Rachel James - Birth Doula

About Rachel

My role as a birth supporter is to ask, "what do you need right now?" to ensure that your needs are met while laboring. We do an in depth pre-consultation so I am aware of your prior experience (positive, negative, and neutral) with pregnancy, birth, the medical system, anxiety, relaxation, and anyone else who will be there with you, so I have a full picture of how to support you. I love that I have the opportunity to give support to someone who is about to spend years supporting this new human life, and that my presence can help kickstart that from a place of positive empowerment in choice. I feel I work best in a hospital setting, where consistent staff support may not always be possible, so that I can be that consistency and the one who is always about the person who is laboring.

Birth Doula packages and pricing

Labor doula

Two pre-consultations and full access during labor, from early labor until one hour following delivery. Lactation goodies. Infant massage class.

$1,000 USD · Flat rate

Three massages + doula

Two pre-consultations and full access during labor, from early labor until one hour following delivery. Three pre- or post-natal massages, lactation goodies, and infant massage class.

$1,255 USD · Flat rate

Five massages + doula

Two pre-consultations and full access during labor, from early labor until one hour following delivery. Five pre- or post-natal massages, lactation goodies, and infant massage class.

$1,375 USD · Flat rate

Accepted insurance

Medicaid Message Rachel to confirm coverage for your plan.

What to expect

I offer two pre-consultations, then I am on-call, ready to help from 37 weeks, on. I stay about an hour after your delivery to make sure you have everything you need, make sure you feel settled, then check in with lactation goodies about a week or two later. I also provide an infant massage class either in-home or at my office a few weeks/months after your baby has arrived. I like to say that my job is just to ask, "what do you need right now?", and that can mean physical and emotional support, a break-down of medical jargon, supporting your partner in supporting you, and a myriad of other things that may pop up. During labor, so many people are focused on your health and that of the baby, and I'm there to make sure you have an experience that feels like it was your choosing, an empowered birth experience.

Reviews for Rachel James

5.0 2 reviews

5.0

May 14, 2024

You could not ask for a better birth doula than Rachel! Not only is she incredibly compassionate and encouraging of your ability to birth your baby, but she is also knowledgeable about active labor positions and will support you and your partner in feeling at ease throughout the process. Her skills as a massage therapist are incredibly supportive and help calm the body while her genuine ability to be present with you helps you to feel seen and loved. I would give Rachel 100 stars if available!

— Lauren S.

5.0

May 14, 2024

I cannot express how grateful I am to have had Rachel as my doula. My labor was long and challenging, but she was there the entire time to offer comfort and relief. At the hospital, she advocated for my birth plan and made sure I had nurses that were there to support me. When my birth plan had to change, she helped me feel confident and safe with my choice. After my daughter was born she got us settled, ensured we had our skin to skin time, and had successfully nursed. Rachel was amazing and I will be using her doula services again for the birth of my son.

— Mannon L.

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Certifications, training, and specialties

Certification and training

Massage Doula Certification, Institute of Somatic Therapy (2017)

Education

B.A. Communication/Journalism, St. John Fisher University (2012)
Therapeutic massage and Hydrotherapy, Finger Lakes School of Massage (2012)

Memberships and affiliations

AMTA

Languages

English

Credentials

LMT CD

Specialties

Assertiveness Birth Doula Birth Support Labor Doula LGBTQ+ Massage Massage Therapist Pain Management Prenatal and Postpartum Massage Therapist Prental Massage Practitioner Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum