Meet Kyra Wijnhausen of Earthside Doula Care in Portland Oregon

Doulas in Portland Oregon are trained and experienced professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support to a person before, during, and after childbirth. Doula services can be especially beneficial for those who are expecting their first child, as they may have more questions and concerns about the birthing process. A doula can provide support and guidance throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period, helping to ensure that the birthing person and their partner feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the experience. Kyra Wijnhausen of Earthside Doula Care in Portland Oregon provides compassionate, full spectrum doula care in Portland Oregon.

What Doula services or products does your business offer in Portland Oregon?

Earthside Doula Care offers support, information and advocacy during pregnancy, labor and postpartum. This can look like childbirth education, crafting your OB/Midwife approved Birth Plan, cesarean & VBAC support, texts or calls when you have a random question or need reassurance, supporting you and (if applicable) your partner through labor, light housekeeping & meal prep during the postpartum, beeast/chestfeeding support and providing referrals.

How did you get started on your Entrepreneur Journey in Portland Oregon?

I became a birth worker after the traumatic pregnancy, birth and postpartum of my first child. I felt incredibly alone, uninformed and unheard when it came to my care team; a spectator in my own journey, riding along with decisions that were made for me or making decisions without all of the facts. I now work tirelessly with new and experienced parents to help them avoid that unnecessary trauma, advocate for their informed decisions and claim their experience.

Was this business the first business you’ve started? If not, what was your first business?

Yes, it is!

What has been your biggest takeaway thus far on your entrepreneur journey?

“If you weren’t ready, you simply wouldn’t have the opportunity.”

How do you motivate yourself to keep going and growing, when you feel like giving up?

Birth is forever. You carry the experience with you for the rest of your life. Every day I hear new stories from parents wishing “if only I had known” or “if only I had done that differently”. My passion for preventing those outcomes is what keeps me going.

What has been your biggest lesson on your entrepreneur journey?

My biggest lesson so far has been learning my own boundaries and advocating for them. I often put myself and my needs at the bottom of the list, which can quickly lead to burn out and resentment. Charge your worth, hold your boundaries and the rest will fall as it will.

If you could share one truth with your fellow business owners and entrepreneurs, what would it be?

We aren’t always the right fit for every client, and that’s okay.

What exciting things are coming up in your business?

I have recently created a referral network for my clients, so they get services and products from local partnered businesses at an exclusive discounted price! I’m also working on lauching a Childbirth Education Course that showcases the work of local birth photographers, as well as a Birth Plan Only offering where I sit with families for a single session and craft their PDF birth plan using my OB/Midwife approved template.

What sets your business apart from others like yours?

I do! Most birth workers share the fire that drives us to do what we do; it’s all about finding who you jive with, feel comfortable and safe with and who fills your need the best. Some birth workers are team “we don’t advocate”, I’m team “I absolutely advocate”. Some don’t loan books and gear, I do. Some aren’t comfortable with supporting planned inductions, cesareans or high risk pregnancies, I am. Some only offer one prenatal visit, I offer two or three as well as an additional visit during early postpartum. Some quietly leave families after a contract is concluded, I like to check in from time to time as your baby grows.

What do you value the most about your local community?

I have had incredible luck with connecting to other local businesses. I truly admire the lack of competitiveness and genuine support for eachother.

Do you or would you like to support other entrepreneurs? If so, how?

Yes! I created my network of partners to better support local entrepreneurs as well as my clients. If you need a product or service, I’ll bet there’s a quality, local option. Never underestimate the power of a referral.

What’s the most significant way a local business can impact their community and why is it important?

Awareness! Whether it be for your own business and the need that you fill or other causes you feel passionate about- awareness is the first, crucial step when it comes to impact and outreach. If our community isn’t aware of a business or cause, how can they be expected to participate?

What do you love most about your community?

I love the true authenticity and passion I have found.

When you aren’t working, what do you enjoy doing?

When I’m not at a birth or supporting a client, I love going to see live music, cooking, embroidering and taking my kiddos out to explore their world.

Where would you escape to for a day trip on your day off?

The coast or the mountains!

If you had family or friends visiting, where would be the top 3 places you’d take them for food?

Nudi Noodle Place, Bamboo Sushi or PDX Sliders

When friends or family visit, what is on the itinerary for sight seeing or activities?

I love taking family and friends to walk up and down neighborhoods and check out local shops, food carts and markets!