We are excited to start highlighting the members of the Portland Doula Association! We think that this will be a fun way for members of the community to learn a little about who we are and we hope that you enjoy reading about our members.
Our first doula spotlight is Michelle Averill. Michelle is a labor doula and childbirth educator and has been a birth worker for four years.
| What is your name? | Michelle Averill |
| Do you have a business name? If so, leave it here. | Mama Michelle’s Birth Services |
| Web Site | http://mamamichellesbirthservices.com |
| https://www.facebook.com/MamaMichelleLaborDoula | |
| michelle@mamamichellesbirthservices.com | |
| What birth work do you do? | Labor Doula, Childbirth Educator |
| How long have you been a doula/birth worker? | 4 years |
| What did you do before becoming a doula and/or are there other jobs that you do along with your doula work? I have been a Choir and Band teacher at a private school in Milwaukie for 16 years, which I continue to do while working in the Birth Arts on evenings, weekends, and holidays. I am very fortunate to work at an amazing school that supports my work in this field, and an amazing co-worker (my husband!) who covers my classes if one of my Mamas goes into labor on a school day. |
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| Please tell us about your business in 3 sentences or less. I provide Labor Doula support primarily to women who will be birthing in a hospital. I have training in Collaborative Practices with Hospital staff and am very good at creating a healthy working relationship for all. I also teach Childbirth classes out of my home in Milwaukie. |
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| What is your favorite part about your job? I love to help women discover how amazing they are, and help them find pride in their strength. I also really love working with the birth Partners and helping them feel like they have an active role in the labor and birth. |
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| Where do you hope to focus your learning next in your work? I would really like to expand my knowledge of laboring tools such as Rebozos and Essential Oils. |
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| Are you a native Portlander? If not, where are you from? I was born in an Army hospital in California, but have been in the Portland area since shortly after my own birth. |
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| Do you have a special talent? | I am a trained Vocalist and a pretty skilled knitter. |
| Who is your favorite woman of all time? My sister, Stephanie, my inspiration for becoming a Doula. |
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| What’s your favorite band? Coldplay |
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| What was the last movie you saw, and did you like it? I don’t remember what my last movie was, but I like most movies. I’m easy to please. |
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| Do you speak any other languages? I speak a little German. |
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| Describe your perfect day. Reading a book at the beach! |
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| What is the best thing that has happened to you this year? I became an Auntie for the 12th time! |
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| If you were a crayon, what color would you be? | Plum |
| What is your Zodiac sign? | Sagitarius |
| Would you rather ride a bike or drive a car? | Drive a car |
| Would you bungee jump? | No! |
| What are your favorite pizza toppings? | Canadian Bacon, Pineapple, and hot sauce |
| What super power would you like to have? | Super hearing |
| What would you do if you won the lottery? I would pay off all debts of mine and my immediate family’s, invest some for our future, and donate a bunch to children’s charities. |
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| Please name 1-3 other interesting facts about you! I have two children – a 12 year old daughter, and a 17 year old son who is a senior this year! I have been married for 17 years to my best friend. I love to cook, but not bake! |
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