My name is Heather Richins. I am currently certifying as a doula through DONA. I live in Utah County, and am committed to supporting the women of this area in the birth experiences that they want.

I began my journey as a doula in college, when I ran across some birth books in the library as I was researching for a paper on natural medicine. As I discovered the wide range of options in birthing that I had previously been unaware of (or had thought were too weird or hippie) I became ever more interested in learning everything that I could about birth. In short, I am now a birth junkie.

Through my doula training, I have learned many techniques for relaxation in labor, including visualization, acupressure, breathing, and massage. I am familiar with the Bradley and Hypnobabies methods of childbirth, and am planning on becoming a certified hypnodoula. I am also familiar with water birth, hospital, birth center, and home births.

As a doula, my role is to support the mother in whatever birth she desires, while helping her make informed decisions. I am part of the larger birth team, and as such I am there to meet the mother’s needs and to support the other members of the team as well.