Testimonial for Rachel Carbonneau, CD(DONA)
Rachel was such a vital part of our birth team. From the first meeting with her, my husband and I felt a strong connection with her. She made herself available for random updates and questions between visits. At the 36-week visit, Rachel took the time to show us all the places and ways we could labor at home. Rachel was very helpful in understanding how we'd move forward, which was great for me and my husband as this was our first child. Rachel helped us figure out which birthing method would work best for us as I only knew that I wanted a natural birth but not what the different methods were. She even helped get us set up with a class with her colleague Emilie, who was also our backup doula.
When labor day actually arrived, Rachel's experience, calm, and flexibility were indispensable. I was immediately admitted to the hospital after an unfavorable test while visiting the midwife. Rachel graciously went to our house to get our go bags. Upon arriving at the hospital, Rachel helped us navigate the medical advice and tough decisions we had to make.
While I eventually underwent a caesarean birth, Rachel's support was even more important in this situation. We spent the entire pregnancy preparing for a natural, unmedicated birth and such a deviation from our planned birth needed someone with the experience and compassion of Rachel. We were able to bounce our issues and questions off of her and knew that a caesarean birth was the best and safest choice for our baby.
Rachel was amazing after the birth as well. She was there in my labor room waiting for us when we returned from the OR. She helped me breastfeed my baby and provided emotional support after such a dramatic turn of events. Our postpartum visit was great as well, and she was able to help confirm my instincts about how my baby was doing. Should I have another child, I would definitely enlist Rachel to be our doula again.
-Leila Borazjani
April 21, 2015
Rachel Carbonneau, CD(DONA)
Family Ways
Birth Fee: $950 to $2500
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $45
