Alex L

3/22/2024

We are so thankful we had Rocky as our doula throughout my pregnancy and birth experience. We have 2 great meetings with her during pregnancy, she met us at the hospital during labor, was there until after baby was born (and helped with breastfeeding), and came for a very sweet visit a couple weeks later. All that doesn’t include the many texts back and forth where  she offered guidance and reassurance. She is so thoughtful (love the little gift bag she gave with must-haves for the hospital) and nonjudgmental. She’s great at reading a room and knowing when/how to appropriately step in. She’s knowledgeable about birth itself and shared so much helpful information we leaned on. I look back on our birth story so fondly with no regrets and I know it’s because of all the many ways Rocky supported us. I completely and wholeheartedly recommend hiring Tallahassee Birth Services!!!

Arielle O’Hara

2/19/2024

Racquel(Rocky) was an amazing addition to our birth team! It was such a pleasure working with her. She’s funny and so kind and has such a warm and supportive personality. She really cares: about birth, about you, about babies! She really made me feel prepared mentally and helped me understand any options or possibilities that could arise (we had the home birth we prayed for) but it was so nice going over what we would do/what we would want if there was need to transfer to a hospital. She is such an advocate for what YOU want for your birth and I appreciated that so much! She works so hard to be available and answer questions for you. When it came time for my baby to come she was such a rock during my labor at home, encouraging me, doing hip squeezes, counter pressure, warm compresses, all the things, and helping my fiancé do those for me too during my almost 5 hours of pushing. She was a busy bee! I would not hesitate to hire her as a doula (again personally!) and anyone reading this would be in great hands if you hired her as yours. She’s just awesome!

Rachel Moore

12/1/2023

I could not be happier with the services Racquel provided for the birth of my second child. Her wealth of knowledge and skills gave me such confidence in my ability to have a safe and healthy labor and delivery after a traumatic experience with my firstborn. It was such a relief knowing I had her on my team as an advocate and professional who led with such empathy! My labor and delivery went smoothly and it truly was my dream of what a birthing experience could be. Racquel played such a pivotal role in the successful delivery of my son and I am so grateful to have had her by my side. At my postpartum visit, she even spent hours helping my poor baby deal with a constipation issue, showing me positions and movement aides to help his digestion. I highly recommend hiring her services! 

Joseph Walters

11/14/2023

A review for the guys out there. Rocky is an incredible doula. If you live near Tallahassee, Florida, you can't afford not to hire her. I've tried to come up with an analogy that really explains how important Rocky is to the process to guys on the fence about hiring her. Here's what I've got.

Going without Rocky is like autodrafting a fantasy team. It may work out for you, but would you really put real money on an auto drafted team??? And, remember this isn't a fantasy football team. This is your wife, your marriage and the birth of your family.  Draft your dream birth team, and make Rocky your quarterback. 

Breanna Walters

11/14/2023

I couldn't imagine pregnancy/ labor without Rocky. During pregnancy she helped me prepare my body for labor. Once in labor she helped me find my inner peace and tried her best to turn my OP baby. She went above and beyond what I had even imagined. Will definitely be using her for all future pregnancies. 

Elijah Kostick

10/17/2023

As a husband, I wanted to support my wife in childbirth as much as possible, and I'm so glad that we had Racquel with us during it. We've used her for both our sons' births, and we recommend her to everyone who asks about using a doula. She is so knowledgeable about birth and postpartum, and it really took away a lot of our anxieties and fears with it. It was so helpful to have someone in the room with us who knew exactly what was going on and how to help. I highly recommend using Racquel for your births. She is a life saver and a blessing to everyone involved. 

P.S., She also takes great pictures of you and your baby.

McLain Goodwin

6/16/2023

As a husband and now dad, having Rocky as our Doula is a decision I would make again 100 times out of 100. I knew it would be a huge benefit to my wife and provide her with a sense of relief, but I didn't realize how much I would also get out of the experience. Having Rocky there with us throughout our journey provided a level of confidence and comfortability that was invaluable. We learned a ton of helpful information leading up to our due date that helped us prepare and feel a sense of calm leading up to that big day. Rocky was always available to answer questions and when my wife was in labor was able to guide us through our birth plan and help us know when to take what steps. I was able to be more attentive to my wife's needs knowing that she was there to support us throughout the labor and birth, and she also helped me be more involved in the birthing process which was incredibly special for me. To top it all off, she captured tons of pictures and videos of those first precious moments after our baby arrived that we otherwise would not have to be able to look back on. We just had our postpartum visit and were able to ask all of our parenting questions and made us feel like we are on the right path. To anyone in the area considering hiring a Doula, there is no one better. We cannot thank Rocky enough for all she did for our family!

