“You have lots of aunts, uncles, family members, but you only have one Doula”

About Rachel
I started my Doula career in 2011. I have always been fascinated by science and biology. One of my favorite classes in college was Biology at 8am! I've been taking care of others since I was a child sitting on my grandfather's lap putting neosporin on his picked scabs and gently lecturing him on taking care of himself (and to stop picking his skin). I discovered the world of Doulas in college when my life plan was called into question. One day into training and I was in love! I became a Doula to help people by encouraging and supporting birthing people and their partners/friends/family, and providing resources before, during and after birth.

I am passionate about the human body, women's rights, and science/biology/human anatomy. I believe in informed consent and that women (all people), are in charge of their own bodies (including what happens to their bodies). I believe every person should have options that match their values.

I am married to a wonderful man, whom I love deeply, and we have three beautiful children who are our heart's delight. We enjoy camping, playing games, visiting the beach and going on family adventures. You will also find me in a coffee shop with a book whenever possible.  
I want to hold space for you! I will bring my entire presence to you (& your family). I will walk along with you without judgment, sharing your journey to an unknown destination. I'm completely willing to end up wherever you need to go.

Certified Birth Doula
I am a Certified Birth Doula through DONA International, one of the oldest Doula organizations in the world. I have been a Doula since 2011 and became certified in 2014. South Coast Midwifery in California gave me my start as a Doula intern, where I attended 10 births. I also attended 5 births as a Second Assistant (assistant to the midwife and nurse attending the birth). Since then I have attended many more births in CA and, now in Oregon, including my first twin birth! Tears fill my eyes at every birth. Birth is a powerful, amazing, wonderful miracle. It transforms people. It impacts families. It transcends reality. 

Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist

I am a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist through Association of Placenta Preparation Arts (APPA). APPA is one of the leading placenta preparation organizations. They have strict safety guidelines including blood borne pathogens training, they have strict ethics and expectations of their placenta arts specialists and the training/certification. It was an intense program, but one I enjoyed and learned a lot. I have been certified since August 2019. Before APPA, I was trained and certified through Placenta Benefits Inc.  one of the first organizations for placenta encapsulation and certification. I have been encapsulating placentas since 2014 and became certified in 2015. I have encapsulated over 23 placentas, including both of my own (so cool!). Placenta Encapsulation turns a woman's placenta into pills that are made by her body and for her body, which can help with milk supply, hormone regulation and mood swings, They also can provide vitamins and iron, as well as help the uterus return to its pre-baby state and decrease bleeding.  

Certified Childbirth Educator 
I am a Certified Childbirth Educator with GentleBirth since 2019. I was drawn to certify with GentleBirth because of its unique design. It was created/written by Midwife Tracy Donegan, from Ireland, and she brings a unique and holistic approach to childbirth education.  GentleBirth does not push one specific way of coping with birth and was created for all birthing people and all birthing journeys (hospital, home, birth center, vaginal, cesarean, medicated, unmedicated, induction, emergency c-section, etc.). It is the only childbirth education course I have found that incorporates brain science, sports psychology, meditation, hypnosis, comfort techniques, coping mechanisms and anatomy. It brings all of my passions together into an awesome childbirth education class!   
Doula Rachel supporting a client summer 2018. Shared with permission. Photos: Dewdrop Photography