“Heather was an amazing doula from start to finish. We interviewed MANY doulas and we chose Heather because she was professional, clearly knew her stuff, kind and warm, and real. We could easily imagine her calming, insightful presence at the birth. I really wanted a natural birth and yet knew I had to deliver at a hospital, due to some early complications. Heather put our mind at ease that she knew several methods and techniques to help me labor as long as possible at home, only going to the hospital to deliver.
I know these things are often not in our control, but I have to say, that is EXACTLY what came to pass. Before I get there, however, I must say that Heather was ALWAYS available -- she helped us with our registry, she answered lots of questions through the pregnancy, when she came for her visits, she stayed for HOURS until all our questions were answered. She never rushed and never seemed annoyed.
At the birth itself, Heather was a ROCK STAR. She prevented me from potentially having painful back labor through positioning. She listened pushed me to walk and to exercise to help me dilate, and she was by my side, telling me the most encouraging possible things when I thought I couldn't go on. She let me squeeze her hand so hard I’m surprised I didn't break them. She supported my husband equally. We both loved her tremendously and are eternally grateful to her for helping me have the birth I so badly wanted. I could say 1000 more things, but suffice it to say, Heather is the BOMB. She is really really skilled and you will be in great hands.” – Yael
“Heather is more than a doula, she is a birth angel! My husband and I credit my successful 20 hour unmedicated labor and delivery in June 2018 to Heather's calming presence, endless pain management techniques, extensive experience and unflappable personality. She is the only person with whom I could imagine sharing this most intimate and transformative experience. Heather has a gift for imparting her decades of birth worker knowledge while helping a first time mother like me embrace my natural birthing instincts. She does not take the place of your husband or partner. Instead, she ensures that your support person is active and involved in a productive way that helps labor progress and eases discomfort. She is nonjudgmental and welcoming of all birth experiences. My husband and I chose to have a hospital birth, but with Heather's help, we were able to primarily labor in the comfort of our own home and arrive at the hospital when I was 9cm dilated. She is the Mary Poppins of doulas with a birth bag that included anything we'd ever need. From inflatable birthing balls that helped me cope with contractions, to essential oils that masked hospital smells with lavender aroma, to the perfect length straws so I'd never have to spend an extra ounce of energy to stretch my neck to hydrate, there is nothing that Heather hasn't thought through. She has a gift for communicating with doctors, nurses and hospital workers in a way that elicits mutual respect. When I needed to advocate for myself, she helped me communicate my wishes in a way that ensured they would be heard and respected. Somehow, as she was tending to me and my husband, applying counter pressure during contractions, carrying our luggage and helping us navigate hospital bureaucracy, Heather managed to photograph the most unforgettable moments of our birth. I cannot recommend her highly enough. No matter what kind of birth you are planning, hiring Heather will ensure that you have an empowered and memorable experience, complete with photos so you can relive every special moment!” – Kimberly
“Choosing to hire a doula was a last-minute decision, and one I am so glad we made - because we found Heather! Any apprehension I had about having enough time to establish a comfortable relationship before birth went right out the window, as Heather's warm demeanor made it feel like she had always been a part of my support team. She provided helpful resources and information, and immediately scheduled a (distanced and masked) in-person visit to guide me and my husband through early labor positions and comfort techniques.
Heather was the first person I texted when I suspected contractions had begun, and she remained on-call throughout the day, helping myself and my husband stay as relaxed as could be. She came over once she knew she would be needed, and helped me labor at home by suggesting and assisting with different positions, encouraging my husband and I to stay fed and hydrated, creating a peaceful atmosphere with dim lights and candles, helping me manage my nausea with essential oils, and offering encouraging words and reminders that helped to ground me through contractions. Her attitude and expertise were pivotal in extending our labor at home, thus requiring less time at the hospital and ultimately helping me to achieve my goal of a natural birth. She continued to provide invaluable support while at the hospital, and helped us settle in post-delivery. While Heather's photography services were not included in our package, she generously offered to take photos with our camera - I am so grateful that she captured these powerful memories.
