“Heidi was an awesome coach for my wife and I during the birth of our first son. It is one thing to take the classes and read up on birthing techniques, but when the time comes to coach your own wife through a natural delivery things get real. My wife was on bedrest for 8 weeks, and as such we missed most of the birthing classes, but having said that, I will be sure to work with her again for our next birth. She has an excellent approach to coaching the mother through the very difficult final stages of delivery but her support does not stop there. In fact, her support starts much earlier in the engagement. The preparatory work that she guided us through prior to delivery was instrumental in me being of calm mind when the labor began. I knew what to expect, our bag was packed, we had a plan and most importantly, we had a number to call that was our coach, our advocate and knew our wishes to the letter.
One thing that I had not thought about prior to the delivery, but became crystal clear during the event is that our Doula is someone that we will shared what is likely to be the most intimate experience we will have as a family. Even though we had only met with Heidi for a number of hours prior to the day, her assurances and genuine interest in our happiness meant that I was eager to share in that event with her. Far from an interloper or barrier between my wife and I, she removed much of the stress of the day and allowed us to focus on each other. Had the birth been long or difficult, her interpersonal and birthing skills would only magnify her value. There is no professional I have worked with in any capacity that I would recommend more than Heidi. Thank you!”
“As the expectant father of a recent birth attended by our doula Heidi Biddle, I can honestly say that Heidi turned out to be the key ingredient in achieving the drug-free, vaginal, midwife-attended birth we hoped for, rather than an intervention filled trip to the hospital.
After about 20 hours of labor, my wife was ready for some pain meds – birth plan be damned. While everyone in the room knew that this was not really what my wife wanted, there is only so much reasoning a husband can do with his laboring wife. Moreover, the midwife’s role is not to talk the mother into or out of personal choices. This is where Heidi filled the void beautifully.
Heidi was able to cajole a couple more epidural-free hours out of my wife, while also helping me ease the concerns of our conflicted midwife who was unsure of how serious were my wife’s demands for pain medication. That extra time and effort Heidi coaxed out of my wife was all we needed to provide our baby girl with a drug-free birth. I’m almost certain that had Heidi not been there for us, we would have ended up at the hospital. THANK YOU, HEIDI!”
-J. Scott
From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I knew I wanted to deliver our baby naturally. I heard about Doulas, but wasn’t sure exactly what they did. Luckily we had some friends that had used a Doula and highly recommended Heidi. After our first meeting with Heidi, we felt a natural connection to her and knew that she understood our wants and needs for the birth of our first child. But what I really liked about Heidi, was that with every desire I wanted for with my labor, she would remind me that labor could go so many different ways but no matter which way it would go for us, she would be there for us and help to make each desire possible. In addition to that, just her presence was comforting and confident, I knew instantly that I wanted her with us during the delivery.
Heidi wasn’t just labor support, she also was a great source for any concerns that came up during my pregnancy. She always brought me encouragement and helped me feel confident about myself and the health of my baby.
We took the typical hours and hours of birthing classes from the Hospital, but none of it compared to the one-on-one training Heidi gave us. Her personal approach to coaching us through labor techniques were emotional and encouraging. Most importantly, it made my husband feel more confident that he would be able to concentrate on me during labor.
From labor to pushing, Heidi guided me through every contraction. She would explain to me what was happening internally to my body and baby. Hearing her words help me visualize through the pain and gave me strength to continue through labor naturally. On top of her guidance to me, she simultaneously also took care of my husband while I was in labor. Making sure he wasn’t too tired and that he had something to eat. It may not sound like much, but it meant a lot to me that she was there for both of us. Labor for me became very painful, but each time I heard Heidi’s voice during each contraction, was like hearing a guardian angel. She helped me breath through the pain with her encouraging words of strength and confidence, I don’t know if I could of had the labor I did without her help.
Words cannot explain my gratitude in having Heidi as our Doula. Her presence at the birth of our little girl will always be a blessing to us that we will cherish forever.
A & J and baby A, Seattle
“Being 25 and single, I didn’t know much about having a baby and was so scared that I would be put into a situation where I lost control, or was “lost” during the process. I was told that I “needed a doula” and was referred to Heidi! I didn’t exactly know what a doula was… but was open to the idea – and thank goodness!
Bay and I were so lucky to have Heidi help us both along! I had such an amazing experience and am so lucky. Heidi was a tremendous support and we could not have done it without her. I can’t believe I did it naturally… and never thought I’d be able to! With Heidi’s help, confidence in me, and the information she provided to me during our meetings, I was able to make my own decisions and felt like I was in control of my experience. I cannot imagine my experience without Heidi. She was beyond incredible and I can’t say enough about her. Everyone needs a doula… and especially a Heidi!!! We love you!”
