Welcome! My name is Heather Yanovitch, and I’m very happy that you’re here:) I’m a perinatal doula, meaning I offer support throughout pregnancy and birth, as well as in those first several weeks postpartum.
I’m certified with DONA International and have additional trainings in VBAC, Spinning Babies® techniques, and The Thompson Method of breastfeeding. I’m here to support you and your family through your birth and postpartum journey.
The Coast Guard brought me and my husband to New England, and we’ve enjoyed living and working in eastern Connecticut for the last 30 years. I’m grateful to be the mother of nine wonderful kids who are heading out and starting households of their own – although I still spend a good deal of time chasing after my youngest! And I’m now blessed to be called “Granny” as well.
My philosophy
When I was pregnant with our first, my mom shared a book about the Bradley method of natural childbirth. As I read about the whole process of pregnancy and birth, I began to wonder why we’d ever call it anything OTHER than natural…and why it’s often treated more like a medical condition than a finely-balanced function of our bodies. I’m truly grateful for medical interventions. Many of us wouldn’t be here without them, but “intervening” has so often become routine.* It’s so important to ask questions and get clarification from your medical care providers. They’re the experts in medical management, but you’re the expert on what you think is best for you and your baby!
I learned a lot through my own birth experiences. Some were easier than others. Some came with complications, longer hospital stays, and weeks in the NICU. But my best memories are of those times when I felt heard and supported – like what I was doing was important. Every mom should feel this way…routinely.
Support and connection
And it’s not just your baby’s birth-day…it’s the birth of “mom”…and “dad”…and a family! Everyone has new roles. There are big changes and a lot of transition. Maybe there are some big brothers and sisters to care for, as well. We know how important it is to take the time to heal and rest once your baby has arrived, but this is so much easier said than done. These early days and weeks with your new baby are beautiful and memorable….and can also be challenging and exhausting. It’s foundational to feel supported and connected during this postpartum period, as well, to be encouraged that you’re not alone in this journey of parenthood…and that you’re doing it right!
I was drawn to the doula profession, because I believe there’s a great need for that traditional role of women supporting other women…especially during these huge life events! It is vital for us to be connected and to be there for one another. Everyone has a unique story. Now…I’m looking forward to hearing about YOU;)
*First Do No Harm – interventions during labor and maternal satisfaction: a descriptive cross-sectional study https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-018-2054-0
This isn’t our most recent, but it’s one of my favorites – a last minute family photo before we had to take one of them to the airport. I’m hiding in back in my bathrobe.
Newer additions below<3
