Anna Talley

5/26/2025

Rachael was our doula for two pregnancies/ births. The first time was during the COVID-19 pandemic. The world felt dangerous and uncertain, but Rachael was a calm, steady presence. We had our baby at Fort Worth Birthing & Wellness Center and Rachael helped to educate us in our quest for an unmedicated birth. We were also moving into our first home which, due to supply chain delays, was not finished until a week after our due date. She was a listening ear when I felt overwhelmed and always knew just what to say to help me recenter and take the challenges in my stride. Baby waited 5 days after the move to make his appearance. We labored for 26 hours and Rachael helped us navigate every step- initially with text support then eventually in person support in our home and finally being part of our team at the birth center. Her support was as impactful for my husband as it was for me. When we found out we were pregnant with our second child, we knew she had to be on our team. Again, she was amazing. My labor was much shorter and without her guidance we might not have made it to the birth center in time. She made calls to the midwives for me and even helped me get out the door and into the car with everything I needed while my husband loaded our son because we had to meet our child care at the birth center. We had a wonderful second birth at FWBC with her steady hands and calm presence. My midwives even commented about what a valuable part of our team she was that day. Her postpartum support was monumental to me as well. I talked with her about my big emotions. She always knows what to say to build you up even in your lowest moments. I could be vulnerable with her in a way I couldn’t be with others. I told about all of our wins too. Rachael has become more than our doula, she is a valued and dear friend. She will be our doula again if we have more children. I can’t imagine a pregnancy, birth, or postpartum journey without her.

Mandie

5/26/2025

Rachael was so amazing to have on our team!!  She gave me and my husband so much to think about in our meetings before the birth that we hadn't even thought about yet.

During my last prenatal doctor's visit I had Rachael on speaker phone when things started taking an unexpected turn.  She helped keep me calm, reminded me of all my options and help give me my power back. Even from outside the room, she helped me navigate the balance between baby's needs, my feelings and everybody's ultimate good health.

My baby was too cold (or something? idk) immediately post birth and she helped me understand what was happening and gave easy ideas on how to warm him up quickly.  She helped me with baby's first latch when we started nursing during golden hour and had so many quick tips that I still use every time I nurse him now four months later.  I credit our easy nursing journey to getting it right from the very beginning.

Once all was done, we needed some help with the baby overnight so we could catch up on some sleep.She came over pretty regularly those first few months and it was so lovely.

When she got to our house for a night with our baby, she always was good at starting with questions.  She wanted to be sure she was providing exactly what we wanted.  In the early days, we just wanted sleep.  Later on we were more open to having her teach us ways to soothe our baby and transfer him to the bassinet without waking him up. She was so patient with us! 

If you're thinking about hiring a doula, I tell people it's like having a big sister's that's seen 100 baby's born and can make sure you know all your options and YOUR voice is heard.

In particular, Rachael approaches caring for me and my family with professionalism, grace and an open mind to what I need in that moment: whether it's advice, sleep, or just a towel she was there for us. 

Mándale

5/26/2025

Rachael was so amazing to have on our team!!  She gave me and my husband so much to think about in our meetings before the birth that we hadn't even thought about yet. 

During my last prenatal doctor's visit I had Rachael on speaker phone when things started taking an unexpected turn.  She helped keep me calm, reminded me of all my options and help give me my power back. Even from outside the room, she helped me navigate the balance between baby's needs, my feelings and everybody's ultimate good health. 

I had a semi-planned C section and she was so great to have around.  She helped me clarify my questions with my healthcare team (while rubbing my feet!), she took pictures during the birth for me and helped my husband schlep all our bags from the pre-op room to the recovery room.

When I was nauseous during the procedure, she had peppermint oil ready to drop onto a piece of gauze for me to sniff. It helped instantly!

My baby was too cold (or something? idk) immediately post birth and she helped me understand what was happening and gave easy ideas on how to warm him up.  

