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Gracie Koester, CD(DONA) more doulas
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As a postpartum doula, I understand the unique challenges new families face. I am a listener, an educator, an advocate. What drew me to this work is the knowledge that families are often under-resourced when it comes to education and support—both practical and emotional. With the assistance of a skilled and supportive presence in the early weeks, families can get off to a better start. They can develop a strong foundation as they embark on their out-of-womb experience together. I am a problem-solver; I love to see the positive effects of even one visit, and delight in a thriving family. I have experience in supporting families with a variety of needs, including those with multiples, older siblings, breastfeeding challenges, or dealing with postpartum mood disorders. The confluence of education, support, and nurturing inherent in this work is a perfect fit with my passions and skills.
I grew up a midwestern farm girl in the land of lefse and “you betcha!” The daughter of a farmer and a nurse, I was taught the importance of caring for people and the natural world. I left the cornfields to attend college at Macalester in St. Paul, Minnesota. A liberal arts school with a strong focus on internationalism and social activism, Macalester offered me opportunities to apply my strong work ethic and caring approach to global issues. Before finishing my geography degree, I spent a year teaching English in China, gaining a first-hand, small-scale perspective on some of the large, global issues I was studying.
After graduation, ready to dive into international development policy work, I took a step back, and wasn’t quite sure why I was hesitating. My mom, actually, nailed it for me when she observed that what I was seeking was to work on a more person-to-person level. Deciding to experience life on the west coast, I moved to San Francisco, and then to Portland. During this time I cultivated a growing interest in birth and babies, and read piles and piles of books on the subject! It didn’t take too long to know I’d found what I was looking for.
Now a trained and certified doula, my passion for the childbearing year continues to deepen.
| “Gracie has a strong intuition, a calm and gentle touch, and a bundle of enthusiasm. Her ready smile, quiet strength, and up-beat approach help birthing women and new families navigate their unique paths in the childbearing year.” |
Contact the office to request doula or lactation support:
office 503.493.7390 / 360.542.9534
hello@renchildbirth.com |
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Disclaimer: This site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, attention, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your health or your baby's health, please consult your family's health care provider immediately.
Disclaimer: The doulas who work through Renaissance Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals, LLC are independent contractors. Renaissance Childbirth and Postpartum Professionals, LLC does not assume any liability through the actions of your independent contractor.
Doulas are non-medical professionals who support women and families in Labor and Postpartum. They are trained in the normal course of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care. They are not qualified to give medical advice, please use the information on this website as a general guide.
Always check with your Care Provider to be sure that you are doing what will be best for you and your baby.
PHOTO CREDIT: All professional photos provided by Debbie Baxter. Thank you Debbie! |
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