“We were under the misconception that doulas were only for people looking for extremely natural birth experiences, which definitely was not my case.

After talking to a friend who highly recommended having a doula and realizing we weren’t gonna have family around we reached out to Raychel and Kori. It was one of the best decisions we made.

They educated and were incredibly patient with us, answering all our questions and sending more info our way if needed. The intake form was very thorough and made me consider choices and things I hadn’t really thought about it up until that point. It was also great to have the folder with a ton of information that was easy to navigate including illustrated charts, videos, and helpful resources.

Raychel was the one on call when I went to the hospital and she was an invaluable presence during labor, not only guiding and comforting me but also advocating for us. Especially during COVID times, she was knowledgeable on what protocols were scientifically backed and what was the most beneficial route for me and our baby.

The follow up post-partum visit was a sage for hectic times. We were sleep-deprived, overwhelmed, and trying to deal with the steepest learning curve of our lives and it was incredibly reassuring to have Raychel go over and advise us on so many things from breastfeeding positions to how to put a Solly wrap on.

Honestly, having Raychel and Kori as doulas made us feel comfortable, empowered, and ready to tackle this insane ride that is having a child. We loved their warm, reassuring and non-judgmental approach.”

— Bárbara A, November 2020

We hired Kori and Raychel in the spring of 2021 for our baby's due date in September 2021. We hired Kori and Raychel because they have a great deal of combined experience, but also because they had an ease around working with each other which made us feel taken care of and confident.

Kori attended our birth. She was available via text and cell immediately and helped coach me through early (painful) labor, which I'm grateful for, as I would have gone to the hospital a lot sooner than I did had she not been giving me guidance and pushing me (gently) to stay the course as long as possible, all while giving my husband reassurance.

During labor and delivery she was helpful in providing tips to keep me comfortable and help me advocate for what I wanted as much as possible with the hospital team. Her confidence and clear communication was exactly what we needed, and it contributed directly to my active labor experience being really positive and something I look back on fondly.

We had a few meetings prior to our baby's birth, but I think the text experience postpartum was the most helpful for me, as a new mother with no newborn experience, I needed a lot of reassurance and confirmation regarding how we were parenting our baby.

Kori and Raychel were also really helpful with referrals as well as support with breastfeeding, and encouraging me during a challenging period. They were also very flexible and responsive along the way. I definitely recommend hiring this team and am grateful they were a part of our first birthing experience!

— Adrienne P, September 2021

The moment I got pregnant I knew that I wanted to have the support of a doula. Not only were we navigating the process as new parents, but we also had to do so during the COVID 19 pandemic.

We were without the option for a typical parenting or Lamaze class and were looking to supplement that education with one on one services. What we found was a much better and more fulfilling experience!

I am so happy we found Kori and Raychel to be part of our pregnancy and birth journey. They were helpful throughout my pregnancy; supplying much information, meeting on Zoom and being accessible by text every time I had a question.

As someone who prepares and over plans almost everything I was nervous when I went into labor two weeks earlier than expected. But Raychel was there for us my entire labor experience from early contractions until our daughter was born. She has all the answers and provided comfort to myself and my husband during the most life changing experience.

I would wholeheartedly recommend RK Doulas.

— Danielle G, April 2021

“Hiring Raychel and Kori was one of the best decisions we made in the run up to the birth of our first baby.

First, we appreciated their approach - both Raychel and Kori were on all of our pre-birth calls, so that no matter what happened on the day, we felt completely comfortable with each of them and could rest easy knowing that we would not have a back-up doula that we had never met when I went into labor.  They were available whenever both for scheduled meetings, but also for the errant question I had here or there, like the specifics around what to put into my hospital bag or the size of birthing ball to buy.  

Raychel ended up accompanying us to our birth, and I cannot convey how thankful we were that she was there.  Raychel was our advocate throughout the process - whether that meant helping us to know what questions to ask the health care workers, explaining to my husband and I what was happening and why, massaging my back through intensely painful contractions, explaining how epidurals worked while we were waiting for one (and then staying with my husband while it was administered to me), or literally coaching both of us step-by-step through 90+ minutes of pushing.  After my son was born, Raychel stayed with me to make sure that I felt supported, ate, and understood what was happening with my baby.  

