Testimonial for Rheja McRae (Gilchrist)
I have nothing but positive things to say about Rheja! We wanted to work with a doula to create some continuity between our experience of the pregnancy, delivery, and the post-partum period, as we did not have consistent providers in terms of the medical team. Rheja was a great fit for us. She provided that holistic, always-there-for-you presence that we were seeking. Rheja is clearly very experienced, and has a calm and reassuring manner that I drew on regularly when beset by the uncertainties and anxieties that sometimes came up. She gave us great advice in addition to labour preparation - on everything from taking care of my body, to taking care of our relationship and building community. I am a health professional myself, and I wanted a doula who could appreciate and respect the value of many aspects of modern medicine, but who could also support me emotionally. Rheja's approach was perfect for this, because she is well versed in what happens at the hospital, but also honours ancient wisdom and women's wisdom, which comes through in almost everything she says.
I ended up having a planned C-section because my baby was in a breech presentation. It was wonderful to have Rheja there in the OR, and we LOVE the pictures she took of our son's birth. She supported us in the first few hours to get on our feet, so to speak, and to get our little one breastfeeding. In the post-partum period Rheja gave us some much-appreciated in-home support. Just knowing we could call her with questions made me feel much more contained throughout the experience (and so I didn't need to call so much!).
If you are looking for someone who is kind, wise, sensitive and utterly comfortable with herself, birthing, and you - I recommend Rheja.
-Erin Colleen
January 13, 2019
Rheja McRae (Gilchrist)
Listening Hands Doula Services
Birth Fee: $1750
Postpartum Rate: $40