She helped me with baby's first latch when we started nursing during golden hour and had so many quick tips that I still use every time I nurse him now four months later.  I credit our easy nursing journey to getting it right from the very beginning. 

There were also regular texts both before and after I gave birth.  Little things about what to expect and tips for dealing.  

If you're thinking about hiring a doula, I tell people it's like having a big sister's that's seen 100 baby's born and can make sure you know all your options and YOUR voice is heard. 

In particular, Rachael approaches caring for me and my family with professionalism, grace and an open mind to what I need in that moment: whether it's advice, sleep, or just a towel she was there for us. 

Nate Levin-Aspenson

5/12/2025

Rachael was an incredible source of expertise, guidance, and no small amount of comfort throughout the time we worked with her during the pregnancy, birth, and early childhood of our first (and currently, only) child.

Throughout pregnancy, her check-ins were always useful for us. She had detailed pillow diagrams to help find a comfortable sleeping position. She had birth ball exercises to help with pain. She had labor preparation resources. She was even able to talk us through the process of having an overdue baby.

The night our daughter was born, she was 12 days over due and still didn’t want to come out. My wife and I had been at the maternity ward since the morning with her experiencing a very slow and ultimately unsuccessful induction. When my wife finally began to experience contractions, we learned that our baby wasn’t aligned right to go down the birth canal, and we had to decide whether or not to go cesarean or risk the birth canal with a baby that was possibly hazardously large.

This was approaching midnight. We hadn’t expected any movement to really be happening until the next day, so Rachael was still at home asleep 45 minutes away. When we called her, she was immediately on the ball, helping us look up medical articles and resources and talking us through this very difficult decision while painful contractions came every few minutes. 

Rachael was there to talk to us as soon as we got out of the recovery ward (our hospital wouldn’t let her in the operating room). Her presence was a balm on two utterly exhausted new parents. 

Continuing to stay in contact with Rachael during the first few weeks of our child’s life was incredibly grounding. Even though we had read a lot about childbirth, pregnancy, and infants, talking to someone with experience and subject knowledge was an invaluable resource. We cannot recommend her services highly enough.

Ashlee DeSantola

5/24/2024

I knew I wanted an intervention free birth with support and reached out to Rachael to help me and my husband make that a reality. For the first 35 weeks of my pregnancy I felt more and more prepared to take on the challenge. When I found out my baby girl was breech and needed to change care, Rachael rallied all her resources and took time to help us find the best fit doctor for our situation. She was a wealth of knowledge and calming words when I felt like my whole experience was about to be upended. She helped me come to terms with my eventual c section and when baby girl came a bit earlier than planned, she was there to be our rock as we navigated the scary operating room. (She took so many photos and videos I find myself looking back on weekly)

The next three months were full of other hardships that Rachael supported us though. She was the recipient of so many middle of the night “is this normal” and “what do I do” texts and always had a perfect thought out text with links and advice. Knowing she was there as a resource gave me so much comfort. I will absolutely be asking her back for any and all future children!!

Melinda Lunsford

3/30/2024

I recommend Rachael wholeheartedly. As first time parents, my husband and I initially went into this journey not knowing what to expect. In the weeks before going into labor, Rachael was a great resource in explaining our options and assisting me in being able to communicate our preferences to hospital birthing staff. During labor, she provided outstanding physical and emotional support for me and was able to gently guide my husband in how to provide even better support for me as well. She has a gentle, understanding demeanor and having her knowledge in the labor and delivery room was essential in me making decisions I was comfortable with. Postpartum, she ensured my husband and I were settling in to this new role by reaching out and offering useful resources. I highly recommend her services and look forward to welcoming any future babies into the world with her by our side!

Danai Pokorny

2/12/2024

Rachael was our doula for our first baby and truly was a gift! My husband and I had no idea what to expect going into labor, nor how to advocate for ourselves in a hospital setting. She was there with my husband and myself through my pregnancy every step of the way and we were extremely educated on birth and postpartum. Not only did Rachael give us so much guidance through the birth of our daughter, she also helped us through some tough decisions during my labor. Without her I don't think things would have gone as smoothly as they did. The amount of encouragement and support she gave not only me, but my husband was beyond what we ever expected. We 100% would have her for any other future births we have. We feel we are forever bonded with her. 

