Anna Jones

1/10/2026

 I hired Rachel as my doula for my second birth and I'm so glad I did. My second pregnancy had its ups and downs and some stressful moments, but Rachel supported me the entire way from sharing her experience and knowledge and to just holding space for my feelings. Despite ending up with an unplanned induction, I was still able to have the unmedicated delivery I wanted. I can only describe my labor and delivery as peaceful and redemptive, and Rachel is a huge reason why.  Lastly, my husband initially didn't understand what having doula meant and why I wanted one in addition to having an OB, but he has said multiple times how thankful he is for Rachel and how her presence helped keep him calm during my labor and delivery. I cannot recommend Rachel enough- my only regret is not having her for my first pregnancy! 

Sara

12/26/2025

Rachel was an amazing resource and support for us through our birth process and the preparation leading up to it. From our first meeting, she helped us choose the right hospital system for us, gave us excellent book recommendations, and sought to understand the experience that we wanted through this birth. On the day of, she was the guidance we needed to decide when we should go into the hospital and was a real comfort to my husband while I was in labor. After birth she made sure we had what we needed to have an Easier time settling in with our newborn. Cannot recommend working with her highly enough. 

Alex

12/22/2025

I can't say enough great things about our experience with Rachel as our Doula. This was our first child and while I had done a bit of my own research on the kind of birth I was hoping for, there were plenty of things that we hadn't thought about. She helped us navigate our options and worked with us to understand and illuminate what would be our ideal experience. She has a lovely warmth to her personality and a very calming presence. She was incredibly validating and reassuring to us when questions would inevitably arise and she was always availble to talk. I had a very quick labor, heading to the hospital in the middle of the night thinking we would be sent home after a quick check due to some bleeding. Our baby was born 3 hours after we arrived and Rachel was there in 20 minutes when we realized we would be staying. She brought the calming energy and support that I needed during a natural birth. She was hands on helping me into position changes, letting me know that everything I was experiencing during contractions was normal and encouraged me through every push that brought our baby girl earthside. When I think about my birth experience, I really would not have changed a thing. I know that Rachel played a large role in that sentiment. My husband didn't understand at first what a doula was. He was incredibly supportive and championed whatever I felt like I needed during this time. He was so glad we had Rachel with us along this journey bc her information helped him better understand what to expect and how to show up for me. It also took a lot of stress and nervous energy away during the birth bc he felt like he had help in supporting me. The aftercare was also wonderful. It was so nice to see her again in our home where she could answer our many 'new parent' questions and concerns. There are some people that I think are in perfect alignment with what they do for a living - Rachel falls into that category. 

Melissa

12/11/2025

I can’t say enough positive things about Rachel! I really can’t imagine the birth of my son without her there. Rachel has such a calming presence and brings so much care and knowledge to her role as a doula.

Meeting with Rachel in the third trimester to discuss my birth plan made me feel much more confident in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and less anxious about the potential for a c-section. When I had to go to the hospital at 37 weeks for an induction, Rachel was checking in with us regularly and providing helpful information on what to expect with the induction.

Rachel got to the hospital so quickly when we called her and was amazing. She helped me get into different labor positions and put pressure on my back during contractions (SO helpful). She helped me advocate for myself when I was ready to get an epidural but did not want the IV pain meds I was being offered by the hospital staff. She took amazing pictures during the birth, all while continuously encouraging me through the pushing stage.

My birth experience was empowering and overwhelmingly positive, and Rachel was a major part of that. We will definitely be calling Rachel again for the next baby!

Erica

12/4/2025

Having Rachel as a doula was one of the best decisions we made! She provided knowledge, support, and care during my first pregnancy/birth and helped me feel confident in my birth plan. My birth wasn't how I had imagined it, but Rachel helped me make sound decisions that kept me and baby girl safe. 

The post-birth visits were something we looked forward to and helped my husband and I feel confident that we were doing okay as first time parents. 

Rachel is a master of her craft and I would highly recommended her to anyone looking for a doula. 

Mary & Mike

12/4/2025

We loved having Rachel as our doula for the birth of our sweet baby. She was invaluable on the delivery day, never leaving our side throughout a very long labor.  As the mom, she was there to help me breathe, to ask nurses questions / discuss options, and also literally help clean me and keep me well-cared-for throughout the day and night.  She never gave up on me, and was my biggest cheerleader.  I could not imagine going through the labor and delivery without her. 

