Hi Future CDA Family!

Hello! My name is Marree Jefferies. I was born and raised in Portland Oregon in the North and Northeast neighborhoods. I have a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology from Portland State University. I am a mother of 4 and have been married for 10 years. While pregnant with my 3rd child, it became clear to me that there was a divide within birthing experiences even in my own family. How was it that I was an anomaly in having a great birthing experience, and others felt as though they weren’t seen or heard was the norm? These experiences and conversations led me to become a doula.

From the pregnancy of my 3rd child to now questions have arisen such as, why did my birthing experience look so different from those of my own family members? Why was I having self-autonomy while feeling seen and heard? How could I help to change this experience for my community? How could I be a mirror for others to feel as though seeing their own reflection through me, could help in giving them a positive experience with their own birth?

Each experience within pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum, and beyond is unique and should be treated as such. This should be reflected in each pregnant person in giving them the feeling that their experience was one that they were heard, seen, and apart of in making decisions throughout their pregnancy and beyond.

In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, cheering on my children in their activities, and watching college football on Saturdays with my husband.

– Marree