My husband and I made a great decision when we decided to have a doula for the birth of our daughter and an even better decision in choosing Heather Edwards as our doula.           From the very beginning Heather was always available to answer any questions that I had. She provided a wealth of information on the birth process as well as information on different types of relaxation techniques. She then came to our home to help us practice those techniques.           Heather was also there at a moments’ notice for the unexpected delivery of our child. Two weeks before my due date I was informed at my weekly checkup that due to a developing medical condition I needed to go directly to the hospital to have labor induced the following day. Heather responded quickly and arrived at the hospital soon after. Heather proved invaluable during the delivery. Although labor was induced I did not receive any pain medication. Heather helped me to stay calm and focused and to implement some of the relaxation techniques that I practiced. Additionally, Heather helped to explain in layman’s terms what procedures the nurses and doctors were doing or wanted to do. She also helped to express the wishes and concerns I previously discussed with her to the hospital staff when I was trying to stay focused on the delivery.           Once the birth was over and we returned home Heather visited us and answered any further questions that we had. To sum it all up, I do not know what I would have done without her. Thanks again Heather! Sincerely, Pamela Wallace  (Repeat client - births in June 2007 and July 2010)

I delivered my first in a hospital with all the usual interventions. I hated the experience and when I was pregnant with my second, I decided I really wanted a home birth. After some time and planning, we found we couldn't afford a home birth out of pocket and our insurance wouldn't cover any part of it. I knew I still wanted a natural birth, so I looked up some doulas online for in my area. I didn't get Heather's number from the website, it was actually two other doulas who had mentioned her to me, because they could not take me on as a client. My husband wasn't so pleased about paying for someone to just "hold my hand," but since this was what I wanted, he reluctantly agreed. When we met her, she was very friendly and made us feel very comfortable, something we both knew would be important in the delivery room. She was awesome at my labor and delivery. I got to stay home for as long as I could and while we were in the hospital, she coached my husband throughout the process without making him feel unimportant. Never did he feel like his toes were getting stepped on. I delivered naturally without any interventions (even an IV!) and I think that the ease in which I did it was in part due to Heather. I loved my experience with my second. Never again will I deliver without a doula. If Heather happens to be around, she will be the first one I call! -Gloria M.

Heather was invaluable as a doula during my labor with my third child. I had a c-section with my second baby and was determined to avoid it with my third. I sought Heather's help because I knew it would likely be difficult. Heather stood by me during my pregnancy, offering support and encouragement when my OBs wanted me to needlessly schedule a repeat c-section. During my labor – which was 16 hours in total – Heather was invaluable. She stayed with me throughout the wee hours of the night while I labored at home - she even stayed awake while my husband catnapped on the couch! It was wonderful to have her there to give us good advice on when to head for the hospital. After arrival at the hospital, Heather continued to reassure and encourage me. At one point, when there was a minor complication, I was ready to give in and have a c-section. But Heather reminded me of all I had worked for and been through to have my VBAC and encouraged me to keep on trying. I also think her presence told the OB that I was serious about having a VBAC and caused them to be more flexible. In the end, I had a successful VBAC - with a large baby who was posterior! I was thrilled and my recovery was great. I'm so glad Heather was there to support me and, truly, I believe if she hadn't been there, I probably wouldn't have had a successful VBAC. Many thanks! - Emilie H.

My husband, Joe, and I  are both active duty military members,  and,  as  first time parents, we wanted  a personal relationship with someone to help us through childbirth.  Our parents live too far away to be available, and we  were not sure if Joe was going to be deployed  on the baby's due date.  Therefore, we sought the assistance of a doula.  When  we  met Heather, we were impressed by her calm and nurturing presence,   and we trusted her immediately .  In our first meeting,   she explained the process of childbirth and helped us understand what to expect.   When I was in labor, she  advised Joe how to  help me relax.  During  delivery,  Heather helped us with different calming techniques, and allayed our fears by explaining the medical procedures.  We were both  pleased with her  knowledge and her professionalism.  All in all,  Heather  helped make giving  birth  a wonderful experience.  A week after our son , Aedan,  was born, Heather  visited us to see how we were all doing.  Heather  was a wonderful doula , and   we will definitely be asking her to be part of  the birth  of Áedán's little brother or sister ! BM3 Meaghan Haskell (Repeat client Spring 2012!)

My experience with Heather Edwards was amazing. I had several false starts and she never once seemed upset that I would pull her away from her family. She was always extremely understanding and sweet. She always answered any question or concern that I might have with the upmost respect. When I had to be induced due to going over my due date, she helped me understand that although this may not have been the birth I had wanted that I still had control. She stated with me throughout my whole labor and never once complained about how long the induction was taking. When things became stressful, she was the calming voice that pulled me back. When I was no longer able to bear the pain and got an epidural, her care never faltered. She still supported me. I would have Heather at my next birth. She is an extremely generous person and I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a birth doula.   - Dawn Decker

