We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachael Miller a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachael, thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

My defining moment was when I had my 3rd baby. I choose to have a birth I wanted and was supported by my medical team and family.

I was able to see birth in a very different view. I was at peace, I was supported, I was allowed to move, eat, and labor the way my body wanted me to. The birth team was performing hands on techniques and allowed me to labor in a birth tub.

These approaches to birth significantly reduced the feelings of the surges from the contractions. This experience was so different from my previous births in such a positive and supportive way and I was not afraid. I delivered a 10.5 lbs baby boy with little to no trauma to my body and my recovery was significantly faster. I was actually sad that the birth was over because this beautiful birth made me realize how birth can be different.

I had always loved working with women in pregnancy and postpartum and having this birth experience ignited my passion even more. I set forth to learn everything I can to support women in their motherhood journey.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Because of my birth experiences, I wanted to fulfill my passion to help mamas discover that the process of becoming and being a mother doesn’t have to be scary. Instead, pregnancy, giving birth and postpartum life can be customized to align with what they envision all stages of motherhood to be like.

So many moms and moms-to-be feel afraid of the unknown and wonder if they are going to be able to handle pregnancy, labor and delivery, and recovery. But, what I know and believe is that mamas have so many tools and skills in their own power that can bring a healthy labor, delivery, and recovery for both mama and baby.

For nearly 2 decades I have become a mom to 5 kids via multiple birth methods and settings, and also built a thriving women’s health physical therapy and coaching practice. In that process I have learned first hand that each mom’s journey from pregnancy to recovery is unique and can be full of joy and excitement, rather than fear.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

What I feel is the most helpful in succeeding in the field of physical therapy is to have compassion and love for those your serve. After many years in practice, I saw a need for women to be supported in motherhood that was lacking. I saw this in my own life experiences, but also hear these stories daily from the women in my community. I have learned from these experiences and have grown through showing compassion and love for my clients and community. In my practice, I listen to the mothers, meet their needs, and work with them so they feel supported in their motherhood journey.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Since becoming a physical therapist I have felt like there are always pivots and they are great for maturing and growing in my ability to provide care for my clients. I have worked in the inpatient trauma, outpatient orthopedics and sport, and school therapy with children with disabilities. Each of these environments, the professionals I have worked with, and the clients I have seen have developed my character and each added to the care I provide. Becoming a mother is what really changed my path though because I had to look at life differently. In addition to the birth story I shared, this stage of life helped me become passionate to help other mamas to shape their journeys. Becoming a mother made me realize that we need support and a community to help us prepare for children, prepare for birth, and heal postpartum while also carrying for our little one(s).

Contact Info:

• Website: www.drrachaelelizabeth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrachaelelizabeth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drrachaelelizabeth

Image Credits
Sherry-Lynne Photography Yamile Branch Photography