Testimonials

Rigel has an amazing mix of extreme competence, a relaxed attitude, and a lighthearted approach, which is absolutely what my husband and I were looking for in a postpartum doula! She really showed us how to care for our newborn baby while also fostering our independence. I couldn't recommend her more highly. 

• Danielle L.

Hiring Rigel was one of the best decisions we made during my pregnancy. I was initially hesitant about hiring a doula- I didn’t want someone who felt like a stranger. From my first meeting with Rigel, I was immediately comfortable and knew she was someone I’d want in my corner. She definitely was not just a stranger, she’s now someone I’d consider my friend!
Our prenatal sessions made both my husband and me feel prepared for labor and she was supportive of our plans. Toward the very end of my pregnancy, I was very uncomfortable and Rigel came to our home to help ease the discomfort and give my partner the tools to get me through and provide some relief.
During labor, Rigel knew what I needed/ didn’t even know I wanted in terms of support but she didn’t overshadow or get in the way of the support of my partner. Rigel is incredibly thoughtful and was a wonderful advocate in the delivery room. She helped us make decisions throughout labor, kept us calm and overall provided reassuring and positive energy throughout. Rigel is someone I’d want in the room for future births. She truly went above and beyond.

- Maddie B.

Rigel was my postpartum doula after my second kid was born. She filled the role of so many different people I needed during that time -- holding space for my emotions, keeping me company, sharing her expertise, validating with generosity and curiosity my choices as a mom, caring for and playing with my baby, entertaining my pre schooler, cooking delicious food, and ultimately becoming a friend. I tell everyone I know to get a postpartum doula because my experience with Rigel was so supportive. I am so happy she made her way to this work and love knowing how she will help so many new parents and families through her doula practice. 

-Laura P.

What a wonder Rigel was for our family after the birth our our 3rd baby! She was so attentive to our needs and our baby's and showed up with such a positive attitude! The energy she brought to our home was amazing and so uplifting! She was comfortable with us, our newborn and our toddlers. She was helpful caring for our entire family - the baby and her needs, and our family's (meal prep, postpartum support, and general assistance). I give Rigel my highest praise! And would recommend her wholeheartedly! 

-Kate R.

Rigel worked with my partner and I to usher us through the very emotional and confusing process of having one's first child. She was great! Honestly couldn’t say enough positive things about her. She patiently and calmly guided us to the birth of our baby boy. She helped us make a plan and advocated for our wishes once in the hospital. She was a calm voice in the storm.So glad we had a doula and even happier that it was Rigel! Book her before someone else does!

- Bryan W.

Rigel literally saved me from a c-section! When my birth plan dramatically changed due to complications, she did everything in her power to guide me through this difficult process.

My pregnancy was easy and uneventful, with no high risks, and I passed all tests perfectly. During labor, I suddenly developed severe pre-eclampsia, had an infection, and was super close to kidney failure. All this happened because my labor was 44 hours long, due to the baby not being in the optimal position (head down but sideways). While nothing worked to turn the baby from a medical point of view, Rigel suggested to the doctor an experimental technique with a rebozo, and it worked! Without that, I would have ended up with a c-section.

My husband also felt very comfortable with Rigel; she supported both of us, and we can't recommend her enough. We are very grateful. If you hire Rigel, you will have a strong support and birth advocate in your corner.

-Kate C.

I cannot recommend Rigel enough as a doula! We had a challenging few weeks before delivery, and Rigel was an unbelievable source of support for me during those difficult times. She was always available, and I really felt like she had my back and cared about my situation. In a health care system where you can easily feel overlooked or neglected, having a doula as thoughtful, calm and supportive as Rigel was invaluable. During the birth, Rigel kept us grounded and had so many ways to keep me comfortable and positive throughout the process. Thank you Rigel - I hate to think of doing all of that without you.

- Athena B.

My husband and I were both anxious at the beginning of our pregnancy. We met Rigel and after a couple of hours of our first meeting, we both felt completely alleviated of nerves and came away agreeing that we were so, so glad we decided to have a doula, and that we found Rigel. Rigel curated a plethora of information for us to digest over the coming weeks and was always available if we had questions in between our meetings.
I did not have a ‘plan a’ labor, but was so glad Rigel was with us to help us through plan b, and then c! It was a tough experience, but somehow still very sweet and that’s thanks to Rigel for being our ally, advocate and comfort all along the way.
I absolutely recommend Rigel. You won’t regret or spend a minute questioning your decision to work with her.

- Bethany B.

