Rachel Wilson Doula Profile

After deciding I wanted a natural, medication-free labor and childbirth with the birth of our first baby, my husband and I decided the support of a doula might be helpful as neither of us had any birth experience. We felt comfortable with Rachel as soon as we met her and after talking to others who had used Rachel, we knew she was the right match for us. Rachel provided support for us through my third trimester and was always available to answer questions. She always remembered when my doctor appointments were and would check in on the days of my appointments - a simple thing to do, but a reassuring touch. When I went into labor, I wanted to stay home as long as possible. Rachel came to our house when I felt I needed her to, about 7 hours into my labor. I had back labor the entire time and we still managed to stay home another 7 hours. When I got to the hospital I was already nearly 9 centimeters dilated. What we didn't expect was my daughter was stuck - and it took antoher 7 1/2 hours for me to finally deliver her. With Rachel's support - both physical and emotional - we had the birth we wanted, medication and intervention-free. Rachel provided nonstop support for both me and my husband, allowing him breaks when he needed. We truly feel Rachel played a major part in our successful natural childbirth. Her gentle and calming mannerisms along with her knowledge make her a wonderful doula. We are grateful to her and will always cherish the memories from the birth of our daughter.

Rachel was absolutely wonderful throughout the late stages of my pregnancy, the birth of my daughter, and the first days back at home.  She provided lots of helpful information while never imposing her views.  She supported my decisions and helped ensure that I had the birth experience I wanted. Her calm, reassuring demeanor really helped when I needed it most and her suggestions during labor were simply magical.  It was as if she new exactly what would help me before I was able to figure it out myself. 

We hired Rachel to be the doula for the birth of our second child.  After a complicated and stressful pregnancy, including bed rest, we knew that if we were to achieve the birth we were hoping for at the hospital, a doula's support would be vital. After many false alarms and trips to the hospital ( I had been on bed rest for contractions since 30 wks), I was induced the day before my due date. The news that an induction was going to be necessary was scary to me~ I knew that meant a much more medicalized labor and birth than I wanted and I was unsure if I could handle it. Having Rachel by my side was a life saver. She kept me focused and moving and calm. She helped my husband to stay connected with me, showed him how to best support me and kept him calm too.  My labor moved quickly, and at a hospital that meant it was sometimes chaotic. Rachel helped us to remember parts of our birth plan that were important to us, that otherwise my easily have been overlooked in the moment of it all.

All my fears aside, and with Rachel's help, we had a wonderful birth. Our son, Liam, was born in as natural and gentle way possible given the circumstances~  9 lbs 4oz, epideral free and less than 7 hours after the induction began.