Rachel Hess, M.S., Postpartum Doula and Trainer (she/her/hers)

I approach my role as a postpartum doula with a lens focused on identity, oppression, and institutional systems. My role is needed due to isolation and a medical and economic system that is not set up to support new parents and new babies. My job is to help you filter out all the mixed messages of society and social media and tap into your intuition. I am here to acknowledge your lived reality and experiences in the perinatal period and also help you find joy and rest. I am your advocate, cheerleader, hand holder, and non-judgemental teacher.

I am committed to ensuring that all people can bring their whole selves into their parenting journey. I believe that the right kind of support can empower parents to bond with their new family member and truly enjoy those first few weeks and months of parenthood. I help families strategize about how to care for their baby as well as get their own needs met by connecting clients to the best and most supportive resources around feeding, mental health, and physical recovery.

As a trainer and facilitator I work to create a safe learning environment while also challenging folks to examine their assumptions and practices. My goal is that everyone I work with leaves feeling enlightened and empowered to focus on the work that needs to be done in our field.  I believe that with the right support and training, we can ensure that culturally humble care is provided to all parents, at every stage of their parenting journey.

BIO:

Rachel Hess is a CAPPA Trained Postpartum Doula deeply committed to improving the lives of children and families in the greater Boston area. She works individually with new families, leads parent support groups and is an experienced trainer and facilitator within the perinatal community.  She has presented on the topic of supporting LGBQ/T families for the Partners in Perinatal Health Conference and for the Boston Association of Childbirth Educators. Her article “Supporting LGBTQ Families: Tips for Doulas” is available in the collection Round the Circle.

Previous work includes supporting new families at Isis Parenting and Mama and Me. Rachel holds a MS from Wheelock College and a BA from Oberlin College. She lives in Roslindale with her two children.

I wrote and performed this piece about the birth of my second child. Enjoy!