“The more knowledge I have, the more confident I feel and I think that’s such a huge part of it - just understanding what’s normal so you don’t have to be afraid of it.”

— Amy P.

“I found Hannah very early in my pregnancy. After the first phone call, I was sold she was the doula I wanted to hire. My husband took a bit more convincing - but after an hour long video chat, he agreed - she would be perfect for our birth! The blessing of hiring Hannah early in my pregnancy meant that I had almost 30 weeks of picking her brain in preparation for our delivery. She checked in more often than my OB - and later, gave me the confidence and support to switch a midwives group, in the hopes that the switch would help me achieve that all-natural birth experience. My husband frequently worried that Hannah was replacing his role with me, but that couldn't be further from the truth! During the course of my pregnancy, Hannah was available for all my technical questions, and my husband could solely focus on my emotional needs. While in labor, Hannah helped provide support for both me and my husband. She opened communication between me and my providers and encouraged my husband to fight for me and my wants, when I couldn't speak for myself. She provided physical support and relief for me and allowed my husband to take a step back from the medical experience and really be present for me.  My labor was incredibly long and taxing for all of us (Hannah, my husband, and the medical staff) and still, she was a rock. We did offer for her to go home and rest when it appeared that it would still be awhile before baby arrived, but Hannah was back and refreshed and ready to go when it was day two. She confidently talked me through options and when it looked like my plan was going to deviate, reminded me that I was doing my absolute best.  Through many tears and fears, and many joys, Hannah became one of the family during my pregnancy. I would recommend her to any mom for any part of the pregnancy and delivery. My husband and I will definitely hire her again, should there be more pregnancies.”

— Britta G.

“Hannah was such a pleasure to work with for my first birth. I highly recommend her for being non-judgmental and supportive of all your choices. In any profession out there, no matter what it is, it's hard to find someone who will get behind your choices and support them as though they were her own. I didn't meet Hannah until very late in my pregnancy. As my due date got closer, I felt anxious about my choice of doctor, and ultimately changed providers at the last minute... and when I say last minute, I mean my son arrived 2 weeks early when I had just turned my paperwork in to the midwives' office! We hadn't even had one real visit. So it was such a comfort to be working with Hannah because at least I had one familiar face there when I went into labor! My husband especially found her helpful. In fact, he preferred her one-on-one home visits to the birth classes we took because they were more customized, and he felt very comfortable talking to her. He also appreciated that he had another experienced individual there, whom he knew and was familiar with, to discuss options and anything else he had on his mind. Ultimately, nothing went according to my birth plan, because my water broke early, and I had to be induced, but I was still able to have a natural birth and avoid a C-section. My husband and I were very grateful to have Hannah because she thought of everything and made the whole journey much less intimidating.”

— Laura S.

“This will be my second birth that Rachael has been a part of. During the birth of my son in 2014, she was completing her certification to become a doula. For the upcoming birth of my daughter, she will be my doula. Rachael has a wonderful demeanor and is knowledgeable, comforting, and professional. She checks on me consistently and has an endless supply of resources for pregnancy, birth, post-partum, diet, fitness and exercise, nutrition, and health and wellness. If something comes up she doesn’t know, she is proactive about researching the topic thoroughly and getting back to me with what she’s found.

Rachael is one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. She wants every mom-to-be to have their ideal pregnancy and birth experience and she listens to their wants and needs with genuine interest. She educates based on your desired birth plan and helps guide you without being pushy. Rachael is encouraging and positive through the complications of pregnancy and is an advocate for you in the delivery room. You truly couldn't ask for someone who cares more about moms, babies, childbirth education, and the birth experience as a whole.”

— Rebecca T

“I really wanted to make this post and share it to applaud Hannah and doulas everywhere. There are three points that stick out during my labor and birth that make me wish everyone could have a doula.

The first, what I thought was my breaking point. Hannah calmed me down and brought me back to center, she made me realize my mind is stronger than any pain. I had to have a foley inserted between my cervix and Claire’s head to make me dilate and was by far the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. I was walking around my room bent over crying and was considering meds at this point because I had been in labor for 13 hours and was drained. Hannah sat me on the bounce ball and started repeating how strong I was and how I didn’t need medication while rubbing my back and head with each contraction. After a few contractions I was back in my zen and my pain was controlled.

The second, fast forward to five am when the foley came out, I was dilated to a five, and they started the pitocin. Natural contractions are easy, you get breaks and don’t make your cramp so intensely. 7am rolled around and the pitocin was maxed out and I was having contractions with no breaks. I vomited and sat down on the toilet holding onto the trash can. Hannah lit some candles in the bath room and held me while I slept on the toilet, when I woke she calmly said “your transitioning, Claire will be here soon”.

