At 34 weeks pregnant with twins, I was feeling frustrated and frightened. I bought into the “high risk” label the medical community was pushing on me, but as birth approached, I felt I had to do something. My instincts told me that I could still have the birth I had imagined, even if others doubted me. And then we met Heather.I knew the minute we met her that Heather was exactly what we needed. She restored our belief that a natural birth was possible, even with twins. She was informative, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive of the kind of birth we imagined.

When the day finally arrived, I felt confident again that I could do this. And Heather’s faith in me was motivating. She was by my side during the entire labor and birth of my twin girls. I could not have done it without her. I was strong because she told me I was. We were confident because she helped inform and empower us. We were successful because she stood beside us. She was there to give back rubs, encouraging words, praise, and encouragement. Heather wore so many hats. Yes, she was our doula. But I learned that meant having a coach, a cheerleader, a teacher, and a friend in the room with us. Heather was calming, reassuring, and supportive the whole time. And my husband was so thankful to have someone there to help him as well! Our birth was incredible.

We achieved everything we set out to do, and we are forever grateful to Heather for helping us make that dream a reality. She is forever a part of our lives…a true hero. What a wonderful person. I really can’t praise Heather enough. My husband and I feel so incredibly lucky to have found Heather at the 11th hour. We know we owe so much to our doula! I would recommend Heather to anyone and everyone!!! Andi and Evie’s Mommy

As a self-proclaimed “big whimp” for pain I wanted a scheduled C-section, what I dubbed the “Brittany Spears,” when I found out I was pregnant. But my OB, and doula, Heather, convinced me otherwise, and as a pediatrician, I knew it was best for the baby – and it was! My doula suggested that my husband and I take and practice the HypnoBirthing method of childbirth. She explained the philosophy, and though I’d attended births in residency, had never observed a mother giving birth “naturally.” I had no idea what to expect, or that it was actually worth it. I entirely credit her for exploring the possibility of an un-medicated, natural childbirth. The classes were fantastic. All the knowledge we gained to prepare for our birth was so impressive.

I think too many people turn their birth over to the medical staff and don’t know their options – and I say this as a physician! I loved all the positive reinforcement both in and out of class (i.e. the CDs), which got me into the right mindset for the birth. I found the multiple videos extremely helpful, as I’m much more of a visual learner.

When I started labor, I was so relaxed and at ease, and had learned not to fight my body. My husband and I labored for a while, and then Heather arrived, and we labored quietly on the couch, in bed, on the toilet, until we all determined it was “time.” Given our close proximity to the hospital, we did all of our laboring at home, and when I came into the hospital, I was 10cm, and complete. No one could believe this, not me, given the fact that a few months ago I would never thought I could do labor, not the staff, given my relaxed, quiet state. I peacefully gave birth to my healthy baby boy two and a half hours later. Everyone was commenting on how alert and responsive he was the whole hospital stay! The HypnoBirthing techniques were so good I had other labor and delivery nurses coming into my room to see for themselves. Some of them asked for my doula’s card afterward!

I have already convinced some of my friends to give HypnoBirthing a try for their next child, because if I could do it, they could do it. Despite all the knowledge and preparation though, it wouldn’t have been a success without Heather’s support on that night. I look forward to her care again for any future children. Dr. Lisa Miller, MD

Heather was incredible! Her encouragement, ideas, and positive affirmations were invaluable. Our birth would have been a trainwreck without her! Truman’s Daddy

A very enjoyable birthing experience with Heather.OB/GYN comment

We really cannot thank you enough for all the knowledge, support and care you offered to us during my pregnancy and especially throughout our labor and delivery. We could not have done it without you and are overjoyed that you will forever be a part of Maia's life story. Thank you again and know that you will always have a special place in our hearts.Maia's Mommy

“What is she? A midwife or wet-nurse or something?”

“We didn’t have doulas and we got along just fine.”

“Are you sure that’s essential? Sounds like a lot of money to me.”

Ah, these are the statements and questions of the uniformed about the skill and practice of the doula – obviously the best friend of both the mother AND the father-to-be not only during the birthing process, but before and after.

Heather was our daughter’s doula and I am singing the praises of Heather and telling anyone who will listen that every new mother (and father) needs a doula in the birthing room. Heather was an essential member of the labor team and kept us all informed (parents in the waiting room, too) of what was occurring. She would go into her suitcase and out would come a visual aide or some other handy item. During my daughter’s difficult labor, Heather was the one with the patience and the one who kept the positive outlook for everyone.

Should you need a reference from the grandmother’s perspective, please feel free to provide my name and contact information. Thank you from all of us. Jamie’s Grandma

I am extremely happy that I got the natural birth experience that I wanted.  It would not have been possible without Heather’s support. Even though there were some difficult circumstances at the hospital, she was there as a great support to my husband and I. She kept me going through the toughest time – worked on keeping my focus on what I wanted even when I wanted to “give up.” This was the hardest thing I have ever done but she was right – it is also the most rewarding thing I have ever done! Finn’s Mommy

I really appreciate Heather’s help and guidance. She was invaluable. I would have been completely snowed under with everything that was going on. Thank you so very much. Finn’s Daddy

I have already recommended Heather to a friend who is planning to get pregnant in the next year or so. Heather was incredibly supportive of me during my late pregnancy and postpartum. She provided excellent information on a variety of topics and was always available to me for additional support. In addition to being a knowledgeable and experienced birth support person, Heather is naturally kind and compassionate. Working with her made me more confident as I prepared to give birth. Avery’s Mommy

Heather was wonderful - especially with her massage and kind words during strong contractions. It was amazing to have her here. Baby Elizabeth's Mommy

I would definitely recommend Heather to any of my friends. Kareem’s Mommy

Words could never express the amount of gratitude we have for your doula services. Thank you for believing in me even when I wasn’t sure I could continue. Truman’s Mommy

Heather was wonderful – I so enjoyed working by her side. She will be a huge support and strength to many laboring women. Nurse comment

Very supportive and kind. Nurse comment