Both Raychel and Kori continually checked in with us in the days and weeks following the birth, and we always felt 100% comfortable asking them any and all questions, no matter how big or small.  They are smart, intensely kind, and enormously helpful.  I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

— Sarah H, December 2020

“I loved working with Kori and Raychel and really appreciated the support they both provided.

My birth was much more hectic than I expected and Kori was able to keep me calm and in control amidst the chaos. It was also so helpful to be able to debrief and process the whole experience with both of them afterward. I really appreciated their perspective and advice through the whole pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.”

— Sarah S, December 2019

“From the moment we met Kori and Raychel we knew we had found the women that would help bring our baby into the world.

Both women were incredibly responsive to my questions and answered without judgment. 

When my water broke early, both women called and texted to talk me through next steps, as Raychel was available, she came over shortly after. 

During labor Raychel was unbelievably calm and kind and soothing. She consistently came up with new ideas for positions, kept me hydrated, helped me to stay unmonitored as long as possible and assisted me with the most vulnerable and menial tasks imaginable (read: going to the bathroom, putting on a gown, walking down the hall)

Whether it was massaging my feet, or rubbing my back or helping me to snack or drink water, nothing was off-limits. 

The support and care and strength that Raychel provided, not just me, but my husband as well, is immeasurable. We felt taken care of, we were comfortable, we laughed, and had such a joyful day with this woman that quickly became like family. 

Raychel brought joy and laughter, humor and comfort, experience and intelligence in to the room on that magical day. Whether it was catching puke in a bucket, massaging my swollen feet, holding my leg while I delivered, getting pushed in the face by my hand while worked through that final contraction or feeding me a cracker immediately after birth, Raychel handled it all with grace, humility, confidence and strength. 

Raychel anticipated our every need and helped us stay on track with our birth plan. She navigated us, stood by us and offered support when we pushed back with the doctors recommendation to start Pitocin because I knew my body and I knew that i was close (we were right! Baby came shortly after!) She trusted us, we trusted her. 

We’re forever grateful to Raychel. There really are no words that will ever be able to describe what it’s like to share the birth of a child with someone, it’s simply just a bond that holds us together always, and especially on Feb. 3, 2020.”

— Abbie B, February 2020

“I wanted to work with a doula for the birth of my first child, and after meeting with Kori and Raychel in December of 2019, my husband and I knew they were the right fit.

They both had a calming presence and gave thoughtful, intelligent answers to our onslaught of questions. I always felt that they were supporting me in deciding the best path for my family, rather than pushing any agenda of their own. The fact that they worked as a team was also a bonus, as we knew at least one of them would be able to attend the birth. 

As I went through my third trimester during the peak of the pandemic in NYC, their calming presence was even more useful than I had initially imagined. They provided support virtually through that uncertain time, helping us prepare for what a hospital birth may look like as policies were rapidly changing. 

Raychel provided virtual support overnight as I labored from home, and her coaching and reassuring words were invaluable to me. Even from afar, she was able to hold my hand through the process and knew exactly when it was time for us to go to the hospital. Thanks to her support, I spent very little time laboring in the hospital (less than 45 minutes!) and had the unmedicated birth I was hoping for. We will always be grateful for Raychel’s caring guidance through the early hours of the morning as we welcomed our baby girl into the world. 

The support offered postpartum was incredibly helpful as well, especially as my husband and I were without the network of family and friends we had imagined would be present during that time. Working with Raychel and Kori gave me such peace of mind throughout the entire experience, and I would highly recommend their services.”

— Emily G, May 2020

“Kori and Raychel were invaluable prior, during and after our baby was born. We didn’t plan on using a doula but when the world shut down due to COVID, we knew we needed some extra support and they were incredible and we are so glad we found them.

Both Kori and Raychel were incredible sources of information, able to answer all of our questions on everything from the best stretches during the last few weeks of pregnancy to inside tips on how to build a hospital bag during COVID.

