Meet Your Doula ~ Rachel Stonebrook
As your doula, I will guide you (and your partner) through all of your options, helping you to tap into the strength of your body and trust your intuitive voice. Together, we will develop a clear vision for your birth experience. I work to create a calm, nonjudgmental environment where you feel cared for, so that even if things don’t go as planned, you will know all your options and feel supported at all times.
My hope, as your birth doula, is to be a source of support that empowers you to be brave and at peace during childbirth.
Photo by Ally Davis Photography, 2023. (Bliss Birth Center, Conroe, TX)
During childbirth, I will help you navigate the flow of labor, providing unwavering support and encouragement to families. My extensive toolkit includes coaching, body work, counter pressure, acupressure, labor positioning, and aromatherapy, among many other techniques. This comprehensive approach ensures that each family receives personalized care tailored to their specific preferences and circumstances.
Photo by Brittany Grubbs, 2019. (Bliss Birth Center, Conroe, TX)
As a doula, I am an ally, advocate, and confidante to my families, helping them embrace the transformative experience of childbirth with confidence and empowerment. With RadLoveDoula, I am on a mission to make every birthing experience a positive and memorable one, filled with love, care, and support.
Education & Experience
Education
Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies, M.A.; The Ohio State University, 2011 | English, Literary Studies. B.A.; Otterbein University 2008
Trainings
Doula Trainings International | Birth Arts International | Full Spectrum Doula Skills Support | TALWD Lactation Principles & Advanced Lactation Management | Las Manos Magicas Rebozo for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond |Transformed by Birth Apprenticeship with Britta Bushnell | Bengkung Belly Binding | Acupressure for Birth Professionals | LGBTQ Birth Project CBE | Fifth Vital Sign Facilitator Training | Sex & Birth Training CBI | ISEE Training & Supervision (Sexuality & Wellness)
Experience
Full Spectrum Doula 2012— | Lactation Education 2012— | Gender & Cultural Diversity Corporate Trainer 2018— | Sexual Health & Wellness Educator 2009— |Lecturer, Women's, Gender, Sexuality Studies, The Ohio State University 2009-2019 | Lecturer, Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies, University of Houston 20015-2018
My journey to become a doula began 12 years ago with my third pregnancy and the successful home birth of my daughter. For the first time, I had an experienced doula by my side (during a 19-hour labor!), and the emotional and physical support made a huge impact on me.
Transformed by this experience, I decided to become a doula full-time after many years of teaching in higher education, where I earned a M.A. in Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies from The Ohio State University (GO BUCKS!). Since then, I continue to create and facilitate workshops, trainings and private classes on childbirth education, newborn care, fertility, gender, reproductive justice, women & leadership and sexual wellness to diverse groups in the Houston community.
My passion for doula-ing could not happen without the support and love of my family!
““And I said to my body, softly. ‘I want to be your friend.’ It took a long breath and replied ‘I have been waiting my whole life for this.’”
― Nayyirah Waheed”