Rachel Carbonneau Birth & Postpartum Doula in North Bethesda, MD
About Rachel
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.
Birth & Postpartum Doula packages and pricing
Basic Birth Doula Package
Targeted support for those welcoming 2nd, 3rd (etc) babies [not recommended for first-time families] Valid for 3 months Includes: * One 1-hour in-home prenatal visit to review labor/birth plan * Telephone, text, and email support throughout pregnancy * On-call services 'round the clock from 38 weeks onward * Continuous labor support, from early labor through the birth * Up to 12 hours of in-person labor support * Unlimited addtl in-person labor support, billed at hrly rate * Postpartum support for 1-2 hours following the birth * Referrals as needed to community or other resources
Standard Birth Doula Package
Targeted support for those welcoming a first baby, or planning a first vaginal birth Valid for 4 months Includes: * One 1-hour virtual prenatal visit to discuss goals/options * One 1-hour in-home prenatal visit to review labor/birth plan * Telephone, text, and email support throughout pregnancy * On-call services 'round the clock from 38 weeks onward * Continuous labor support, from early labor through the birth * Up to 12 hours of in-person labor support * Unlimited addtl in-person labor support, billed at hrly rate * Postpartum support for 1-2 hours following the birth * One 1-hour in-home postpartum support for care & check-in * One 1-hour infant feeding session (in-home or virtual) * Referrals as needed to community or other resources
Plus Birth Doula Package
Our most comprehensive birth package, tailored to those seeking a low-intervention experience Valid for 5 months Includes: * One 1-hour virtual prenatal visit to discuss goals/options * One 1-hour in-home prenatal visit to review labor/birth plan * Enrollment in one group or private childbirth class * Telephone, text, and email support throughout pregnancy * On-call services 'round the clock from 38 weeks onward * Continuous labor support, from early labor through the birth * Up to 12 hours of in-person labor support * Unlimited addtl in-person labor support, billed at hrly rate * Postpartum support for 1-2 hours following the birth * One 1-hour in-home postpartum support for care & check-in * One 1-hour infant feeding consult (in-home or virtual) * One 1-hour virtual infant sleep consult w/ sleep specialist * Referrals as needed to community or other resources * Access to Grands-to-Be Workshop for extended family support * Free copy of Rebecca Dekker's book: "Babies Are Not Pizzas"
Preconception/Fertility Support Package
Targeted preconception support and counseling for those beginning or continuing fertility journeys. Valid for one month Includes: * One 1-hr virtual preconception consult * Up to 2 phone consultations (calls between 10-30 mins) * On-call phone/text/email support (excl. calls >10 mins) * On-call services for egg retrievals / embryo transfers * One in-clinic visit (up to 8 hrs in person) * Additional in-person support available for hourly charge * Referrals as needed to community or other resources
Infant Feeding Support Package
Infant feeding and educational support from the 3rd trimester through the early postpartum period Valid for 4 weeks Includes: * One 1-hour personalized virtual postpartum planning session * One primary visit with a lactation specialist (in-home) * One follow-up visit with a lactation specialist (virtual) * Two 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts * Free admission to our Infant Feeding Workshop
Supported Sleep Postpartum Package
Combination of daytime and overnight postpartum support services over the first 2 weeks postpartum Valid for 3 weeks Includes: * One 1-hour personalized virtual postpartum planning session * Two 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts for teaching/coaching * Four 8-hour overnight postpartum shifts for rest & recovery * One 1-hour virtual infant sleep consult w/ sleep specialist
Daytime Postpartum Support Package
- Tapered daytime postpartum support services over the first 6 weeks postpartum
- Valid for 8 weeks
- Includes:
- One 1-hour personalized virtual postpartum planning session
- Week 1: five 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts
- Week 2: four 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts
- Week 3: three 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts
- Week 4: three 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts
- Week 5: two 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts
- Week 6: one 4-hour daytime postpartum shift
Complete Postpartum Care Package
Our most comprehensive postpartum package, providing daytime, overnight, and infant feeding support Valid for 8 weeks Includes: * One 1-hour personalized virtual postpartum planning session * Eight 4-hour daytime postpartum shifts for teaching/coaching * Sixteen 8-hour overnight postpartum shifts for rest/recovery * One 1-hour in-home visit with a lactation specialist * One 1-hour virtual infant sleep consult w/ sleep specialist * Free admission to our Infant Feeding Workshop
What to expect
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.
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Certifications, training, and specialties
Certification and training
- DONA Birth & Postpartum Doula (2013)
Education
- Master's Degree (2005)
Languages
- English, Spanish, American Sign Language
Credentials
Specialties
Frequently asked questions
How much does Rachel charge?
Service area
Rachel is based in North Bethesda, Maryland.
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