Heather was my doula for two of my three births. My first son was a c-section which is a very long and involved story. After a c-section it is difficult to get a doctor to allow you to have a unmedicated vaginal delivery. I successfully delivered both my second and third son vaginally with Heather as my doula. Heather was such a comfort and help to me both in my labors and with any concerns or questions I had. And if she didn't know the answer she pointed me in the right direction. She also was invaluable in helping my husband to feel more at ease. I don' t know what I would have done with out her. She is a wonderful doula. She is knowledgeable, caring, experienced, and comforting. I knew that if there was anything I needed while in labor I could count on Heather to make it happen if it were possible. Anytime I needed ice, a warm or cool compress, a hand to hold, or an encouraging word she was right there. If I decide to have another baby I will definitely be hiring Heather to be my doula again. - Stephanie Rochefort (Repeat client, first and second VBAC - births in April 2008 and April 2010)

I found heather on Doula Match. From our first meeting, I felt like I was talking to a friend. My husband was finally convinced that a doula was a GREAT idea. Throughout my pregnancy, she took the time to calm my fears & answer lots of questions. When my due date came and went & plans changed she was very go with the flow which was calming. The night I was induced, things progressed pretty quickly. She was very calm, helping to facilitate my wishes with nursing staff. She was calming for not only me, but my husband and our mothers as well.  It was when I reached my breaking point that she was invaluable. I was talked back down from the ledge by her kind calm words & delivered my very healthy 9 lb baby drug free :) When we are ready for a 4th- she will be one of the first people we call! Highly recommend!  -- CT (Repeat client in Spring 2012!)

"In our search for a doula, we were looking for knowledge, encouragement, and tranquility, without condescension. I didn't want my husband to feel unnecessary or overshadowed. We wanted a natural birth in a military hospital and someone who was familiar with that. We also wanted to labor at home for as long as possible. I had done a lot of reading and we had taken classes, but I knew when it was "go" time, things could be easily forgotten. I also worried that, in the moment, I might waiver in my trust of natural birth or be so determined that I wouldn't listen to the doctor's concerns. My husband wasn't initially sold on having a doula, but after meeting Heather, he was onboard. She was everything we could have hoped for during my pregnancy, birth, and after. She coached my husband over the phone, she came to the house and labored with me, and then was invaluable at the hospital. One of the most important things she did (besides telling us when it was time to go to the hospital) was reassure me I was already "doing it," when I would say, "I don't know if I can do this." At the hospital, I was able to discuss the doctor's desire to break my water with her. I decided against it, as I had already started pushing, and one push later, my water broke. About twenty minutes later, our daughter was born. I truly believe having Heather as our doula was instrumental in having the birth we wanted. We can't thank her enough for helping us have such a wonderful experience!" (A Repeat Client)

In one word, my experience with Heather was: great! I chose Heather late in my pregnancy due to a military relocation and a hesitant husband. I was lucky to find such a great doula free on my due date! From the first telephone conversation she put me at ease and made the informal "interview" easy since it was like talking to a friend. Once my husband met her his fears were put to rest because Heather was very knowledgable and explained how her role bolsetered his, not replaced. Over the next few weeks I emailed Heather with multiple questions, mostly regarding things that don't typically fall in the doula arena. But she went above and beyond what was required and answered my many questions without hesitation. Finally, when the big day rolled around, Heather arrived with all the professionalism, stoicism, calmness and knowledge you expect from someone you need to rely on in such a situation. Her presence alone was extremely calming due to her composure and her gentle reminders on how best to relax and deal with contractions were invaluable. Had she not been there to persuade us it was probably a good time to begin our trek to the hospital our daughter might have been born at home! And the fan, the fan after pushing was awesome!! Even after her official role as doula ended, Heather continues to be a great resource and friend. I'm lucky to have had her at my birth.

Heather Edwards supported me during my VBAC in May 2011. This was my second baby and first experience with unmedicated birth. Heather was available throughout my pregnancy to answer questions and share expertise. She was particularly helpful with providing information regarding VBACs and giving me the confidence to stand behind my VBAC decision when interacting with my provider. Around my due date, Heather was ready to drop anything to be with me, and when not available, Heather arranged for a back-up doula. Heather is very gentle, understanding, and supportive. Having her as a doula helped to make my birth successful, as she was with me every moment for the most difficult parts of my labor. After the birth, she stayed until I was comfortable and secure with my recovery plans and nursing. One of the things that I liked most about Heather is that she has a lot of experience, both with her own births and client births. If I choose to have more children, I will immediately call Heather to secure her as my doula!

Heather was fantastic! Being a military spouse, I had no family here to help me through the journey of pregnancy, labor and delivery. She was there from the beginning of my pregnancy and answered every one of my questions, putting my mind at ease. I wanted a natural delivery, without drugs or an episiotomy, and I was afraid the doctors at the military hospital would push me to take pain medications or do an episiotomy without my consent. She helped put together a birth plan, and even made a home visit, to make sure that I got the birth experience I wanted. On the day I gave birth the labor happened so quickly that we were forced to call 911. She was on the phone, coaching me through the contractions and helping me stay calm as I went through the labor process. Provided we are still in the area when baby #2 comes I will definitely hire her again.

Our experience with Heather Edwards as our Doula was amazing! We were a perfect match from the start, and we look forward to having her at our next birth. She provided priceless support during labor, and even 3 months postpartum, continues to give us advice and friendship. She provided us with a written birth story (a timeline of our labor), and wonderful pictures of our birth. It was my first birth, and her supportive words and presence helped me through every contraction. She helped us have the natural, non-medicated birth experience that we were dreaming of. We are so thanful to have found her.

Check out my DoulaMatch Profile or Birth From the Heart on Facebook for more reviews!  Thank you!