Rachel Carbonneau

About me

I can't remember a time when I was not passionate about family issues, and particularly family health. I had my first child at a young age, and found the perinatal landscape entirely bewildering. Mostly alone, I had no idea what was happening to me and my baby, or how to provide for him once he was born (and later, when he was quite sick). The experience strengthened my desire to support others who find themselves similarly lost at the hands of an impersonal medical institution. ​ ​​ I am committed to helping families access evidence-based information for informed decision-making, and to helping improve the birth experience for all families. I serve families of all types, and I specialize in trauma-informed care, bereavement support, disability advocacy, and neurodivergence, Additionally, I am conversant in Spanish, French, and American Sign Language (ASL). The journey into familyhood should be a time of joy, love, and familial and community support. I founded Family Ways with the intention to help bring such an experience to any individual and family who wants and needs it, and to strengthen the family bond—no matter what shape the family takes. I am honored to have been able to share in the lives of so many beautiful families, if for just this one crucial moment.

Education

Master's Degree (2005)

Certification and training

DONA Birth & Postpartum Doula (2013)

Credentials

Specialties

Languages

English, Spanish, American Sign Language

Service introduction

As birth professionals, we support our clients in three primary ways. The first is education: as experts in our field, we help you access a range of resources and tools to prepare for your family's journey in a personal, meaningful way. We also offer a wealth of workshops, classes, and support groups for learning and growth! Once you have accessed information and resources, we support your decision-making process as you choose the path that is most meaningful to your family. We work closely with you to identify options and articulate your preferences, and we facilitate communication with care providers to amplify and centralize your voice. In birth and postpartum, other care settings, and also in the community at large, we advocate for true patient-directed care. We fight to keep your needs and those of your family at the center of care conversations and procedures, and support you in maintaining a positive and empowered transitional experience.

Packages

Ratings and reviews