Links

Upcoming Events

Go to calendar >>

PALS Doula

Rebecca Allen

Rebecca Allen

Services

  • Areas Served: The greater Seattle area, including the Eastside.
  • Attend Hospital Births: Yes
  • Attend Birth Center Births: Yes
  • Attend Home Births: Yes
  • Years of Experience: 2
  • Languages: English and Español
  • Fee: $1,500

Biography

I was born at home, and came to doula work on a winding path that included two years as a human rights accompanier in rural Guatemala and working as an advocate for immigrant rights in the Seattle area. With a background in human rights work and social services, I know the importance of being present and grounded in challenging situations. I believe that women possess the innate strength to guide them through labor, and I love witnessing the countless ways that women give birth. I completed my doula training through the Seattle Midwifery School in April 2009, and I work as a volunteer doula with UW Medical Center Doula Program and Open Arms Perinatal Services. I live in the Central District, and love to walk around town, salsa dance, and knit hats.

I practiced individually before joining forces with Vanna Waldron to form Down to Earth Doulas. We often worried that in the case of a personal emergency or simultaneous births, our clients would feel let down, even with a back-up doula in attendance. We knew we could offer better support as a partnership. By working together, our services offer you:

Comfort - Labor involves a lot of hard work! We’re there to guide you in relaxation techniques, give counterpressure for back labor, and suggest new positions to help you cope. It’s a challenge to remember everything from childbirth education classes, so we’re happy to be a resource in the intense moments of labor when searching through a book isn’t possible. We’ll stay by your side while your support team takes a break, or stay by their side while they help you through a difficult contraction. We strive to make your birth experience as comfortable as possible for your whole team.

Support - Birth is unpredictable, and brings many emotional highs and lows for mothers. Medical staff are there to make sure you and your baby are safe, but they usually don’t have time to tend to your emotional concerns. As doulas, our priority is to help create the birth you want; we are there continuously from the time you call us until the hours after your baby is born. We encourage you by listening to your concerns, reiterating your hopes, and affirming your strength. Our goal is that the transformative experience of birth will empower you for the joys and challenges of mothering that lie ahead.

Twice the Expertise - Our clients have access to the experience and knowledge of two doulas. Prenatally, you explore your hopes and concerns surrounding labor and parenting with both of us. One doula attends your birth and the other is available by phone for extra support. Having the skills and perspective of two doulas often proves invaluable, especially during longer labors, and also ensures that you will always know your doula.

Birth Doula Certifications

  • PALS Doulas and DONA International

Formal Training

  • Labor Support Course at the Seattle Midwifery School, 2009.
  • Basics of Breastfeeding for Doulas, 2009.
  • Cultural Versatility Training with Open Arms Perinatal Services, 2009.
  • Hypnobirthing Labor Support Techniques for Doulas, 2010.
  • TENS and Rebozo Advanced Doula Training, 2010.
  • Bringing Baby Home Certified Gottman Educator, 2010.
  • Breastfeeding Essentials for the Professional - Lactation Educator Training with CAPPA, 2011.
  • Featured speaker at the NW Doula Conference, 2011.

Education

  • BA in History from Goshen College

Continuing Education

  • I participate in ongoing workshops and conferences through PALS Doulas, Seattle Midwifery School, and other local birth organizations.

Experience or Specialized Training

  • Home birth
  • Teen parents
  • Spanish-speaking families
  • Bed rest

Other

  • Please contact me for information about our birth doula services. I look forward to hearing from you!

Posts by Rebecca

    No posts by this author.