Heather was absolutely wonderful. She did an amazing job helping me throughout my birth and was supportive the entire process leading up to birth. My birth experience was so rewarding because I had her help. In the hospital Heather did a great job advocating for me at times when my husband and I felt awkward or like we couldn't. For example, there was a time when I was 37/38/39 weeks pregnant (can't remember exactly how far along I was) and I had left a doctor's visit (not with my scheduled doctor) where the doctor was questioning how long my doctor would allow me to progress before inducing. This doctor kept bringing up how having this baby in the current calendar year would yield a particular tax break and how since it was close to the Christmas holiday that induction dates were filling up fast so I should at least schedule a date in case the baby doesn't come on their own. Leaving this conversation I felt high anxiety and a lot of pressure to do something and make a decision that I wanted to avoid. I called Heather and she was able to help me calmly think through the situation and encourage me not to be bullied when in reality I still had a lot of time for my baby to come naturally (which she did ). I am thankful that Heather took my call and talked to me in this moment because I could have made a decision that was against my birth plan and that would have made me feel terrible. Another example, when I arrived at the hospital, I was 5cm dilated and the admitting nurse would not confirm if I was staying or not (maybe this was protocol). The nurse was talking in very vague unsettling terms each time she came to check me. However, Heather kept asking the tough question and kept explaining the logic of me leaving in my current condition may result in me dilating quickly upon my departure and the concerns around that. I appreciated Heather doing this for me as it was frustrating to have the nurse ignore my current state (at least that's what it felt like she as doing).
As the labor progressed Heather was there every step of the way supporting me. She made the room extremely relaxing by setting up her diffuser, adding tea lights and putting positive affirmations around the room . Each contraction in my natural birth was hard and I appreciated Heather being there to physically and mentally support me. She was even a support to my husband in guiding him in how he could physically help me with a contraction . I also loved that she gave suggestions on switching positions. At times I felt frozen in the pain of it all so it was nice to have someone reminding me that trying other options works in my favor. Throughout the process Heather laughed with me and my husband and that was nice we had such a natural connection with her I think that is truly one of her super powers being able to connect with a family in that way. Also, whenever she came to visit, she was very intentionally about making my eldest daughter feel incorporated in the process. I really appreciated that. Overall, I cannot imagine having gotten through this natural birth without Heather and I am so thankful that we came across her profile. One thing I wish I had learned more about in this process was what I needed to do to preserve my placenta. It wasn't until I was in delivery that I learned I need a cooler, someone to take it offsite; etc. In retrospect, I wish I had asked more questions about this topic and/or more literature was provided on what I needed to do to make that aspect a success for my delivery. Regardless, I would not have traded this experience with Heather for anything. She will always hold a special place in my and my families heart for the service she provided to us.
Thank you,
Lauren Bach