Nicole Sodders

5/10/2023

I cannot recommend Rocky enough. From the first phone call I knew I would be in good hands. I had some special medical considerations she took the time to understand and help me feel confident I could still have the birth I wanted. Baby day came two weeks early and FAST! I could not have handled labor so confidently if Rocky had not prepared me with an awesome birth plan and pain management techniques. Rocky worked with me via phone as my labor progressed unexpectedly fast but she made it for the labor! Rocky also captured some beautiful moments from before and after my birth with photo and video. I will forever be grateful for the lasting memories. I had an empowering birth and no doubt Rocky helped prepare me to make it happen

Jenna

4/14/2023

I have used rocky as my doula for my last two births and will use her again if we have another baby! I am here to tell you even if you plan to have an epidural you need a doula - specifically rocky! My two labors and deliveries were very different and having rocky there was a god send! She is there to support you physically and emotionally during labor until the baby is born, while nurses are in and out of your room she is there with you the whole time to guide you through your labor. She is educated and able to advocate and give you advice as things progress. Not to be dramatic but I would die without rocky - we couldn't have done it without her! 

Anna

1/31/2023

Rocky is the BEST!! When I first reached out to her we talked on the phone for a while and I could immediately tell she was the perfect fit for me. She’s so knowledgeable and personable.

Having Rocky at my daughter’s birth helped me to feel confident and safe. She inspired me and truly gave me the strength I needed during a natural hospital birth. I would not have been able to do it without her. She is so sweet and someone you feel immediately comfortable with. We are so thankful we found Rocky and love thinking back on how amazing our daughter’s birth was. Would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for support!

Anne Johansen

5/9/2022

Rocky was absolutely amazing as our doula. She was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and just generally awesome to be around. She was a wonderful advocate to have during birth in the hospital, and she supplied me with so much information to help me make the right decisions for me and my first baby. I am so grateful she was there with me! I would definitely recommend Rocky very highly to anyone!

Ashley

3/10/2022

Rocky was exactly who we needed to support us as we prepared to welcome our third baby. After experiencing a miscarriage, I was especially anxious throughout this pregnancy. As we approached the birth, I struggled with feeling strong and empowered. With Rocky's guidance, my partner and I worked through our goals - a healthy, positive birth - and what I needed to feel emotionally, mentally and physically ready. Rocky was instrumental in the last few weeks of pregnancy and a calm, comforting presence as we navigated some unexpected changes during labor. We feel great about the birth experience and appreciate her support. Having a doula, specifically Rocky, was the best thing we did for ourselves. 

Kristyn McCauley

3/8/2022

Rocky was a great asset to our birth team! Rocky joined us for our third pregnancy, first home birth. It was so great to have a knowledgeable partner to come alongside us and prepare us mentally and physically for our birth experience. I was so thankful to have someone to chat with about my birth plan and our options, as well as pain coping mechanisms with hands on assistance. 

When I went past my due date I was feeling very discouraged but Rocky was always there for me, checking in and providing insight, assistance, and words of encouragement. I don't think I could have gotten through those last few days/weeks without her assuring me we were getting closer to meeting our baby girl and encouraging me to both rest and giving me some tools to help get my body ready for labor. 

During our labor and birth it was great to have another set of hands (literally!). Her calm and steady demeanor is perfect for the birth space and just the perfect amount of extra support I needed to have the birth experience I desired.

I'm very thankful that we chose to have Rocky on our team. Rocky is both knowledgeable about birth and super down to earth, so she makes you feel comfortable and she perfectly compliments any preparation you and your partner have done for your birth.

Sierra Kostick

3/2/2022

Rocky is amazing and I couldn't say enough great things about her!! (But I'll start here) She provided so much education for me and my husband before labor that was super helpful and informative. She not only sent us videos and pictures but even showed us how to do things in person to get a feel for what we would need to do and help give us pointers. During labor, she was a TROOPER. My labor was rather long and she pushed through with little sleep in order to help me through contractions, ALL WHILE WEARING A BOOT (she had foot surgery a month before). Like talk about sacrifice! She was able to help my husband and they ended up tag teaming a lot so they could each rest. She was also a huge encouragement when I was anxious about anything. We got our dream unmediated labor and delivery and when baby boy was born, Rocky didn't waste a second before showering us with love and words of encouragement that made me personally feel like I could conquer anything (a true hype woman). It felt like she was part of the family, enjoying the moment with us. Another one of the best parts was that she took so many photos and videos for us during labor and at delivery so we have all these reminders and memories to keep forever. I had no clue until hours after baby was born and it made my husband and I so happy, we cried scrolling through the photos. My favorite thing that she does is come over (when you want her to) after baby is all settled at home for a postpartum appointment where she helps you process your labor and delivery as well as check in on how you're doing. She truly is incredible inside and out!! Anyone who gets to use her as a doula is blessed beyond measure. 

