This was my first time having a baby and I wasn't sure if I wanted a doula or exactly how much of a role she would play in my experience. In the end I figured I should go for it since most (if not all) of my research to prepare for natural childbirth highly recommended one. I am so grateful I made this decision and could not have been happier with Rachel. In my naivety I had my birth plan and meditated on a regular basis how it would play out. Of course, once labor reached a certain point, it was difficult for me to think clearly and my plan could not have been further from my mind.
Every time I was ready to quit, she would encourage me to go through one more wave. She worked off my energy seamlessly and switched up the plan based on my behavior/attitude. She was very supportive without being pushy. I felt extremely safe with her and knew she would fight for me and the baby. She respected what I said/how I felt and would patiently make her recommendations and wait for me to be in a head space to be receptive. When you are in a vulnerable position such as labor you need to feel protected. Despite my preparations and support, I started to feel lost, lonely and powerless at a certain point. Rachel's presence changed that for me. I felt she intuitively knew the way and could navigate on my behalf. I felt she understood what I was going through without me having to speak. During labor I said that I loved her and that was the truth- I felt so close to her in that moment and was overcome with emotion that she was there in the trenches with me and giving it her all.
Bottom line: Delivering my baby was one of the scariest experiences of my life and without her it could very likely have had a different outcome. I'm forever grateful to her for helping me realize a dream of mine and providing me with a life changing experience that I will remember fondly forever.
-Amanda Leal
February 11, 2020
RadLove Doula Services
Birth Fee: $800 to $2000