The third moment and one I’m most thankful for, the dr came in after talking with cardiology and said “were vacuuming the baby out”. Hannah respectfully but sternly said “no your not, she’s made it this far, she can push.” Then the dr said I would need to push on my back. Once again Hannah said “no she’s labored on her hands and knees the whole time, this is how’s she’s comfortable and how she’s going to push.” The doctors rolled their eyes and let me get back on all fours. The entire time i was pushing Hannah whispered in my ear “I am, I can, I will” over and over with each push until Claire was born. I reflect back on this and thank her for being stern and my advocate because after 23 hours of labor and 7 hours of pitocin contractions I didn’t have the energy to fight or argue. She prepared me over the months and guided me to this even when all the doctors said I couldn’t do it. I can’t thank you enough. Hannah is taking clients always and I can’t recommend her enough, she truly cares and is truly invested in you.”

— Kaitlyn B.

“Having Rachael at the birth of our son was an absolute joy. She truly cares about the natural birth process. Having someone with her knowledge and expertise there during the birth process was very comforting.”

— Chad T.

“Dear soon to be mamas, having a baby is so amazing. The fact that our bodies are capable of growing a person inside of us is such a magical and miraculous thing. But our bodies go through sooooooo much that even after going to a birthing class or researching what to expect does not match with what actually happens while you’re going through it. Your mind goes blank and you forget all you read and all you learned. Having Hannah by my side was Such a comfort and peace of mind. She not only educated me but my partner on what was going on, she helped him (my partner) help me feel more comfortable. She was reassuring and positive and gave me positive affirmations. In the hospital I got in the bathtub and she literally poured water over my body for what seemed an eternity while going through contractions, she had little tea lights to set the calming mood too. And when my son finally arrived and every one is making sure I’m ok and telling me to push, she was there to take pictures. Pictures that I treasure so dearly. I 100% recommended having Hannah by your side, she is amazing and you truly won’t regret having here there.”

— Margout A.

“Rachael was an amazing doula. she was so kind and generous. she took the time to discuss my options and she was such a great support during my labor.”

— Hannah A.

“Hannah was and still is a God send! After my late fiancé passed, my confidence level was shot and I was completely discouraged from pursuing a natural birth since my partner was no longer there to help cheer me on and help me through the process. I would not have been able to turn my attitude around if it weren’t for Hannah! She helped rebuild and boost my confidence to an even higher level than before. Her on hands guidance and techniques helped to make my labor and delivery safe and as smooth as possible. I know she is still always available to me if I have any newborn questions or concerns and she still checks up on me regularly to see how me and my baby boy are doing!!! Love love love LOVE her!!!!”

— Courtney H.

“Rachael is a highly valued member of the birth community. With her work ethic and knowledge, she is a strong asset to any woman’s or family’s birth journey. She is dependable, hardworking, and professional. Her kind demeanor and empathy are also a highlight to her work and personal life. In addition to her passion and talent, she is wonderful to work with. She is a joy to partner with and is praised by the families I have recommended to her as well.”

— Katie D. HHC, CPT, CES, PES, BBCD

“As a second time mom with a previous birth experience that I was unhappy with, having Hannah by my side through this birth was invaluable. From the start, she made my husband and I feel more empowered and in control over my own birth, which I had never felt before. Her prenatal visits were far more beneficial than any birthing class and she helped me to sit down and create a birth plan that I could really stand behind. Prior to meeting Hannah, my husband was doubtful and questioned why I had hired a doula. After one meeting with her, he had completely changed his mind as he realized she was not only a support for me during the birthing process, but was a support for him as well. Her encouragement and knowledge is what helped me to do most of my laboring at home rather than in a hospital which was my goal from the start. She also gave me the courage to leave my current OB practice and pursue a provider who truly supported my goals and wishes. The day of labor, she was in close contact with me the entire time and as soon as I got to the hospital, Hannah was by my side. During my labor, Hannah never left my side and kept eye contact with me throughout every contraction encouraging me to get through each one. With every contraction, she used sacral pressure messages, which allowed me to be able to breath through my contractions. With my last pregnancy, I got an epidural at 3 cm dilated, but with this one, I was able to make it to 10 cm dilated without asking for an epidural thanks to Hannah's unwavering support. When you first meet her, you feel like you have known her forever, which was key for me when hiring someone to be by myside for a moment that is so deeply personal. She is calm, encouraging, and was made to be a doula. If and when I try for my third pregnancy, I will without a doubt hire Hannah again.”

— Kelly S.

“Rachael exceeded all of our expectations! As a first time mother, she supported my decisions and taught me how to advocate for myself and my baby. She supported us leading up to the birth, coaching us on birth plans and giving us additional resources to prepare for birth and parenthood. During birth she supported us by suggesting different techniques and coaching. Rachael was exactly what we needed with her calm, caring, and nurturing spirit”

— Ensley N.