Michelle Montanaro

2/12/2022

As first time parents, my husband and I were a bit nervous and unsure of what to expect during labor and delivery. At 36 weeks pregnant, we reached out to Rocky to learn about her services as a doula. We instantly felt like Rocky was the perfect person to help guide us. We learned so much within a short period of time and were able to create a birth plan we felt comfortable and confident with.

Our birth plan took a detour quite quickly after learning we had to be induced at 38 weeks. The moment we received that news we frantically called Rocky and she was able to walk us through what was happening and calm our nerves. She immediately met us at the hospital and was with us every step of the way. We were faced with many tough decisions throughout the laboring process and Rocky was a calming presence, an advocate, and a wealth of knowledge. What could have been a negative birthing experience ended up being absolutely wonderful and we have Rocky to thank for that. We highly recommend her!

Kelsey Gayhartt

1/29/2022

Rocky is wonderful! She helped educate my husband and I on options that the hospital would present to us during the birthing process. Rocky also walked us through writing a birthing plan to suit our families needs and desires. She have some great tips for husband to help me be comfortable during the birthing process. 
Rocky was a huge support while at the hospital in labor. I ended up needing an emergency c-section. She stayed and helped keep my husband calm and informed while the hospital staff prepped me for surgery. After recovery when we were in the hospital room she came to check on us and see how we felt about the whole process. 
During our follow up appointment, Rocky was very helpful with breast feeding tips and advice. She also helped walk us through a few helpful things to do with baby to relieve gas and help him be more comfortable while gassy. 
I can't thank Rocky enough for all of her help, comfort, and support.

Alicia Williams

3/4/2021

Words cannot express how wonderful my experience with Racquel has been. From the moment I interviewed even up until not, when I am five months post partum. My partner and I have nothing but praises to share! Not only is she caring, compassionate, thoughtful, inclusive, keen on details and a great teacher; she is also quite funny and very approachable. She always listened to all my thoughts, concerns and ideas with great care. Whatever I needed, she was right there to support me. She has a wealth of knowledge on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and so much more. I could not have prepped my body for delivery without her guidance at all. Her passion for birth and supporting mamas (and dads) on their journey is grandiose, and she aims to make every experience unique. I'm amazed at how well she molds to her families! She provided evidence-based information for us when we had various questions on birth options, laboring techniques and vaccines for me during my last trimester. She helped with planning the birth area at home and even collaborated with my family on delivery day so I didn't have to worry about anything. She cared for me AND my partner. During labor, she was present with me from the first contractions whether it be in text or person and even came over earlier than planned so we could have support. She listened to me, taught me how to listen to my body,  and was a phenomenal birthing partner especially when moments got tumultuous. There were quite a few moments where she looked me in the eyes and reminded me of how well I was doing and how strong I was, and it was always when I needed it most. Even after I had the baby, she checked on me frequently and came to visit a couple times. It was such a relief to have her support during pregnancy, birth and afterwards. Having someone to empathize with me during the adjustment helped me feel normal! I had an amazing experience and couldn't have done any of it with Racquel. We're keeping her as our doula!

Lorin Brand

1/2/2021

I will be forever grateful to have found Rocky before the birth of our second child. During the Covid-19 pandemic, only one non-medical person was allowed in the hospital with mothers during labor and delivery. My husband is amazing but I was nervous...I was so excited to learn that doulas were allowed in addition to your one support person! Knowing Rocky was on our team, with all of her knowledge and experience, was extremely comforting to me. She is easygoing, extremely accepting and supportive, so I knew I would be comfortable around her even in such an intimate circumstance. I knew that, even if something happened that we felt unprepared for, she would know what to do. Through every stage in my pregnancy, Rocky was accessible to us and never made me feel embarrassed even when I reached out with anxious, perhaps silly questions. She is genuinely compassionate and kind, and I truly felt cared about during all of our interactions. Rocky came by to check on us after the birth of our daughter and was helpful in addressing some post-partum and breastfeeding concerns that I had. I recommend Rocky without reservation and hope you will give yourself and your family the incredible gift of her invaluable support as a doula. 