Mercedes Morrin

9/21/2023

The most important thing to me during pregnancy, labor and postpartum is support. Rachael was a true gift during every stage and an integral part of our  journey of welcoming our second child to our family. The abundance of information we received was enlightening and the encouragement Rachael showered us with was so refreshing. We looked forward to every meeting with Rachael because she made us feel genuinely happy and secure throughout the entire process. I don’t think my labor would have been as beautiful and everything I had hoped for without Rachael and we are forever grateful.

Ariel Lunsford

8/8/2023

Rachael was my doula for the birth of both my two little kiddos. She is amazing at educating, advocating, and empowering you to make decisions that you are comfortable with. She was always available to me, always checked in, provided guidance and evidence based support when needed, and of course, showed up exactly when warranted when it was time to deliver! I wanted to ensure both my births were completed without an epidural and Rachael supported me in that decision through an OP baby and then an induction with my second. 

Rachael and the birth Fort Worth team are vastly experienced and instil the highest confidence in their support and yourself. 

Finally, Rachael is also extremely kind, thoughtful, and all around great human. Thank you for everything!! 

Kelsey Wright

3/13/2023

Rachel has been an amazing support system for me throughout the time leading up to my birth, during my birth, and in my time postpartum. Rachel has a warm and welcoming presence. She was vigilant about scanning for my needs and supportive in offering suggestions to help me feel my most comfortable. I felt unbelievably cared for. She was alongside me and for my very quick and unconventional delivery and stayed with me during my post birth experience. She saw my needs  and offered support I didn't even know I needed while I was overwhelmed and processing my birth experience. She continued to offer me support through all the ups and downs of my fourth trimester. I can't say enough good things about Rachel. Having the support of Rachel made my entire pregnancy, labor, and post partum experience exactly what I needed. 

Haley

12/7/2022

Rachael was incredible to work with, I can't say enough good things! She was very knowledgable and always willing to educate as well as incredibly kind and understanding. We came up with our birth plan, and as that plan changed she was there with information and support. She was also there for us postpartum support and advice. We gave our baby her first bath, and Rachael sent us suggestions that made it a spa instead of completely traumatizing. Rachael was a huge asset to our birth, and because of her expertise and education we are so happy with our birth story.

Jordan McGregor

8/10/2022

Racheal was amazing throughout my pregnancy, labor, and beyond. She answered all of my questions and made me feel educated and comfortable. When I unexpectedly fell and broke my ankle at 36 weeks, Rachael was there to keep me confident and positive. She helped guide me through a birthing center birth on the first day that I could walk in a boot in 5 weeks. I could not have done that without her help! She continued to be there for me and my family through the intense and amazing transition during the postpartum period. I can’t recommend Racheal enough!

Kelly Adrian

8/4/2022

Towards the end of my third pregnancy I risked out of my birth center, sending us on a roller coaster ride of finding new care, big decisions, and preparing for an induction at the hospital. I knew we needed help. Rachael was like an angel that came into our lives to help us navigate through each step ending in a beautiful, empowering birth. Rachael is an amazing listener, helping me work through my own thoughts and emotions. She is incredibly informed on all things birth, baby, and beyond. She knew exactly how to support me physically during labor, what positions to try, and when to step back and let me and my partner be. I wish every woman could have Rachael's support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum!

Michelle White

8/3/2022

Rachael was my doula for the birth of my second baby in July 2022. I moved to Texas late in my pregnancy & really wanted a doula, her & I clicked so fast. She is very reassuring & understanding of what you want your birth to look like. She helped me have the natural water birth I wanted. She is so supportive of pregnancy, birth & the 4th trimester after birth! She knows so much about birth & is willing to go above & beyond to find out information for you when you're lost in the world of having 2 babies under 2! She went out of her way to find me a pelvic floor therapist that took my insurance when I was ready to give up! I really appreciate everything she has done for me, she's always willing to answer questions & she is also a very genuinely nurturing person. If you're looking for a doula definitely have a conversation with her! 