Raychel was so calm and patient as she helped us navigate all of our anxiety beforehand and during the birth and was so supportive and understanding after our little one was born. It wasn’t the pregnancy and birth that we planned for but we are so eternally grateful that they were part of it.”

— Maegan M, June 2020

“Kori and Raychel were huge sources of comfort during my pregnancy, our birth, and in the postpartum period. I had pretty intense anxiety regarding childbirth and knowing I would have either Kori or Raychel by my side during the whole thing made me feel so much more prepared. Leading up to the birth, we all met a few times and got to know one another. My husband and I always left those meetings feeling pumped up for the birth!

As it turned out, my birth didn’t go to plan and after a failed induction I had to have an emergency C Section. Kori stayed with us all day while I was being induced and she empowered me to assert myself twice against one pushy doctor regarding an induction method and also the epidural. I never would have spoken with such outward confidence (when I was scared and unsure on the inside) without knowing that Kori and my husband were backing me up unconditionally. 

While we waited for the induction, Kori was so funny to chat with and we genuinely had fun with her there. She stayed through the c section and helped my son latch for the first time when I was in a post op haze. 

I also got pre-eclampsia postpartum and Kori and  Raychel responded immediately to my frantic texts at 4 in the morning with kind and comforting words. Raychel even drove with us back to the hospital during one of the postpartum visits due to an elevated blood pressure reading. She held my hand while I cried and assured me I was doing the right thing. 

The week of our sons birth was one of the most intense and scary times in our lives, and having Kori and Raychel supporting us through that time was a massive source of strength. I’d recommend them to anyone who is looking for a positive addition to their birth team!”

— Tiffany W, November 2019

“We 100% would work with Kori and Rachel again. We trust them wholeheartedly and can’t recommend them enough. They were supportive, available, and made the sometimes complicated parts of pregnancy easy to understand.

When I was diagnosed with GD, they had the resources, when Kiki went breech they suggested poses to flip them, and when l&d ended with a caesarean they were there to walk us through it.” 

— Katelyn and B, July 2020

“Kori and Raychel were great additions to our birthing team. From our very first conversation my husband and I knew that their calm, professional, informed, non-judgmental approach was just what we were looking for. We really liked their partnership model. It was comforting to know with certainty that someone we had done all of our prep with would be attending our birth.

Our prenatal sessions were helpful and informative, and helped us feel prepared and at ease. It was nice to know that however labor unfolded, we would have someone by our side who could provide evidence-based guidance, and support along the way. I didn't feel the need to go down rabbit holes researching all of the "what if's", because I knew we would have someone with tons of experience and knowledge in the room with us.

Raychel attended the birth and helped us welcome our son into the world in Feb 2020. Even though things didn’t start off as planned (I ended up having to be induced), I have no complaints about my birth experience and I owe a lot of that to Raychel. She answered our questions, helped keep me comfortable, talked me through next steps, normalized the whole experience for my husband, and supported him in supporting me. She stayed until baby successfully latched and helped ensure that our breastfeeding journey got off to a great start. Postpartum support was great as well!

If you are considering a birth doula, I highly recommend hiring one. And this team is top notch! I'm so glad we found Raychel and Kori and will be reaching out again if there is a baby #2.”

— Andrea S, February 2020

"We thought of Raychel and Kori as our partners from well before I gave birth, to well after the birth of our child. As first time parents, we had so many questions and they were an amazing resource and source of support. I loved that they work as a team - we knew we would always have one of them to lean on.

Ultimately, I had a difficult delivery that ended in a c-section. Raychel was there for the birth and was AMAZING. She was our advocate, and helped keep me motivated for as long as I could go before they wheeled me into the OR. And I realized after the delivery, when my husband and I discussed the whole experience, that she was a great partner to him. Even though she couldn't come to the OR, she waited and was there for me in the recovery room while my husband went to the NICU with our son.

I couldn't recommend them enough. Every pregnant woman needs a Raychel and a Kori by her side, as does every partner."

— Agnes F, November 2020

“Even in the worst chaos of the pandemic, Kori and Raychel were calming, thoughtful, and present, even if the times required it to be on Zoom. They were quick to share resources and generous with their time.

