Mary M Heater, CNM - Midwife

Mary (she/her) grew up in the Western Suburbs of Chicago and has never left. She was first introduced to Midwifery through her Mother’s copy of the book Spiritual Midwifery. Later, she was inspired to pursue Midwifery as a career after the birth of her three children, two of whom were born at home.

Mary has helped pregnant people through the transitions of pregnancy, labor, birth, and parenthood for 14 years. She’s worked first as a registered nurse in labor and delivery and later as a midwife. Her work experience is diverse — having worked in inner city Chicago, suburban Chicagoland, high risk academic centers, community hospitals, homebirth, and now at Burr Ridge Birth Center.

Mary is excited to be a part of a growing birth center that provides excellent evidenced-based Midwifery care to clients. Equity, compassion, and a desire to support people through challenging times drives her. She is hyper-aware that the type of care provided at Burr Ridge Birth Center is rare in Illinois and in the United States, and feels honored to be a part of this warm, loving supportive community.

When away from work, Mary loves spending time with family, walking, doing hot yoga, listening to podcasts (Pod Save America and My Favorite Murder are favorites), watching TV, and reading books. Quirks she has come to love about herself include her talent for napping, and her habit of listing all the possible foods someone can eat for a meal if they walk into her kitchen. Her motherly instincts are always compelling her to feed people. She has called Aurora home for 18 years, has been married for 25 years, has 3 adult children, two very friendly cats, and a nice collection of house plants. Her hopes for the future include becoming an avid gardener and a world traveler.

Favorite quote: “You can be right or you can be happy.” -Gerald Jampolsky