I am currently providing my services both virtually and in-person. Please contact me if you are interested in working together!

“I was drawn to her “do what works for you” perspective and the witty sarcasm and lightheartedness she brought to parenting. My husband was drawn to the fact that she had experience as both a mother and as a partner of a mother. We felt that this gave Rachel a unique perspective that could help both of us transition into our new roles as parents.”   Allie and Tom, parents to baby born January 2015

The major role of the postpartum doula is to help the family make a smooth adjustment to new parenthood.  Studies have shown that new parents who have social support during the postpartum period tend to have less postpartum depression, nurse for a longer duration, and make a better adjustment to parenthood.

The major role of the postpartum doula is to help the family make a smooth adjustment to new parenthood.  The supports I provide include but are not limited to: 

• Support around the major life transition of new parenthood, emotional support, and normalizing and informing. 

• Discussing and creating plans for parents’ health and wellness.

• Support around the birth experience/recovery.

• Assistance with breastfeeding, chestfeeding, bottlefeeding, and pumping. 

• Partner/family inclusion around bonding and caring for the new baby.

• Guidance with sleep and soothing techniques.

• Housework: preparing food, laundry, light cleaning. 

• Instructions and support on baby wearing.

• Regular support in between visits via text (6:30am-9:30pm until we finish working together. I aim to respond within 2-3 hours).

Services are provided anytime from when the baby is born through the first few months. Typically, a postpartum doula will come to your home several times a week, for a fewl hours each visit, for a few weeks. Services can be arranged before your child is born or anytime after. Initial consultation to determine your needs is free of charge.

“I cannot say enough about Rachel. She has (and will always be) an integral part of my new family experience. I am a single mom and I could not have managed the first 12 weeks without her. Friends and family have told me time and time again that I am the most calm “new parent” that they have every seen. It was all Rachel. I am not saying I was 100% stress-free but in a time where you have access to a myriad of information on the internet it was nice to know that you had an advocate in your corner that wanted you to be the best mom you could be. I would recommend her 10 times over.”                                                   Erin, mother to baby born May 2014

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula helps families make a smooth adjustment to new parenthood.  Studies have shown that new parents who have social support during the postpartum period tend to have less postpartum depression, breastfeed for a longer duration, and make a better adjustment to parenthood.

Why do I need a postpartum doula?

New parenthood is the one of the largest and most dramatic life changes many people go through. Families are becoming more and more isolated as they welcome a new baby into their homes. A postpartum doula is there to break isolation, provide emotional and physical support, and help model and provide information. A postpartum doula can help your new family adjust by letting you know that you are not alone in your experiences and helping you with all the details that make new parenthood so challenging.

What does a postpartum doula do?

Some of the support that a postpartum doula provides include, but are not limited to assistance with breastfeeding, bottlefeeding and/or pumping, guidance with soothing techniques, baby and parent’s health and wellness, as well as 24/7 support via phone or email. I am there in your home and just a phone call away to help you feel confident as a new parents as well as providing referrals when needed.

When do I hire a postpartum doula?

The best time to hire a postpartum doula is while you await the arrival of your baby. That way we can meet in your home to discuss your concerns and needs, before the those hectic first weeks. However, some people don’t realize they need support until after the baby arrives. A postpartum doula is available to work with new families from anytime before the baby is born, up through those first months. The younger your baby is, the more effective a postpartum doula can be, especially if help is needed around breastfeeding.

Do I need a postpartum doula for my second (or third or fourth) baby?

Yes! I love working with second time families and feel that often this transition can be even harder. Most second time families appreciate some basic support and reminders around the new baby, but primarily how to help their older child with the adjustment. I help second time families stratagize around the transition for their older child and provide information about managing normal sibling behaviors and developmental regressions.

How much does a postpartum doula cost?

My services are charged by the visit and billed weekly. Please contact me to discuss rates.