Rachel Hanlon

Hi! I’m Rachel.

I am a DONA International Trained Birth Doula. I am also a Breastfeeding Counsellor, Certified Trageschule Babywearing Consultant, Hypnobirthing teacher and Advanced VBAC Doula.

I have always wanted to support people through labour and birth, long before I had children and before I knew what a doula was. When I discovered what a Birth Doula was, I knew it was what I was made to do. With having 3 babies and being a stay-at-home mum, it wasn’t the right time to train as my babies were small and needed their mum around. So, I did other training and supported parents in other ways that fit around them.

Now my babies are grown enough to be comfortable without their mum, so I trained to be a birth doula in March ’18 and now attend births and support parents through this wonderful event in their lives.

I believe every person has the right to choose what is right for them and to be fully supported to do so. I always offer unconditional support to my clients.

Every client I support is completely unique, no two clients are the same and no two clients need the same support. I always meet the clients where they are and offer the support they need. I mould to their needs.

I also have experience supporting solo parents where I am their birth partner. This is a slightly different role to being an additional support person. I provide more in-depth support in this role.

I have a special interest in VBAC and have an abundance of experience supporting clients through their VBAC journey. Having planned a VBAC birth myself I have a unique insight into the feelings and the deep need that a VBAC brings. I understand the importance of this experience to the core of our being. To be an even better support for my VBAC clients I have attended an Advanced VBAC Doula course. This course was invaluable and allows me support my clients in the best possible way with up to date evidence based information and best practice specific to VBAC.

I am passionate about everything birth related. I am an avid reader and read everything I can about pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. I bring all this knowledge to my clients through my doula support and my classes. I continue to keep up to date with evidence-based research, information and recommendations which is a hugely important part of my job. I regularly attend webinars, conferences and trainings to make I am the best doula I can be for my clients. I long for my clients to have a positive, empowering experience during their pregnancy, labour and birth.

During your labour, I offer continuous support to both you and your partner. I don’t leave. I make sure you are comfortable by offering a range of comfort measures that you find useful. Sometimes that is just being hugged or held. As a hypnobirthing teacher I can bring those skills to your birthing space. I can help you remain relaxed and calm during each surge to help reduce the intensity you may experience. Through our meetings I will discover what is important to you during your birth and when the day comes, I can help you achieve the birth you want. I can help you feel strong and empowered throughout your experience.

After your baby is born, I will help maintain a calm environment for you to enjoy the golden hour. Although I am a breastfeeding counsellor, I will help you with your first feed be it bottle or breast. Just like I support you through your birth choices, I also support your feeding choices. I support you doing what is best for you and your family.

I am fully insured and garda vetted.

I absolutely love every moment of my job and feel so privileged that families allow me to share this momentous journey with them.