Kelsey Bushong (she/her)

Getting into birth work started with my experience becoming a mother. With my first baby, I knew what I wanted my birth to look like but had no idea how to get there. I dove head first into researching my options and did my best to become as informed of my choices as possible.

During my labor, my sweet student nurse-midwife suggested I utilize the doula volunteering on the L&D floor that night. I had no idea what a doula was! But she was amazing and her support greatly influenced my career path.

I approach postpartum doula work through the lens of what I wish I had known during that season of life. With no immediate family around, I waded through postpartum solo and was overwhelmed, which led to severe postpartum depression.

It brings me so much joy to provide families with loving support during the vulnerable postpartum period. Nothing makes me happier than parents getting the much-needed rest they desperately need.

My love of birth has also shaped my academic career. During my undergraduate studies in nutrition at the National University of Natural Medicine, I focused on perinatal and childhood nutrition. While an undergrad, I was disappointed with the lack of attention my program gave to infant feeding and was what inspired me to enroll in the Lactation Education program at the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Afterward, I attended the University of Western States, graduating with a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine. During graduate school, my research focused solely on perinatal nutrition and ended with me writing my thesis on postpartum depression and iron deficiency.

Through my own experiences, I can commit wholeheartedly to the families I work with. Being a postpartum doula has been a very healing journey for me. I feel grateful to do this work.

About Kelsey

  • I have 3 boys (!!!) who keep me very busy

  • My animals include 2 cats (George & Elle) and a German Shepherd named Sonny. We have a lot of living beings in my house which makes for lots of chaos 

  • I grew up in Michigan, but moved to Portland in 2007. I love Oregon so much

  • Working out is my favorite form of self-care. You can find me at Burncycle in the Pearl District at least 4 days a week

Kelsey’s Qualifications 

  • National University of Natural Medicine, Bachelor of Science Degree - Nutrition

  • University of Western States, Master of Science - Nutrition & Functional Medicine

  • OHSU-PSU School of Public Health – Certificate in Human Lactation

  • Mother Tree Doula Training, DONA International Approved

  • Adult/Infant CPR certified

  • Current Volunteer with Baby Blues Connection