Laura Blumhagen

4/25/2024

Rachelle provided excellent quality of care before, during and after the birth of my baby. I was picky when I started shopping around for a doula. I wanted someone who was culturally sensitive, trauma informed and non-judgmental.

I knew what I wanted for my birth and I knew that some of the decisions that I was going to make were not going to be "granola". Rachelle stepped up to the plate, she did not judge my choices but made sure I was informed. She helped me write out a birth plan and a back-up birth plan. 

Everything did not go according to plan and she did a wonderful job at being reassuring. I was very pleased with how my birth went. 

Rachelle took a course on trauma while I was pregnant. I'm impressed that she chose to continue her education. She was available to answer questions during pregnancy. On the birth-day itself, she was there for the entire day. It was great. She went above and beyond by decorating the room for us and bringing amazing snacks. That was really special to us because we couldn't have visitors during Covid times but my baby was still celebrated.

After the birth, Rachelle provided really great support. We started off rocky but managed to establish breastfeeding. She provided me with delicious lactation cookies, showed a movie about how to breast feed and helped with the latch. She also helped with pumping questions and lent me a book from her library.

I can't thank Rachelle enough and would absolutely recommend her to friends and family.

Laura Blumhagen

Kalie

4/17/2024

I acquired Rachelle’s doula services through the Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant for my second pregnancy and birth. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but found Rachelle to be very intuitive and great at navigating my needs. She always came prepared with materials and quick to respond to messages. Throughout this pregnancy I felt anxious and disorganized at times and Rachelle’s non judgemental attitude and calm and kind demeanour made me feel safe and at ease. Overall, I had a great experience having Rachelle as a doula and would highly recommend her services

Trina Davis

3/30/2024

Rachelle was a calming presence for me during my pregnancy and labor. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to promoting physiologic  birth by means of  optimal  maternal/fetal positioning and non-pharmacologic pain control. She works well with other members of the hospital team and advocated for my needs and wishes. She provided us with a birth timeline, photos and a beautifully written letter to our new baby. These were so special to have. As a labor and delivery nurse, I highly recommend working with Rachelle. She has the experience and knowledge necessary to support you in your birth journey!

Nadine Valouch

3/28/2024

Our experience with Rachelle was absolutely wonderful! She is such a kind, caring and loving woman who only wants what is best for you and your family. We sadly were not able to have her there for our birth as we had to go to a bigger center, but she was still available to answer any questions or concerns that we had. After our son was born and we got back home she even came by to offer me her help and advice with breastfeeding. She is so knowledgeable and we would 100% recommend her as a doula to everyone we know! 

Christie Allan

3/26/2024

I will do my best to put into words how truly amazing Rachelle is as a birth doula. 

I reached out to Rachelle looking for a support person for my husband and I as we wanted to have our second baby at home, as we did our first, this time there was no midwife to be present for the birth. 
Rachelle was beyond supportive, she reached out often leading up to the birth, provided exercises and resources, and on the birth day brought all the things we could possibly need and use, (birth stool, mat for comfort, birth ball etc.) she was just as excited as we were for this birth experience. We attempted for quite a few hours to push at home until we all decided maybe we should go to the hospital as the baby’s head kept retracting and I was becoming too exhausted. During the time at home Rachelle guided us in all the different positions and movements, she was so calm and reassuring and I really wish our baby could have been born with us during that time. It was euphoric and so beautiful beyond words. Unfortunately we did have to go to the hospital but we found out why during my emergency c section. When we arrived at the hospital Rachelle was SO comforting! She was extremely thoughtful in asking questions (I’m sure she knew the answers but wanted the doctors to tell me), she was the most supportive and thoughtful person in that labour room. She spoke with the hospital staff, tied my hair back without asking, kept offering me drinks, we tried literally every position we did at home (that was reassuring). I really could not have asked for a more supportive and insightful person to have by my side that day. Our baby boy wasn’t able to come down the birth canal due to his position (and possibly size) but was born healthy and very large. I am so grateful for Rachelle and all she did for us! If you are looking for any type of support during your pregnancy you will be very happy and reassured when you have Rachelle by your side!

Valerie Bell

3/26/2024

We decided to hire a doula when I became pregnant with our son and I found Rachelle's info online. I liked the idea of having someone there during the pregnancy and birth to help answer any questions and be there to support emotionally as well. You wont know what Dr or nurses you will have until you go into labour so I also liked knowing there would be a familiar face there the entire time to help us. I knew I wanted to try and labour at home for as long as possible and having Rachelle there to help keep us calm and guide us through the contractions helped us do that. She showed my husband certain techniques he could do that really helped with the pain and they took turns implementing those during my contractions. Rachelle has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to pregnancy and labour and is always  quick to respond to any questions or concerns throughout pregnancy.   Both my husband and I are so grateful we had her support in bringing our first baby into the world and I would highly recommend Rachelle'a doula services! 

Noella Manning

3/25/2024

Rachelle is such an amazing Doula! We connected with her during a Global Pandemic, as at our local hospital you were only allowed one birth support person. This being my fourth child I knew I'd require more support then just my husband. However Doulas were allowed to attend births and support the parents. From our first meeting she was kind, sweet and caring. Her gentle disposition immediately put me at ease and I knew she was the perfect fit for our family. During my birth experience she was very tender and thoughtful, reminding me about what my birth plan had and knowing how to help me by just looking at me. After she was so kind and gifted me lactation cookies and a beautiful typed letter address to my child, detailing the beautiful aspects of their birth. Honestly couldn't have done it without her. 

Brit

3/24/2024

Rachelle was exactly what I needed for my second pregnancy! She is kind and attentive, has an absolute wealth of information and techniques for helping be as active and comfortable as possible both during pregnancy and during birth. I'm so incredibly thankful I had her with me during the birth because her reassurances, calm cheerleading and hip squeezes kept me going. There is a lot that I can say about Rachelle, but I'll keep this brief, I highly recommend her to everyone I know when I hear that they're expecting and looking for extra birth support!