We had Rachel assist us with both of our children's births - our son in 2012 and daughter in 2014. I was in labor for 36 hours with my son following more than a week of false labor. Rachel was amazing at our house for an entire day of what turned out to be false labor then via text and phone for the 10 days before I actually went in to labor. She was at the hospital for us the entire 18 hours. Towards the end when it was clear that I was really exhausted and stuck, she was going to suggest that I ask the midwife about interventions, but the midwife did anyway. She coached me through pushing with an epidural then stayed until our son latched and started nursing. She kept up with me by text afterwards and came to visit once. We couldn't imagine not having her for the birth of our daughter, so as soon as I found out I was pregnant, I emailed her to reserve our priority for my due date. Our daughter came 9 days early (compared to my son's 11 days late), also after a drawn out pre-labor, which Rachel supported by phone and text. I was traveling just before I went in to labor and Rachel was looking up places with free-standing birth centers in case I needed to have the baby while I was away. Fortunately I made it home. We ended up getting to the hospital when I was already 7 cm and I was in so much discomfort that I thought I couldn't do it without an epidural (which was the intervention I had the first time). Because of the early arrival of the baby, our 2 year old son was with us, so my husband had to pay attention to him. Rachel took charge immediately and made sure that I was always comfortable (as much as possible), even if it was less convenient for the hospital staff. She advocated for me (like "don't break her water. It will break") and two hours later I gave birth to my daughter in the tub, exactly as I had wanted. Even though another mother was in labor and she had come from a birth, she stayed until nursing was established. We can't recommend her enough!
-Amanda Schmidt
October 14, 2014
N.E.A.R.To You Midwifery & Doula Services ltd.
Birth Fee: $1100 to $1900