Meet a Local Doula: A Q&A With Rachel of The FED Doulas
Supporting Families Through Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum in Sauk & Dane County
One of my favorite parts of running this site is introducing local moms to resources they may not even realize are available right here close to home. If you’re pregnant, trying to conceive, or supporting someone who is, this Q&A with Rachel of The FED Doulas is for you.
We’re breaking down what a doula is, how doula support works, and how having the right support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum can make a real difference.
Tell us a little about yourself and your doula practice.
My name is Rachel, and my business is Rachel the FED Doula LLC. I partner with Kirsten the FED Doula to run our shared social media page, The FED Doulas — FED stands for Feeding, Encapsulation, and Doula.
I live in Reedsburg and I’m a mom to a 3-year-old and a 2-year-old (both daughters), plus a bonus 13-year-old son. I became a doula about three years ago alongside Kirsten and another friend after we all experienced very different pregnancies, births, and postpartum journeys.
After having my first daughter, I quickly realized how little I truly understood about pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and breastfeeding. I struggled with postpartum rage and had supply issues with breastfeeding, which left me feeling like I had failed. Kirsten and our friend Kaitlyn became my lifeline during that time. Because of how life-changing that support was, the three of us decided to pursue DONA birth doula training so we could offer that same support to other families.
While Kaitlyn has since stepped back to focus on her family and education, I’ve been incredibly grateful to be part of many beautiful births since then. No two families or births are ever the same, and I continue learning something new every time.
For those brand new to the idea, what is a doula?
A doula is a trained, non-medical support professional who provides education and support during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. My role focuses on emotional support, physical comfort, education, and helping families feel confident in advocating for their wishes.
A doula does not replace medical staff, rather, we work alongside your care team. I also support the birth partner as needed so they feel confident and included in the experience.
What services do you offer?
I currently offer:
- Birth doula services
- Postpartum doula support
- Placenta encapsulation
- Lactation support
Virtual support is also available when needed, though in-person services are more common now that visitor restrictions have lifted.
What makes your approach unique?
I truly focus on building a real connection with the mom and family. To me, being a doula is more than a job…it’s a passion. I’m always continuing my education so I can follow best practices for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery.
My experience as both a mom and a nurse plays a big role in how I support families. And honestly, even if a family chooses another local doula, it still makes me happy knowing they’re receiving the support that feels right for them.
When should someone reach out to a doula during pregnancy?
It really depends on how much support you’d like throughout pregnancy. A doula can be hired at any point, but if you’d like time to build a relationship, ask questions, and prepare fully, I typically recommend reaching out by around 20 weeks.
Hiring earlier also increases your chances of securing a doula who is available near your due date and gives you time to interview different doulas to find the best fit.
What does support look like during pregnancy?
On average, I offer two prenatal visits where we build rapport, go over education, create toolkits, and prepare for birth together. I also support clients through text, email, and phone calls.
Every family’s needs are different, so I tailor my support to what works best for each mom’s learning style and comfort level.
What can families expect from you during labor and birth?
Once labor may be starting, I like to be notified as soon as possible. I often provide text or phone support as labor begins and then come in-person when the family feels they need physical support which is most commonly during active labor.
During labor I provide:
- Position changes
- Breathing guidance
- Visualization
- Gentle touch
- Emotional support
I stay through birth and 1–2 hours postpartum, or until the family feels settled.
Do you offer postpartum support?
Yes! Our birth doula packages include 8 weeks of postpartum text, call, and email support, with at least one in-person postpartum visit. Additional postpartum packages can include breastfeeding and pumping support, postpartum doula care, and other assistance families may need during recovery.
What areas do you serve?
I primarily serve Sauk County and Dane County, and I’m open to traveling with advanced planning. My partner Kirsten primarily serves Dane County, and we serve as backup for each other if ever needed.
What does hiring a doula typically cost?
My base birth doula package is $1,500, which includes:
- Two prenatal visits
- Labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum support
- One postpartum visit
- Ongoing text, phone, and email support through 8 weeks postpartum
That said, I’m very open to discussing custom packages based on a family’s needs.
Are flexible payment options available?
Absolutely. I strongly believe all moms should have access to a doula if they want one. I offer payment plans, flexible packages, and service trades when appropriate. I also accept HSA/FSA funds through PayPal Business.
How can families contact you?
I offer free consultations either in person or via Zoom. You can find me:
- On Facebook: The FED Doulas
- By email: rachelthefeddoula@gmail.com
- On my website: www.rachelthefeddoula.com
What do you wish more parents knew about doulas?
I wish more parents knew that a doula is an addition to your care team in any birth setting — hospital, birth center, or home. Even if a family can’t afford a full doula package, I’m always willing to discuss alternative options so more moms can have support.
Final advice for expecting parents?
Find learning resources that match both your style and your birth partner’s. Books, podcasts, childbirth classes, videos, and blogs are all great tools. Also, know who you can reach out to for support and local resources (a doula can help with that, as can friends, family, and your medical team, especially during postpartum).
If you’re pregnant or planning to be, learning about doula care early can be one of the most empowering steps you take. Support looks different for every family — and that’s exactly how it should be.
This information was provided by Rachel Gottschalk, a local doula offering birth and postpartum support for families in our area. You can follow along with her work at The FED Doulas: Feeding, encapsulation and doula services or reach her via email at rachelthefeddoula@gmail.com.
