“Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning. A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.” (quoted from the DONA website)

During the pregnancy of my second child, I was showing symptoms of pre-eclampsia. It was four days before my due date and my water was broken to induce labor. This was a VERY stressful delivery. The pressure and pain I was feeling seemed to be so intense that I couldn’t handle it. One of the apprentices at my birth intuitively knew this and proceeded to help me in any way she could. Through her soothing words and soft touch and focused attention, she aided in keeping me calm and in control. She taught my husband ways that he could be more of a support to me when he didn’t have a clue how. It was this situation that led to becoming a doula. I realized my place in being able to offer this same service to other women.

So many times, we have desires that we want met in order to have the birth we really want. Sometimes our husbands don’t know how or in what manner to help us. A doula can help in SO MANY ways to aid in the fulfillment of the birth that we desire. I hope I can be this to any couple who might need that support.

I am currently taking doula clients. Here is what I offer.

  • 2-3 prenatal vistis (these visits are an ideal time to answer questions and address concerns, as well as to discuss what you want for your birth experience)
  • Information as to where you can find all forms of educational material
  • Availability to me through phone call or emails anytime
  • On-site labor support as soon as you need me
  • Additional aid with any concerns after the birth
  • Aid in breasteeding after delivery
  • Postpartum visit within 3-7 days after delivery

DOULA FAQ


Testimonials from a few of Rachel’s clients:“I had two children previously in a hospital and had never heard of a doula before. Rachel offered her services to me and after experiencing what a wonderful job she did, I highly recommend it to any mom-to-be. It is so nice to have that extra support, one who is there to mother the mother. Rachel provided such great information on diet, lifestyle, alternatives while birthing, and support. She helped me realize I had the power to control how I wanted my birth to be. With her support I decided to try a natural birth. Little did I know that my labor would go so fast and smoothly. Rachel was there and delivered my son in an unplanned situation at home. It was such a wonderful experience! After this great contrast of hospital vs. home, I want to have all my other children at home and hopefully with Rachel as my midwife. Rachel also went the extra mile and wrote a beautiful summary of what my birth had been like. It is something my son and I will treasure. I also learned the truths about circumcision and I’m so grateful for Rachel educating me on that! (and so is my son! ha-ha)! – Bonnie

“I was very glad that we decided to have Rachel at our birth. I really wanted to stay relaxed during labor and she had a calming influence on the situation. Having her nearby gave us confidence and time seemed to go by quickly. I would recommend Rachel to any woman who values the support and encouragement of a competent and experienced woman.” – Jamie

“Rachel is an ideal companion for a birthing mother. As a husband it was important to me to be involved during labor. I was very comforted to have someone so experienced with us during the labor; she certainly recognized the important role of a father and helped to create the experience we envisioned.” – Ryan

“I went to my Dr. with the idea of trying a VBAC. Rachel was a recomendation that we recieved and I knew from the moment that my husband and I interviewed her that she was the woman for us. This is especially important because my husband was very picky about who he was going to let in to the birth of our second child. All of the contact we had up until about the month before the birth was very informative. The idea of having someone that could do energy work as well as the traditional doula role was very appealing to me and I used it to work through some very real fears of a repeat c-section. This was, in-effect, my body’s first birth and so it was a trial and error situation in understand what was real labor and what was just teasing me. I had four bouts of false labor over the last month of my pregnancy and Rachel was very patient with me through it all. (She even sat through 8 hours or braxton hicks with me at the hospital.) Rachel gave (my husband) the direction that he needed to feel really helpful and part of the birth. She knew what I needed through talking before and through some inate ability to just understand and was so supportive and loving and wonderful. I could not have done it without her and hope not to have to in the future. She has become a cherished friend and I am so greatful that I found her. Our lives have been blessed by her involvement.” – Alisha

I met Rachel after she provided doula services for my sister. I had my first baby in a hospital but was due with my second and was hesitant to experience “normal” hospital procedures in the Provo area. I met with Rachel and one of the midwives she apprentices for and immediately knew that a homebirth was the right thing for me. Rachel was able to act as my midwife under supervision. I always felt confident in her education and ability to act. She empowered me with knowledge, and showered me with positive thoughts about my birth. I feel that she played a large role in my overall health with nutritional counselling and herbal remedies. She was always available to me and went out of her way to help me at a moment’s notice. My birth was unforgettable and I would love to have all my future births at home and wouldn’t hesitate to call Rachel again for each one. I bled quite a bit after the delivery and I never worried that they wouldn’t be able to handle the situation – she acted very quickly and treated me with the dignity and respect that any woman should have. She has become like a sister to me and continues to do all she can to educate and support me in all areas of life. She makes me feel like I did something extraordinary, even if millions of women do the same thing every day.-Jenny