Mandy Toavs, CPM, LM

Mandy taught me to trust my body, my instincts and the birth process. I had an amazing, beautiful birth experience and I don’t think I would have if it weren’t for Mandy. If I had another child, I would definitely go to Mandy again without hesitation. She is kind, patient, she’s the best!

Mandy and Melek were AWESOME! I was worried about switching from an Ob/​Gyn to a midwife during my last trimester. I only wanted a home birth but ended up with an experience I would never forget. During the check up I was comfortable and my kids love Mandy and Melek. I was learning things from them that would make things easier during labor (I did not get this type of service from an Ob/​Gyn and I had 3 kids before the home birth). It was much more than I could have asked for. My husband enjoyed the whole process. He said it was easier than having a hospital birth. He did not have to take the sleeping kids anywhere and they were able to sleep during the delivery. I was not pressured into doing anything I was not comfortable with. I was even learning things after the baby was born.
The whole experience was amazing for me and I am so glad that Mandy and Melek was there for me.

I had my first baby 10 weeks ago today! I don’t think there is enough time in the day to say all the things I want to about Mandy and her interns… The first time I had any contact with Mandy was over the phone, and I clicked instantly with her. She truly is one of the most caring and loving spirits I’ve ever come into contact with. She was great through all of the prenatal appointments (she gives amazing massages, included in her fee!!), the birthing process, and gives great postnatal care as well. I felt confident with her through the whole process, even though it was my first, she made me feel so at ease, that I could do anything! I could not have asked for a more beautiful birth with my son! About 2 hours before my son was born, I got into the birthing tub (provided by Mandy) and began to go through the «real» contractions ha! My husband said when he was walking down the hall, he was so scared to go in the room because he heard my moans and groans, knowing there was nothing he could really do for me, and that terrified him. He said though, when he walked in the room, and saw Mandy and her interns (Sasha and Lena, wonderful people (!), and Genevieve, Mandy’s backup midwife, wonderful as well (!)), and they were all just sitting cross-​legged on the floor around the tub I was in, his nerves calmed immensely and he was able to be there for me :). I had my eyes closed pretty much the whole time I was in the tub and was unaware of my surroundings for the most part, but every so often, I’d hear Mandy’s sweet voice telling me which position to move into next, how close I was getting to see my baby, and that everything I was feeling was totally normal. And she was right, before I knew it, we were holding our baby! About 10 minutes after he was born, we were already in bed snuggled with our little one. She also does events (walks, swims, the movies) inviting all her clients and their kiddos, so we can all keep in touch, interact and socialize! She was absolutely amazing! Can’t wait until the next baby (haha, well, we’ll wait a little while)!

Mandy is one of the kindest, knowledgeable, caring and comforting midwives I’ve had the pleasure to work with.
I moved to Austin in my last trimester and had no idea where to start to find care so I googled midwives and found Mandy. From the first time we spoke with her my husband and I knew she was who we wanted at our daughter’s birth.
Throughout my care she was informative, compassionate and supportive of my choices. I felt completely supported through my daughter’s birth; Mandy was hands on when I needed her and hands off when I didn’t. She gave me space to labor as I needed and direction when required. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful birth.
She was very helpful postpartum with assisting me in breastfeeding and was always available to answer questions and concerns. Not knowing many people in the area she also introduced me to her «heirloom family» and I now have some amazing mama friends.
If you need a midwife, look no further, she is amazing and you will be so happy you chose her.

We loved Mandy from the start and knew she was the perfect fit for us. She was kind, caring, encouraged me to make decisions based off my own research, and left decisions up to us without passing judgement. She was available anytime I had a worry, and made sure all my needs were met and questions were answered before completing our visits. Her knowledge of natural prenatal care and birth practices allowed her to provide me with the advice I needed, and she helped make it the organic and sacred process I desired. At my daughter Ember’s birth she was wonderful at keeping me calm and comforted with her cool energy and massage techniques. I felt she prepared us very well for the birth, and helped us to have the best experience possible. We love Mandy she is now part of our family! I would highly recommend her to anyone interested in home birth :)

Mandy is amazing. Through my entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period, I felt completely safe and cared for with Mandy. I am so grateful to know her!!!
From my first meeting with Mandy, I felt she was really someone to trust. She is so knowledgeable and confident. With every decision we had to make leading up to the birth, she offered wisdom and advice — she really felt like a birth mentor to me, rather than just someone checking up on my health and that of the baby. I felt I could ask her any question or just talk with her about any fears I might have, and she was there to listen and offer support.
Also, her schedule is quite flexible. All of my appointments were in the evening, so my husband and I never had to take off from work. So convenient!
When I developed severe back pain toward the end of pregnancy, Mandy took the time to give me a massage to ease my discomfort. When labor finally came, Mandy was wonderful. She diminished any fears and gently guided me through labor, while letting my husband be my comforter — this made our birth feel so intimate. Mandy helped me through the hardest parts with advice and support, but really trusted me and my body to lead the way.
My boy was a big baby! When I bring him to the doctor, they say «If you had been in the hospital, you would have had a c-​section!» So thankful for Mandy who safely delivered our sweet boy and protected me and my body through the birth. She is a gentle, caring woman — we adore you!

Mandy at Heirloom Midwifery renewed my trust in birth professionals after having that trust violated during my last pregnancy. She listened intently, allowed me to be the most important and active participant in my care, and fostered my confidence in my own knowledge and abilities.
When things did not go as planned and my water broke at 34+3 weeks, she made sure she was available for physical and emotional support. Her contribution to my labor and birth was priceless; I was apprehensive about being in the hospital and she was instrumental in keeping my fears from interfering with my progress. She had wonderful advice and words of comfort, and her hands pressed away each contraction once I entered active labor.
Long story short, while I wish I could have enjoyed a home birth, one of the only reasons I was able to succeed with a natural and fearless hospital birth was because I had Mandy’s support. Her gentle approach during my prenatal care and labor helped me feel powerful and capable.

Can I give 10 stars? Mandy was amazing throughout the entire birthing process! I really can’t speak highly enough of her.
When we found out we were pregnant, my boyfriend and I weighed all of the birthing options and decided on having our baby at the birthing center near our home. I called the birthing center, but they were already booked for the month that I was due, so we decided to try a home birth. It was the best decision I’ve ever made! I did some googling searching for a midwife, and lucky Mandy had room in her October schedule. She is so great! Very knowledgeable and extremely friendly. I felt comfortable from the instant I met her, and always looked forward to going to my appointments with her. Now that the baby’s here, I miss seeing her! She was such a huge part of my pregnancy and our son’s birth.
During the birth, she was involved, but just the right amount. She was there to guide me through it and give suggestions, but she really just let me do what I felt comfortable doing at each moment. She made me feel confident and at ease, and the birth went great! If I ever decide to have another child, I would definitely want to do it at home again, and I can’t imagine having anyone other than Mandy there to share our special day!
A million thanks to you, Mandy! You truly are a very special person, and we are so lucky to know you!