On the day I gave birth, an unexpectedly rapid fire experience, they steadily helped me meet my goal of spending the least amount of time in the hospital that would be safely possible by coaching me first from afar and then in person.

Kori helped us cut through red tape to get into a delivery room almost immediately, where my daughter was born ninety minutes after we dropped off our car.

We left the hospital as soon as we could, which made Kori and Raychel's text and in-person support even more important as we muddled through being first time parents.

We couldn't have pulled it off without her.”

— Irin C, June 2020

“I hadn't originally planned to get a doula, but the lack of personal contact with my doctors during my pandemic pregnancy made it feel especially important to have some consistent support surrounding birth.

I'm SO grateful that we made the decision to work with Kori and Raychel. It was incredibly helpful to know that I could call or text them any time I had a question leading up to the birth, and they really helped me prepare both mentally and emotionally. Then, when my water broke before I went into labor, I panicked thinking I was going to lose the opportunity for the birth I wanted. 

Raychel helped calm both my husband and I in those tense moments, reminding us of all the steps along the way before my daughter was born, and helping us figure out how to ask for time and make the decisions that were best for us. Then Kori was there in the hospital, both providing physical comfort and the same reminders to take our time as we made critical decisions along the way. The result was that what felt like a frantic and inauspicious beginning led into the kind of vaginal birth I had hoped for; I have no doubt that result is largely due to their support both before and during delivery.”

— Jenny F, October 2020

“Kori and Raychel were incredibly welcoming when I connected with them through a friend who'd already used their services. Despite the difficulties faced during a pandemic, we were able to easily set up meetings via Zoom where we first spoke to get to know each other. From then on it was clear we would be a good fit, and were able to continue to meet virtually as my pregnancy progressed. 

As someone who wanted to be open-minded of what my options were for my birth plan, I especially enjoyed Kori and Raychel's straight forward answers and non-judgmental way of giving all the information and possibilities that might happen during my labor and childbirth in a hospital. When it came time to have my baby, I didn't feel overwhelmed with the chaos going on, and was able to make my decisions in the moment without feeling regret or that my feelings weren't being heard by the hospital staff. 

Raychel accompanied my husband and me during my induction, and throughout my labor, she helped us navigate all of the changes we encountered as I chose to get an epidural, and ultimately birthed my baby via c-section. The hours she spent nonstop, explaining information from the nurses and ob, helping me find comfortable positions and doing exercises to help move things along was exactly what we needed for support.

Despite things changing here and there during the overall 23 hours of labor and surgery, I look back satisfied that I was given every option and was well informed during it all. I'm so grateful that Raychel was there to provide the support that I know made all the difference for my new little family. 

Thank you both so much!”

— Becky C, November, 2020

I invited Raychel and Kori to be a key part of our birth team. It was important for me, a first time mom, to feel as comfortable as possible going into the pregnancy and birth process, so I sought after their expertise that comes from years of doula experience.

They provided essentially on-call support and immediate responses from day 1, even at odd hours of the night.

When I went into spontaneous labor, Raychel picked up my texts and calls in the middle of the night, and ended up arriving at our home to help me through early labor at 3am.

She was armed with positioning knowledge (Spinning Babies), aromatherapy, and application of water and pressure for pain relief. She made a huge difference in my comfort during labor and immediately post-labor (she knew exactly how the hospital worked and was able to be my advocate throughout).

Both my husband and I would recommend her (and Kori) in a heartbeat to any birthing person.

— Ellen M, November 2021

“We started working with Kori and Raychel less than two weeks before our son was born—but even in that short time, their guidance and support was invaluable.

We appreciated their warmth and approachability, their clear explanations, their top-notch resources, and the prompt, thorough nature of their replies to our many (many!) texts. 

Though our plan to have a home birth didn’t ultimately pan out—we needed to transfer to the hospital, and due to COVID-related restrictions, were only able to have one of our midwives accompany us—Kori was waiting for us on our stoop when we arrived home, answering questions, soothing our nerves, and helping us settle in with our newborn. 