Allison-Seattle
“When my wife first brought up the idea of a doula, my initial thought was this was another uncovered expense that we could do without. We had already hired a great nurse-midwife, so what would a doula add to the equation? It turns out Heidi was the best addition to our birth team I could possibly imagine. Heidi won me over with her knowledge and expertise, and the reassurance that she was there to help me, the soon to be father, who had no clue what birth and fatherhood was about. Leading up to the birth of our daughter, Eloise, Heidi kept me motivated and on task with details that I normally would have let my procrastination get the better of. She was comfortable to be around and also responded to emails and text messages answering questions as they popped up. She became my birth book that I never quite finished reading.
When the big day finally came and my wife went into labor, Heidi was my first phone call. As the contractions started getting closer and more intense, Heidi came to our house and helped us cope with the stress of labor. After 24 hours of labor and no sleep, Heidi was my saving grace. After a total of 50 hours of labor and a transfer to the hospital, Heidi was still by our side providing encouragement and support. We successfully had a vaginal birth of a beautiful 8 lb. 3 oz. baby girl, and I was thrilled to have Heidi in the room with us to celebrate the occasion.”
C-Seattle
“After having an unexpected c-section with my first pregnancy, I wanted to do everything possible to have an unmedicated vaginal delivery with my second baby. I had heard that using a professional labor assistant can reduce your chances of delivering by c-section by up to 25%, So my very first step was to hire a doula. From our very first meeting, I knew that Heidi was going to be a good fit with our family and our birth goals. She provided us with all the information we needed to approach the VBAC with confidence. She also helped me find a hospital and healthcare provider that would not only allow a VBAC but would encourage it. When the big day came, Heidi helped me to labor at home for as long as possible – I desperately wanted to avoid being on the hospital “clock.” With her help, I felt confident that both the baby and I were perfectly safe during the labor. When we arrived at the hospital, I encountered some challenges that felt too familiar to my first birth. Heidi reassured me that these little hurdles were not the same things that lead to my c-section and guided me through them. She was so in tune to my hopes and misgivings that she addressed my fears before I was even able to articulate them. I was absolutely thrilled to safely deliver my baby boy by unmedicated VBAC! I could not have done it without Heidi! Thank you Heidi for being a part of the most amazing thing I have ever accomplished!”
S.J. –Everett
“We decided to work with Heidi as our doula right away after meeting with her. My husband and I both felt very comfortable with her and didn’t feel the need to even meet anyone else. I had tremendous confidence in my midwife to keep me and baby safe during labor and birth, but my confidence in Heidi was in helping us work with all that we’d face in the actual process. We took a birth prep class, but meeting with Heidi twice before the birth gave us much more of a chance to talk about what we wanted and needed to feel more calm and prepared. The day of our daughter’s birth, things happened pretty fast. Although we had planned to have our baby at home, we found ourselves headed to the hospital two weeks early after I developed some new symptoms. After calling the midwife and getting in the car, I didn’t even think twice about calling Heidi even though it was the middle of the night. I felt confident that she wanted to hear from us and be there for us no matter what the scenario. She checked in with us frequently that morning, and when we knew for sure we were having our baby by C section within the hour, she walked through the door in what seemed like no time at all! We were so relieved to see her. She helped us talk through and feel good about a very hard and scary decision. Even though I didn’t labor, her support during my C section was invaluable to me. She came in the operating room with us, took priceless photos of our first moments seeing and being with our baby girl, and held my hand and talked to me while they sewed me up. She stayed with us until we felt settled and secure in our room. As new parents, the follow up visits at home were a huge comfort. Heidi came over and gave us fantastic information and advice plus some much needed reassurance that we were being good parents for our baby. I’ve heard so many times that no matter what the process actually looks like, the number one factor that determines a woman’s satisfaction with her labor and birth is whether or not she felt supported. Heidi has contributed so much to the sense of fulfillment I have when I think about Alice’s birthday. We look forward to working with her again when we’re ready to grow our family in the future.”
S.- Seattle
“Since we were expecting our first baby, we didn’t know what to expect during the delivery. We’d heard doulas were helpful which is why we sought Heidi out, but we didn’t realize how invaluable she would be.
Heidi’s calm, strong, and supportive presence got me through 22 hours of labor. During the last 5-6 hours of hard labor when I really had a hard time keeping focused on my own, Heidi was there at my side every minute keeping me focused through each contraction. I’d had birth classes that taught excellent techniques on how to stay focused but during the actual labor, my techniques flew out the window! I’m really glad I had Heidi there because she was my rock.
Thank you, Heidi!!”
