Testimonial for Heather Keeney
Heather has an easy, nonjudgemental quality about her and takes her work very seriously but is very personable with a great sense of humor. Working with Heather made me be able to better answer the question "so what does a doula do exactly?" She helped me emotionally, mentally, and physically. Emotionally, she helped me identify the anger and negative feelings I had about my first birth, and helped me move past that to prepare for my VBAC. She also helped me see that I -- not any doctor or birthing facility -- was my best resource for having a successful VBAC, something I now tell other VBAC moms. Mentally, she stepped into her role as an amazing childbirth educator and provided knowledge that I hadn't even come across in my exhaustive and obsessive Google searches and readings -- information about natural induction, induction past 40 weeks for a VBAC, and resources in our local community. All of that made such a big difference in my VBAC prep, especially in my doctor appointments where I surprised my providers with my advanced knowledge :-) Physically, she stressed the importance of optimal positioning, which I think was key in making my VBAC relatively quick and complication-free. She advised me to bend over and sit upright, use my birth ball and hands and knees, and taught my husband and I different exercises using a rebozo. We did this a lot and we had no issues with my labor stalling this time! I truly think that was due to these positioning exercises as well as the confidence she helped me realize. Also, she was a star during labor and read my cues perfectly, knowing exactly when we should go to the hospital. We got there at the perfect time. She showed my husband pain-relief techniques and between the two of them, my labor was a breeze (until transition, LOL).
We are not having anymore children but I would recommend Heather to anyone. I am not from the Philly area so I'm a little sad I don't have more friends and family to direct her way!
-Ashanti M. Martin
October 14, 2013
Heather Keeney
Ordinary Miracles Doula & Birth Services
Birth Fee: $1200 to $1500
Postpartum Rate: $35 to $45
