Meet the Team

  • Megan Mendoza, Co-Founder

    Childbirth Educator
    Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

    Hi, I'm Megan Mendoza. I am a mom of 2, cancer survivor, Bend born, former doula, birth educator, placenta encapsulation specialist, and lover of all things birth. I got into birth work after having my own children and realizing what I learned in movies and tv was not at all how birth happens. I believe feeling valued and heard during pregnancy translates into more confidence during labor and postpartum.

    I am passionate about giving expectant families the information they want to during labor they're able to make the best decisions for themselves. My teaching method is science based with a heavy focus on partner involvement and coping skills for ever type of birth.

  • Jaime Collado, Co-Founder

    Doula and Educator

    Hello, I’m Jaime Collado, a mother, a doula, a daughter, a sister and a natural nurturer. As far back as I can remember, attending a birth with family or friends was just where I wanted to be. Over the years, and many babies later, my love for birth and the human body has grown into the honor to support humans bearing humans.

    I deeply believe when families are well supported caring for your baby and connecting to your nurturing intuition become much easier.

    I am passionate about food sovereignty, social justice for all marginalized humans, and believe strongly in community and that we are better together.

  • Nikki

    Birth and Postpartum Doula $1700

    I’m Nikki, a mom of three amazing kiddos and lover of the outdoors, cooking, music, reading, and whatever new thing my kids are in love with at the moment! My journey to becoming a doula has been years in the making. I am a natural caretaker and lover of all things babies and birth, with years of experience in infant care, early childhood development, and caring for new mamas and their families. I believe pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period are some of the most incredible times of our lives but can also be some of the most challenging without the proper support. I am so happy to be able to provide this care and support throughout this beautiful and transformative period as a birth and postpartum Doula to the families of Central Oregon.

  • Simone

    Birth Doula $1700

    Simone’s passion for doula work is rooted in a holistic approach but supports families however they need. She provides a strong level of sensitivity, compassion and a grounding presence of reassurance. Simone advocates for the instinctive process and her clients’ voices before, during and after the birth. Simone has loved cooking and baking since her youth and providing nourishing and healing foods has become a major part of her doula work.

    Simone is an Oregon born woman and set her roots in Bend in 2007. She is a mama to one boy and a tante (aunt) to many. As an artist and creator, she ran her own organic clothing line for over a decade. She deeply values the incredible community she has cultivated here and sharing that is another gift she can offer. Other passions in her life include rafting rivers, hiking, various winter sports or digging in her garden.

    “With deep respect for the wisdom of our bodies and belief in physiological birth my intent is to provide comfort and support in all paths that birth can lead and provide compassionate space for families during the magical transition of birth and postpartum.”

  • Katie

    Birth Doula starting at $1900

    Hi! I’m Katie. I am 45 and grew up in the Midwest, but decided to attend nursing school in sunny San Diego. With a passion for adventure, I decided to move to South America, Europe and eventually landed in Australia a few years after college. There I worked as a nurse, postpartum doula, and nanny. Learning about all the cultures and birth styles globally I decided I wanted to solely be a Doula. After 4 years, I returned to the States and started a family. I am a mom to 3 young children and have been in Bend since 2014. As a doula, I believe in the innate ability each person has to give birth powerfully, confidently, and uniquely, in a safe and supported space and on one’s terms. I support people across all crossroads of complex identities and abilities. I work with you and listen to your needs, wants, and your wisdom. Come as you are.

  • Naphtialie

    Birth & Postpartum Doula $1800
    Breastfeeding Counselor $125/hour

    Hi mamas, my name is Naphtalie and I am passionate about supporting families during these times of baby bonding and breastfeeding. I have had 4 beautiful home births and have successfully breastfed all of my babies, even tandem nursing twice! Motherhood has been my most rewarding journey,  my 4 children being my biggest teachers. I am so grateful for the blessing of being on this path, and to offer my heart and love in service to others alongside.

    I have been practicing as a doula for 7 years. I started my journey of birth work by becoming a birth doula, and shortly after I found a passion for postpartum support. I most recently found my path to becoming a breastfeeding counselor, desiring to offer families more knowledgeable support for breastfeeding issues that may arise on such a mystical journey. Mothering the mother is a true privilege & joy.

  • Birth and postpartum doula in Bend Oregon

    Emily

    Birth Doula $1500
    Postpartum Support
    $50-$60

    Hi parents! I’m Emily and I can’t wait to work with you. I live in Sunriver with my wife and our two dogs where we love to do all of the outdoor activities including riding horses, paddling, hiking, biking and attempting to fly fish. I am available for both birth and postpartum care, and am happy to discuss how I can be of additional support during your pregnancy and/or journey to parenthood as well.

    My entry into birth work was built on a foundation of lifting up populations who have had to work a bit harder to be heard and respected - after witnessing a chaotic birth experience that I knew could have been remedied by advocacy and a calm, reassuring presence, I entered the birth and postpartum field to make sure birthing people and new parents had experiences that left them feeling confident and in control.

