Testimonial for Rachel Connolly Kwock, CD(DONA), CLC from Rachael M

Testimonial for Rachel Connolly Kwock, CD(DONA), CLC

My husband and I were certain a doula played a key role in our birth team for our home birth when we found out I was pregnant. We interviewed several doulas, but didn't feel that connection. Then we reached out to Rachel. From our first phone call, I loved the calm, peaceful energy she exuded and I immediately knew I wanted her to help support us at our birth. Throughout my pregnancy, Rachel was attentive and staying in contact to hear any updates from prenatals and how I was feeling. We had two virtual appointments which were so helpful and put both of us at ease the more we got to know Rachel. At our first home visit, we explored so many different positions, aromatherapy options and discussed phrases and mantras that might be helpful in labor. As a person who has no desire to breastfeed, Rachel was an amazingly helpful resource, pooling as much information as she could to help me in the postpartum period to dry up my supply and reduce engorgement, even bringing me sage from her garden to make tea. I had no expectation of this help, but Rachel went out of her way to give me the same amount of resources and support she would normally provide a breastfeeding client, and that was truly such a gift.

In labor, she was intuitive to my needs, always anticipating what I was looking for and I genuinely couldn't have gotten through it without her. Her AMAZING hip squeezes and gentle suggestions were everything to me. She was ever calm, patient and attentive and got along great with our midwives as well. She was the perfect person for the job. We also hired Rachel for her birth/newborn photography and she hit it out of the park, seamlessly transitioning into photographer and getting some amazing shots. We can't say enough to recommend Rachel; I can't imagine labor without her and anyone looking for a doula would be incredibly lucky to have her by your side.

-Rachael M

November 30, 2023