Heather Bethune

Accept insurances
Birth & Postpartum Doula
Chicago, Illinois
20 years of experience
5.0
About me

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!)

Education

Associate degree in Social Sciences (2005)

Certification and training

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)

Specialties
Abortion Doula Care Advanced Maternal Age Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Babywearing Birth Photographer Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Building Healthy Communication Early Parenting Educator Parenting Support Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Support
Languages

English

Accepted insurances
Carrot
Service introduction

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!

Packages
Prenatal and Postpartum Guidance
This package is ideal for those who already have birth support or do not want someone present for birth. You will ideally have lots of family and friends support, but know you need an expert to get things off to a good start. You'll receive a prenatal visit same as the other packages, where I get to know your family unit, household priorities, and assist with your nursery organization for a 2hr visit. You'll receive phone and text support throughout pregnancy and then once baby is born, I'm available to you for postpartum support up to 20hrs in the first 6 weeks! Nourishing meals, baby care education, household tidying and family orientation and communication assistance are all available. My goal is to guide you in setting up support with family and friends so that you feel fully resourced above and beyond my time in your home, with a strong foundation to build upon.
$1,200.00
USD Flat rate
Your Unique Plan
If none of the above plans fit your vision for pregnancy, birth and postpartum support, please reach out and we'll find what works best for you! I can work with any budget to provide support and guidance that helps establish a strong, stable foundation for your growing family.
$0.00
USD Flat rate
All Inclusive Mothering the Mother
This package begins with an in-home visit to get to know your family and your vision for birth and postpartum, lasting 1-2hrs. Complimentary nursery consultation available, as well as baby shower gift list recommendations. We'll schedule your next visit or video call for a personalized birthing class, covering the topics most important to you. I'm on-call for you via text or call anytime. Once you're in labor, I'm there as much as you want for comfort, encouragement, and support, at home and at your birthing facility. Afterwards, I'll still be available for texts and calls, and I'll be coming by the house anytime in the first 2 days to make sure you're fully supported and cozy with your new baby. From there we'll schedule up to 50hrs of postpartum care shifts where I provide home cooked meals and/or food delivery planning, tidying and organizing yours and baby's personalized spaces, vendor logistics coordination, family communications and boundaries as needed, and almost any other needs that may pop up! I love to make you feel as relaxed, cozy and well-connected to your baby and everyone in your home. I'll be like that big sister or auntie who takes care of everything and knows just when you need a shoulder to cry on or some space to be alone. Seeing you well nourished and thriving is my number one goal, providing completely judgement-free support and wisdom as I walk alongside you and encourage you to trust your own growing wisdom and motherly intuition.
$5,000.00
USD Flat rate
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Ratings and reviews
Average
5.0
# of Reviews
4
5.0

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

5.0

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

5.0

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.

5.0

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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