“I highly recommend Hannah, she was my doula for my first child. She was a tremendous help throughout the entire process. From our prenatal home appointments up until the day of my labor. Hannah educated my husband and I of all our options including different laboring positions and breathing techniques. Because of her help, my husband was able to be fully present and involved in my labor. I had a lengthy labor so when he needed a break, she was more than willing to step in and help. My anxiety was at an all time high throughout my pregnancy and hannah was there to help calm me down and ground me. All in all, she was amazing and we've found our doula for our future pregnancies!”

— Dayana Z.

“I’m grateful to Rachael Hutchins for her support during my childbirth, especially in the midst of a time when our country is battling the coronavirus and the amount of support your allowed to have inside the hospital is limited. Even by phone she made me feel like I wasn’t alone while I waited for my husband who was an hour away. Sure there are nurses and doctors (who all provided me great care) but they also have other patients. Having support like this before, during and afterwards is something every mama should have. Having comfort during a time when a person is so vulnerable makes all the difference. “It takes a village” I’ve learned is so true!”

— Aaryon V.

“First things first. I would hire Rachael as my doula over and over again! She was such a huge blessing to my first child’s birth. I actually went into labor and called my original doula who was unavailable at the time. She reached out to Rachael who responded very quickly and came to ease our anxieties of laboring on my own. She was constantly keeping tabs with my husband and I while I labored at home a few hours before going into the hospital. She gave me recommended positions and suggestions for relaxing. Finally when it was time to go in, Rachael met us as we were going through the doors of our hospital room. Immediately, she went into action. I chugged a bottle of water, and then also suddenly had the urge to vomit. She found an emesis bag and handed it to me before I could have made a huge mess (since I filled the entire bag up). She advocated for me to the nurses to allow me to labor in the positions I wanted (Which was to not be laying in my back). She encouraged me through EVERY contraction. Massaged my back. Gave me tips to relax. Ran to get me cold water and offering sips after every contraction and then changing cold rags on my neck around the clock. She guided me in how to sway and “move” into the contractions and brought such an ease during a very intense time. My husband who’s first time going through anything like this was also eased from Rachael’s knowledge and “jumping into action” mentality. That allowed for my husband and I to relax and “enjoy” the process of labor :) as much as we could for first time parents. I ended up having a water birth with delayed cord clamping and little stitching. Rachael was by my side encouraging me and smiling at all that my body had just done. After our wonderful, intense, and beautiful miracle birth, Rachael guided me through our golden hour skin to skin and helped me establish breastfeeding right away. She also kept up with me days and weeks after our baby boys birth to check up on our progress and health. Rachael was a God-send to our family, so sweet, compassionate, and invaluable! We are ever so thankful for her!”

— Agnus K.

“After a very hard first birth, when I found out I was pregnant with my second Rachael was literally my first call. I was planning on delivering in a hospital at the time and she was super supportive and prepared to give me any help I needed. When I changed my mind and switched to home birth, she was still just as supportive and ready to tackle this birth alongside me. Anyone would be lucky to have the kind of care, attention and follow up that Rachael provides. I 100% would not have had such a successful second birth if it wasn’t for her helping me with decisions and answering questions every step of the way. She came to my home and helped me through labor with a calm and empowering attitude that helped me tremendously. She always told me I could do it. Seriously, I love her.”

— Rachel L.

“We hired Rachael to be our doula for the birth of my son in March 2021. I was preparing for a VBAC and knew that I was going to need more support than I had with my first birth. She was far more valuable than we ever could have imagined and completely changed our birthing experience for the best! She gave both me and my husband invaluable information, showed me the importance of asking my own questions, and empowered me to take control of my pregnancy and birth. It was the first time someone else had acknowledged just how natural and normal the process of pregnancy/birth is. So many of my fears melted away with the consistent knowledge and support Rachael provided, both prenatal and during labor/birth. If you are pregnant or hoping to be pregnant soon, hire Rachael. You will not regret having her on your birth team!”

— Katie H.

“My wife was excellently taken care of by Rachel. Her work of calm service to my wife was exactly what she needed and wanted. I was unsure of the necessity of doula services, but after experiencing it for ourselves we are convinced every woman should have a doula as amazing as Rachel!”

— Avram P.

“Rachael is beyond knowledgeable in what she does! She’s easy to talk to, compassionate, and truly cares about her clients.”

— Sarah D.

