Meet Bentley Porterfield-Finn: Doula & Lactation Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bentley Porterfield-Finn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bentley, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am originally from Edwards Colorado, in Eagle county. My background and upbringing has played a huge role in shaping the woman I am today. I am biracial–born to a Black mother and White father. Growing up as a woman of color in a small, predominately-White, resort town, I really struggled to feel like I fit in. I always felt different but never really understood why. I also struggled to find role models who looked like me. From a young age, this fostered a sense of curiosity in my. A curiosity about identity, culture, traditions, and belonging. It also inspired my work ethic–I like to show people what I am capable of. I carry this curiosity and drive with me today in all that I do. I strive to see the full picture of things and to connect with people of all backgrounds. 

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am extremely passionate about women’s health at all stages-periods, pregnancy, postpartum. This passion is at the heart of my business. As a doula, my intention is to help pregnant and birthing persons connect with the innate wisdom of their wombs. I seek to provide informational tools and emotional support that allows people to explore their intuition and feel confident stepping into their birthing space. Advocacy is also central to my practice. My hope for all birthing persons is to have a birth and postpartum experience in which they feel empowered, proud, and respected. As a Black woman, I especially seek to support birthing people of color. I think representation is important and unfortunately, the majority of obstetricians and gynecologists are White. The health disparities that exist for Black women giving birth in this country are atrocious. Black people also face implicit bias and discrimination in their medical care that ultimately impacts their birthing experience. By being in the birth space with women of color, I see myself as a source of vital, sometimes life-saving support, but also a familiar face and source of comfort. I work within an inclusive framework. Equity, respect, and individuality are central pillars in my practice. When culture, tradition, and values are nurtured, each individual birth and the transition to parenthood can unfold more organically.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love when I get to show people around Colorado. I love the outdoors, so I would start the trip in my hometown of Edwards. Some of my favorite hikes are in Eagle County and there’s no place like home! I would take them on a hike to Gore Lake in Vail and then grab lunch in Edwards at Hovey and Harrison. We could spend the evening walking around Vail Village. In Denver, I would take them to City ‘o City–my favorite restaurant ever. Then we would spend the day walking around Wash Park and people watching. I also love hanging out in downtown. In Fort Collins, where I love now, I would take them up to Horsetooth, eat at Tasty Harmony in Old Town, and take a drive up the Poudre Canyon. Colorado has so many incredible and gorgeous outdoor spots. To round up the trip, if they were up for it, I’d take them to hike a fourteener!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am deeply grateful for my family. My parents have always instilled in me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. They always encouraged me to chase my dreams and opportunities, regardless of how attainable they feel at the moment. My sister has been an inspiration as well. She’s an intelligent and outgoing woman who has been with me through the ups and downs of my life, and her faith in me has kept me determined when I have felt discouraged. Lastly, my husband is my rock. He is always there to tell me how proud he is of me and to push me to keep learning and growing both as a person and a in my business. Each of these people help steady me to remain focused on doing what is important to me.

Website: www.bentleypojo.com
Instagram: bentleypojo.doula
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentley-porterfield-finn-044325b2/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bentleypojo.doula