Rachel Pugh Doula Profile

I knew once I found out that I was pregnant that I didn't want the hospital birth experience but other than that I was pretty clueless as to how I wanted my birth to go. I found out about Rachel through my midwife & took her birthing classes then hired her as my doula. During my birth she was such a calming force. She comforted me in ways that were so helpful but I would've never thought would be. I was still a little unsure about using a doula when I went into labor but I found myself wondering how I would've done it without her when it was all over. As a first time mom I don't think I would've been able to go through with a natural birth in a hospital setting. The unknown can be very scary and no matter how much you prepare you don't really know what birth will be like until you've gone through it. Rachel helped me through the unknown with encouraging words, helpful advice, physical support, auroma therapy, hot towels, and pretty much any other little comfort measure you can think of. I'm not planning on having another child soon but I know when I do that I will want the support of a doula again. Rachel's experience, knowledge, and loving demeanor make her an excellent doula for any woman.

 When my husband and I found out we were pregnant we were in the middle of moving to Appleton for his job, buying a house, and we had just found out he was getting deployed for a year.  Needless to say it was a crazy year. All I knew was that I wanted a natural waterbirth and I needed a doula since the chance that my husband would attend the birth was small. I interviewed four other doulas until I met Rachel; she was easy to talk to and very knowledgable in hypnobirthing and waterbirths. I only wish I would have hired her sooner; then I would have taken her birthing classes instead of the hospital classes. When I went into labor a week before my husbands scheduled leave Rachel was there for me. I labored at home for most of the day and when my contractions were close enough she even drove me to the hospital. At the hospital she was very supportive and seemed to know exactly what I needed before I did. Rachel was full of helpful hits on how to move labor along and what positions I should try in the tub. With her help I had a wonderful water birth experience. If it wasn't for Rachel I would have delivered our son alone, and for that my husband and I are extremely thankful. We plan on using her again for the next child, even if my husband is home.