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As a full-spectrum doula, I'll guide you into your power by providing physical and emotional support through any outcome of your pregnancy.
it's time to own it.
Heather
Whitten
the power
is in you...
My care is much broader than that.
I support a pregnant person no matter the outcome of their pregnancy (chosen or not). So, yes, there will be plenty of hip squeezes during labor from me. But, I also support people through miscarriage, abortion, adoptions, infertility, stillbirth, NICU time, and postpartum. Pregnancy has a full range of outcomes, and I’m here no matter what that looks like for you.
Okay, you’ve probably heard of a doula as someone who rubs your back in labor and fetches ice chips...
is a full-spectrum doula?
What the hell
a doula's values
faq's
should have access to continuous, nonjudgmental emotional, physical and informational support.
should be trusted to make choices that are best for them.
should have their experiences and the memories of those experiences honored.
should be safe and have access to exceptional health care.
All pregnant people...
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**doulaproject.net
Are you the same as my midwife or O.B.?
Nope! I’m not a medical professional. I don’t take the place of your nurse or provider. I am there to support you before, during and after your experience with them. I promise there is no redundancy when you bring a doula onto your birth team.
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Do I need you if my partner or family will be there with me?
Of course, this it totally up to you but I’m going to say: Hell yes! And, they might need me too! Having me there as a doula [and photographer] takes a lot of the pressure off of the other people you’ve allowed into your space. I can offer to show them new and effective ways to care for you. And, I can also give them a break when they need to rest or help keep an eye on how they are doing through the whole process as well. And, everyone loves that they get to be in the pictures as well since they didn’t have to stress about being the one to get the special shots!
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What if it happens too fast and you don’t make it in time?
This is a fairly unpredictable season of life. But our contract will clearly explain what happens in different situations so that we’re both comfortable moving forward. I’ll do everything in my power to be there when you need/want me to be. And, I’ll ask that you do everything in your power to keep me as updated as possible.
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What if I don’t want anyone to see the pictures from my experience?
While I know that sharing our stories can change the world, I fully respect that not every person is ready or able to do that right after their experience [if ever]. When I send you the digital gallery, I’ll also send over a signed-by-me print release as well as a model release for you to sign. So, you can print your images yourself to put in a memory box or photo album if you’d like to and the printer companies won’t give you a hard time. And, with the model release, you’ll be able to let me know if you’re ok with me sharing everything or if there are select images you’d like for me not to share, ever. We’ll have a conversation about this in person as well. Your wishes will be respected, no matter what!
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How long do I have to wait to see my digital gallery?
Up to 6 weeks! I know that feels like a long time. I do my best to send a small selection of images as a sneak peek within 48 hours to hold you over. And I promise that I work my butt off to get you the gallery as soon as possible. Giving myself six weeks insures that I’m not neglecting other clients or, you know, my own family at the same time!
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I'M BASICALLY THE EQUIVALENT OF "...YOU JUST HAD TO BE THERE."
My pronouns are she/her/hers. I spent the middle part of a decade as a stay-at-home-mom, documenting my way through the ups and downs of our day to day life in Arizona as a photographer.
After documenting a bunch of births, I couldn’t ignore the pull of doula work. I didn’t want to sit on my hands anymore as an observer, only. I want to get to know my clients. I want to see them make choices for themselves from a place of power and assurance. I want to help them get to that place.
I've come into full spectrum doula work after more than a decade of personal experience. I've grown my own family through a beautiful array of ways. I’ve experienced infertility, loss, births, adoption, and abortion.
I am now serving my community as the Vice-President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network. And recently added those CLC letters to the back of my name by becoming a Certified Lactation Counselor.
There is no perfect way to build a family, birth a baby, be a parent, have an abortion, or be in your mind and body. I plan to honor the fact that perfection doesn't exist through supporting you with all the passion, knowledge and ability I have, as well as documenting those stories for you along the way.
