We reached out to Rachel when we were 28 weeks into our first pregnancy with our identical twin boys. We were scared and stressed as expected, but with every meeting we had with Rachel we felt less scared and more educated and empowered. Since I was a high risk pregnancy (identical twins) I was scheduled to be induced when I reached ‘week 37’ and arranged for Rachel to meet us at the hospital 12 hours after we were admitted.
When Rachel arrived she immediately improved my comfort level in a significant way. It was an unusual hot day in March in NYC and we were in a small room that was hot and uncomfortable. Rachel literally brought fresh air with her. She opened the windows, something we didn't think about (our brains didn't work..) and had a small fan pointed at me the whole time. She then pulled a small jar of lavender magic rub and massaged my feet and legs that were so swollen from all the drugs and IV fluids. The massage felt so good as I was lying there and waiting for things to progress.
Unfortunately we have had a few unforeseen complications which made us choose the c-section route. Having Rachel there helped us feel more in control of the situation and empowered to advocate for our needs. We went into the OR and were able to bring Rachel with us which allowed Rachel to take the most amazing photos and videos of our first moments as parents. She was there to whisper in my ear that I was doing great and hugged my husband when he was shivering from excitement. It was such an intimate moment and I felt so comfortable sharing it with Rachel.
Rachel was there the ENTIRE time we needed her, from around 10am in the morning until midnight. She was the one who made sure I got to do skin to skin with my babies right after and helped me with my first breastfeeding experience. I never felt like Rachel needed to be anywhere else. She was 100% in it with us.
I highly recommend Rachel as a birth Doula.
-Maayan Irvine
August 23, 2022
Birth Doula, NY
Birth Fee: $2900 to $4000
Postpartum Rate: $100