“My husband and I began our doula search a little later into our pregnancy, around 30 weeks. After speaking with a handful of doulas in our area, we just had “the feeling” that Rachael would be the perfect fit for us. She took the time at each meeting to truly listen to us and our thoughts around birth, informing and guiding us through our options to prepare for the birth we hoped to experience. Rachael was an absolute God send through the entire process, but particularly during our labor and delivery. Although things did not go quite as we’d planned, Rachael was there at every turn to comfort me physically and mentally through each contraction, and to steady both mine and my husband’s hearts and minds. She went above and beyond to serve us throughout pregnancy and postpartum - we truly could not have imagined experiencing our birth with anyone else! We look forward to staying connected through the years and will definitely be seeing her again come round two. So, why hire a doula? For us, Rachael represented a warm, comforting blanket from pregnancy through postpartum. She provided us with the resources and tools we needed to make fully informed decisions for our family. She provided rest and support for my husband during labor, not to mention un-matched comfort for me! Rachael gave me (and continues to give me) a safe space to process pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and postpartum. You will not regret hiring Rachael - what are you waiting for?”

— Amanda M.

“Very informative and in-depth course. lots and lots of resources come with the course. she is available outside of course times too for any questions.”

— Fiyin F.

“I attended the Group Online Pregnancy + Childbirth Course during my third trimester. This is my first pregnancy and the class was amazing. Rachel really does a phenomenal job. The workbook, slides, handouts and emails before and after class are extremely helpful and very thorough.”
— Roshonda S.

“Hiring Rachel as my doula was by far one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy! She contributed such valuable assets to my labor & delivery experience. I was comforted, empowered, and encouraged by her when I felt like I wasn’t going to make it through the very trying times of active labor. She assured me that I was in control and doing a phenomenal job. I cannot say enough great things about her and how she conducts her business. Very professional & down to earth. My husband even loved her! We could tell that she genuinely cherishes her experiences and journey as a doula. You will be so happy you added her to your support team. We can’t thank you enough Rachel”

— Shandrell W.

My husband and I began our doula search a little later into our pregnancy, around 30 weeks. After speaking with a handful of doulas in our area, we just had “the feeling” that Rachael would be the perfect fit for us. She took the time at each meeting to truly listen to us and our thoughts around birth, informing and guiding us through our options to prepare for the birth we hoped to experience.

Rachael was an absolute God send through the entire process, but particularly during our labor and delivery. Although things did not go quite as we’d planned, Rachael was there at every turn to comfort me physically and mentally through each contraction, and to steady both mine and my husband’s hearts and minds.

She went above and beyond to serve us throughout pregnancy and postpartum - we truly could not have imagined experiencing our birth with anyone else! We look forward to staying connected through the years and will definitely be seeing her again come round two.

So, why hire a doula? For us, Rachael represented a warm, comforting blanket from pregnancy through postpartum. She provided us with the resources and tools we needed to make fully informed decisions for our family. She provided rest and support for my husband during labor, not to mention un-matched comfort for me! Rachael gave me (and continues to give me) a safe space to process pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and postpartum. You will not regret hiring Rachael - what are you waiting for?

— Amanda M.

Rachael was my doula for my 3rd child. Like my 2nd child, I was planning for a water birth at AMC. Disappointedly, as prepared as I was for my first child’s arrival, I never crossed paths with empowered women with the simplest understanding and faith in the purpose and strength of a woman’s body. It wasn’t until the eve of my first child’s birth that I realized that I was under the care of an OB that was addicted to and preferred C-sections and medicated births. As much as I felt denied my power as a species, I was determined to have more children, on my terms. Fast forward to my 3rd pregnancy. Side note: American society also labeled me, “AMA” for all 3 of my pregnancies, perpetuating the fear mongering that creates a mindset that pregnancy and birth are medical conditions and need to be treated as a sterile, intervention experience. Where I live, it is the exception and not the rule to use midwives and doulas. For my 2nd child, the doula created a force field around my husband and my laboring body. I did not require much hands on assistance with my 2nd child. My doula stood beside me as I labored standing up, and then finally provided the verbal encouragement once I was ready to deliver in the water. When I hired Rachael In 2014, she was just beginning to offer her doula services. The doula process before I went into labor, was standard and satisfactory. It consisted of a meeting, plenty of informational handouts, and full-time access. Once my labor started, I was met at the hospital by Rachael’s backup doula. She provided the necessary support until Rachael’s arrival. Laboring with my 3rd child required hands on assist from both my husband and Rachael. I was experiencing lower back labor. They both did exactly what was needed to help me. Rachael’s confidence in her role helped my husband and ultimately me. I firmly believe that every pregnant woman should have a doula. I was fortunate that Rachael was mine, for my 3rd child. I emphatically recommend Rachael as a doula. May your pregnancy and birth story be filled with your strength, courage, faith and a compatible doula by your side.

— Terry L.