Rachel  Ames  Photo

Rachel Ames

Inner Strength Doula Services

Colchester, CT   Service range 100 miles

https://innerstrengthdoula.com/

Birth Fee

$0 to $2000

Postpartum Rate

$45 to $50

Birth Fee

$0 to $2000

Postpartum Rate

$45 to $50


Birth Doula Experience

4 years and 150 births attended

Postpartum Doula Experience

4 years and 25 families served


Doula Training

  • Birth Partners (Doulas of Connecticut), October 2021

Type of practice: Solo practice

Clients per month: 1 to 4 births and 1 to 3 postpartum families

Postpartum limits/restrictions: No sleep training

Attends hospital births? All Hospitals
All Connecticut hospitals

Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers

Attends home births? Any Home Birth


College Education

AA/AS


Special Services Offered

  • Abortion support
  • Antepartum doula support
  • Aromatherapy
  • ASL (American Sign Language)
  • Baby sign language education
  • Baby-led weaning
  • Babywearing education
  • Childbirth education services
  • First Aid and CPR
  • LGBTQIA+ Support
  • Military families support
  • Miscarriage support
  • Newborn care and parenting classes
  • Reduced rates for women considering adoption
  • Satellite doula (for remote and rural clients)
  • Stillbirth and infant loss support
  • Twins and multiples birth support
  • Twins and multiples postpartum support
  • Virtual and remote doula support

Languages Spoken

  • American Sign Language
  • English

Fee Details

I have multiple birth packages ranging from 1600-2000 Postpartum is for 4 hour days or 8 hour overnight

Service Area

Colchester, CT Service range 100 miles

Client Testimonials for Rachel Ames

Post a testimonial for Rachel Ames

Rachel Goncalves

9/26/2025

Rachel was recommended to me by my birth doula for overnight services shortly after coming home from the hospital. I was dealing with PPD and a colicky baby who didn't sleep and needed some reprieve badly. Rachel came when my baby was just a few weeks old and we immediately felt at ease with her. She was receptive to our overnight instructions and even offered some advice and troubleshooting since she could relate to some of our issues having three kids herself. At 5 months we still use her when our baby is having a sleep regression or if I don't have a lot of help the next day. I highly recommend her for overnight services to keep some sanity in those newborn trenches!

Kaitlyn N.

9/25/2025

I can honestly say that Rachel's participation in the birth of my first child in July 2025 fundamentally shifted how I felt about and experienced labor.

I hired Rachel to support my partner and I as I pursued my goal of a vaginal birth. As a person who lives with vaginismus, the whole idea felt daunting and terrifying, but it was something I wanted to try unless a C-section was medically indicated for the health of the baby. I knew that I would need a strong, vocal advocate in the delivery room to help me navigate intense anxiety -- and I found that with Rachel.

From texting at 4am when my water broke early and preparing for an unexpected induction, to pushing back on the nurse that wanted me to stay still on my back in the bed instead of dancing to Chappell Roan while in early labor, to getting the epidural and helping to space out my cervical checks appropriately, Rachel heard my needs and did everything she could to have them be met. Rachel stayed at the hospital by my side for the duration of my labor, around 30 hours! 

Once we were ready to push and our daughter (!) came into the world, Rachel captured our experience via video and photos. We will cherish them for the rest of our lives and share them with our girl as she grows. Our daughter had a rocky entry upon birth and needed medical intervention to start breathing. I'll never forget how Rachel so kindly supported me through those terrible moments, as I pleaded with her to tell me if everything was ok. She reassured me they were taking good care of her and helped me to refocus back on delivering my placenta and being tended to in the aftermath of the delivery. I know that was probably not an easy burden to carry at that moment and Rachel did it with discernment and bravery. I am so grateful that Rachel was there in the room with us. She is a beautiful part of our family's origin story and I encourage you to give her the chance to be a part of yours, too!

Shelbi S

9/23/2025

Rachael was amazing! She was assigned to us a back up for our original doula who couldnt make it. Because of this, we never meant prior but I instantly felt so comfortable with her and she jumped in right away to help me with my natural birth. She advocated for my birth plan and helped me to feel confident and stick to delivering naturally. I would highly recommend her as a doula!! 

Caroline Kregling

9/23/2025

I can’t recommend Rachel enough! My labor and delivery were very challenging, and she was the most patient, kind, and steady presence throughout it all. She made me feel comfortable in such an uncomfortable situation, advocated for me, educated me, and reassured me every step of the way. She also supported my husband so beautifully, helping him feel confident in supporting me. I will never forget the comfort and strength she gave us both. The support didn't stop there as she continued to check in on me postpartum. I'm so grateful she is a part of my birth story and beyond, she is truly a gift!

Cassie S

9/23/2025

Rachel was my doula for my second home birth. It was a completely different experience than my first and she was my savior. From the moment she arrived, she just got to work, knew what to do, exactly what I needed. She was very in tune with me and my needs which made labor go smoothly. She also worked magic on this posterior babe, she shook my body like no tomorrow using her rebozo, got me in positions with the peanut ball that did wonders. I ended up having a short labor because of her knowledge, expertise and help. I would highly recommend Rachel!

Amy C

9/23/2025

My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Rachel as we welcomed our first child in June 2025. She was incredibly helpful as we prepared for childbirth, answering all of our questions and providing useful advice for how to get ready for labor. Rachel is a great listener and really wanted to make sure that my labor and delivery experience was a positive one. I was so thankful to have her by our side, and I highly recommend her! 

Kelly McClay

9/23/2025

Rachel has been a godsend through the delivery of both my son and my daughter. Delivery in the social media age is overwhelming & can be scary, so many people surrounding you and throwing terms at you you might not understand. And in the moment, you forget everything you said before labor! She was the voice of reason & able to make the room stop so we could make our own informed decisions. She had me laughing through contractions & kept my poor queasy husband occupied (WIN WIN!).

Hiring Rachel was the best decision we made & we plan to use her for any future deliveries. She's made each a positive experience through all the medical jargon, and become like family - even helping through the postpartum woes. 

Colleen

9/23/2025

We were lucky enough to work with Rachel for the birth of our first child. She was such a great source of support throughout the end of my pregnancy with any questions I had, or even if I was just anxious/nervous and needed to vent or talk out any potential concerns. Even postpartum she has been available and happy to answer any questions I have had. My husband initially wasn't completely on board with having a doula, but was very happy that we decided to work with Rachel to help throughout labor and delivery. She helped to show my husband ways to support me throughout the birth process and took a step back only jumping in when we really needed her. My initial birth plan had to change due to medical complications, even with those changes Rachel helped to advocate and keep my birth experience as close to my original plan as safe and possible still allowing me to have an unmedicated vaginal delivery. Rachel was absolutely wonderful in all aspects and we will definitely be working with her again in the future! 

Birth Availability for Rachel Ames

= Available. Calendar last updated: 12-09-2025

Postpartum Availability for Rachel Ames

= Available. Calendar last updated: 12-09-2025

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