Today we’d like to introduce you to Rae Koonce
Hi Rae , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Well, I thought I would go to college and get a degree in 4 years and be on my way. Not so much. Especially when you add in getting married at 19 and having three babies by the time I was 25. It’s hard to go to school and have children at the same time. I went to 4 different colleges and followed goodness knows how many degree plans. I kept changing my mind. Finally, I realized college just wasn’t for me. I got an associates degree of art, and my college education stopped there.
But later in life, in my thirties, I started to wonder what I would do now that I have teenagers and more freedom to work. I thought that Midwifery might be something I would enjoy doing. I have always been fascinated with childbirth. So I thought about it over the years. I just couldn’t make a hard and fast decision. Then I thought, what about a doula? I can do that. Not tons of school and I could see if I liked birth work enough to even want to be a midwife. So I made the decision and began my training as a doula. I took the birth doula class first and got my certification in 2019. Then Subsequently the postpartum and the breastfeeding class. Both also certified in 2019. And after that I began my journey as a doula.
It was a rough start. Dad doing drugs in the bathroom and a baby having shoulder dystocia where they had to finally just break her shoulder. They had to resuscitate her. It was a traumatic first birth for sure. But I pushed on. And now I love being a birth doula and a breastfeeding counselor. I’m still a postpartum doula, but I enjoy birth more. In 2023, I also took a class and became a bereavement doula. I am not a full time doula. I work part time. But I love it and feel like I have found my calling. I no longer desire to be a midwife. I love this job. It’s the best job ever in my opinion. I’m a lucky woman to have found what I truly love.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. I have dealt with struggles on my journey. In 2021 I lost my oldest son. I had to put my doula business aside. I picked it up again 6 months later. Then I had a very major surgery in early 2023 and ended up having to stop my doula business again. There have been many highs and some lows. I have helped a woman who was a surrogate through a birth. The mother of the baby got caught in bad traffic and got there 30 minutes before the birth, but it was incredible. But I also got hired by a pelvic floor doctor. She wanted to have a doula in her practice. Let’s just say it didn’t go well and I had to resign. As I said, lots of ups and a few downs.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What you should know about my business is that I love my job and I love being my own boss. I specialize in helping women and/or couples achieve the births they want. I’m known for my willingness to accept Medicaid clients. Medicaid doesn’t cover doulas, a lot of insurances don’t. The thing that sets me apart from others is the attention I give each of my clients. Because I don’t work full time, I have more time to love on my families and really dive into their lives. I am The Inked Doula and I love the name. It kinda explains my personality too. I love being a doula and if you are interested, feel free to text, call or email me.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
It’ll take some time at first. Networking is huge.
Pricing:
- Medicaid package $600
- Basic package $750
- Last minute package $350
- Cobi’s Song – Bereavement – free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theinkeddoula.com
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/theinkeddoula
Image Credits
Rae Koonce