    I aim to provide individualized care to my clients no matter where they are on their parenthood journey - from thinking about parenthood to well into postpartum - on any path to parenthood including assisted reproduction and adoption. Although I bring along experience and evidence-based information, you are the only expert on your baby and the only expert on your body and so my main role is to set you up for success and provide the reassurance (and professional resources) for you to parent safely and confidently - while also squeezing some hips and feeding some babies, of course! I’m here to help you face difficult decisions or unexpected outcomes with empathy and understanding but also help remove the weight of things that feel daunting. I’m here to navigate the beautiful complexities of parenthood with you, celebrating the many many joys, offering support through the challenges and finding humor in all of the little moments along the way. I can’t wait to be a part of this pivotal time in your life!

  • Aleah

    Birth Doula $1500
    Daytime Postpartum Doula $50/hour

    Aleah has always been impassioned by all things pregnancy. From an early age all she could dream of was being a mother. After watching someone close to her struggle with fertility, she became even more resolved in finding ways to help humans reach their dreams in regards to pregnancy/parenthood. It is her passion to create space for all humans to work towards their ideal labor/delivery/postpartum experiences. She truly believes that every person is unique and so is their journey. She does not have a “one size fits most” approach and is always looking for new ways to inform, encourage and support each birth person and their support community.

    As a birth doula, Aleah strives to be a calm, nurturing, respectful guide for everyone she works with. She believes that the birth experience is personal and should leave the birthing person feeling empowered in their body and their choices.

    Aleah brings compassion and deep understanding into her postpartum doula practice. It is her goal to assist families in making transitions and navigating life’s milestones. Every family and their dynamic comes with their own complexities and she strives to offer the support and resources relevant to each experience.

    Aleah went to school for early childhood development and education and has always surrounded herself with children. She is a mother to 2 (aged 19 and 21), a surrogate mother to 1 (aged 6) and an aunt to 8 (ranging in age from 1 to 18). She enjoys camping, hiking, dancing, puzzles, reading and, most of all, spending time with her kids when they are home.

  • Moriah

    Pregnancy & Postpartum Doula $50/hr
    Sibling Support
    (Additional Packages Available)

    Hello! I’m Moriah, owner of Natural State Doula and a proud member of Central Oregon Doulas. I grew up here in the Pacific Northwest and recently settled in Bend. Over the last ten years, I’ve worked in preschools, as a nanny, and as a postpartum doula. With this experience, I’ve opened my heart to countless children and families who all helped shape my philosophy on child rearing. 

    We all operate by one driving principle: the desire to be safe, heard, valued, and loved. My goal as a doula is to meet this need by focusing on the emotional wellbeing of each member of growing families through the perinatal period. Alongside this, I find fulfillment in guiding siblings through the process of adding a baby to the home by holding compassionate space for them and providing plenty of loving attention. With this in mind, I am delighted to support families here in Central Oregon!

  • Jessica

    Birth Photographer
    Birth & Postpartum Doula

    Serving Eastern Oregon & SE Washington

    Hi, I’m Jessica. I am a mom of two girls, a photographer, and doula. I have a background in Art, Design, and photography.

    Having my first baby in 2021 made me so much more aware of the need for a doula support before birth and postpartum. Doula work has always been an interest for me from a young age, I’ve been fascinated with all things birth. So much of the transition is learning how to ask for help, always learning, and trusting your intuition. There can be so many unknowns and fears many have to give birth and my goal is to give the space to process and clear those fears with all birthing humans and partners so they can enter the birth ready and empowered in their decisions.

    I’m here to be your guide during the transitions and offer the support you need whether that be pregnancy, birth, postpartum, or you are experiencing a loss or termination. I believe everyone should confidently make informed decisions about their body and be supported in them every step of the way.

  • Becca

    Birth Educator for online and private classes

    Hi! I’m Becca! I’m a mama to two littles, lover of the outdoors, hiking and coffee dates. I grew up in the Midwest and relocated to the Central Oregon area. My background is in education and the health and wellness industry. Learning about all things pregnancy, birth and postpartum became a huge passion for me as I first walked through pregnancy; changing the way I view birth had an enormous impact on my personal birth experience. Now it is my dream to combine my experience in education and health, as well as knowledge in pregnancy, birth and postpartum to support others in their journey.

    My passion and commitment as a childbirth educator is to help families feel empowered by both being informed and trusting their intuition. Families will walk away with confidence and feel prepared for birth, postpartum and newborn care. My intention is to meet families where they are and offer an environment that is safe, nurturing, compassionate and fun! Expect interaction, and an individualized experience where any and all questions /topics are welcomed.

  • Melissa L.Ac, LMT, LD

    Birth Doula $2500

    Postpartum Support Group Leader

    I’m Melissa Keene, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist, as well as a labor and postpartum doula and medical intuitive. With approximately 230 births attended and a deep well of experience helping thousands of women and families through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, my journey is deeply intertwined with the transformative path to motherhood.

    My education extends beyond traditional doula training. I have pursued additional certifications in hypnobirthing, restorative pregnancy and postpartum yoga, lactation support, and newborn care, as well as multiple trainings for high-risk pregnancies and postpartum care. Each of these areas enhances my ability to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs.

    As a mother of two, Gillian, born in a hospital setting in 2008, and Grayson, born at home in water in 2010, I have experienced the profound impact of birth and parenting on a personal level. Both of my children’s births transformed me deeply and reinforced my commitment to supporting others through their own journeys.

    I look forward to being a part of your unique path to motherhood and offering my expertise, support, and heartfelt care every step of the way.