Testimonials
While it's easy for us to try to tell you what your experience will be like
with Blissful Midwifery, we feel as though our clients say it best.
Read below to find out what they have to say about us
Throughout my pregnancy, birth and recovery, Raquel was a blessing in so many ways. In addition to her wealth of knowledge and experience, she was truly an advocate for me and my wishes for my pregnancy and birth. Without hesitation, I would recommend Raquel to any woman seeking midwife or doula services. I am sincerely grateful for her and my entire birth experience with her. Brooke, Madison WI
At first, I was a little apprehensive about home birth/water birth. However, during our consultation with Raquel, it became clear that all my apprehensions were based in my own ignorance. Raquel was simply put, AMAZING throughout the duration of the pregnancy and birth of our baby. She was devoted to ensuring we had the at home birth experience we envisioned. Her care and compassion throughout assured us that we made the right decision to have a home birth and Raquel as our midwife. When we decide to expand our family, it will be done at home, under her care.
Adam, Colombus WI
Thank you for your help and expertise. You have gone above and beyond in your care for our little family and we are so grateful. The homebirth experience was absolutely wonderful. I would totally do it again! Thank you for your kindness and heartfelt compassion. Verona, Cassie and Krzysztof
Words can not express how thankful I am for you! You were such a blessing coming in late in my pregnancy and jumping in with both feet. Thank you so much for your willingness to work with us. It was wonderful getting to know you! I hope the rest of the year is filled with wonderful families and beautiful births. Rebekah, Watertown WI
As a first time mother who wanted to have a home birth, partnering with Raquel as my midwife was an awesome experience. It was such a gift to birth my daughter in my own environment. But what made it so natural was that my prenatal visits were also at home with Raquel, so she was already familiar with my family and our space prior to the birth. Raquel is highly professional and proficient in her work as a midwife. I can tell that she truly cares about her clients in a holistic way that is also very respectful to diverse family structures and lifestyles. I cannot express how valuable it was for me to feel comfortable and free of judgement with those who attended my birth! Prior to having Raquel as my midwife, I never imagined how impactful a midwife could be for postpartum support. In addition to checking up on my daughter, Raquel provided a lot of emotional support for me and my partner, which was so helpful during our early fourth trimester experience. I would definitely recommend Raquel Shoemaker as a midwife for those who are seeking an attended home birth. Madeline, Madison WI
Words can't express our gratitude for you being part of our last minute birth plan! It was nice to have you there for support. Please keep in touch! Much Love! Erin & Jerremiah
When I found out I was pregnant with Baby #2, I reached out to a placenta encapsulator, Raquel Shoemaker (she is also a midwife!), and met with her about encapsulating my placenta. She explained the process of encapsulation and the potential benefits. When I look back and compare my two postpartum recoveries, they were like night and day. I attribute it partially to a much shorter labor (3 hours of labor with 21 minutes of pushing) and my placenta pills. The day I came home from the hospital, I was doing laundry. My energy levels were much higher than I expected and my recovery was on schedule. I was also able to breastfeed for 15 months and NO MASTITIS! Raquel picked up my placenta from me after I was transferred from Labor and Delivery to Family Care Suites at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison. She delivered my placenta pills and heart shaped umbilical cord to me at the hospital before I checked out! I was surprised and excited that it was such a quick turn around time. Dominique, Verona WI
Raquel was our doula throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. She is wonderful to work with and is always there to answer questions. She even did our placenta encapsulation, which was a major bonus! I feel so grateful for Raquel and her kind support. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a doula or midwife.
Rachel, Janesville WI
Thank you very much for being my doula. Your wisdom and advice throughout my pregnancy, advice on the day of my son's birth and support at the hospital as I was giving birth have been so helpful and priceless. Thank you specifically for giving me exercises, coaching me as I labored at home and helped me breath through the contractions.
Hattie, McFarland WI
Raquel was the assisting midwife for the birth of our second child. I did not have the chance to meet her before labor began, and unfortunately, I have not seen her since. We think of her as some kind of birth fairy that arrived when needed and then faded away... I don’t plan to be pregnant again in this life, but if I were I would want Raquel to be there for the birth. She was a kind and calming presence which is so necessary for welcoming new life. Kay, Madison WI
As my pregnancy with my second child progressed, my husband and I had a change in heart for where we wanted my delivery and birth to take place. It was a huge step for us but after much thought, research and prayer, we decided to go out on a limb, change care providers last minute, and make those wishes of bringing our second baby into this world in the comfort and quietness of our home come true. My friend kindly did all the leg work of researching midwives in the surrounding areas for me as I was busy caring for an active toddler and growing a baby. She passed on Raquel’s information to us and we set up an appointment to meet together as soon as possible.
After meeting Raquel my husband and I felt a sense of peace that she was going to be the perfect fit. We were excited to hire her and were thankful for the outcome. She provided a wonderful sense of knowledge, care and support in those last few months of pregnancy, during labor/the birth of our son, and postpartum. Her calm demeanor and care throughout the whole process was truly a blessing, and it especially helped in keeping me relaxed and feeling secure throughout it all. We happily and safely welcomed our son into our hearts and home with her by our side. We are so thankful we followed through with our gut feeling and made the decision to hire her last minute. We would definitely recommend Raquel to be a part of anybody’s pregnancy, labor & delivery, and aftercare experience, as she truly is wonderful at what she does and creates such a rewarding experience! Karissa, Freeport IL
I would highly recommend Blissful Midwifery for placenta encapsulation. I used this service and have no complaints whatsoever! Raquel was very professional and prompt with all communications and pick up/delivery of the capsules. For my 3rd baby and first time having this done, I can see a huge difference in my recovery this time versus my other babies. I have more energy and far less baby blues/depression feelings. I wanted to do this for combating fatigue and it’s working so well!! I highly recommend this to any pregnant mamas and recommend Blissful Midwifery!! Thank you so much!
Micah, Waunakee WI
Raquel is so dedicated to helping women and their husbands have a joyful birthing experience! She was so supportive and spent much time answering questions I had throughout my pregnancy prior to and during my very quick birth! Raquel is very knowledgeable and I highly recommend her as a doula and placental encapsulator to anyone and everyone! Ann, Madison WI
Free Consultation
Raquel Shoemaker, CPM, LM
Before choosing a midwife or doula, it is important to have an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the care you will be receiving, and make sure you have found the right fit for you and your family.
Blissful Midwifery offers complimentary hour-long consultations just for that purpose. These consultations take place virtually via zoom. Husbands, partners and children are always welcome.