About Me

It is important to create a birth team with folks who make you feel safe in a vulnerable time, and who will support your wants and needs.

I’m Jen Nelson, and I love birth! And parenting! And feeling as if I have had a positive impact on a person’s birthing experience. In 1997 I began preparing for my first birth by reading, talking with my midwife and others who have given birth. I was enthralled by the birthing process and knew that I wanted to be a birth worker. I gave birth to 3 children in my home surrounded by a strong birth team each time. I understand the value of that birth team. My work as a doula began soon after my first child was born.

My children are all grown now and I still love birth. I believe that pregnancy and birth are the beginning of our parenting journey with our child and how that journey begins has a huge impact on our relationship with ourselves and with our child. My goal is to nourish parents on that journey through sharing evidence-based information, providing emotional and physical support, helping them to create a safe space where they can feel vulnerable in the birthing process.

I am happy to nourish all families regardless of their gender, sexuality, skin color, family culture or caregiver dynamics.

I serve families in Eugene/Springfield, western Lane County including Veneta, Noti, Junction City, Mapleton and Florence and then down the coast to Reedsport and Coos Bay. I have experience working in all birth settings including hospitals, birth clinics and homes. I am a THW Birth Doula and accept OHP and other private insurances. I am happy to nourish all families regardless of their gender, sexuality or caregiver dynamics.

I am a person who loves being outside……gardening, foraging for food or medicinal herbs in the woods, swimming in the river and laughing and playing with family and friends. I value health and happiness and strive for those daily. I am conscious of my carbon footprint and live a lifestyle that attempts to reduce harm. I believe in contributing to my community. For many years I have volunteered in ways to support local and sustainable food production through farmers markets, community education and Fill Your Pantry events in the Florence area. I support families in western Lane County by providing education and parent support.

I would be honored to be a part of your birth team and to nourish you and your family on your journey!

Certifications & Training

Additional Training

  • Certified Birth Doula - Birth Arts International
  • Postpartum Termination & Loss Training - Daisy C.H.A.I.N. Eugene
  • Birth Doula Training - DONA International
  • Professional Member - Evidence Based Birth
  • Milk Magic Lactation Educator - Nurturely
  • Spinning Babies
  • Advanced Doula Training with Traci Weafer
  • Diversity and Equity Training
  • The Erickson Institute: FAN training
  • The Trauma Healing Project
  • Make Parenting A Pleasure: Parent Educator
  • Oral Health in Pregnancy
  • Mind Your Mind
  • Well Mama Summit: Supporting Mental Health During Reproductive Period
  • Growing Great Kids Curriculum Training
  • Healthy Families/Parenting Now! - Family Support Specialist and Family Resource Specialist

My Mission

To positively affect reproductive and parenting outcomes in our community through education and advocacy. I believe the birthing experience is a trifecta of support.

Birther Person

You are the center of this team. We all look to you for guidance as to how to support you in your birthing experience.

Doula

I am here as non-judgmental continuous support providing you evidence based information, nourishing care, and supporting you in communicating your needs and wants.

Provider

The midwife or doctor is there to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby, but providing you with information and options.

I'm here to support you where you are.