Testimonials

  • Joyce Zara is truly a gem of a human being and such a wonderful addition to the PDX community of doulas. Her services were so personal, outstanding and I felt so incredibly held during my transition into being a first time mama. As a Filipina within the Portland Metro area it was incredibly important for me to find a doula that was a person of color. This community is already small and add the fact that Joyce was also Filipina offered me a connection I knew was the right fit. Her knowledge of herbs and services prior to birth gave me the confidence to go into this journey not feeling so alone. Joyce also offered to host a sacred mother -to-be ceremony that was so incredibly special to me and feel so grateful she was able to share her ancestral knowledge with me. When I learned that my birth preference completely changed 4-weeks prior to my due date, Joyce was the first person I called and her strength and adaptability to the situation helped me feel at ease for both my partner and I. I was still able to make a preference form for the new direction of birth and it gave me such joy to know that my wishes were honored. Postpartum is still a blur, but I remember the kindness that Joyce offered and the wonderful meal she cooked up for my partner and I (a Filipina dish of course!) I recommend Joyce’s Doula services to anyone in need of such care. Her thoughtfulness, compassion and love for her patients shine through in every detail and meeting!

    —Elyse

  • “I can't imagine having more tender support during my pregnancy and labor. Joyce asked questions at every step of our journey together to make sure they were providing the best support possible. They offered a wealth of information about every stage of pregnancy and beyond. They helped me feel knowledgeable and empowered about making a birth plan, and were always available for questions. They treated the birthing experience like the holy transition that it is--turning our home into a sacred space and welcoming our ancestors. Their nurturing hands put my body at ease with the best massage of my entire life, and I'm sure the energy they brought to my labor added to what made it such a beautiful and easeful experience. Such deep gratitude!”

    —Fatima

  • "Choosing Joyce to be my doula was single-handedly the best decision i could’ve made while in this uncharted territory. I wanted my pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum experience to be BIPOC friendly and reasonably holistic as possible. Joyce consistently gave me confidence and reassurance in my decision making— she always made it a priority to make me and my partner feel comfortable. She opened my eyes to things I didn’t know were even possible, to incorporate into my own personally curated birth plan. Joyce was humbly omnipotent in my eyes! Had answers for all the questions i had and always sent me the research to back it up. She was very accommodating; worked around my schedule and needs. Reminded me of our next sessions in the coming months, what they might look like and what to expect. That may not seem like a lot, but when you got a baby growing in you and keeping that baby said baby alive— the refresher was extremely helpful. As time crept closer to my due date, Joyce assured me that is she was on call and ready at a moments notice. Unfortunately some complications arose and I had to be induced. Joyce was there in an instant with my birth plan in hand ready to display. During my nearly unbearable and unmediated contractions, she advocated for me to the nurses to either take off the Pitocin or slow it down without me even having to say a word. I remember in that moment, I felt so protected and seen. She also told the nurses to stop telling me how much I’ve progressed, dilated and etc. to leave me alone and let me rest, because it was slowing my labor becoming unhelpful. We were checking every single mark on my birth plan. I was walking, exercising with birth balls, eating, water submersion, using my one pain reliever (nitrous) and listening to my transcendental birth playlist. 25 hours later, I was giving birth. Joyce was by my side along with partner and my mother. Letting me do my instinctual duty, while capturing the most transformative, beautiful and important moment of my life by camera. When it was time for the home visits, Joyce brought me my placenta, her super tasty lactation tea and all natural homemade nipple cream that literally saved my nipples from total destruction. She willfully offered to help me with a long range of things, from baby care to running errands! Joyce is a perfect fit for someone who is looking for a calm, grounded, reliable, supportive, advocating, respectful and spiritual doula who is determined to help you achieve your birth plan goals. I hope to continue to have joyce in my life as a friend and as a doula if another baby is in my future!"

    —Kelsie

  • “Joyce went above and beyond to ensure a positive and empowering birthing experience for me. Her knowledge, empathy, and unwavering support were invaluable throughout the entire process. I highly recommend her services to any expecting parent. Thank you for all your help.. we really appreciate you... goodluck with everything and keep in touch..”

    —Jessika

  • “My partner and I both want to thank you so much for all of your care and support throughout this journey! I couldn’t have done it without you. You are an amazing doula and person ♥️”

    —Ellie

  • “It just felt right that you were there with me (in the birthing room). I couldn't have imagined anyone else to be my doula. We will definitely call you next time for our second child.”

    —Raven

  • “Joyce, we miss you at the birthing home. Thank you so much for your effort and good heart to us. Your donation was a huge help in starting our own birth clinic.”

    —Ate Dina, Filipina midwife

  • “Thank you so much for all your support. You were incredible. We'd love to have you again as our doula for our next child.”

    —Avila Family