Testimonial for Leah Heinz CD(DONA), PCD(DONA) from Emily Frey

Testimonial for Leah Heinz CD(DONA), PCD(DONA)

I had always wanted to have a non-medicated birth but wasn’t able to with my two oldest daughters after being induced both times. When I got pregnant with my third, I knew I wanted to try again and have a homebirth this time around. I knew that a doula would be beneficial for me to achieve this goal and I came across Leah’s profile on doulamatch.com. What I found in Leah was not only an informed and educated doula, I found a friend and a trusted confidant. There were many days when I felt nervous about my upcoming homebirth and Leah was always there to reassure me and ease my nerves. I texted her many times throughout my entire pregnancy with my fears, anxieties and all the questions I had along the way. She replied to every text quickly and with so much compassion for what I was going through that day. One of my favorite parts of my birth was when Leah encouraged me through contractions during early labor. She had me get into different positions to try and get things moving and was even rubbing my feet and trying out different essential oils to see what I liked. We listened to music, talked, laughed and it just felt like a close friend was there to help me through each contraction. Even after I found out my photographer had canceled last minute, Leah was there taking pictures the whole way through and even took an hour long video of the birth of my baby. I was able to debrief my entire labor and birth process with her at our postpartum appointment and she helped me through some feelings that I didn’t even realize I had. Leah helped me through my pregnancy, labor and postpartum in so many ways and I couldn’t have done it without her. I will be forever grateful that she helped bring my third and last baby girl into the world. Not only did I have an amazing doula to help me through each step of the way, I also feel like I have gained a friend for life.

-Emily Frey

December 14, 2021