K.S. Kirkland
“My husband and I were open to a drug free birth but after attending a hospital birth class we felt unprepared, after all neither one of us had ever done this before. In searching for resources we decided that a doula was the right choice for us. Luckily a friend recommended Heidi and upon meeting her we knew it was a great fit. Having Heidi felt like having a secret weapon, we didn’t have the growing anxiety as our due date approached and past, we knew that we had someone who was not only going to support us through the labor but someone who was our advocate and had our interests at heart. As for our big day, we simply couldn’t have done it without her!!! Heidi was such a calming and comforting presence in the delivery room. She was able to provide guidance we needed and decrease our stress, which really helped to make the experience a lot more joyful. Having Heidi by our side made this a wonderful process with a great outcome a natural birth and our sweet little Perry. I hope that you choose to work with Heidi the experience is priceless.”
M. and A. -Lynnwood
“It is great when you meet people you feel so comfortable with that it feels like you knew them your whole life. That is what happened for me and my husband with Heidi.
I had a great, super easy pregnancy, and everyone told me I was going to have such an easy labor and birth. I listened, but kept my mind open. I knew that you can’t control every aspect of your experience of birth, but one of the few things that I could choose is to be surrounded of caring, knowledgeable, like-minded people to support me, my husband and my baby in the choice of having a natural childbirth. Heidi was a fundamental part of the team that created a lovely, relaxing atmosphere for my labor. I treasure the memories of that night, it was magical how much love and presence everyone showed, and how beautiful was the enviroment we created together. When things didn’t progress the way they needed and we had to transfer to the hospital, Heidi’s knowledge and experience was key to support me decision and to help me find the best option. I felt so relieved to have her in those circumstances. My daughter was born through C-section with the care of an amazing team. She is a healthy, happy baby! It was incredible to see her being born and to see my husband hold her for the first time, tears in his eyes, all marveled like me at the miracle of life. I would be forever grateful”
G-Redmond
“Being a first-time mom, it was wonderful to have someone by my side who had been through it. Heidi did a great job reminding me to relax and breathe through my contractions. knowing I had her support and guidance helped me to better focus on what I needed to do. In the end we ended up needing a c-section. Heidi stayed with us until the end and helped us make educated and calm choices, a difficult thing after 12 hours of labor!! Thanks Heidi!”
M., Lake forest Park
I was not sure about the services of a doula when my wife first suggested it, but now that our little girl is here, I’m glad we had Heidi. She let me focus on my wife during labor and took any stress out of the whole experience.
J.E. - Lynnwood
Heidi was incredible and played a huge role in making our birth experience a positive one. We planned a home birth and the moment we met Heidi we knew we wanted her to be a part of it. Long story short, after what seemed like days of laboring at home, we made the decision to transfer to a hospital. We had a long hard labor and barely escaped a cesarean (thankfully). I had really wanted a home birth, and I know that I tend to be hard on myself and those around me when I don’t stick to my plan. But, thanks hugely to Heidi, here I am 3 weeks later feeling very positive about our birth experience. In the meetings before the birth Heidi helped us sort out our priorities for our birth (ultimately, happy healthy baby and mom) and helped us to understand all the different options and consequences if we did decide to change our birth plan, which we did. Ultimately, she helped me feel like the decisions were my decisions (even surrounded by the doctors and nurses in stressful moments) and that I was educated before making those decisions.
Heidi was with us for a LONG time during my labor and she was present and positive and amazingly supportive the entire time (despite serious sleep deprivation and a very cranky mom at times!). At one point, before we made the decision to transfer, I looked at my husband and felt the panic rising in me and saw that he didn’t know what to do to calm me down…but Heidi did and she was right there. At the end of it all he said “I am SO glad that Heidi was there!”
Heidi truly was on our team the entire time. From the moment we began working to her and still today she is available for questions (even at odd hours), to give advice and reassurance and, when you really need it, with a cool washcloth and a drink of water. She was there to remind my husband and I to eat and hydrate (even when I resisted!) and was always a step ahead of all of my needs.
Thank you, Heidi!!
“Our labor went much faster than we expected and we didn’t have the time to relax into it that we’d planned for. But Heidi responded quickly and kept us calm. Since we labored at both the birth center and the hospital, we felt lucky to have Heidi close by to support us and interface with the midwives and medical staff. Although the delivery did not go as we might have wanted, Heidi’s help was what we needed and were counting on. Throughout our time knowing her she has given us so much care and compassion, as well as a ton of valuable suggestions. She is a wonderful doula and birth and baby resource!”
M. & B.-Seattle
“I loved Heidi as a doula. She was fantastic.
