The journey to parenthood is filled with decisions, and the most important for me was the choice of who would be present for my journey. Choosing Rachel to be my birth doula was the most positively impactful decision I made for myself and my family. Initially, I was drawn to Rachel's vast store of knowledge. As a first time parent-to-be, I wanted to work with someone who had the skill and experience I could rely on, and Rachel has these in abundance. From questions about what to expect at the hospital during birth, to concerns about feeding my newborn baby, I was always reassured by her ability to answer my questions and talk through my experiences. During the birth itself, she always knew what I needed - water, a pillow, clarification on a medical question - without my having to ask. She was at once always present and never intrusive. During our postpartum visits, I felt no hesitation in entrusting her with my newborn baby while I took a shower or had a meal.
What ended up being just as valuable as Rachel's factual knowledge was the comfort of her presence. In a time that can be uncertain, stressful, and painful, Rachel provided calm comfort and reassurance. She is kind, intuitive, and deeply intelligent on many levels, with a naturally soothing manner that immediately made me feel comfortable and at ease. She didn't make me feel like I had to rely on her way of doing things, but instead made me feel confident that I could rely on her support for the choices I made for myself.
In addition to being an incredible doula, Rachel is also an exceptional artist. Her photographs are not only documentation of a once in a lifetime experience, but true pieces of art that capture the feeling of each moment and the complex emotions surrounding birth. I treasure the memories I have of my birth journey and these early days of my child's life, and having these moments captured through such powerful images is truly something special.
-Jen Wilson
June 15, 2024
The Moody Doula
Birth Fee: $3250