- preparing for labor -

24 hours after Natural Induction!

Mother Rising Ceremony

TM

What are Mamas saying:

"My husband has repeatedly told others that Raquel was the best investment we made for our labor/birth, and we both strongly refer her to friends who are expecting. The tangible and emotional support, knowledge, love, and encouragement that we both received from her was on another level. It’s just who she is! She’s compassionate, caring, supportive and she will be your greatest advocate during what can be a vulnerable time! We will always be grateful to her for being such an integral part of this time in our lives. She’s even become a dear friend to us both! If you are looking for a doula, take it from us and hire her....you’ll be so glad that you did!" - Stephanie & Gene

- Scroll down to see complete testimonial - 

Testimonial from Stephanie & Gene:

I met Raquel when I was six and a half months pregnant. My husband and I didn’t see eye to eye on hiring a doula initially. He was concerned that we didn’t have extra money to spend since we live modestly, and was worried we would be wasting money if I wasn't able to have the natural birth I desired. Raquel met with us, answered countless questions and put our minds at ease immediately. We hired her and set to work quickly as we had limited time to prepare. Raquel went above and beyond consistently. I struggled with horrible hyperemesis during my entire pregnancy, and she regularly brought me homemade ginger juice, supplements and employed reflexology techniques to help alleviate my sickness. We enjoyed our personalized, in-home labor class as it allowed us plenty of time to ask questions in a peaceful and private setting. She taught me exercises to do to prepare my body and regularly checked in to see how I was doing.

A week and a half before my due date, a health issue arose that required that I be monitored regularly at the hospital. Raquel attended my midwife appointment with me and was a wealth of support and knowledge as we weighed our options and discussed what was next. When induction became the safest option, I understood but was devastated. Raquel was at the hospital with us from the first moment. My body struggled to respond to induction and led to more interventions that I had been desperate to avoid. I really struggled with my birth plan unraveling rapidly since I had gone to such great lengths to prepare for natural labor and birth. For three days I labored naturally, not sleeping, not able to eat and in pain. Raquel used her knowledge of reflexology and yoga to help me through contractions, breathe and keep focused. She did everything possible to help me stay calm and relaxed. She refused to leave my side even though I knew she was exhausted, and she relieved my husband so that he could get fresh air or a bite to eat.

When it was finally time to give birth, she was my biggest cheerleader and encourager. She rejoiced with us the moment our son entered the world, and even cut his cord. She made sure I was healthy and that everything was wrapped up properly before she left the hospital. Once I was home, she checked in frequently and stopped by multiple times to make sure I was handling postpartum well. Looking back, I cannot imagine going through labor and delivery without her. She was there anticipating every single need that my husband and I had. She was an incredible blessing and support to us both. My husband has repeatedly told others that Raquel was the best investment we made for our labor/birth, and we both strongly refer her to friends who are expecting. The tangible and emotional support, knowledge, love, and encouragement that we both received from her was on another level. It’s just who she is! She’s compassionate, caring, supportive and she will be your greatest advocate during what can be a vulnerable time! We will always be grateful to her for being such an integral part of this time in our lives. She’s even become a dear friend to us both! If you are looking for a doula, take it from us and hire her....you’ll be so glad that you did!

- Stephanie and Gene, Fort Mill SC

Testimonial from Kaira & Marcus:

I wasn’t sure I wanted or needed a doula. I found out about Raquel and when we met I instantly knew she would be a great help. Her prenatal yoga and reflexology helped my body prepare for labor. Every diet and exercise suggestion she made helped result in a beautiful labor experience. Raquel was encouraging, self-assured, and assertive which made me very comfortable as a first-time mom. There is no other doula I would trust to help bring my child into the world. She was truly heaven sent to my family.

- Kaira & Marcus, Matthews, NC

Testimonial from Jenine & Milton:

Raquel is not only an amazing Doula but an amazing person. She opened up her home to my husband and me to labor there for however long the process took (which was a LOT longer then any of us could have imagined). Even in the given situation with the coronavirus restrictions she still made herself available to us in any way we needed. She stayed 100% committed until the very end. God used her in amazing ways to get me through my extremely long and tiring labor. I cannot even put into words how grateful I am to her for being our support, advocate, sister, everything. She is such a beautiful person inside and out and I COULD NOT have done this without her!!!

- Jenine & Milton, Waxhaw, NC

Testimonial from Karess Norris

Words can’t express how grateful I was to have Raquel as my doula. As a first-time mom, she really took her time and ensured me that I could do this.

Raquel is an amazing support person. When we first met we clicked right away. I told her my birth recommendation and she completely prepared me for that experience. From the prenatal yoga, reflexology, prenatal massage, recommended exercises to do at home, diet, and hydration tips. I received great information that helped me through the process.

Unfortunately, during my pregnancy, I was involved in a car accident but everything was fine with my little one and I wasn’t hurt. I did suffer major back pain from the accident. Raquel was awesome. She worked on my back pain and made sure the treatments were safe for the little one. She also was an advocate for me when I needed to be placed on bed rest.

I had my beautiful baby girl one day after my due date. It was the most phenomenal moment in my life. Raquel was right by my side the whole time and still managed to capture those special moments before my baby’s arrival and after. She was definitely a superwoman for me. My postpartum care was excellent. I definitely appreciate all the support and help. I will recommend her every time. I am so glad she was apart of this priceless moment in my life. Raquel and my daughter still have a relationship. Love her dearly!

- Karess Norris, Charlotte, NC