Ari Micek, Doula

I was 36 weeks pregnant when I first heard the word “doula” and learned that I had the opportunity to have one with me at the hospital during my upcoming birth. It wasn’t until a few weeks into postpartum that I began to fully understand how invaluable this person was during my birth. What I most remember about how my doula showed up for me was her calm and unwavering presence. Being witnessed by this person I barely knew is what moved me to pursue birthwork. My many reasons for doing this work continue to shift and evolve, but supporting people as they become parents remains at the heart of what I do. My hope for my clients is that they feel safe, seen and heard no matter how their birth unfolds. Birth is not a single event in people’s lives to “just get through'', but rather it is a transformative experience that people carry with them for their entire life and pass onto future generations. I believe that people already have what it takes to make this transformation – my role in their birth is to reflect this truth back to them. I am always honored when my clients choose me to be this person who walks with them throughout this incredible time in their lives. I believe that being a Birthworker is an essential form of activism for the cause of Reproductive Justice. Being a part of this movement towards systemic change is the biggest driving force for me to continue this incredible work! I believe that ALL families deserve to have the option of additional support throughout their path to becoming parents, but unfortunately there are large gaps in access to doula services. A couple of ways that I am helping to improve birthing outcomes is by reserving some space in my schedule to support families with Medicaid insurance, in addition to private pay clients; and by beginning to work with the PPS Teen Parent Services to create more doula access for student parents in the Portland area. And I will always hold a special place in my heart for supporting my fellow queer and trans community members.