I'm Heather whitten, clc
I live in Tampa, Florida in a cute little house with my [Air Force] husband, four kids and too many pets. I like word searches, hate socks, enjoy therapy, and cuss often.
01
Birth Doula Support
I'll provide you with the care and resources necessary to make decisions that feel right for you, in the moment.
get more information
I’m here for you to have someone to talk to about all of your desires and fears and questions. There’s nothing you can’t tell me about. Nope, not even that!
We’ll work together to find any local care you may need [ie. chiropractor, midwife, etc.] and flesh out your preferences for your birth plan. We'll also begin laying out what you’d like your postpartum experience to feel like. You’re not alone during this time! I’ll get to know you more during our prenatal visits, photograph parts of your labor when able to, and only be a phone call away the entire time.
Whether you want this as a stand alone package or as additional support after working with me as your birth doula, I know this kind of care is so, so important! I’ll be there, four hours at a time, helping you with light house work or meal prepping. We'll get out of the house if you’re getting stir crazy or I'll tuck you in when you’re needing some rest. This is complete custom care to meet you where you’re at and fit your needs during this season.
postpartum Support
While everyone is thinking about the baby, I’ll be thinking about you.
02
get more information
03
additional support
Pregnancy has a full range of outcomes, and I’m here no matter what that looks like for you.
Supporting clients through abortion, infertility and loss is important to me and I'm passionate about ensuring my clients feel safe, informed and comforted.
get more information
you're pregnant... everyone's giving you advice. I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to help you choose for yourself.
Services
01
Birth Doula Support
Whether you want this as a stand alone package or as additional support after working with me as your birth doula, I know this kind of care is so, so important! I’ll be there, three hours at a time, helping you with light house work or meal prepping. We'll get out of the house if you’re getting stir crazy or I'll tuck you in when you’re needing some rest. This is complete custom care to meet you where you’re at and fit your needs during this season.
postpartum Support
While everyone is thinking about the baby, I’ll be thinking about you.
02
03
additional support
Pregnancy has a full range of outcomes, and I’m here no matter what that looks like for you.
Abortion care is important and I am passionate about insuring that my clients feel safe, informed and comforted.
get more information
you're pregnant... everyone's giving you advice. I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to help you choose for yourself.
Services
I live in a cute little house in Tampa, Florida with my [Air Force] husband, four kids and too many pets. I like word searches, hate socks, enjoy therapy, and cuss often.
Set up a call + we'll pick a date for your free in-person consult
Unlimited phone + text support
Two prenatal appointments
Full support through labor and up to 2 hours after the birth
Intermittent birth photography with digital gallery
Two in-home postpartum appointments
book a call
get more information
All support is available on a sliding scale pricing basis. Contact me for more information.
01
Birth Doula Support
I'll provide you with the care and resources necessary to make decisions that feel right for you, in the moment.
I’m here for you to have someone to talk to about all of your desires and fears and questions. There’s nothing you can’t tell me about. Nope, not even that!
We’ll work together to find any local care you may need [ie. chiropractor, midwife, etc.] and flesh out your preferences for your birth plan. We'll also begin laying out what you’d like your postpartum experience to feel like. You’re not alone during this time! I’ll meet your provider during one of our prenatal visits, photograph parts of your labor when able to, and only be a phone call away the entire time.
postpartum Support
02
03
additional support
Pregnancy has a full range of outcomes, and I’m here no matter what that looks like for you.
Abortion care is important and I am passionate about insuring that my clients feel safe, informed and comforted.
you're pregnant... everyone's giving you advice. I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to help you choose for yourself.
Services
I live in a cute little house in Tampa, Florida with my [Air Force] husband, four kids and too many pets. I like word searches, hate socks, enjoy therapy, and cuss often.
A wonderful stand alone or add-on package
Set up a call + we'll pick a date for your free in-person consult
Unlimited phone + text support
Weekly or bi-weekly 4-hour visits
Postpartum photography session with digital gallery, if desired
book a call
get more information
get more information
All support is available on a sliding scale pricing basis. Contact me for more information.
