Kaitlyn Sweeney
“I tell my children regularly ‘You can be anything you want in this world, but the one thing I hope you strive for above all else is to be kind. Kind to yourself, kind to people, kind to the world’. Kindness and empathy go a long way. As a doula, my ultimate goal is to use that kindness and empathy to give each family the safe and relaxing space they desire to bring their baby into the world.”
“Birth is an experience that demonstrates that life is not merely function and utility but form and beauty” - Christopher Largen
Kaitlyn is a natural caretaker with strengths in empathy, compassion, and communication. Her main goal as a doula is honoring her clients’ space with non-judgmental, evidence-based education and support for both the birthing person as well as their partners. She is committed to advocacy and caring for families with a foundational respect for their unique needs and goals. Through prenatal meetings, phone calls, and text support, Kaitlyn gets to know families and how she can best give physical, emotional, educational support. She teaches clients how to advocate for themselves as well as advocating for them when necessary, to create a positive and loving space to bring their baby earthside. She considers it an honor and a blessing to be a part of her client's pregnancy and birth experiences.
Kaitlyn’s Approach to Doula Work
Kaitlyn’s Background
Kaitlyn's passion for doula work stems from many distinct aspects of her life. As the oldest of three children; Kaitlyn’s desire to care for others began at an early age while assisting her younger siblings. As she grew older, she knew that serving and helping people was where she wanted her life to lead. While serving in the US Air Force, Kaitlyn found a passion for photography including birth photography. Not long after, Kaitlyn gave birth to her three children and this, combined with her continuing birth photography work, led her to discovering doula work and the importance it holds in the birthing experience. During her birth doula training program Kaitlyn knew that she had found her life’s purpose, and that this is where she was meant to be. Kaitlyn is continuing to further her education everyday in order to provide the best support she can offer to the many different families and their needs/wants. Kaitlyn was born in Oregon, raised in Southern California and now lives in Springfield, Oregon with her husband, daughter, two sons, giant black lab, 2 snakes, and bearded Dragon. Outside of doula work Kaitlyn enjoys photography, every kind of crafting, relaxing outdoors, and teaching her children about the new things they are inspired by.
Kaitlyn is trained through Portland Doula Love’s DONA birth doula training and with Doula Love’s six-month intensive mentorship program. She continues to further her education in Birth Work and is Currently Oregon THW State Certified and accepts Private Pay clients as well as Clients on OHP, and OEBB. She is also a Birth Doula with Eugene Birth and Family in Springfield, Oregon.
Dona International Birth Doula Training, Wendy Scharp, CD (DONA)
Intro to Childbirth, Wendy Scharp, CD (DONA)
Foundations in Lactation, Krystal Key IBCLC
Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, AED, First Aid Training, Kyia Hastings, Health and Safety Institute.
6 month Intensive Doula Love Mentorship Program, Wendy Scharp, CD (DONA)
“Keeping Your Power” Advocacy Training, Traci Doula
Spinning Babies® Workshop - Kelly Dungan, RN ,CPN, LN
Oregon Certified Traditional Health Worker - Oregon Health Authority
Certifications, Trainings, and Education
Trauma Informed Care, Advanced Training - Jesse Remer CD/BDT(DONA), PCD/PDT(DONA) LCCE, FACCE
Cultural Sensitivity Training - Jesse Remer CD/BDT(DONA), PCD/PDT(DONA) LCCE, FACCE
Inter-professional Collaborative practice - Jesse Remer CD/BDT(DONA), PCD/PDT(DONA) LCCE, FACCE
HIPPA Practices - Jesse Remer CD/BDT(DONA), PCD/PDT(DONA) LCCE, FACCE