Hello! I'm Heather Joy, oldest of nine kids, and mother of four. Caregiving on every level is my life's calling-- mentally, emotionally, logistically, and physically! I am dedicated to healthy boundaries that empower the caregivers I work with so we can do sustainable work that truly nurtures the nurturers. I love brainstorming with new families when challenges arise-- I excel at developing systems, routines, and rituals that work best for each unique family. I also stay up to date on evidence-based care, melding my knowledge with the power of intuition to meet new families personalized needs. When I'm not working, learning, or caregiving, I spend time walking in Chicago's prolific nature, cooking with my kids, and socializing in my neighborhood. (LGBTQIA+ ally, religiously inclusive, and generally grateful to walk alongside any and all types of family units where love and peace are the priority!)
Associate degree in Social Sciences (2005)
Postpartum Doula Training with CAPPA (2020)
Postpartum Doula Education with ProDoula (2023)
CPR Adult and Infant Certification (2025)
Birth & Baby University Birth and Postpartum Doula Certification (2025)
English
I am happy to offer complimentary consultations to discuss personalized wrap-around care plans, setting you up for an empowered birth and postpartum! My goal is for you to feel taken care of and informed every step of the way through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Along with my extensive professional doula work, I am also a mother of four, lending me great empathy and lived experience in pregnancy health, birth, and postpartum needs. If we decide to partner with each other, we will collaborate an individualized plan for how I can bring the best support, information and sense of peace and calm into your home as you form your growing family unit, making you feel as nourished and nurtured as possible. Every family is unique & I love being a part of your journey of discovery & implementation, completely judgment free & without agenda other than to see you thrive!
I met Heather when my baby girl was just three days old. As a first-time mom with no family around, I needed support during my postpartum period, and Heather's exceptional care was truly invaluable from day one. She taught me everything from changing diapers to bathing my baby. Heather approached parenting as a trial and error process, guiding me through different methods, such as finding the best way to swaddle my baby, understanding that every baby is unique. Her calming presence was instrumental in helping me cope with the significant identity shift and potential postpartum depression that new moms often face. I wholeheartedly recommend Heather for her expertise, compassion, and unwavering support
- Shahrzad
Heather was absolutely essential after we had our first baby. She has the most gentle, natural way with newborns. In addition to caring for our brand new baby so we could get some sleep, she taught us so much about how to be parents. We couldn't have done it without her.
- Alix Logli
Even though I already had birthed two children, I was concerned about having enough support after my third, and Heather's services made a huge difference. I did several virtual consultations with her, both leading up to, and following my birth. She was a great listener, easy to talk to, provided great resources and suggestions, and helped me build a plan and think through important questions about what I wanted. I ended up having a rough recovery this time, and just knowing that I could text her anytime was a huge help. She checked in with me regularly, was warm, kind, and a great listener. I would *highly* recommend her for anyone looking for virtual or in-person doula support!
- Abby B.
Heather flew to my home in Washington D.C. to support my family and I post-partum shortly after the birth of my second child. During her week with us she not only cared for me physically but was there emotionally and felt like a safe place to share and talk through everything I was experiencing. I didn't feel alone this time like after my first birth and was truly able to rest and heal. She is experienced in preparing delicious healing food and drinks, sent me book recommendations before birth like 'The First Forty Days', cared for my home and toddler so I could rest and bond with baby, cared for the baby if I needed a break, made sure I was staying hydrated and more. She was just the peaceful, gentle and strong support I needed for a full recovery.
- Sara Atwood
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