01
Birth Doula Support
I'll provide you with the care and resources necessary to make decisions that feel right for you, in the moment.
get more information
I’m here for you to have someone to talk to about all of your desires and fears and questions. There’s nothing you can’t tell me about. Nope, not even that!
We’ll work together to find any local care you may need [ie. chiropractor, midwife, etc.] and flesh out your preferences for your birth plan. We'll also begin laying out what you’d like your postpartum experience to feel like. You’re not alone during this time! I’ll meet your provider during one of our prenatal visits, photograph parts of your labor when able to, and only be a phone call away the entire time.
Whether you want this as a stand alone package or as additional support after working with me as your birth doula, I know this kind of care is so, so important! I’ll be there, four hours at a time, helping you with light house work or meal prepping. We'll get out of the house if you’re getting stir crazy or I'll tuck you in when you’re needing some rest. This is complete custom care to meet you where you’re at and fit your needs during this season.
postpartum Support
While everyone is thinking about the baby, I’ll be thinking about you.
02
get more information
03
additional support
you're pregnant... everyone's giving you advice. I’m not here to tell you what to do, I’m here to help you choose for yourself.
Services
I live in a cute little house in Tampa, Florida with my [Air Force] husband, four kids and too many pets. I like word searches, hate socks, enjoy therapy, and cuss often.
Give me a call + pick a date for us to meet in-person
Unlimited phone + text support before, during + after
In-person support before and after
Photography available if desired
book a call
All support is available on a sliding scale pricing basis. Contact me for more information.
01
book a consult
We'll pick a time to meet in person over tacos, tea or tears to make sure we're a good fit for one another.
02
pick a package
Lean into those good feelings from our meeting and pick a package that aligns with your desires.
03
be supported
You'll get instant support from me, tailored just for you.
boom, boom, done!
If there’s any day worth a photo album, it’s the day you meet your baby. I work closely with you and your partner to plan your day, and will be there to document it, too.
view gallery
I am very thankful to be able to hire a Doula especially at the time of the pandemic. To have support in-person and someone who truly wanted me to have an exceptional birth experience was phenomenal. At first I was a little nervous about hiring a doula because I wasn’t sure what to expect. Heather was very clear about what her services would provide but as a first time mother I didn’t know what to expect in regards to the birth journey overall. As Heather and I progressed through my pregnancy it really made me appreciate the support that she was able to lend me. The thing I would suggest for all clients is that they have to make sure that they stay communicative as much is their Doula is!
"Heather’s greatest strengths as a Doula is her compassion for her clients and love for the journey that they are taking and how she can assist in that.
NATAVIA
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let's figure it out together.
We’re so [fucking] grateful to have had Heather as our doula. She has a truly comforting, calming
presence which my husband and I sensed the first time we met her at our interview. It was just the
energy I needed during the birth of my first baby. Heather took great care in getting to know us and our
concerns before birth so that she could provide us the best, tailored care, which I really appreciated. She
went out of her way to find specialized resources for my concerns (breastfeeding after reduction
surgery, as well as having anxiety about labor and birth) and provided me with information I didn’t know
I wanted which helped me mentally prepare for the road ahead.
"Heather took great care in getting to know us and our
concerns before birth so that she could provide us the best, tailored care, which I really appreciated.
ZOË
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let's figure it out together.
I loved her calm demeanor and willingness to change as we go, be fluid/go with the flow in general. She was always ready to remind me of my plan but was able to be flexible to any changes I wanted to make and provided me with facts and emotional support.
"I loved her calm demeanor and willingness to change as we go, be fluid/go with the flow in general.
CHRISTINA
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let's figure it out together.
Heather was such a calm and reassuring presence during labor and afterwards. She had a very soft touch and struck a perfect balance of being ready and present but also allowing us space. Her knowledge of breastfeeding and her willingness to make herself available to us was amazing, really putting my mind at ease.
"She had a very soft touch and struck a perfect balance of being ready and present but also allowing us space.
