Testimonial for Heather Karlson (DONA)
Heather supported me through a 3-day, 50-hour labor that began as a planned home birth and ultimately became a hospital transfer. Despite the hospital transfer, I still had an extremely positive birth experience because of Heather's support!
My water broke at 4 a.m. Sunday morning, and gentle contractions followed shortly after. By that evening, I was in steady 4-1-1 contractions, and Heather came over and labored with me in the shower for hours. She created the most beautiful, calming environment — dim lights, tea candles, reminders to hydrate and eat, and steady, grounding breath support through every contraction. It was magic!
Just as we were close to calling our midwives, my contractions slowed again. Heather encouraged me to rest while I could — advice I am so grateful for. By 8 a.m. I was 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced, and we spent the entire day doing everything we could to move labor along. By 8 p.m., with no change and my water having been broken for nearly 40 hours, we made the difficult decision to transfer to the hospital.
This was my first baby, and since I hadn’t planned for a hospital birth at all, I was scared and overwhelmed. Heather made the transfer seamless. I felt safe and supported.
With the help of Pitocin, labor finally progressed quickly. Heather helped me rest when I could, kept me mentally strong when things felt overwhelming, supported my goal of avoiding an epidural, guided my breathing, and helped me move through every contraction in different positions. Even in a hospital room filled with machines and monitors, she somehow recreated the same calm, grounded energy she had built at home.
And at 7:35 a.m. on Tuesday morning, we welcomed our beautiful baby girl into the world.
I could not have done this without Heather! She is a true light, an incredible source of strength, and a truly gifted doula. I will be forever grateful for her support.
-Elisabeth Filmer
December 10, 2025
Heather Karlson (DONA)
DoulaKarlson.com
Birth Fee: $1800 to $2200
