My name is Emily Nicholson and I have recently relocated from San Juan Island, WA to Central Oregon with my husband. I am a Bastyr trained birth doula. I have dreamed of a career in the birth realm for many years. I have always been deeply drawn to assisting women through the birth process. I completed my training at Bastyr in December of 2016, shortly before moving to Bend. I have attended the births of my niece and nephew (as unofficial birth support). 
 I would love the opportunity to work with you.  I am deeply committed to this as my present and future work and purpose. I am drawn to birth work in which I can support and advocate for women . I believe educating, nurturing, and building trust are foundations for an empowering birth, as well as contributing to an environment that encourages women to trust in our bodies and hopefully remove some of the unnecessary fear that has seeped into the birth experience.
 I have a degree in English and Communication and have years of customer service and volunteer experience. I am comfortable working with diverse populations. I have been a prenatal and vinyasa yoga teacher for several years, which has strengthened my communication and confidence. For the last five years, my husband and I ran a small farm-to-table restaurant on San Juan Island. This experience taught me many lessons and skills, most importantly cultivating stamina and commitment to the chosen path.