Rachel HansenPrenatal & Birth Support and Lactation Specialist
Loving Hands Doula Service
Serving Sacramento & surrounding areas
Email: rrhan@sbcglobal.net
Phone: (916) 548-0672 cell
(916) 455-8568 home
Background, Experience & Training:
I have been studying birth since 1994 and gave birth at home in 1998 to my beautiful daughter Ruhiyyih. I am certified through Doulas of North America (DONA) since 2001 and have attended over 250 births. I am also certified as a lactation specialist and teach private childbirth classes. Since 2007 I have been studying midwifery through National Midwifery Institute, as well as an apprenticeship with Birthstream Midwifery Service, and hope to become a California Licensed Midwife in 2011.
Special Note:
I believe that pregnancy and childbirth are a sacred time for the mother, baby and family. Women should be fully informed to make their own decisions about childbirth, and fully supported in giving birth in a loving and safe environment with caregivers who respect their wishes. I help pregnant women and their partners explore their hopes and fears about birth. During labor, I work with the partner, providing loving touch and encouragement to help the woman face the physical and emotional challenges of labor and birth. Giving birth reveals a woman's inner power and beauty, brings her closer to her partner, and prepares her for motherhood.
Services:
I attend births both at home and in the hospital, and offer prenatal, birth, and postpartum support, including breastfeeding support. Two prenatal visits in your home give us a chance to get to know each other and to prepare for the birth journey. I have birth balls to lend to clients if needed. During labor and birth, I am there continuously to provide emotional support, encouragement, suggestions, massage, education and advocacy, beginning at home in early labor if needed. I respect each woman's choices about interventions and pain medication. After the birth, I stay to help with initial breastfeeding. Two postpartum visits in your home focus on breastfeeding support, as well as questions you may have about newborn care or your recovery, and I bring an herbal sitz bath brew to help with healing after the birth.
I offer my services on a sliding scale and offer flexible payment plans. If you are interested in a free interview in your home, please call or email. I look forward to talking with you about your birth