This was my second bith (both my births where vaginal with no pain medication attended by a midwife). I did not have a doula with my first birth just a good nurse, which was very lucky. I realized after this that I wanted more support with my secound labor and looked for a doula. My husband had just been laid off but I thought I would put out feelers to see if I could find an new doula or training doula but I lucked in to Heidi a well-trained doula, who was so willing to work with us on being affordable.
A bit about my birth story and experience with Heidi…I had complications with my second pregnancy and I went into Labor 3 weeks plus early just 2 days after meeting Heidi for our first official gathering as client/doula. I had a strong feeling that Heidi would be a wonderful support (a feeling I don’t often have upon meeting/ interviewing people fo the 1st time) She was great. She was extremely supportive even at my 1am- OMG my water just broke – phone call. I was in early labor for 30 plus hours and she stayed slept on the floor in the hospital room. She got along great with my support friends and husband. She almost delivered the baby because when he arrived it was very fast and somewhat unexepected.
After the birth she was so patient as I wanted to process and re-process my birth story. She was also very helpful positive voice for me as I processed some hard feelings and disappointments regarding the birth and participation from my providers and family. Heidi is very giving and loving she is sensitive and knew when to be with me or give me (and my husband) space. If you would like to contact me directly – I am happy to tell you more and you can go through Heidi to get my info. Heidi has had a lot of experiences with various midwifes and MD’s and can give her perspective on how they support women. I trust her implicitly.”
M.R., Kirkland
“I would recommend Heidi a thousand times over. I had a 47 hour labor in which I had to take a few car rides, labored 3 places and ended up in the hospital with an emergency C-section. Heidi went the distance with us through out the entire journey. She is caring, compassionate and an excellent communicator. Thank you for providing comfort and support during the birth of our daughter.”
R. and M. -Seattle
“Being a young, single mom, pregnant with my first, I had no idea what I was doing! A friend referred me to Heidi and insisted that having a doula was the way to go. Not knowing exactly what a doula was, and half expecting an ancient hippie woman, I was pleasantly surprised when I met Heidi! She is hilarious, approachable, full of knowledge and exudes confidence. We became fast friends and she became a huge support for me during the final months of my pregnancy. As planned, I called her when I went into labor and she was with me my entire labor and delivery at the hospital. I could NOT have done it without her. She joined my mother and my sister “support team” and got me through 16 hours of hard labor and a natural child birth. I was absolutely set on getting an epidural when I met Heidi, but after learning about child birth and my body, I was open to a natural birth, and much to my surprise, I did it!!! I am so lucky to have had an incredible experience. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. Heidi is an amazing woman, doula and friend. I know she will be our forever! We love you Heidi! Thank you so much for everything!”
-A-Ballard
“What a wonderful experience! Heidi – you were amazing, thank you, thank you, thank you! You had such a calming presence and you helped me relax so much (maybe a little too well!). What a beautiful memory. I can’t wait to do it again! With you by my side of course…”
April
“Because we were going through our first birthing experience, we knew that we wanted a doula to support us. Our goal was to have a natural childbirth. During our 36 hours of labor, we ended up changing our birth plan. Heidi was extremely supportive throughout our whole journey. She was with us from start to finish, and she supported every decision we made during labor. Heidi guided us through all contractions, all birth plan changes, and, she suggested the final pushing position that brought our beautiful baby girl, Sofia, finally into the world. We could not have done this without her.
R. and G. -Ballard
Heidi was absolutely fabulous! This was my first baby and I wanted to have a natural birth. We decided to hire a doula as I figured it would be best for my husband and me. Heidi was the perfect match for us. She is so comforting, warm and easy going. She was the perfect addition to our birth journey. She also was a wonderful support for me after the birth. She answered so many questions I’ve had and has been more than willing to be such a strong support through my post postpartum time. Thank you so much Heidi for all you have done for us. I know that the success of my natural childbirth was in part due to you being there with us. I would highly recommend Heidi to anyone who wants a wonderful support system in their journey through labor and delivery and beyond!
L. and M.- Lynnwood
I am thrilled my husband and I decided on Heidi as our Doula! This was our first birth and she was a wealth of information and support and once the time came to have our little girl Heidi was there helping me through it. I truly believe I would have had a completely different birth story if Heidi wasn’t there with us. She definitely kept me on track once the labor got intense and hearing her voice and advice through the toughest parts was so calming and inspiring. Heidi really helped me know I could have a natural, unmedicated child birth even with the unexpected diagnoses of Preclamsia and need for inducement with Pitocin. Two days after the birth Heidi came to the house and was so helpful with answering questions and just letting us know we were doing a good job. I would reccomend her a million times to anyone having a baby!
Thank you so much Heidi!
J. and A.-Lynnwood
Please give me a call or drop me an email to schedule a first meeting for you and your partner!
email Heidi: heidi@yourbirthjourney.net
or : 206-227-8554