Heather has made it clear that she is available for continued support, even beyond her postpartum visit. I am beyond thankful to her for her role in creating such a positive birth experience for myself and my husband - While hiring her was a late decision, it was one of the best ones I made during my pregnancy.” – Kristin
“We LOVE Heather. Her creative spirit and calming personality were exactly what we wanted in a doula. I honestly don’t know what would have happened without Heather at my side. I am so thankful for her ability to have calmed me down and to have kept me focused in a positive way. Heather also took some of the most beautiful pictures of my family, which we will treasure as long as we live.My husband and I feel that engaging her services was the one thing that went better during our process. We will recommend her to every friend we have in the city who gets pregnant. If we have another child in the city, Heather will be the first person we will call after contacting our families because I want to make sure to get in her calendar!” – Lisa
“Having Heather as my doula was incredibly valuable! My labor went much faster than my doctor had anticipated, and Heather came over early on, and helped us know when to go to the hospital (many hours before my doctor had suggested!) If Heather hadn’t been with us, i’m not sure I would have made it to the hospital in time! She helped me manage my contractions, while keeping me hydrated. Heather also helped calm my husband. Because she was there with me, he could get our bags together and walk our dog, and do the other things that had to be done, all while knowing I was being taken care of.
Once she helped us get to the hospital, she was my constant advocator and cheerleader. She helped me express my wishes to the nurses and hospital staff when I was in labor and not able to express myself easily. (We had gone over all of my birth preferences in our meetings before hand, thankfully!) And I hadn’t even noticed that she was taking photos all along. I was pleasantly surprised when she brought our photo package over. She caught some of the most amazing moments without intruding! We never would have had those memories captured without her being there.
It was so reassuring to have another woman with me during this stressful process. And I can’t tell you how valuable it was to have someone around during my first pregnancy to tell me what was ‘normal’! It really made all the difference. I can not recommend her highly enough!!” – Rachel
“Heather was so instrumental during my labor and delivery. Her quiet guidance, gentle and compassionate presence and encouragement throughout my labor process kept me focused and as relaxed as possible. Heather’s work extends throughout the pre and postnatal timeframe, as she is always prompt to help answer questions which was incredibly valuable for this first time mom with lots of questions.
Aside from being so helpful during labor, Heather also shot gorgeous photos that documented the birth of our little boy. She is a brilliant photographer, capturing profound moments throughout the labor process. Her photos bring tears to my eyes each time I look at them.
There is no passage like giving birth and I feel so fortunate that Heather was with me to assist in this awesome and beyond challenging journey. She gave me strength when needed while preserving the experience on film so I can relive this awesome, once in a lifetime miracle whenever I want.
I can’t recommend Heather enough!” – Antonietta
“Heather helped me find and sustain a peacefulness during labor that would have likely eluded me without her. She brings forth such sensitivity and tenderness! Her photography is also an amazingly beautiful souvenir. I hope to be blessed enough to benefit from her presence again.” – Ioana
“Thank you for everything!!! The past few weeks have been a roller-coaster for me and you have been there to support me every step of the way. My life is forever changed now and I’m so glad I had you by my side every step of the way. XOXO” – Emilia
“Thank you, Heather for being there to document this pregnancy, Luca’s fast and furious birth, and our growing family! I’m so grateful for your artful images and the beautiful work you do! I’m absolutely amazed that you captured Luca’s birth despite how crazy dark it was and as a testament to how amazing you are. I had absolutely no idea that you were taking any photos at all prior or during Luca’s birth. Thanks for being amazing and great at what you do!” – Nicole
“Darling woman, I am not exaggerating when I say that I cannot look at these photographs without having full body chills and beginning to cry. It is the reaction I have when I see something so beautiful that I am taken not out of my body, but deeply INTO it. You have a gift and an eye and a confident expertise in this arena that I have never before seen. I am actively trying to get pregnant so I can use you in this capacity.” – Karen