Kelly Overly (she/her)

There are moments in life that connect us to each other in ways we could have never imagined. The intersections of woman to mother, of man to father, of individuals forming families, of science and nature, these are the moments that can seem both miraculous while mundane and then somehow, blend into one another seamlessly. Birth is possibly one of the greatest of these intersections. Within these amazing intersections, great change occurs, and not only is a child birthed, but so too, is a parent. 

As a doula, I support these intersections where new life is brought into the world and family grows. I believe in the power of the birthing person and feel called to be of service and support during a time of great vulnerability and strength. I seek to help create a birth experience that feels safe, supported, empowered and loving for everyone involved in the birth story. 

I help the birthing person through knowledge of natural pain coping techniques, labor positioning and comfort massage. I believe that the power of feeling in control of one’s body and of one’s desires during the birth experience can greatly enhance the enjoyment felt surrounding birth - this drives me to help my clients become their own best advocates. I believe that even the smallest of voices should be heard and respected as if they were the loudest of roars and one of my goals is that my clients are heard throughout their birth experiences. This story belongs to you, the birthing family, and I would be honored to assist you in the specific ways you need to navigate this incredible time in your life. 

I worked in the Oregon and Washington wine industry for many years before I felt a calling to be of service to families during a time of incredible growth. On my path to becoming a midwife, I was delighted to find my home in doula work. I trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula through Mother Tree Doula Services in Portland, Oregon where I have mentored other aspiring doulas. I volunteered as a Labor Doula for the Gateway Doula Project at Providence Hospital, I served as the Board President for PDX Doulas at OHSU where I also mentored new doulas. I have served as a general board member for Birthingway College of Midwifery and was both the Vice-President and President of the Oregon Doula Association. I have been certified as a Birth Doula through DONA International and as a Traditional Health Worker for Oregon State. I am a Certified Lactation Counselor and the Practice Manager at Jewell Chiropractic.

 About Kelly

• I gave birth to my first child in December 2019 with the much appreciated help of an epidural, and to my second in February of 2022 unmedicated at home in the water. I have a personal understanding of how strange it is to be a brand new parent during a pandemic.

• When I am not busy supporting birth and new families, I can be found at home with my kiddos baking, gardening, or playing and feeling so lucky to be their parent.

• When the kids are sleeping I’m constantly trying new crafty things - macrame, crochet, weaving, and my latest adventure is embroidery - so far my flowers look a little wonky, but I’m enjoying the process!

Kelly’s Qualifications

• Healthy Children's Project Certified Lactation Counselor Training

• The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice Board Certified Lactation Counselor

• DONA Certified Birth Doula

• Oregon State Traditional Health Worker

• DONA-approved Birth Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services

• DONA-approved Postpartum Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services

• Birth Doula 6-month Internship with Mother Tree Birth Services

• ICEA-approved Childbirth Educator Training with Portland Doula Love

• HypnoBirthing with Kadie Barber HBCE, CD(DONA)

• Culturally Competent Care Training with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

• Collaborative Practice and Professionalism Training with PDX Doulas

• Spinning Babies Training with Tammy Ryan, AvdCD/BDT(DONA), SpBT

• Spinning Babies Training with Gail Tully, CPM, Spinning Babies Founder

• Trauma Informed Care with Mandy Davis Ph.D., LCSW

• The Impact of Stress on the Developing Fetus with Sherri Alderman, MD, MPH, IMH-E

• Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Men and Non-Birth Partners with Sam Stevens, MS, LMFT

• Gender Diversity in Health Care with Amy Penkin, LCSW

• Bridging Theories of Grief with Judith L.M. McCoyd Ph.D., QCSW, LCSW

• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED Certification

• Advanced Massage and Acupressure Training for Doulas with Jennie King, LAc, LMT

• Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas

• AAAS Enology and Viticulture