She and Raychel continued to be available to us afterward, assuring us that we could always get in touch with questions, no matter how much time had passed. As new parents, especially during such an isolating time, that level of support was extremely comforting.  We feel very lucky to have had Kori and Raychel as members of our birth support team, and as a special part of our son’s earliest days. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough!”

— Shoko W, July 2020

“My husband wanted us to have a doula for our child's birth and it's the greatest gift he's ever given me!

We worked back and forth with Raychel and Kori through home visits, phone calls, L&D, and postpartum and the transitions were seamless.  They were in sync with their advice and I always felt I was well cared for.

The benefit of a doula partnership is that if one doula is in labor with a Mama, the other one is available to support you. Raychel came to our home for both of my prenatal visits.  She got to know us and our preferences for labor, provided very helpful advice, and showed us some exercises and stretches to support a healthy pregnancy and delivery.  She also tended to us during a postnatal visit and provided additional lactation support after our baby was born.

Kori was our labor and delivery doula and she was fantastic!  She gave me physical support during labor, proactively using techniques to ease my pain.  Her words of encouragement during my contractions still echo in my mind a year after my daughter was born.  Kori also tended to us during one of our postpartum visits.  Raychel and Kori were the best partners on my journey to motherhood and they will be for you, too!”

— Jill W, January 2020

“It was a great experience working with Raychel and Kori for my first pregnancy. I interviewed a few different doulas, but felt an instant connection with them in terms of energy and sense of humor. I knew I needed doulas who would be able to keep things light-hearted when the going got rough but still be able to help me make informed decisions.

When the pandemic shut everything down, I appreciated that Kori and Raychel offered to meet more often via Zoom to answer my questions and check in on my emotional well-being. It also really helped to build our rapport; by the time I started contractions, I was really comfortable reaching out. Kori attended my labor/ delivery and was such an encouraging, calm, and knowledgeable presence. I really liked being able to talk through some medical decisions with her so I could feel good about my choices. She also was very hands-on with pain management techniques, which I found helpful.

What I've been most grateful for, however, was how they both continued to support me and my baby well beyond the postpartum visit! I still feel like I could reach out with questions about baby care or breastfeeding months later. It's a wonderful feeling to have Raychel and Kori in your corner! I highly recommend this doula duo!”

— Peggy T, September 2020

“I gave birth to my first child in mid-March, 2020, a wild and scary time to be pregnant, give birth, and start life with a baby. We were so lucky to have Kori and Raychel as our doula team given the circumstance. Kori was our only continuity through a chaotic labor and delivery. This was Kori’s last birth before doulas were barred from attending hospital births. We could not imagine the birth without our doula’s support!

I tended toward germaphobe pre-pandemic and my biggest fear even beforehand was hospital germs. They expressed understanding and care to address that concern and had lots of resources on a number of topics. On the day of, Kori made our birth experience smoother, safer, and more supported at every step of the way. I entered active labor unexpectedly and Kori was both flexible and reassuring. Ultimately we managed to get to a different hospital than we planned. Kori helped with continuity of care. In the ambulance, she helped me through my contractions and advocated for me with the paramedics when I could not speak clearly or advocate for myself. I felt better having Kori there to advocate for me.

At the hospital, she was with me the whole time: as they brought me into the ER and as they whisked me up to the labor and delivery floor. Kori held a cup of water and a bendy straw while the doctors I never met yelled at me to push! She helped me take a mini breather and get through this crazy delivery. After the delivery, she continued to support us: helping me stay hydrated, taking the precious first photos of us with our baby, and debriefing the wild experience we’d just had.

In the weeks after the birth, Kori and Raychel offered several Zoom calls and emotional and breastfeeding support. They also reached out to wish our baby a happy first birthday a year later. We could not have asked for better doulas!”

— Danielle D, March 2020

“My husband and I hired Raychel and Kori before the pandemic after interviewing numerous doulas. Once we were in lockdown, we switched our scheduled in-person prenatals to several Zoom chats, where they provided evidence-based information on preparing for labor and delivery, and answered all questions my husband and I had.