In the hours and days immmediately following birth, Rachel helped answer questions and ease my first-time-mom anxieties.  She also encouraged me and spent time discussing breast feeding / lactation consultant options.  That was a HUGE help and set me on the path to nursing success.  Most importantly, she shared a sense of love and joy toward our baby that helped set the tone during those first days of life - a time that can feel very bewildering!  

I was aiming for a low-intervention birth, which Rachel supported.   In our last meeting prior to labor, Rachel also explained what steps would be taken at the hospital, should I need a c-section.  While I did not need to have a c-section, ultimately - I know that this mental rehearsal would have spared me from the trauma that many women can experience, as they deal with unexpected surgery on delivery day.  

I advocate for expecting mothers to follow their gut feelings, through pregnancy, birth, and after their baby arrives.  But I also advocate to get support.  Having someone like Rachel in your corner provides a sounding board and a LITERAL shoulder to lean on.   Her role in our baby's birth was truly invaluable !!   

Catrina

8/21/2025

We used Rachel for the recent birth of our second daughter (she attended the birth of our first daughter in 2023 as well and I previously wrote a review then).  We are so happy and honored she was with us again this time.  She is such a calming presence.  Our baby was breech, and we had to decide whether to do an ECV to try to flip her in order to have a vaginal delivery.  She helped us consider our options and also walked us through what a planned C section might look like. She attended the ECV with us (which was ultimately successful), which was a huge help.  We were very steadfast in several choices around our delivery, and Rachel made us feel empowered and supported in our decisions.  

During labor and delivery, she was a steady, grounding force. Whether it was helping with breathing techniques and positions, advocating for our birth plan, or simply being a comforting presence, Rachel anticipated how to supports us in ways that made us feel safe and cared for.  She answered all of our questions, calls and texts, even late at night after delivery when we had a few scary moments in the hospital.

Between our daughters, we got pregnant and actually hired Rachel again, but that pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.  Rachel was a huge support to us during a terrible time, and she made us feel understood and supported after a long road of infertility and loss.  She helped us navigate our pregnancy after loss with compassion.

We are so grateful to her for being a part of our birth journeys.  We'd hire her again and again if we were planning on additional babies.  We would wholeheartedly recommend Rachel to anyone seeking a strong, supportive, and knowledgeable partner in childbirth. She made all the difference for us and we're forever grateful to her!

Mary Russell

8/5/2025

Rachel was wonderful! We had to move from Richmond to Charlotte, NC when I was 35 weeks pregnant, and then I went into early labor the next day--Rachel drove down to Charlotte to be with me and help navigate the stress and uncertainty of having a high-risk birth. She was such a help in when to push back, what to ask for, how to calm down... even a few days after the birth when I was still in the hospital, I called her for advice. With her clinical background, I felt at peace, cared for, and confident that I was making the right choices. So grateful Rachel was my doula!

C.Courtney

7/31/2025

We were not sure we were "Doula" people as we are very much into traditional western medicine and I knew I wanted an epidural etc. Hiring Rachel was THE BEST DECISION and the best money we have ever spent. We thought hiring a doula would be much more expensive but Rachel has a very reasonable rate, especially for all the time, expertise,  and support she provides. Your Doula helps you make decisions and is there for you with your goals in mind. They are not working for the insurance companies. 

We had an induction due to medical complications and didn't want a C-section. I truly was about to give up and ask for a C-section because I felt like I couldn't do it anymore. Rachel came in like a superhero and showed us different positions and helped me wait for my epidural. I ended up having a complicated birth but we did deliver vaginally and I am convinced without Rachel I would have needed a C. I am already a very anxious person and this was my first baby. Having Rachel there signficantly reduced my stress and anxiety. If you are on the fence at all or considering a doula hire Rachel and know that you've got someone there for you and your family. 

Liz Kunka

6/16/2025

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Rachel. She supported me through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum with my second child, I only wish I had found her the first time around. From our very first conversation, she listened deeply and understood my goals for birth—never imposing, always encouraging, and fully supporting the experience I wanted.

Having gone through pregnancy loss before, I was carrying a lot emotionally, and Rachel held space for that with so much care and understanding. Her presence is calming, grounded, and compassionate. She consistently checked in after prenatal appointments and was always just a message away when I needed support, information, or reassurance.

During the birth, Rachel knew exactly what I needed, often before I even said anything. She gave me confidence, strength, and a sense of safety. She also supported my entire family, not just me—helping my partner feel informed and involved, and making sure we all felt cared for.

As a former hospital professional and a mom of young children herself, Rachel brought a unique blend of clinical insight, practical wisdom, and lived experience. And on top of everything else, she took the most beautiful, meaningful birth photos—something we’ll cherish forever.

