About me
About me
Emily Ker
I am Emily, a birth doula supporting people across the Portland, Oregon metro area.
My journey into the world of childbirth began even before my own birth, as my mother went through midwifery school in the Philippines while pregnant with me. I think attending so many births while still in the womb created within me a profound appreciation and wonder for the process of birth. Growing up, I found myself captivated by the countless birth stories shared among my mother and her friends. So when I discovered the role of a doula, it felt like a natural fit to me.
When I was a few years old my family moved to Malawi, and then later to Mozambique. These countries became my home and instilled in me a deep love for Africa and the importance of community. The exposure to so many different people and cultures throughout my life created a love of learning from others.
As a “third culture kid,” I never grew up with just one culture instilled in me. So I have spent my life piecing together my own culture, learning from and taking on the beautiful traditions and values that I have seen in others. This approach informs the way I care for mothers and their babies as a doula.
In 2016, I moved from Mozambique to Portland, Oregon, which proved to be a hard adjustment. I deeply missed my home and my community. But these experiences have deepened my empathy, compassion, and understanding for everyone else who has to create a life in a new place.
I know the value of having someone respect and honor where you come from, your beliefs, and your traditions. In my doula care, I strive to make sure every person feels heard, understood, respected, and valued throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
Outside of my doula work, I find joy in being in the sun, gardening, creating art, listening to Afrobeats, reading good books, and cooking and eating delicious food.
Certifications and trainings
Dona International Birth Doula Training - Mother Tree
Doula Business Class - Kimberly Porter Consulting
Doula Course: Helping Families Get Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding/ Bodyfeeding off to the Best Possible Start - Mighty Milk
Massage Skills for Birth Doulas - Mama Needs Massage
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - Red Cross (2024)
Trauma Informed Care for Birthworkers - Mothertree
Cultural Sensitivity Training Competency for Doulas - Mothertree
Oral Health - Mothertree
Suicide Prevention: Responding with Care - Mothertree
Bachelor's degree
International Studies: African Studies
Get in touch with me
I would love to hear from you! Contact me if you would like to meet, get to know each other, ask any questions, or if you just want to talk!
Emily Ker
I am Emily, a birth doula supporting people across the Portland, Oregon metro area.
My journey into the world of childbirth began even before my own birth, as my mother went through midwifery school in the Philippines while pregnant with me. I think attending so many births while still in the womb created within me a profound appreciation and wonder for the process of birth. Growing up, I found myself captivated by the countless birth stories shared among my mother and her friends. So when I discovered the role of a doula, it felt like a natural fit to me.
When I was a few years old my family moved to Malawi, and then later to Mozambique. These countries became my home and instilled in me a deep love for Africa and the importance of community. The exposure to so many different people and cultures throughout my life created a love of learning from others.
As a “third culture kid,” I never grew up with just one culture instilled in me. So I have spent my life piecing together my own culture, learning from and taking on the beautiful traditions and values that I have seen in others. This approach informs the way I care for mothers and their babies as a doula.
In 2016, I moved from Mozambique to Portland, Oregon, which proved to be a hard adjustment. I deeply missed my home and my community. But these experiences have deepened my empathy, compassion, and understanding for everyone else who has to create a life in a new place.
I know the value of having someone respect and honor where you come from, your beliefs, and your traditions. In my doula care, I strive to make sure every person feels heard, understood, respected, and valued throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
Outside of my doula work, I find joy in being in the sun, gardening, creating art, listening to Afrobeats, reading good books, and cooking and eating delicious food.
Certifications and trainings
Dona International Birth Doula Training - Mother Tree
Doula Business Class - Kimberly Porter Consulting
Doula Course: Helping Families Get Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding/Bodyfeeding off to the Best Possible Start - Mighty Milk
Massage Skills for Birth Doulas - Mama Needs Massage
Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED - Red Cross (2024)
Trauma Informed Care for Birthworkers - Mothertree
Cultural Sensitivity Training Competency for Doulas - Mothertree
Oral Health - Mothertree
Suicide Prevention: Responding with Care - Mothertree
Bachelor's degree
International Studies: African Studies
Get in touch with me
I would love to hear from you! Contact me if you would like to meet, get to know each other, ask any questions, or if you just want to talk!
