Heather Ward, Vancouver Doula
I have been a postpartum doula since 2007 and before that worked as a nanny, preschool teacher and director of an after school program. I have an AA in Early Child Development and I am a student lactation consultant (graduation in spring 2026). I have been teaching Childbirth Preparation Courses, Comfort Measures for Birth, Infant Care Classes, and Feeding Baby Classes both in group and private settings since 2005. After 20 years, over 600 births, I retired from Birth Doula work in 2025.
I view my role as your postpartum doula as your guide. My role changes with each visit depending on your needs for the day. I arrive with a smile on my face ready to dive into whatever you may need. This might be the day you need help with a painful latch, bottle feeding, pumping, or just some reassurance that baby is feeding well. At our next visit you may want to learn about bathing your baby, swaddling, baby wearing, or learning about infant sleep techniques. Perhaps you long for a shower and nap while I watch your baby (and siblings). Would it be helpful if I fold a load of laundry, clean up the dishes and prepare healthy snacks and meals? Most visits include a little of everything. My goal is to leave your home with you feeling well taken care of and feeling more confident in your own skills.
I am happily married, have two thriving adult children, and a fur baby (a senior Labrador retriever). I love spending time outside whether it’s in my backyard playing with plants and dirt, hiking in the trees or romping through rivers and in oceans. My inside hobbies include amateur sewing of quilts, crafting and painting, reading fantasy fiction and spiritual wellness books, and binge watching an engaging TV drama.
Doula Training
DONA Certified Postpartum Doula
AA Early Child Development
IBCLC & BS Community Health (in progress), Portland State University
Nursing Foundations Lactation Educator Certification
Mindfulness Meditation/ Birthing Mindfully with Nancy Bardacke
How To Get Your Clients Evidence Based Care, Dr. Rebecca Dekker Evidence Based Birth
PROM, GBS, and Newborn Procedures, Dr. Rebecca Dekker Evidence Based Birth
Perinatal and Postpartum Mood Disorders with Sharon Storton
Perinatal Mental Health: Interventions and Community Engagement, CAPPA
Centering Cultural Humility in Practice, CAPPA
Supporting the Couple Relationship to Reduce Risks of Perinatal Trauma, , CAPPA
Supporting LGBQ/T Families: Understanding Identity in the Perinatal Period, CAPPA
How To Be Size-Inclusive Birth Professional, CAPPA
The Role of Implicit Bias in Birthing and Breastfeeding Support, CAPPA
Psychological Considerations for Supporting Pregnancy and Postpartum Clients, CAPPA
Up in Smoke: What to Know About Cannabis During Perinatal Period, CAPPA
Disability Justice and Reproductive Justice, Cornerstone
DONA Certified Birth Doula
ACBE Childbirth Educator Certification
Bradley Method Instructor Training
Birthing From Within Instructor Training
Lamaze Method Instructor Training
Postpartum Doula Specialty Areas
Lactation Support
Formula Feeding Support
Baby Care & Feeding Education
Birth Processing/Birth Story Listening
Cesarean Recovery
Trauma Informed Postpartum Care
Postpartum Anxiety & Mood Disorders
Helping To Establishing Sleep Routines
Cooking, Meal Prep, Postpartum Nutrition
Home Organization, Nursery Set Up, Childproofing
Demos Of Baby Gear & Products
Sibling Support



