Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Magill.
Heather, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When my husband and I were expecting our first child, we were temporarily living thousands of miles away from our extended family and friends. People would tell me that I was so brave for not moving home to have the baby, but really I just had no idea what I was getting myself into. My mom was able to come stay with us for a few weeks after the birth, and that was such a bright spot during a time that was otherwise quite challenging (to say the least). Processing my experiences several months later, I learned that there were people, called postpartum doulas, who made a career out of helping families adjust and thrive during that newborn time, and I knew right away that I wanted to make that kind of a difference in the lives of others. My journey to becoming professionally certified and starting my own business has been a long one, as having two more babies, a not always reliable income, a husband in a master’s degree program, and various logistical issues have all taken priority at different times, but things are starting to take off now and I’m so excited to be able to support more moms in Boston and on the North Shore in the months and years to come.
Has it been a smooth road?
As I said before, there have been many times that my business has taken a backseat to my family’s needs over the past eight years. But at the same time, I have been gaining experience and knowledge that I am now able to draw on in helping families in areas such as soothing baby, sibling adjustment, bonding, and self-care. Actually, the hardest thing to overcome has been the fact that care for postpartum moms and families is not something that is commonly thought about or valued in our culture. When I explain what I do to most people who are already parents, they say that they wish they had someone like me to help during those early days. But often new moms often feel like they should be able to cope on their own and have a hard time asking for help, even though globally and historically women have always had other women around them, nurturing them through these transitions. We spend so much money on fancy baby gear and outfits, but invest so little in helping families feel truly supported and empowered.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Lavender Doula Care – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
As a postpartum doula, I do all the things a trusted family member or close friend might do to help families through the transitions that come with adding a baby (or babies) to the family. This can include practical support such as grocery shopping, preparing healthy meals and snacks, tidying up, and folding laundry; educational support with all aspects of baby care and feeding as well as recovery and postpartum changes in the mother; emotional support including nonjudgmental listening and helping you discover your unique parenting style. I can take care of the essentials so you can rest easy with your baby, and I can take care of your baby so you can rest easy by yourself. If you dream of a long shower, eating a hot meal with both hands, or spending a little uninterrupted time with a significant or older child, I can make that dream come true.
I work with all kinds of new families, but my specialty is helping families who are having a second or subsequent baby. I also offer home visits before your due date to help with organizing a postpartum plan and making preparations for the changes ahead. I can come to your home just once, several times a week for several months, or anything in between.
My style is quiet, easygoing, and supportive. I know that all babies are unique and what works for one doesn’t always work for all. I want to learn about your parenting goals, help you achieve them, and help you find your own strength, even when reassessment and adaptation become necessary. At the end of our time together, I want to leave you feeling rested, reassured, and confident in your new role.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love being a part of my community here. I love that my kids have roots here and that we are likely to run into someone we know when we go out. I love being so close to the ocean, rural areas, and a major city all at the same time. If I could change one thing about our city, it would be the traffic, so I wouldn’t have to spend so much time on the road to visit my clients. It’s worth it, though.
Pricing:
- $30 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavenderdoulacare.com
- Phone: 7742193635
- Email: heather@lavenderdoulacare.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/LavenderDoulaCare/
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Image Credit:
Heather Magill
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