Annie Lucroy

8/26/2020

Absolutely amazing experience with Raquel! I live all the way in TX, and she reached out to me to provide services via text, phone call and video chat. Wow! I was completely blown away at how much help she was able to be even being so far away! Raquel consistently checked in on me the last few weeks of my pregnancy. She made me feel comfortable from the very start with being as open and raw as possible about everything I was feeling. Whether that was emotional, mental or physical. She was more than just a doula providing information on pregnancy and preparing for the birth of our son. She truly was someone I felt was holding my hand along the way and was there for me as a friend. Racquel was quick to answer any questions I had and was able to explain many pain relieving techniques easily through our phone chats and texts. She sent many videos and descriptions of the techniques so that my husband could be well prepared during delivery to help provide some relief. I was in constant contact with Racquel during the birth of my son up to the last two hours of delivery- only because I dilated from a 5 to a 10 extremely quick and the last little bit of the labor went by so quick. I am so impressed with her work and constant support during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. I truly believe Racquel is in the career she was meant to be in! I plan to use her for future pregnancies- and this says a lot with her being half way across the country from me!

Melanie

7/14/2020

Part 2:

As the planner I am, I decided to "interview" doulas. Rocky was my first and there were no more after her! I immediately knew she was the one! She had an energy that I connected with, she had the knowledge and also the comforting factor I needed. We met for 2 at home visits and were in touch via text throughout the remainder of my pregnancy. She is so incredibly easy to talk to and supportive of your wishes. This is YOUR birth and no one else’s! First time mamas, or mamas who had a traumatic experience with previous births, you need Rocky in your life!

I had a very long and difficult labor. One that from the start was completely different from our "plan". I believe that a lot of the trauma and/or sadness that mamas may feel can come from not knowing how to navigate a birth that doesn't "go as planned". It is so important to be at ease with and confident throughout the entire labor/birth process and Rocky absolutely helped with this. She was INCREDIBLE! Every step of the way, she was there for my husband and I providing exactly what we needed. She makes you feel comfortable yet isn't invasive. She can read the room and knows exactly what her place is. She is strong (physically and mentally) and never ever makes you doubt yourself or your birth. She is kind and smart and has plenty of tools in her belt! After our experience, my husband says Rocky was the best money we've EVER spent! lol It wasn't a service she provided - it was an experience we'll never forget and Rocky is a human we will never forget!

Melanie

7/14/2020

Part 1:

Truthfully, I don't know that I can accurately describe or if the words even exist to share our experience with Rocky. But I will try!

I am a planner and decided early on in my pregnancy that I wanted a doula. Maybe I'll explain how I came to that decision, in case anyone else is on the fence or unsure whether they "need" one or if it's "worth it". I live away from family so I don't have my mother, mother in law, or other female family members that were an obvious chose for who I wanted to be with me during my labor. Even if I did though, I didn't see the role I thought I would want that person to play, possible with a family member. Whether it be because they love you so much and can't bare to see you in pain, or overwhelm you with what they think is support and ideas to help. See, they may have experience with birth (their own and possibly some family members) but their knowledge is limited to what they have lived/seen.

I knew my husband was going to be amazing but a female energy was necessary to me. Someone to offer guidance and support (physically and mentally) to me and my husband both. A intermediary, an advocate for me and my wishes, someone who was comfortable speaking to medical staff and knowledgeable of the entire birth process. That is how I decided a doula was what I needed.

Continued in Part 2...

Mary Beth

1/17/2020

Where do even begin? Rocky went above and beyond for us. From the very first meeting, Rocky felt like a long time friend. With all of our dealings, she was both professional and personable. I was so grateful for her willingness to explain her role to my husband, Mike. It helped him to realize that she was there for us — not only me but also him. She was there to cheer us on. To help us along this journey. To help us become parents.

While in the hospital, she was able to take care of me so my husband could get some rest. He was only running on three hours of sleep :-)?? I believe that says a lot because Mike trusted her enough to know that she was going to take care of me. All of the staffing loved her, especially our midwife. Even now, they still speak highly of her.

Rocky made me so strong. She listened to my worries. I knew I could come to her at any time and that meant the most to me. There is a true power in women supporting women?. And having Rocky there with me ... was the best support I could’ve ever asked for? ??

Alexandra Galliot

9/24/2019

Rocky was one of the first people I told about my pregnancy. When she offered to be my doula, I was very skeptical. The thought of having someone else in the labor & delivery room during such an intimate and personal moment didn’t seem like my cup of tea. After doing my own research and reading the benefits of having a doula, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did! From finding out I was pregnant, to the birth of our first child, Rocky was there every step of the way. During our prenatal meetings we went over different l&d scenarios and options, pain coping techniques, birth plans, etc. My labor did not go as planned or expected, but Rocky stayed by our side the whole time calm and positive. Without her there, the unexpected would’ve been much harder to deal with. My partner was also very glad to have her there. Having her there allowed for him to get rest when there wasn’t much he could do but also allowed him to be there for me in the way I needed. Although my birth plan went out the window, I’m very thankful how everything turned out in the end because of Rocky. I highly recommend her and her birthing services! I feel honored to be her first client and I look forward to watching her business grow and to hear how she helped other women during such a special time!