-depth education and training to prepare us for a range of pregnancy circumstances and situations. Some courses focus specifically on one area, such as childbirth or postpartum care, while others are more all-encompassing.
Full spectrum doula training prepares doulas to assist people through a range of perinatal experiences, from preconception to postpartum and adoption to miscarriage. Every pregnancy experience is unique, and whatever emotions you feel are valid and normal. We’re here to help you walk your path in the way that feels right to you.
Full spectrum doula services
in Portland, Oregon
We know that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to perinatal care or pregnancy support. Your experience is uniquely your own, and we want to honor your journey with personalized support and full spectrum doula services tailored to your individual needs and goals. Have questions? Contact Wildwood Birth to connect with an experienced and compassionate Portland doula today.