Rachel is a rare kind of support person: intuitive, knowledgeable, deeply kind, and completely dedicated. I can’t recommend her enough.

Malia

5/18/2025

As someone who really wanted to be pregnant but was somehow also terrified of the entire process I knew I wanted a doula what I didn’t know is that I needed Rachel. As soon as I got pregnant I started reading different doula bios and I chose Rachel not only for her extensive experience but also because she specialized in helping people with perinatal mood disorders. She answered all my random anxiety induced texts, not just answering my questions but calming my nerves. Later in my pregnancy I got diagnosed with preeclampsia which progressed very quickly. In less than a week of being diagnosed I ended up going to the hospital because I felt a decrease in fetal movement and suddenly my worst nightmare was coming true, I was going to have a C-section at 35 weeks. I looked at my husband and yelled, “get Rachel.” She was at the hospital 10 minutes later. She calmed my nerves through every small and big detail I was afraid of. She held my hands during the IV placement and spinal tap, she explained things to me when no one else could get through to me and most importantly she advocated for what I specifically wanted and didn't want. She did all this and managed to take photos that i will cherish for the rest of my life. She calmed not only my nerves but my husband’s as well. She was there for postpartum and lactation questions, visited us in the hospital and once we settled at home. I honestly don’t think I could’ve gone through this without her knowledge, kindness, preparedness, and most importantly her magical gift of calming a very anxious and very angry me in a situation I didn’t want to be in and making that situation feel as close to what I actually wanted as she could. The outcome of a happy, healthy mother and baby were achieved with a thousand thanks to Rachel.

Julia Coffey

5/6/2025

Working with Rachel throughout the end of my pregnancy and during my birth was everything I could have hoped for. She made sure that I knew all of the possible outcomes before they happened so I could be as prepared as possible. Knowing I had her to talk to if anything happened towards the end of my pregnancy gave me the greatest peace of mind, and she was the first person I called when I thought I was in labor. She showed up right when I needed her and was there from beginning to end supporting me and my family every step of the way however we needed. She took birth photos for us, and I love them so much and still look at them all of the time. She visited me and my new little family multiple times after I gave birth and it helped put things into perspective, especially as a new mom when I had no idea what was normal and what wasn't. I can't imagine going through the experience of labor and birth as a first time mom without having Rachel there.

Jayci Page

1/25/2024

Oh my goodness, Rachel is a gem. It's like you've known her forever, even though you've only talked a few times. Her vibe was exactly what I needed during my pregnancy. Calming. Warm. My husband was a little hesistant on us needing/using a doula, but after his first meeting, he was sold. When I went into labor and Rachel couldn't be at the birth due to an illness, she immediately reached out to her doula group and found a fantastic back-up that she knew would jive with my family. After the birth, she continued to check in and make sure I was taking care of myself. She just knows... knows what you need before you even have a chance to think about it. She listens in such a way that you end up spilling all the crazy thoughts in your pre-/post-partum brain and helps you feel at peace. 

Claire

1/20/2024

The short version - Rachel is an incredible doula and anyone would be lucky to have her support! Her focus on helping queer people is such a gift to our community. Longer version - Rachel actually covered for my doula who was sick when I went into labor. I’m a queer, single mom by choice and my doula was my primary support person for delivery, so at first this was a hard change. However, from the moment Rachel arrived, I was at ease knowing I was in great hands! She was the perfect balance of calm, warm, and supportive while also being knowledgeable and confident. Her emotional support kept me focused and relaxed, even when things got stressful, and she helped me talk through and make decisions with a clear mind. Her hands-on interventions with massage, labor positions, and comfort measures were so helpful. Her ability to build rapport and connect so quickly was truly amazing. Rachel stayed with me through a very long labor, meeting my unique needs as a single mom, and supported me after my son arrived and the days that followed. I know she was meant to be the person with me during my birth, and I will be grateful always! I cannot recommend Rachel enough! 

Caron Sinnenberg

1/19/2024

There are not enough words to express the gratitude that I have for the fact that I met Rachel and she was the doula who worked with me throughout my pregnancy and the birth of my son. I was drawn to her for several reasons like her breadth of knowledge, years of experience in childbirth as a healthcare professional and a doula, and understanding of multilingual couples. Beyond that, she felt like a sister from the first time I met her. 

