Daily Inspiration: Meet Raquel Kuner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raquel Kuner.

Hi Raquel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always been fascinated with pregnancy and birth since I was a small child. I would go into my Mom’s bedroom and flip through pages from a pregnancy book she had on her shelf. I would look at the pictures of mothers and their bellies, learning about how a baby develops and grows in the uterus and thinking ¨Wow, I can’t believe we can do that.¨

I always knew I would want to have a job that allowed me to work closely with mothers and babies, but I didn’t know what a doula was until after I graduated high school. I thought for a while maybe I would learn to be an ultrasound technician, but then I learned about doulas via people sharing on instagram and knew that job was exactly what I wanted to do.

I tried to take an online training course during the pandemic, but it was brutal, the timing was not the best for me and I didn’t have the support I needed to get through it. Even though I struggled, I still tried my best to read everything I could possibly learn about the topic. I followed many midwives and doulas on instagram and listened to their expertise and saw that they all see very similar patterns repeat in the medical system. I listened to many mothers’ birth stories, and asked questions about their experiences. I worked as a nanny for a few years and gained a lot of experience with childcare, and I was encouraged by my partner to take an in-person Doula training course through DONA International at Bini Birth in Sherman Oaks. I met so many lovely aspiring Doulas in that class and felt right at home. I felt perfectly aligned with the universe and felt exactly where I was meant to be. Our teacher Ana Paula Markel was incredibly informative and welcoming, along with her other colleagues; experienced massage therapist/yoga instructor and Doula, Rebecca Benenati, Postpartum Doula and trainer, Katherine Auger.

I know that even in my practice as a professional birth doula, I am still learning something new every day. I started Belly Belle Birth as an homage to my old nickname given to me by my sister as a child, and because it connects so perfectly with pregnant bellies. I am always excited to work with new expecting mothers’ and to help them feel held, while they hold their new baby.

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?
There were definitely struggles along the way. Back when I tried to take the first online training, there was no guide or teacher, no hands on or in person practice, and I was required to attend 5 births just to pass the training course which, at the time, was impossible due to strict covid restrictions in hospitals. I was at a standstill and realized I couldn’t complete the training. I would have to start over when I had the money to pay for another class, and when there was an opportunity to take one in person instead.
Now that I have the training under my belt, the new struggle is getting my business off the floor. Finding clients that want doula support for their birth, and also the client relying on a new person they have to build trust with can be challenging all on its own. Plus making sure my services are accessible to families while still making an income that allows me to support myself financially in California can be a difficult balance to strike. One day at a time I am navigating the unpredictability of it all and finding my way through the journey.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional birth doula. I provide expecting parents emotional, informational, and physical support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. I help families feel confident going into parenthood, provide them resources and evidence based research to help them make informed decisions. I also provide hands on comfort measures and show them different laboring options and positions to help the process of labor feel like something to be excited for instead of something to fear.
I am mainly known for being a musician/vocalist, and I think something that sets me apart from other doulas is that my 10+ years of being a vocal teacher has allowed me to provide birthing people vocalization tips and helpful ways to bring baby down and out of their bodies in a relaxed, and healthy way. Together, we practice breathing patterns and vocalizing without tension and strain, making it easier for baby to move down through the pelvis, and helping the laboring person use their voice to ease any pain they may feel, so they can cope with their contractions calmly.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.bellybellebirth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellybellebirth/
• Yelp: Https://yelp.to/Nw69iU8ZKc