What is a Doula?

Doula comes from the Greek word meaning 'woman who serves'.
A doula. . .
~ helps you become more informed about various birth choices
~ provides information relating to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period
~ gives continuous emotional and physical support throughout the birth process
~ supports both you and your partner through pregnancy, birth, and beyond
~ uses comfort measures to help you cope with the intensity of birth
~ provides non-judgemental support no matter what birth choices you make
~ serves you no matter where you plan to give birth: home or hospital, with a doctor or midwife
A doula does not. . .
~ speak on your behalf to medical staff
~ perform clinical or medical procedures
~ give medical advice or diagnoses
~ take over the role of your partner
~ make decisions for you
~ deliver your baby
~ take shift changes
Those who receive continuous support from a doula during birth are more likely to have. . .
~ spontaneous vaginal births
~ shorter labours
~ babies with higher apgar scores
~ less pain medication
~ fewer negative feelings about their birth

Meet Rachel

I have been passionate about childbirth for many years.  I began attending births as a support to friends in 2002, not long after the birth of my first child.  I found serving people in childbirth to be fulfilling and meaningful work.  Wanting to move more deeply into this work, I trained and certified as a birth doula through Childbirth International in 2013 and in 2014 was trained as a placenta preparation specialist.  I have attended workshops covering many topics ranging from nutrition in pregnancy, to rebozo techniques, to healing babies' birth trauma.  My deep respect and reverence for birth and for people's diverse journeys to parenthood have led me to provide non-judgemental support to families in various situations planning all kinds of births. My goal is to assist you in having the birth you want to have in the way you want to have it. I live in downtown Kingston, Ontario with my three teen/young adult children. I find it a privilege and an honour to work with birth-givers and their families as they prepare for and welcome new life into the world.
Training and Education
I trained and certified as a doula through Childbirth International.
I received my training as a placenta preparation specialist through International Placenta and Postpartum Association.  Certification in Safe Food Handling and Blood Borne Pathogens are important aspects of safe placenta work.  I ensure these certifications are kept current.
In order to provide you with the best care possible, I firmly believe that my education as a doula is an ongoing, life-long process.  As such, regularly attending workshops, conferences and courses relating to birth work is a priority for me.  Listed below are some of the continuing education experiences I have participated in.
- October, 2014 - Birth and Beyond Conference

- May, 2015 - Birthworkers Retreat at The Farm

- May, 2015 - Breastfeeding Peer SupportTraining

-October, 2015 - Evidence Based Birth's Evidence on Vitamin K and Eye Ointment for Newborns course 

-October, 2016 - Birth and Beyond Conference

-February, 2017 - Anatomy and Massage Techniques for Doulas

-February, 2018 - Little Lotus Yoga's Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training

- April, 2021 - The Matrona's Holistic Doula Training