Rachel Cunningham

Birth Doula

8 years of experience

5.0

Elkhart, Indiana

Rachel Cunningham

Birth Doula

Elkhart, Indiana

8 years of experience

5.0

About
Services
Reviews (3)
Social media

About me

I became a Mother in the Summer of 2014. If I'm being honest, I didn't put much thought into my first birth. I thought I'd just go into the hospital pregnant and come out with a baby. It wasn't until I was in labor and facing an emergency cesarean that I realized that my partner and I were unprepared and unsupported. It was after that first birth that I learned what a Doula was and the trajectory of my entire life shifted. I trained as a Birth Doula in 2016 and since that time I have attended over 160 births in hospitals, birth centers and in homes. In 2021 I have also been a local homebirth assistant since 2021 with my Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification. Over the years my views and beliefs surrounding birth have grown and evolved. I have studied not only the mechanics of the birth process, but the physiological, emotional and spiritual rite of passage that birth truly is. I believe that a beautiful birth experience can happen in any setting, but that it takes a combination of preparation, advocacy and a setting that supports your vision.

Education

BAA Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services (2011)

Certification and training

Birth Doula Certification, ToLabor (2016)

Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification (2023)

VBAC Doula Certified (TVL) (2023)

Credentials

NRP CD

Specialties

Birth Assistant Birth Doula Home Birth Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Languages

English

Service introduction

Packages

Birth Doula Services

Before Birth Free initial consultation 2 private in-home prenatal meetings which include: - Some light childbirth education - Practice and discussion of comfort measures - Help making your birth plan - Planning for postpartum - Final preparation for your birth Phone and email support Access to my lending library and resources On call 24/7 2 weeks before your estimated delivery date until baby During Labor and Birth Continuous presence for duration of active labor and birth Comfort measures and coping strategies. Knowledge of birth physiology and optimal positioning (Spinning Babies trained) Doula bag tools: Birth ball, essential oils, heating pad, massage oils and lotions, rebozo, honey sticks, music and more Information and answers to your questions and help with advocacy. Providing support and relief to your birth partner Postpartum 1-2 hours immediate postpartum support Phone and email support A home visit within the first 2 weeks to process the birth. Written summary of your birth

$1,250.00

USD Flat rate

Birth Reclamation Ceremony

Birth is wild and unpredictable and sometimes things do not go the way we planned. This small ceremony is designed to help the Mother and family heal from what they deem as a traumatic birth experience. There are no rules or guidelines from me as to what qualifies as “traumatic”, it is completely at the discretion of the Mother and family. During this 2 hour ceremony in your home, the Mother is given time to process and grieve her first experience and lay claim to a new birth. As your guide we discuss the layout for your ceremony and what elements you’d like to incorporate. For some families that is specific prayers, poems, or music. As each birth is unique, each Reclamation Ceremony is also unique to you and Rachel will help you build your script. Included in this service: 1 Hour virtual consultation to discuss your script and plan 1 smudge stick to cleanse the space Birth tub rental 1 postpartum herbal bath and decorative flowers for the ceremony LED candle rental Facilitation of the ceremony Footprint sheet and ink *Client responsible for providing postpartum meal (typically a soup)

$250.00

USD Flat rate

Ratings and reviews

Average

5.0

# of Reviews

5.0

July 2, 2024

Rachel was a Godsend for my husband and I. Her knowledge on everything birth and pregnancy gave us great guidelines to follow so we could have the most successful birth possible. Not only is she just a lovely person, Rachel was our support system who understood and heard us. She helped us to feel comfortable with our own decisions and prepped us on how to advocate for ourselves in the hospital setting. Rachel is kind, funny, and makes you feel seen. We love her, and you will too!

- Emily T.

5.0

July 2, 2024

Rachel was such an asset to my pregnancy and labor, as well as postpartum. She had plenty of information and really was a great support. She was definitely the MVP of our birth team. If you’re considering a doula, look no further, she’s the best!!

- Missy K.

5.0

July 2, 2024

Rachel was incredible. She walked us through every step and provided us with the best care. She was dedicated, caring and so comforting. We couldn’t have done it without her!

- Lizzy H.