“I was initially ambivalent about having a doula for my second birth. A few weeks before my due date with #2, however, we changed our minds after meeting Rigel. With both childcare and COVID-19 hospital policies to juggle, we appreciated her flexibility in how she could best assist us. During labour itself, Rigel was calm, helpful, and reassuring. When back labour contractions struck, she responded immediately by using counter-pressure to mitigate the pain, and suggesting alternatives when necessary. She was perceptive and responsive to my need for support and, occasionally, my need for space. I was very grateful for her presence, and would not hesitate to recommend her or use her for subsequent births.”

- Shayna Z.

Rigel was actually the back-up doula for the original l doula I hired, who happened to be in another delivery. I was skeptical of basically a stranger coming over at 6 am while I was in labor, especially being a first time mom. Rigel’s warmth was immediately apparent and she helped me successfully complete 30 hours of labor in the comfort of my own home. She then met us at the hospital and helped me through delivering my healthy baby girl just 5 hours later. I would highly recommend her, a kind, caring, and knowledgeable woman.

-Brittany R.

Having Rigel as our birth doula to accompany us through the birth of our first child was by far the best decision we made during my pregnancy. We instantly felt a connection during our initial meeting and it was clear to us that Rigel understood our needs. She was accessible, easy to get in touch with and eager to provide answers. While we opted to deliver our baby at a hospital (Mt Sinai West), I knew I wanted to have a natural birth with minimal medical interventions. In retrospect, I can say this would never have been possible without Rigel’s support. After my waters broke in the early hours of the morning, she promptly came to our apartment and helped us assess the right time to head to the hospital. She stayed by my side through triage and delivery and never stopped supporting me with various pain management techniques such as the Rebozo, counter pressure and TENS. She communicated the details of our birth plan and confidently advocated for us with the hospital staff. She stayed until after the baby was delivered and we were settled.
If you are on the fence about hiring a birth doula, I am confident Rigel will make a strong and positive difference in your birth experience. We look forward to working with her again and are eager to recommend her to all our friends and family.

-Claire P.

My wife and I used Rigel’s postpartum services for 3 months, starting when our son was 7 weeks old, while we figured out longer-term childcare options. She was an immense help. She took excellent care of our little one- serenading him with her singing, and lovingly massaging and bathing him. We enjoyed coming home from work to a happy baby, a tidy house with laundry folded, and sometimes with dinner waiting in the oven. We were very grateful for her support during the transitional period before my son joined full time daycare. - Imran K.

Rigel was our doula for the birth of our first child. We are so grateful to have had her with us for that incredible experience!

My husband and I were initially hesitant to hire a doula for our birth center birth, because we wanted him to be my support person and worried a doula might overstep and leave my husband out of the picture. We interviewed and couple of doulas and expressed our concerns about this. When speaking to Rigel during the interview profess, my husband and I immediately appreciated her demeanor and felt like we would be comfortable hiring her. She was extremely respectful of our wishes and supportive of our birth plan. She encouraged my husband's plans to be my main support and said she would be there to help however we needed her.

We also liked that she is a lactation consultant, and is trained in a variety of pain coping tactics such as rebozo.

On the day I went into labor, Rigel helped me cope with contractions at home by massaging my shoulders, my feet, and being very attentive to my ever-changing needs as labor progressed. As she promised, she also allowed my husband to support me however I needed to, which sometimes meant she was just watching us and encouraging us through contractions. It was so reassuring to have her input as we monitored contractions and decided on when to leave for the birth center.

During the uber ride, she timed my contractions and had a breathing pattern or mantra ready for us to use for each one.

Once at the birth center, Rigel was a wonderful advocate and continued support. I eventually got so focused that I couldn't do much talking and I didn't want much physical touch from anyone. Still, she was so helpful- she texted updates to our anxious family members (a wonderful plan she suggested in advance!), took photos we'll cherish forever, and spoke encouraging words. After our daughter was born, she took it upon herself to go out and get us plenty of food to eat while we bonded with our baby, even though it was late and most places nearby were closed.

Rigel is truly a wonderfully caring doula with your best interests at heart. We recommend her to anyone!

-Erin B.

“I used Rigel as my post-partum doula while recovering from a c-section at the hospital. She is very punctual, helpful, friendly, and easy to work with. She loves babies and took great care of my newborn. She supported me in all the decisions I made at the hospital regarding patient choices and newborn care. I am forever grateful for the help she provided me after the surgery. I wish her the best and whole-heartedly recommend her services.”

-Bushra G.