Testimonial for Heather Karlson (DONA)

Heather was absolutely indispensable as my doula during my 22-hour labor. A first-time mom, I had many concerns about the physical and emotional aspects of giving birth, and she attended to them all. She not only diffused my fears, but she built up a reserve of strength and confidence which I needed to get me through the event. From the moment I met her at our initial consultation, Heather felt like a close friend. She followed up with several emails as my due date neared and passed, and she went out of her way to give me all the possible contact numbers for where she could be at any moment I might go into labor. On the day of the birth, she came with aromatherapy products, honey sticks, an all-natural electrolyte drink, a birthing ball, and many other tools. She also brought a nice camera and (at my request) took photos and video that we will cherish. When I was laboring in a birth tub and felt overheated, she ran ice on my upper body. She looked me straight in the eyes during contractions and coached me through them. She knew when to challenge me and when to let me take a break. She helped my husband stay involved, but also gave him opportunities to rest. She was the only person who stayed awake with me from the moment she arrived until well after the baby was born. She stayed for several hours and helped with the initial latch-on, made us breakfast, and then left when the time was right to give our new family time to bond. My husband, midwife and I were all incredibly grateful for Heather’s services, which were worth every penny!

-L.P.

June 20, 2013