Mallorie

7/11/2022

From the moment we hired Rachael, our pregnancy/birth/postpartum experience improved tenfold. She checked in regularly, was kind and flexible, and sent so many fantastic resources our way. Her priority was making sure we felt supported in every way. I'm a first time mom and Rachael navigated my anxiety like a champ- warm, professional and empowering. If she didn't know an answer to something, she'd ask someone who did. She interacted wonderfully with my husband who was clueless about most things birth/baby and empowered him without pushing or belittling. We'd hire her again in a heartbeat! 

Mary Elizabeth McArthur

7/7/2022

I will never have another baby without a doula, specifically without Rachael. Even though this was my second labor and I had done a LOT of mental preparation for it, the comfort of having her encouraging, calm, informed presence was invaluable. I found that at certain points throughout my labor, particularly at the end when I was transitioning and starting to struggle mentally, having Rachael there to say, "This is normal. This is okay. You're one contraction closer to meeting your baby!" was exactly what I needed. Physically, I definitely know she helped me labor faster and more efficiently. She was great at suggesting different labor positions and providing counter pressure during contractions, and she was at hand when I needed her and unobtrusive and quietly encouraging when I needed a break. My husband has also said that we will not have another baby without Rachael. As I moved through early labor, he was ready for her to arrive before I was; he needed her affirmations just as much and maybe even more than I did. We are incredibly, incredibly grateful for her expertise and kindness. She did the work to understand my particular pregnancy and complications, my previous birth trauma, and my relationships with my partner and medical providers. We had a redemptive, joyful, amazing birth experience this time and I credit a huge part of our success to her contributions and support. 

Chelsea Lopez

6/14/2022

I highly recommend Rachel for any of your doula needs, pre/post birth and labor. My pregnancy was a bit different and more complicated as I was a gestational carrier (I carried a baby for an amazing couple, their embryo) so Rachel had an extra person to worry about during labor. She expertly cared for me as the birthing person, my husband and the mother of the child. She stuck with me and supported us all through a long labor and even assisted the midwife with different positions to get baby into birth canal. After 36 hours I made the decision for a C-section (Rachel helped me be at peace with this medically necessary decision through follow up visits) but Rachel was able to make sure that all three of us were comforted during the surgery. Without Rachel the mother of the baby told me she would have been to the level of a panic attack, but Rachel was able to calm and support her through this unexpected and scary time. Rachel also supported me post partum. Even without a newborn, this support was much needed after surgery as my husband had to go back to work. She not only helped with physical work, but again her company and calm spirit helped me process and heal mentally and emotionally as well. 

Jaidyn Beasley

1/7/2022

My labor and delivery experience was much easier and relaxing thanks to Rachael. Even though I had a long labor (48 hours), Rachael NEVER left my side and kept encouraging me.  She is such a great supporter and she knows exactly what she is doing. She always made sure me and my baby came first. She never was hesitant about anything and was very confident!! I'm so glad I chose Rachael to be my doula! It was amazing building a bond with her! She really made my labor 10x better. To this day she still is very helpful and sends tips!!! I highly recommend Rachael Ibarra!!! Absolutely LOVED her and her service:)

Jessica Sobczak

12/23/2021

I have only positive things to say about Rachael. She always knew the right time to step in. When my husband supported me through labor she stood close but did not intervene when unnecessary. When he stepped away or needed a break, she swooped in effortlessly and provide me all of the support I needed. She was level headed and kept her compose but was also compassionate and empathetic, offering assurance when needed. She was extremely knowledgeable and worked well with our midwife group. Following the birth she continued to provide great care and connected us with a wonderful lactation consultant. I will absolutely be reaching out to Rachel to assist with our next birth.