HEATHER SEAGRAVES SOMATICS
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DOULA SUPPORT

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The role of a Doula is to support the mother or pregnant person and partner through pregnancy, labor, and delivery. A Birth Doula offers physical, emotional, and educational support both throughout pregnancy and childbirth as well as in the immediate postpartum period. Postpartum Doula work also provides an outlet for families to receive continued support after the birth process and into the "fourth trimester". 

A Doula's place is to help create a sacred and comfortable environment where the laboring person may feel at ease, informed, and empowered throughout birth. A Doula is also there to give the partner and couple techniques to help hone a greater connection and awareness during labor. The use of Doulas during childbirth have long proven positive effects toward safe, healthy labor and delivery.
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Benefits research has shown from working with a Doula:
  • Reduction in cesarean rate
  • Often shorter labor
  • Reduction in epidural requests
  • Reduction in pain medication use
  • Reduction in forceps delivery
  • Reduction in oxytocin (pitocin) use
  • Lower rates of newborn complications
  • Reduction of maternal bleeding after birth
  • Increased success and confidence with breastfeeding
  • Reduction in postpartum depression
  • Increased maternal satisfaction and awareness
​Research also shows parents who receive support can:
  • Feel more secure and cared for
  • Feel more at ease adjusting to new family dynamics
  • Have greater success with breastfeeding
  • Have greater self-confidence and decrease in stress
  • Have less postpartum depression
  • Have lower incidence of abuse

Heather accepts clients for prenatal, labor + delivery, and postpartum doula support.
Please email: birthspacenyc@gmail.com or connect HERE for more information about availability, support details, and rates.
Heather completed her doula training with Carriage House Birth and is a Mama to a sweet baby girl. She is also a dancer, massage therapist, movement / yoga + anatomy educator and teacher trainer. She has been teaching movement and studying kinesiology for over 20 years. Heather’s journey to supporting mothers, couples, and babies is deeply rooted in her personal birth experience and from intimately working with families at a young age.

​Witnessing her first birth in 2001, she has
​ since ​been inspired by this miracle our bodies and spirits weave together. Being a doula is a service of compassion, empathy, listening, and holding sacred space for a mother/​ ​pregnant person to feel empowered. Heather is called to this work and aims to create a well of knowledge from which pregnant people and birth partners can draw. She hopes to instill courage and confidence in the choices of each person’s birth experience. This is your story and your path. Heather will care for you and shine a light in whatever direction this adventure​ takes you. “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”​

TESTIMONIALS

Heather, midwife, and my husband were a serious power trio. I feel certain saying that the outcome I wanted (unmedicated vaginal birth) would NOT have happened without Heather being part of it. She was calm in the storm and gave me extremely intuitive and loving support. When a contraction began I didn't even have to tell her, and she was right behind me doing a hip press or rubbing my shoulders, guiding me through my breaths. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to all three of them for helping me get through the experience and get my son safely out and in my arms. I especially found her coaching my breaths during pushing to be helpful and encouraging. Heather is a gifted and talented doula and if I had another baby I would definitely hire her/recommend her to friends. I really can't think of anything she could've done during the labor and birth to be more present and supportive.
​-Marissa

Our experience with Heather was incredible! She gave me and my husband plenty of confidence and tools to help us with labor. She stepped in and helped me through my immediate postpartum recovery in the hospital and aided me a ton with postpartum support when I returned home. She was always available to answer my questions and address my concerns before and after delivery. Heather's approach and demeanor is wonderful. She's got a gentle and supportive way of caring with plenty of tips and tricks for pain management, labor positions, and emotional wellbeing. Not only did we have a great experience with her, we have gained a new friend. We couldn't recommend her enough! Thank you, Heather!
-Murphy

Heather is an incredible doula. Her natural instincts, calm demeanor and consistent support are invaluable. She was there for me and my partner from antenatal to birth and through postpartum. She provided both knowledgable advice and heartfelt guidance. We always felt encouraged, cared for and empowered. Heather reminded us that we can achieve natural childbirth while also helping us to overcome fears of intervention should they be necessary as an emergency. During the first few weeks postpartum, Heather was a constant reassurance and helped us to build confidence as new parents. I would recommend her without hesitation to fill this special role. Thank you!
-Aubrey + Jean

Since the beginning of my pregnancies Heather guided us through everything from quick healthy meal ideas, to positions and simple stretching to ease discomfort. For that i am grateful! She was so empowering in the days leading up to D-day for my husband and I both. She offered calming words of wisdom and strength making me feel ready as ever to bring in these tiny humans. Once they arrived she taught me some baby yoga moves to ease colic and to calm my mommy nerves. We all love Heather!
​-Emily + Brian
Book a Workshop!

BIRTH BODY + MIND + SPIRIT

Preparing for Labor and Delivery

Contact Heather for Details / Location / Availability
This workshop is designed for pregnant people and partners preparing for labor and delivery as well as those wishing to learn more about the process of pregnancy and birth. Doulas and yoga / movement teachers are welcome to attend.
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In this workshop you will learn:
  • The importance and tools of breath, yoga, and movement to prepare the body, mind, and nervous system for vaginal and cesarean birth
  • Signs and stages of labor, positions, and comfort techniques
  • The anatomy and physiology of the pregnant body / birth
  • What you might expect in the process of childbirth
  • The progression of induction, steps of medical interventions, and understanding questions to ask
  • Tools to overcome fear and find a sense of rhythm, ritual, and relaxation within yourself, with your baby, and with your support partners during birth
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©2020 Heather Seagraves Somatics - Movement | Yoga | Bodywork | Birth
​Photography by Renee Choi, Melinda DiOrio, Twin Hearts, and Heather Seagraves
  • ONLINE CLASSES
  • WORKSHOPS + RETREATS
  • TEACHER TRAINING
  • BIRTH SPACE
  • CONNECT
  • CLIENTS
  • Social Consciousness Resources