Rachel Nicks, Founder of Birth Queen
With an impressive background as a doula, fitness instructor and mom—Rachel founded Birth Queen to provide safe, supported, empowered, and beautiful birth experiences for everyone.
Poppy Gifting x Akin is honored to donate 10% of the proceeds from our collaborative A Postpartum Kit to Birth Queen's mission.
Read on to learn more about Rachel's story!
Rachel's Notes on Postpartum Healing, The Vision Behind Birth Queen & Gifting
Can you share a little bit about yourself and your journey to where you are right now?
Hello everyone my name is Rachel Nicks and I am from Oakland Ca and I reside In NYC. I am the mother of two delicious boys, 3 and 9 months.
Movement has been a part of my life since I was 2. Fitness found me and I am so blessed to have the gift of helping people move and achieve goals and love themselves inside out.
I founded Birth Queen because I was to ensure that every Black mother has the chance to not only survive her birth but thrive.
Would love to hear about your experience during pregnancy and postpartum with your boys.
My pregnancies were wonderful. I really love being pregnant. I feel so healthy and strong and beautiful. I was tuned into my body and made sure I rested and worked out according to my body’s needs. I made sure I did my pelvic floor exercises throughout my pregnancy and postpartum and I allowed my body to heal!
I felt stronger sooner after having my most recent son Baldwin than I did after Samuel. What's really awesome is that I am proud to say at 37 and with a 9 month old and still breastfeeding I feel stronger and sexier than ever. Moms are badasses.
We are so excited to share 10% of the profits with Birth Queen. Could you share more about what inspired your mission, vision, and plans for the future?
After countless sleepless nights during the summer of 2020 during my third trimester with my son Baldwin. I realized my fear of bringing another Black son into this racist world was debilitating. I refuse to live in fear and felt compelled to create change. I decided to combat the Black maternal health crisis using my unique skills as an actor, trainer, doula, lactation counselor, and mother.
I had a clear vision in September of 2020 right before giving birth to collect Black birth stories. After 6 months of meditating and dreaming I took a leap of faith and founded Birth Queen. We provide Balconbirthong people with education and support and find trainings for Black birth workers. I have big dreams for my baby girl Birth Queen. I ask that everyone join the family and be a part of the solution as we save lives and give the gift of joy and abundance one Birth at a time.
Do you have any favorite or go-to gifts for loved ones? Has there been a gift that’s left a particularly lasting memory on you?
I always get mamas things they really need for themselves or baby. Like a great pump or doc-a-tot or milk storage bags or a spa gift card or nursing bra and cute postpartum panties. I love my knit booties and blankets from my mom and aunt.
Has there been a gift that’s left a particularly lasting memory on you?
I love my knit booties and blankets from my mom and aunt.
