My name is Heather Proulx; I am a mom of two amazing boys. I have had two very different pregnancies, labours, and postpartum experiences leading me to enter the Doula world.
My first pregnancy was fairly uneventful, leading to a straight forward delivery. Breastfeeding was a different story. I struggled with severely engorged breast and had little support, leading me to switch to formula. My second pregnancy was anything but "normal". I was put on bedrest at 27 weeks due to unexplained contractions which continued until his arrival at 39 weeks. Although I had a difficult pregnancy, delivery was once again fairly straight forward, and this time breastfeeding was successful, mostly due to my support system. Without friends and family helping with breastfeeding I would have likely switched to formula once again. It was my success with breastfeeding that lead me down the doula path. I was looking for a way to help another mother learn to breastfeed. First I looked into going back to school to become a labour/deliver nurse or a midwife, but found that neither of those jobs were for me. I realized what I truly loved was helping a woman become a mother! As a doula I am honored to be present at the birth of a family. I have a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Waterloo. I am also a certified Birth Doula through The Nesting Instinct; as well as a Birth and Bereavement Doula through StillBirthday. I believe we are never done learning, which is why I take classes regularly to expand my knowledge and understanding of the birth world. I have experience with: bedrest, multiples, preemies, NICU, miscarriage, infant loss, breastfeeding, bottlefeeding, unmedicated births, epidural use, induction, and casarean section. I also have the privilege of working collaboratively with two other doulas: Angie and Johanna. We love working together, backing up for each other, and supporting each other and our clients. Please visit us at: threedoulascollective.com to learn more about our collaboration! As your Doula my job is to support you and your partner both physically and emotionally during labour and delivery, I do not replace the role of your partner or health care provider. I hold your hand, talk with you, breath with you, pray with you, whatever you need during the most important day of your life. I do not perform medical exams, give meds, or make medical decisions for you, but I will help you make informed decisions. I will attend whatever kind of birth you are having: unmedicated, medicated, cesarean section. And I will attend where ever you are birthing: hospital or at home. I do not judge how or where you birth and respect your right to change your mind during labour (ie: switch from an unmedicated to medicated birth). And finally, I believe in supporting anyone during their path to parenthood regardless of race, religion, or orientation. |
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