What would I have done without Natalie? I don’t want to know!
I was growing increasingly anxious throughout my pregnancy, as I was going for a VBA2C, and I frankly feared pushback from OB’s, and/or my birth not going how I was hoping by potentially being fearmongered into unnecessary interventions. So, I decided to hire a doula, for the first time ever, and as soon as I did, I instantly felt relief, knowing I had someone experienced on my side to guide, support, encourage, provide factual information, and help advocate for me as needed.
Natalie was recommended to me by another doula in the area, and as I had previously seen her presence in various local mom groups, I was happy to go with her.
From our very first messages and FaceTime meeting, I was happy with my choice as I instantly felt comfortable with her.
The fact that she has many children and has experienced different birth scenarios herself, made me feel even more secure in my choice.
All throughout the remainder of my pregnancy, she was always there whenever I had questions or doubts, always giving such great information, providing evidence for both sides, as well as sharing her own experiences. She would even send things that she came across on her own time, thinking it would be beneficial for me, and it always was!
When my pregnancy came to a hard decision at the end, (things that were out of our control), Natalie accompanied me to an OB visit, and I’m so grateful that she did. She kept me calm and grounded, reminded me of all of the facts and risks, and she was so helpful in asking questions that I wasn’t able to muster up in the moment! That was huge for me.
Overall, I have no doubts or regrets about how my birth went, and I credit that largely to Natalie. If I didn’t have her support and advocacy, I might be questioning if I really made the right choice(s) in the end, and then would likely be feeling unsettled.
But I am happy and feel complete peace of mind, and that is so important!
It felt like I had an experienced big sister throughout the whole process, looking out for me, and that’s exactly what I wanted and needed. She is precisely the kind of person needed for such important and I’d even say sacred work; considerate, warm, informed, fair, experienced, etc, and she’s also so generous! Bonus points to her for being natural-minded and proficient in herbalism too!
If I have another pregnancy, I am absolutely going with Natalie again!
- Rachel A.