RACHEL BRANDES

Rachel loves learning about people’s favorite forms of self-expression and welcomes any and all conversations about what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Even if it feels silly, discovering ways to express your interests and desires can help create meaningful methods to support you throughout your reproductive journey. Rachel believes the more she gets to know you as a whole person, the better she can provide care that feels individualized and true to who you are. As a professional dancer, she enjoys exploring movements that can support the body during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum; offering fun, approachable ways to move, inspired by her pole experience. She is also interested in the connection between sexuality and birth and welcomes conversations about pleasure, intimacy, and how your relationship with your body can become a powerful tool during labor. Rachel completed a three-month full-spectrum doula training as well as a 40-hour intensive birth doula training. She opened her business, Oceans Embrace Birth Services, two years ago and has been supporting families since. Her practice is rooted in reproductive justice: the belief that all birthing people deserve accessible, inclusive, informed, and autonomous care. She advocates for abortion access, inclusive sex education, queer and trans-affirming care, support for sex workers, and compassionate care for all birthing people. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Service Studies from Elon University and has worked in a variety of roles, from waitressing and gymnastics coaching to being a domestic violence advocate and a doula. Her experience as a domestic violence advocate reinforced the importance of bodily autonomy and inspired her transition to working with birthing people. She believes in your right to make informed, empowered decisions about your body and your birth, honoring how you want to move, be touched (or not), listen to your body, trust yourself, collaborate with your care team, and have your choices respected. She encourages you to bring your cultural, spiritual, and religious practices, along with any traditions that feel meaningful, into your birth journey. Rachel believes in building relationships that feel safe, trusting, and collaborative, and she cannot wait to walk alongside you throughout your birth and/or postpartum journey.