Heidi Gallacher
Birth Doula | Childbirth Educator | Birth/Midwife's Assistant
Birth brings new life and energy into the world, changing individuals and families forever! It's been my pleasure to have served over 100 families as a birth doula since 2016, attending both hospital births and home births. I live in Fairfax, Virginia and typically serve at: Virginia Hospital Center, Inova Fairfax, Shade Grove Adventist, GW Hospital, Sibley Memorial Hospital, Holy Cross Hospital (Silver Spring), Georgetown Hospital, and Washington Hospital Center.
I strive to educate expectant parents about the birth process and your options in your chosen birth environment, then I provide non-judgmental support for your choices. I believe that there is no “right” or “wrong” way to birth; no one way is better than another because of the way a birth unfolds. Rather, each family should be prepared for many possible variations in the birth process and feel supported in how they work through any challenges.
A little about me: I enjoy spending time at the swimming pool, traveling, exercising, reading historical fiction/mystery/romance/feminist/religion books, home improvement projects, attending my children's cello concerts, and binge watching Netflix shows. I'm a Sunday School teacher at church, have served as a Swim Team Rep for our pool, and somehow end up hosting baby showers at my house all the time. I love the Foo Fighters, Jeopardy, documentaries, the Philadelphia Eagles and Cillian Murphy. I'm a life-long learner and love being around people who teach me new things. I consider myself classic Gen X. I have three lovely children (19 year old son, and 17 and 15 year old daughters). Oh, I've got a pretty great husband, too. I've lived in the DC area since 1997 and am proud to call it home!
Work Experience
2016-present
Family Ways LLC
2001-2006
Hotel Elect. Distribution Network Association
As a birth doula with Family Ways, I support diverse families in many locations around the DVM, offering services as a birth doula, teaching childbirth classes, and occasionally supporting local homebirth midwives as an assistant.
In the role of Executive Director, I supported a global community professionals passionate about distribution in the hospitality industry, helping stakeholders appreciate and implement technologies and harness emerging trends.
Professional Training
May 2017
December 2015
December 2015
November 2015
Midwife Assistant Workshop
The Farm Community
Birth Doula Training
Birth Arts International
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Training [renewed]
American Red Cross
Birth/Midwife's Assistant Training
J.C., Germantown MD
"This was my 5th baby but the first time I've been helped by a doula -- and absolutely my very best birth experience! I will treasure it as one of life's most important experiences. [...] I felt like [Heidi] was the team captain, with everyone working on my behalf. It was beautiful!"
J.L., Arlington VA
"What I found so helpful about having Heidi as my doula was all the help she gave me in preparing to have my baby. [...] It meant so much to have someone express their confidence in me and offer their support."
M.M., Washington DC
"Heidi was a fantastic doula! [...] She was a wonderful resource for us during the pregnancy and a great comfort during labor... [she] provided us with the confidence necessary to achieve the birth we wanted. If you can get Heidi on your team, you should count yourself lucky.”