BreeAnne Doehring

3/21/2023

Heather was a wonderful help to me and my husband during our pregnancy and delivery.  Her knowledge and presence were extremely comforting and we really enjoyed spending time with her.  I had wanted a unmedicated birth but when my water broke early and contractions weren't starting, she had a lot of different tools we were able to try to move things along.  When we opted to use pitocin and an epidural to get things moving, she was extremely supportive.  When the pitocin contractions first started, she provided counter pressure which helped alleviate the worst of the pressure.  When one of my nurses was being pushy and condescending, she helped me advocate for different care so that I could have a team that was more supportive.  And once it was time to push, she provided a lot of different positions and options which I think really helped it go quickly.  Her hypnobabies class was fun and gave me some additional tools that I still enjoy now.  I would definitely recommend Heather to anyone looking for some additional support and tools!  She was wonderful!! 

Rebecca Sabogal

5/30/2022

5/5 recommend. My work with Heather is a big part of my success with the below empowering birth experience. Heather has been amazing to work with from start to finish. Very accessible, flexible, knowledgeable, caring and adaptable. She never presses her own opinions and desires onto you, she just wants to support you to have the best birth you desire. Highly recommend coupling your hypnobabies training with working with Heather.

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While it did not go as planned and complication free, it was still empowering. I view his birth as claiming victory over a large mountain I had to climb due to past birth traumas. For reference, I had a stillbirth with my first at 38.5 weeks in 2011 and in 2020 I had a botched epidural that led to an emergency c-section under general anesthesia.

I went from feeling like the only way I could have had another baby at 28 weeks pregnant was an elective C-section under general anesthesia to being open to whatever path my birthing journey would take at 40 weeks. And that is a victory, especially with all the unforeseen challenges with my husband's health the month prior to our son’s birth.

I ended up pushing for 2.5 hours— but we couldn’t get him out. Even with intense vacuum use (I think it was attempted close to 10 times). His blood pressure also dropped and caused significant concern on and off— so we all decided eventually a C-section was the best next step.

I was disappointed that we could not have the delivery be completed naturally, especially after all the work put in to get him out. However, because of my mental, spiritual and emotional preparation, I was easily able to accept the medically necessary change of plans and let go of the outcome. To be able to trust that it was the next step and we would be ok.

Here’s to conquering great fears, overcoming challenges and healing deep trauma. ??

Courtney H

12/1/2021

Heather was a fantastic doula and just what my husband and I needed. Heather was so supportive through out my birthing time. She did whatever was needed to help me find comfort. Even standing in the shower with me completely soaking wet in her clothes-but not one complaint about it from her! She was always encouraging and understanding. As this was my second unmedicated birth I had very specific positions I absolutely refused to use during this birthing time. Heather was very understanding and never once tried to sway me or even suggest these laboring positions. If you are looking for a kind, compassionate, supportive doula, Heather is it!

Anna Elagina

6/2/2021

Me and my partner were very happy to have Heather as our doula. I got her contact through other doula. She was able to accommodate all our needs and wishes and made sure that we got to our plan as close as possible even my labor had to be  induced. I was at first skeptical about doula service but Heather provided us with so many resources and education and tremendous support throughout my labor process that I Definately now recommend my pregnant friends to find good doula. And if you are in central MIssouri Heather is the person to reach out to. And again thank you so much Heather!

Cailin

6/1/2020

Heather was nothing short of amazing! I had a long, difficult first-time labor, but she was there with providing hands-on physical and emotional support from the time we called until my precious baby was born and even helped facilitate our first breastfeeding session. We found her during my second trimester and instantly knew she'd be a great addition to my birth team. She is warm, caring, down-to-earth, and knowledgable. She was able to easily accomodate our schedule and she made herself readily available via text and phone call whenever we had any questions. She also offers additional services such as natural childbirth courses, postpartum belly binding, and placenta encapsulation. I'd highly recommend her to anyone looking for doula support through pregancy, labor, and delivery! She's excellent.

Abby Detweiler

9/4/2019

As a first time mom with no family in town, I was nervous about the labor process. I knew my husband, a medical doctor, understood all the science and medicine behind the birthing process but I feel there is a special connection between women that is intuitive.  Heather truly was able to connect with my needs before, during and after the birth. Heather helped guide my husband on how to help relieve discomfort and provided him with breaks from the long labor process in order for him to be most present when I needed him.  

We also signed up for post-partum visits once my husband had to go back to work. These visits were invaluable to get some additional sleep, tips on different ways to care for baby and some adult interaction to break up the day. 

I cannot imagine our birth story without Heather and can’t recommend her enough!

Elena Porter

11/20/2018

I am a first-time mom with a now two-week-old baby boy, who I delivered naturally and unmedicated with the help of Heather Irwin. When I first met Heather, through St. Louis Doulas, I instantly noticed her positivity and calming presence. My husband and I knew that she would work well on our birth team. Throughout my pregnancy, she provided lessons on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and relationships. The lessons covered every aspect of becoming a new mother. If I ever had questions outside of classes, Heather was only a text message away. It is so reassuring to have someone so experienced in birth there for you, whenever you need it. I am so pleased with the support Heather offered me and my partner in birth. She helped me to know that my body was made to birth my baby and not have fear in labor. I would highly recommend Heather as a doula because of the fantastic job she did for me and my family.

Chey Fox Banks

11/25/2017

Heather was an amazing doula. My husband and I were planning a natural birth in the hospital. My labor didn't go as planned due to unforeseen circumstances. Heather was calm and reassuring. She gave my husband confidence and information he used to better support me during the unexpected; she supported me as I labored and as I was unsure of the many variables that came up. She was an advocate for me to the doctors in the hospital. She gave us educated options of medical procedures, giving us more of a voice when it came to dealing with hospital staff. Physically, she supported me in the labor process; words of comfort, water refills and holding my hand in the face of uncertainty. I ended up having an emergency c-section and I was incredibly grateful Heather was there. Her presence in the room made everything go much smoother, gave my husband and I confidence in the process, and was reassuring and calming to us when the unexpected came up.