I can't believe I'm about to say this, but I actually enjoyed labor and giving birth. I was literally making jokes in between surges. I know I was in a good headspace because of the work I did with Rachel. She had such a relaxed, calming and fun presence. My dream was to have a birthing center birth-- but we decided to birth at the hospital instead. Rachel really helped me advocate for myself at the hospital and make it a similar experience to a birthing center. We labored at home for as long as possible. She sat in the backseat of the car with me while my husband drove the half hour to the hospital and made that unbearable carride manageable. When I arrived, I was already 7 centimeters dialated. The midwives were really impressed, saying they rarely see a first time birther already that far along when they first arrive. Again, this was because Rachel did exercises that helped me relax and progress. She was also supportive to my husband-- making sure he was rested, hydrated and fed. There was a moment at the hospital where things got scary. While the staff seemed to be alarmed, Rachel whispered in my ear something very soothing that normalized the situation and calmed my fears. I can honestly say that she helped prepare me for any birth situation.
-Monica Brown
April 15, 2022
Birth Doula, NY
Birth Fee: $2900 to $4000
Postpartum Rate: $100