Francesca
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let's figure it out together.
Heather anticipated our needs and followed her intuition to create a peaceful and calm birthing space and postpartum environment. We all got into a rhythm with one another, which was so special and which was exactly what we had hoped would happen.
"We all got into a rhythm with one another, which was so special...
AMY
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I am grateful to you for those 12+ hours you have so steadily spent with us. I can't even imagine what kind of work it is, what effort it cost you... How, having small children, you manage to combine it with such difficult work. I always mentally return to that day of my birth, when you were like a shadow, when you were invisible, but incredibly important for the process that day.
I am grateful to you for that day, for being my doula too, for replacing my husband with a massage of my back, which is incredibly valuable. I am grateful to fate for meeting you. Your pictures still make me cry and with joy and happiness remember the birth day. Especially because it became difficult for me, didn’t go according to plan and made me upset .. But I look at your photos and understand that you gave me support to remember only the most beautiful of that night.
"I am grateful to you for that day, for being my doula too, for replacing my husband with a massage of my back, which is incredibly valuable.
MARIA
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let's figure it out together.
Heather quietly arrived at my house while I was in the throes of labor. I’m not quite sure how she did it but she managed to take amazing photos without ever having to adjust the space I was laboring in or make any noise (her camera has a silent button!). I hardly knew she was there at all. She then came to the hospital I delivered at and took photos of my daughter being born. Again, I didn’t even know she was there until after the birth. She is so skilled at being very much in the background of what’s going on and not disrupting the birth environment yet the images she captures feel so connected and personal. She truly has a gift. I’m so grateful she was there to capture the look on our faces at the exact moment my partner and I met our baby. I look at the photos she took every day and am overcome with emotion."
"She is so skilled at being very much in the background of what’s going on and not disrupting the birth environment yet the images she captures feel so connected and personal.
Cailey
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let's figure it out together.
As time grew closer, I realized that I needed a photographer to document this birth. This was going to be a very special event for me and I decided that I wanted photographs that were REAL. Photographs that showed the good, the bad, the ugly, the pain, the joy-everything and that is exactly why I chose Heather. Heather's photos show real life and that is exactly what she did for me. She captured everything! When I look back at the photos of Audrey's birth I feel like I'm there all over again in every moment and my heart swells and my tears flow. She has given me a priceless gift-the gift of memories that I will be able to revisit over and over again."
"When I got pregnant with our fifth baby, I knew she was going to be our last. After two cesareans and two hospital VBAC's, I was determined to give birth to my last baby at home with my family, midwives, and doula.
Rianne
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let's figure it out together.
Heather is such a pleasure to work with! As a doula, I have had the opportunity to work with Heather at multiple births. She has a calming presence and is aware of the birth space. She moves through the space in a way that protects the process of birth. She is quiet and her camera is silent. You don't even notice she is there most of the time. Her photography is incredible and she is quick to have everything edited and back to you. Her photography is a work of art and she is great at capturing those moments that are gone with the blink of an eye. I highly recommend using Heather as your photographer. You won't regret it!"
"She has a calming presence and is aware of the birth space. She moves through the space in a way that protects the process of birth.
sarah
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let's figure it out together.
Heather has been an incredibly supportive friend and mentor to me. I met her a few years ago while taking one of her classes, and can attest to her dedication as an educator, teacher, and guide. She is thoughtful, inquisitive, attentive, and truly interested in what you have to say. She cares immensely about her friends and colleagues and is the first one to ask, How do YOU feel? What can I do to support you? Heather is an excellent listener, surprising me by recounting details I briefly shared with her, or following up on past conversations just to check in. She is a natural leader, a charismatic speaker, and anyone who has the opportunity to work with Heather benefits greatly. She pours her heart and soul into everything she does and I feel so lucky to call her my friend."
"Heather has been an incredibly supportive friend and mentor... she's the first one to ask, 'How do YOU feel? What can I do to support YOU?'
Lisa
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let's figure it out together.
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