Let’s work together to create your dream birth story.
Why have a doula?
According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for a birthing person in labor.
Other important statistics:
BIPOC birthing persons over 30 where 4-5 times more likely to have pregnancy related mortality than white birthing person in 2019 according to the CDC.
Overall Cesearan delivery rate increased to 31.8% in 2020 according to the CDC.
The increase of low risk Ceasaran delivery rates increased to 25.6% in 2020 according to the CDC.
Better outcomes include but are not limited to:
A decreased use of pain relief medication during labor
A decreased incidence of Caesarean delivery
A decrease in the length of labor
A decrease in negative childbirth experiences
How do I make my dream birth experience?
Patient care advocacy, also known as a doula. The main role of a doula is to support the birthing person and their wishes. Whether you are having a medicated or unmedicated birth, cesarean or vaginal birth, hospital or at home birth, you deserve to deliver in a space in which you have control. You have options!
How do we get started?
Easy! Schedule an interview. We will do virtual interview so that we can get to know one another.
Meet Racquel, your birth partner.
I’m Racquel, a DONA trained birth and postpartum doula and a certified yoga instructor. I’ve always been a healer and caregiver at heart. Prior to becoming a doula and yoga instructor, I worked in healthcare for over 10 years, both in private practice and in a hospital (pediatric) settings. While doulas offer non-medical support, my past as a healthcare provider allows me to provide additional support and guidance in an often confusing system. I’ve also been nannying for three boys the last 3 years and have twin experience.
My Qualifications & Status
DONA Trained Birth & Labor Doula as well as postpartum training
Yoga Allianace certified Yoga Instructor
CPR & First Aide Certified
Fully vaccinated against COVID
Up-to-date on all vaccines including TDAP and Flu
FAQ
When is the best time to hire a doula?
As soon as you know your estimated date of delivery! I, as your doula, will be on call at 38 weeks of your pregnancy. Whether birth & labor support or postpartum, it is best to get on your doula’s schedule early.
What is the process?
We start with an interview! This casual meeting is designed to allow me, as the doula, to get to know the birthing person/ family. In the interview, we will do an overview of the following: the family’s wants and needs, the role of the doula, doula packages/pricing, and any questions that you may have in regards to hiring a doula.
Is this service affordable?
Yes. I have payment plan options to ease the burden. A non-refundable retainer will be requested at contract signing. All payment plans for birthing services or sibling support services must be paid by 38 weeks. For postpartum care, a non-refundable retainer will be requested at signing and applied to the total cost of the contract. Postpartum payment plans can be paid weekly.
Can we do virtual visits?
Of course! If we learned anything in the last two years, it is to pivot. We can do Zoom or Google Meet visits.
What kinds of packages or services do you offer?
I offer labor & birth (virtual & in-person), postpartum (virtual & in-person), and sibling doula services. Payment plans are available!
Birth package ($2500) includes:
2 Prenatal Visits (virtual or in-person)
Unlimited text and email communication for those many questions that come up during pregnancy. Questions like, “ did my water break or did I just pee?” ; “ is it normal to _(insert anything)_?” ; “is it time to go to the hospital?”- support is just a text away. This service is also available the first 40 days postpartum.
1 Prenatal Yoga Session (virtual)
On-call at 38 weeks until birth.
In labor, continuous support. (virtual or in person)
When you request for in-person support, I will join you at your residence, hospital, or birthing center within 1-2 hours of the call. ( in-person offer only)
2 Postpartum visits ( virtual) The first 40 days are crucial for new parents. We will meet to discuss any questions you have in regard to newborn care and self-postpartum care.
Virtual Postpartum Session ( $40 per session)
60-90 minutes session
breast/chestfeeding
babywearing
bonding
navigating family dynamics
infant & parent sleep
postpartum healing
managing visitors
baby cues for feeding
self-care
making time for your partner
recognizing perinatal mood disorders
Daytime Postpartum Package ( $180; $45 per additional hour)
a minimum shift of 4 hours
pricing is subject to change if caring for multiples
caring for baby
light cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry/folding clothes, bottle cleaning, baby cues, etc.
Overnight Postpartum Package ( $440; $55 per additional hour)
minimum shift of 8 hours ( 10pm-6am; 9pm-5am)
pricing is subject to change if caring for multiples
caring for baby
light cleaning, laundry/folding clothes, cleaning bottles, baby cues, etc
Sibling Support ( $2500, in-person only)
2 “Get to know you visit” (60min-90min)
On-call at 38 weeks until birth
Will be at the residence or hospital within 1-2 hours of your call
Continuous childcare for up to 24 hours during labor & birth
Virtual Prenatal/Postnatal Yoga ( $20)
45-minute session
Benefits of yoga include: improvement in sleep, reduced anxiety/stress, decrease in shortness of breath, nausea, or headaches, increase in endurance and strength
Sign up for a class at https://www.storywellness.studio/
Newborn Care Class ($150; virtual)
We did it, we are having a baby! Now what? How do we take care of our little one? This is the class for you! This class includes a discussion on the following topics:
Newborn sleep
Newborn feeding
Newborn baby cues
Newborn diapering
Newborn burping
Newborn Bathing
Q & A
And more
This 3-hour class is chock-full of all the information you need to care for your baby and keep sane. The best part of the class is it is recorded! You will have access to your individual class for 60 days after you take the course!