When I had an induction due to gestational diabetes, Kori came to the hospital when we were ready to have her and comforted me throughout, but especially during intense contractions once they broke my water. I had a relatively short labor given I was induced, and credit much of that to the people / my team involved.

Support before and during labor is expected from doulas and I'm thankful for it, but where I am truly grateful to Kori and Raychel is following the birth of my daughter. Being a first-time parent can be a lonely, exhausting, overwhelming experience, full of uncertainty, apprehension, and hesitation. Being new parents during a pandemic can also be particularly isolating. Raychel and Kori helped me and my husband through those first few weeks simply by continuing to check in on us via Zoom and text, and by answering our questions. They were sympathetic experts who encouraged us and gave us confidence when we had very little of it. They provided us with the most important things we needed during those hazy first weeks of our daughter's life -- emotional support, ears to ask questions, information to help, and assurance that we were doing the best we could.”

— Kristina F, August, 2020

“Right from the beginning, Kori and Raychel were so easy to talk to. They made me and my husband feel confident and at ease throughout my pregnancy and they had so much knowledge to share. They walked us through spinning babies exercises, sent us all kinds of great resources, and were always available whenever we felt lost or had questions. This is our first baby so we had many!

Raychel was an absolute gem during my birth. I had no idea what to expect from birth or a birth doula, but she exceeded any expectations I did have. From supporting during early labor at home all the way to the moment my little one had arrived and was trying to nurse for the first time, Raychel was there. She was like family to us. She was there with me through thick and thin and I could not imagine having gone through it all without her. 

My birth story was painfully long. It began as I labored at home with the support of Raychel, my husband, my sister and my mother. With my sister and mother sleeping on the couch as I labored through the night, Raychel sat with me as I moved between catnaps and contractions. With every move I made, she was there talking me through it and applying counter-pressure. After a day or two (it's all a blur), my homebirth midwives and I decided to transfer me to the hospital. It was a very emotional evening for me plus contractions started kicking up as my midwife drove me and my husband to the hospital. Even though I told Raychel she didn't need to come yet (I presumed it would still take a while--which it sure did!), shortly after we arrived at the hospital she was there to help support our check in. From that point on Raychel never left my side until about an hour after my little one was born. And, this was a marathon--not a sprint! She stayed with us for several days and nights.

Truly, she is my hero and I can't imagine having given birth without her. She provided such knowledge and support in the hospital, from explaining the epidural to me, advocating for my wishes, and giving my husband support to helping me nurse for the first time. She slept on the floor of my hospital room for several nights, jumping everytime I even winced in pain. She's a blessing to her clients and I think every woman deserves someone just like Raychel by their side during labor.

She made 80 hours of labor bearable.”

— Nicole H, December, 2019

“Raychel and Kori were incredibly knowledgeable and informative throughout my pregnancy and were absolutely crucial to me feeling prepared for childbirth.

They were a great resource and provided honest advice on everything from how to alleviate specific muscle pain to what to expect at the hospital when regulations were constantly changing during the pandemic.

Raychel was our birth doula and we cannot imagine having gone through it without her. She was a constant source of comfort both physically and emotionally, and we were able to rely on her to be our advocate and guide. She helped me get through strong contractions and go as far as I could without intervention by applying constant pressure to my back and assuring me with calm and encouragement. She spoke up for me when I was in a lot of pain and incapacitated. She helped our daughter latch for the first time ever immediately after delivery and with breastfeeding during the postpartum visit.

With Raychel by our side, my partner was able to be fully present throughout without having to worry. We will forever be grateful to Raychel and Kori for making my first childbirth experience so positive!”

— Viv S, August, 2020

“I loved having Raychel and Kori as part of my team. It was great to have both of them as resources throughout my pregnancy.

When it came time to give birth, even though I had never met Raychel in person, I immediately felt comfortable with her.

She observed me through a few contractions and instinctually knew what I needed.  There was also a lot of postpartum follow up as well so I always felt supported in those early days.”

— Jaime M, October 2020

Video - A Birth Story

Watch a birth video from one of Kori’s former clients!

Podcast
Birth Matters - Episode 72

Podcast
Birth Matters - Episode 33