Supporting Birth with Heart and Soul — pink heart logo

Personal birth support with Rachel Soumekh

Experienced hands. A caring heart.

Feel supported.
Feel heard.
Welcome your baby.

Compassionate, personal birth support with Rachel Soumekh, a DONA certified birth doula with over 20 years of experience.

Serving Beverly Hills and the west side of Los Angeles

Sleeping newborn, preserved from the original Heart and Soul Doula website
A new beginning. Held with care.
20+ yearsSupporting women through birth
DONA certifiedCertified since 2004
Personal careSupport shaped around you
Heart & SoulCare centered on you
Rachel Soumekh, birth doula
Meet your doula

A calm presence.
A deeply personal calling.

Accompanying women through labor and birth is an honored privilege and an experience I absolutely treasure. Being able to lift her spirits, hold her hand, and provide support and guidance is tremendously rewarding.

My name is Rachel Soumekh. I became certified with DONA International in 2004 and am a trained childbirth educator with ICEA. I have accompanied and supported hundreds of women through labor and birth.

As a mother of four daughters, I understand how precious this journey is. I bring warmth, calm, and a deep respect for the physical and spiritual experience of welcoming a new soul into the world.

Let’s get to know each other →

Becoming a Doula

I have always been fascinated by pregnancy and birth as far back as I can remember. At the age of seven, I was involved with my older sister’s experience of pregnancy and labor.

Being a part of such a miracle of nature and offering my love and care has stayed with me until today. Over the past twenty-five plus years, many friends have asked me to support them through their labor and birth. I’ve been told that they wanted me at their side because I bring with me a sense of calm and confidence. They feel secure because they are in loving, caring hands.

These experiences motivated me to become a professional Doula and I have been certified by DONA International (Doulas of North America) in 2004 and also became a trained childbirth educator with ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association). To date, I have accompanied and supported hundreds of women through labor and birth.

For me, pregnancy, labor, and birth are of a spiritual and physical nature. I have spent the past twenty years of my life studying and teaching spirituality, with the emphasis on personal growth and transformation. As a result, I see the rewards of combining these teachings with my doula service.

I have been married to my soul mate Michael for the past twenty nine years and we have been blessed with four beautiful daughters. As a mother, I have an intrinsic understanding of the precious and wondrous journey you are embarking on. Being pregnant and giving birth has been the most cherished experience of my life.

Your birth. Your support.

Care for the journey
to meeting your baby.

A doula offers emotional support, physical comfort, and help understanding your options, alongside your partner and medical care team.

01 / BEFORE BIRTH

Prepare with confidence

We usually meet around three times before your birth, with flexibility for additional meetings as needed. Together, we get to know each other, talk through your hopes and preferences, and prepare a birth plan to discuss with your doctor or midwife.

02 / THROUGH LABOR

Steady, continuous care

Personal support during labor and birth at home, a birth center, or the hospital. Breathing, relaxation, massage, movement, and reassuring guidance are tailored to your needs.

03 / TOGETHER

Support for your partner

Encouragement and practical guidance help your partner take part in your care. Together, we make space for your questions, preferences, and connection.

Birth doula package

$2,800 · Contact Rachel for availability and package details.

Ask about your due date
In their own words

Care that stays with you.

Words from families and care professionals.

“Her knowledge, energy, experience and the sound of her voice would be a support to any woman, whether it be her first pregnancy or fifth.”
TIFFANY OLSON
“She kept me calm and focused and it was so comforting to have her by my side especially because she's so experienced.”
MICHELLE GALOOB
“Excellent balance of supporting family's wishes and meeting hospital providers' needs to monitor patient. Gentle, calm and pleasant presence. Come back soon!”
SUSAN HUSER, CNM · Cedars Sinai Hospital
Read more from families

“To have my OBGYN and his nursing staff comment that they were in awe of Rachel and the "spiritual birth" that she facilitated is a huge testament to the unique gifts that Rachel possesses. Both literally and figuratively, Rachel held my hand as I learned so much about who I am, what I am capable of, and what my body is designed to do. I feel truly blessed to have been guided throughout my pregnancy and delivery by her.” — Eira Schwyzer

“Rachel Soumekh was my doula for both of my children. She was an amazing prescence both times. She walked with me, lead me in spiritual meditations, and so much more. Rachel has the ability to know just what say to help guide you along in every moment. I really can't imagine a birth without Rachel Soumekh! Thank you so much Rachel.” — Rochelle Turgeman

“Rachel was an amazing doula! She understood the special circumstances of my delivery, without judgement. With the biggest heart, love and compassion she was there for us the whole time I was in labor. I would recommend her as an amazing doula!” — Maria Mahboubi

“She was totally present at every moment of my needs. She showed me unconditional care and has the patience for long hours of labor.” — Veronica Ciko

“Having Rachel there to share her experience and expertise was invaluable. I give her the highest recommendation” — Chris Ciko

Read more from care professionals

“Rachel was a wonderful plus loving presence – I enjoyed working with her very much.” — Monica Lundry, RN MSN, Cedars Sinai Hospital

“Rachel was and excellent help in the patience labor care!” — Grisela I, RN, Cedars Sinai Hospital

“Rachel is an excellent Doula. I welcome her at all my deliveries.” — Dr. Zoya Preys, M.D, Cedars Sinai Hospital

What does a birth doula do?

A birth doula provides nonmedical emotional, physical, and informational support. Rachel works alongside your partner, doctor, midwife, and nurses; clinical decisions and medical care remain with your licensed care team.

Begin with a conversation

Let’s talk about
your birth.

Share your due date, where you plan to give birth, and what matters most to you. We can discuss availability and whether we’re a good fit.