Kelly Overly Doula

About

My Work

There are moments in life that connect us in ways we could never have imagined—where identities shift, families are formed, and science and nature meet in powerful harmony. Birth is one of the most profound of these intersections. In these moments, not only is a child born, but a parent is born as well.

As a doula serving families in Portland, Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest, I support people through this transformation. I believe deeply in the strength and intuition of the birthing person, and I feel honored to provide care during a time that holds both vulnerability and immense power. My goal is to help create a birth experience that feels safe, supported, empowering, and rooted in love.

I support my clients with evidence-based knowledge, natural pain coping techniques, labor positioning, and comfort measures such as massage. As a Portland birth doula, I also help clients navigate their options within local hospitals, birth centers, and home birth settings. More importantly, I help clients feel confident in their choices and in their voices.

Birth experiences are deeply personal, and I believe every individual deserves to feel heard, respected, and in control of their care. This is your story. I am here to support you in the ways that feel right for you.

Kelly

I became a parent in December 2019 with the birth of my first child, supported by an epidural. In February 2022, I welcomed my second child at home in the water, unmedicated. These experiences have given me a personal understanding of the many ways birth can unfold—and how unique each journey is.

I also understand what it means to step into parenthood during uncertain times, having navigated early parenting during the pandemic.

When I’m not supporting families as a Portland doula, I’m at home with my children baking, gardening, and playing. In quieter moments, I enjoy creative projects like macramé, crochet, weaving, and embroidery—though my flowers are still a bit wonky, I love the process.

Experience and Training

Before becoming a doula, I spent many years working in the Oregon and Washington wine industry. I eventually felt called to support families during one of the most transformative times in their lives. While pursuing a path toward midwifery, I discovered that my true home was in doula work.

I trained as a Birth and Postpartum Doula through Mother Tree Doula Services in Portland, Oregon, where I later mentored aspiring doulas. My experience supporting Portland-area families also includes:

  • Volunteer Labor Doula, Gateway Doula Project at Providence Hospital (Portland, OR)
  • Board President, PDX Doulas at OHSU
  • Board Member, Birthingway College of Midwifery (Portland, OR)
  • Vice President and President, Oregon Doula Association

I am certified as a Birth Doula through Birth Arts International, a Traditional Health Worker in the state of Oregon, a Certified Lactation Counselor currently training to become an IBCLC, and a certified car seat safety technician.

Other Relevant Trainings

  • Healthy Children’s Project Certified Lactation Counselor Training
  • The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice Board Certified Lactation Counselor
  • DONA Certified Birth Doula
  • Oregon State Traditional Health Worker
  • DONA-approved Birth Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services
  • DONA-approved Postpartum Doula Training with Mother Tree Birth Services
  • Birth Doula 6-month Internship with Mother Tree Birth Services
  • ICEA-approved Childbirth Educator Training with Portland Doula Love
  • HypnoBirthing with Kadie Barber HBCE, CD(DONA)
  • Culturally Competent Care Training with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  • Collaborative Practice and Professionalism Training with PDX Doulas
  • Spinning Babies Training with Tammy Ryan, AvdCD/BDT(DONA), SpBT
  • Spinning Babies Training with Gail Tully, CPM, Spinning Babies Founder
  • Trauma Informed Care with Mandy Davis Ph.D., LCSW
  • The Impact of Stress on the Developing Fetus with Sherri Alderman, MD, MPH, IMH-E
  • Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Men and Non-Birth Partners with Sam Stevens, MS, LMFT
  • Gender Diversity in Health Care with Amy Penkin, LCSW
  • Bridging Theories of Grief with Judith L.M. McCoyd Ph.D., QCSW, LCSW
  • Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid/AED Certification
  • Advanced Massage and Acupressure Training for Doulas with Jennie King, LAc, LMT
  • Basics of Lactation Management for Doulas
  • AAAS Enology and Viticulture