Rachel exudes warmth, compassion, and trustworthiness, which enabled me to be completely vulnerable with her in this important moment of my life. She made me feel confident in my natural abilities, guided my husband and I with practical advice, and was there to help us talk through every decision in the birthing process. Because of her guidance, I had an amazing and empowering birthing experience. This experience completely changed my fearful perspective of childbirth into one where I saw the beauty in the process. Also, she photographed and took videos the whole time so I get to relive those moments forever.

Rachel went above and beyond at all times, but her kindness during my postpartum phase is truly one of the most humbling experiences I have had in my life. Days after my birth, I had some complications that required me to take a medicine that didn't let me nurse my son for 48 hours. I called Rachel, not knowing what to do, and by my son's next feeding, she was at my house with 48 hours of breastmilk for my son. She used her network of breastfeeding mothers and her own supply to make sure that my son was taken care of when I really needed help. 

For so many reasons, I highly recommend Rachel as a doula. I feel so lucky to have gone through my birthing experience with her by my side. 

Molly Lukschander

1/7/2024

We can’t recommend Rachel more highly for all the ways she supported my wife and I as we welcomed our baby. She showed up for us in comforting conversations after hard OBGYN appointments, 30+ hours of labor, and through bringing our baby home. TLDR; I can’t imagine laboring without Rachel there to support my wife and me. 

Rachel was a tremendous comfort from the beginning, especially after stressful OBGYN appointments. She took time to talk with me and validate my concerns, then help me make empowered choices for my labor.

At the hospital, Rachel was ready for us every step of the way over the next 30+ hours of labor. She coached me through hours of movements to help work the baby down. In the most intense moments of labor when I was scared and overwhelmed, she helped me ground myself and come back into my body so I was able to push out our baby and be present when I held her on my chest for the first time.

Rachel was also extremely supportive of my wife and encouraged her to step outside for small breaks and lay down when she could.

Labor was the most intense experience my wife and I have known, but Rachel helped us experience it with as much positivity and magic as possible. Her confident, calm demeanor and years of experience and knowledgeability helped me trust her throughout the birthing process, and her passion for this work is evident. We would hire her again in a heartbeat and can’t recommend her highly enough, especially for queer laboring people. 

Catrina

1/5/2024

Rachel was our doula for the birth of our daughter in March 2023.  We were first-time parents, and decided to hire a doula after going to a childbirth class and realizing how little we actually knew about the process.   We interviewed three doulas from different practices, but clicked right away with Rachel.  We conceived our daughter through IVF, and I wanted a hospital birth with pain management (epidural).  Before birth, Rachel checked in for updates and answered all of our questions and addressed our concerns.  She made us feel educated and prepared going into the process.  I ended up being induced, and she was incredibly supportive through a long induction and labor.  Rachel is such a calming presence and made us both feel at ease throughout the process.  She was supportive of our choices.  We feel lucky that she was a part of our daughter's birth.  If we are lucky enough to have a second child, we will definitely ask Rachel to be a part of that birth as well.  

Erin

7/19/2022

I will be forever grateful for Rachel's expertise, support, and guidance before, during, and after the birth of our child. She was fantastic to work with and an absolutely invaluable part of our birthing team. She supported every decision we made every step of the way and gave us the information we needed to make informed decisions. She helped us advocate for our family and made sure we had the birth experience we both wanted. Rachel is truly a treasure of a human being! If you are thinking about hiring her to help with your birth, DO IT! 

Holly Foster

5/13/2022

Rachel was a wonderful support through pregnancy and our very quick unplanned home birth. I knew going into this I would have some anxiety through the process due to it being a major life change, and she really came through when I needed her. I ended up getting diagnosed with GDM and there was a looming possibility that we would have to have a hospital birth. Rachel assured us no matter what, we would have a beautiful birth even if it wasn't our plan.

Well, it ended up not going to plan anyway but in a different sense! We were planning to delivery at River City Midwifery but our little one decided to come on her own time while we were still at home. Everything still went smoothly and Rachel was there to catch our baby! I can't stress enough how wonderful a support she was throughout our pregnancy. If I have another kid, I will absolutely hire her again. I especially recommend her to any LGBTQ+ clients looking for queer support. She's amazing!

Hope Jordan

5/12/2022

I will hire Rachel ASAP if we ever have a second child. Rachel was amazing, calming, and fun to be around, which is very important when you're going through something so terrifying and overwhelming. We found out my son had flipped into breech position at 39 weeks, and had to do a scheduled c-section. Rachel was there to calm me down, walk us through the process and stay with us as we went into surgery. She was a godsend. So grateful for her.