Aligning with Eco-Conscious Values: Portland Doula Practice

If you are a doula in Portland, embracing eco-conscious principles can be a natural extension of your practice, aligning your services with the values that resonate deeply with your community. Sustainability in doula work not only reflects your commitment to the environment but also enhances the well-being of the families you serve.

Reducing Waste with Eco-Friendly Practices

One of the most effective ways to incorporate sustainability into your Portland doula practice is by reducing waste. From the materials you use to the way you conduct your business, every small change adds up. Consider using reusable items like cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles, and eco-friendly wraps for your doula kit. Digital doula client welcome packets and paperless contracts can also significantly cut down on waste, while offering clients a more streamlined and efficient experience. By switching to these more eco-friendly practices, you communicate to your clients (and potential clients) that you value the same things they value.

Supporting Local and Organic Products

Portland’s focus on supporting local businesses and organic products is a great match for a sustainable doula practice. When recommending products to your clients, consider checking out local, small-scale businesses that prioritize organic and eco-friendly options. Whether it’s recommending locally-made herbal teas, organic cotton baby clothes, or eco-conscious postpartum care items, choosing products that are both good for the planet and good for your clients demonstrates your commitment to sustainability. As an individual with a Portland doula practice, you should aim support the fellow businesses around you. This type of networking show you support small business but also has the potential to get client lead referrals from the connections you make.

Being Savvy with Natural Birth and Minimal Intervention

Sustainability isn’t just about products—it’s also about practices. Encouraging natural birth and minimal intervention could align with eco-conscious values by reducing the environmental impact of medical procedures, medications, and disposable medical supplies. By supporting families in pursuing a low-intervention birth plan, when safe and appropriate, you’re promoting a more sustainable approach to childbirth. This can include advocating for home births, water births, or using birth centers that prioritize green practices. As a Portland doula, you know that every birth and every parent is different, so stay open and flexible to whatever each client is looking for.

Embracing Mindful Consumption

When a new baby arrives, there is a lot of content that pushes parents to buy, buy, buy. The consumerist culture feels like an untamed beast at times. As a Portland doula, it is important to be aware of strategies to combat the pressure to buy and instead, incorporate mindful consumption. Encourage your clients to be intentional about the products and services they choose for their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. This could involve creating a minimalist eco-friendly baby registry, choosing multi-functional baby gear, or opting for second-hand items or organic baby clothing rental. Educating clients about the environmental impact of their choices can empower them to make more sustainable decisions.

Promoting Breastfeeding and Cloth Diapering

Breastfeeding and cloth diapering are two practices that align perfectly with sustainability. Breastfeeding is not only beneficial for the baby and mother, but it also reduces the environmental impact associated with formula production, packaging, and waste. This means that giving your clients the very best shot at breastfeeding is key. Educate yourself on breastfeeding practices, take continuing education classes on lactation, and learn about the Portland-area resources available to you and your clients.

Cloth diapering, though requiring more upfront effort than it’s single-use counterpart, significantly reduces the number of disposable diapers that end up in landfills. As a doula, you can support and educate your clients on these sustainable practices, helping them make choices that are both environmentally friendly and aligned with their parenting goals.

Transportation and Carbon Footprint Reduction

Portland’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is well-known, and your Portland doula practice can contribute by making mindful transportation choices. Whenever possible, consider using public transportation, biking, or carpooling to client appointments. Some other options would be to opt for virtual appointments when possible or schedule your appointments when you and the client will be closer to the other person’s part of town. For virtual doula support, offering online consultations and classes can also minimize the environmental impact of travel while providing clients with flexible and accessible options.

Connecting with the Local Portland Birthing Community

Portland is home to a vibrant community of eco-conscious individuals and businesses. By connecting with other sustainable practitioners, you can create a network of resources for your clients. This could involve collaborating with eco-conscious midwives, birth centers, or postpartum care providers. Attending local sustainability events, participating in eco-friendly initiatives, and sharing your own green practices can also help build your reputation as a doula who truly embodies Portland’s eco-conscious values.

Sustainability in your doula practice is not just a trend, but can be an honest reflection of a deeper commitment to the well-being of our planet and the families you serve as a doula. By joining your services with Portland’s eco-conscious values, you demonstrate your dedication to both environmental responsibility and holistic care.

As Portland continues to lead the way in sustainability, doulas have a unique opportunity to contribute to this mission, making a positive impact on both the environment and the families they support. By choosing to practice in a way that honors the earth and the communities priorities, you’re not only helping to create a healthier future for the next generation but also setting an example of how sustainable living can be seamlessly integrated into the world of birth and postpartum care.