I can’t say enough about Nora’s competence, generosity, warmth, and kindness.
I reached out to Nora when I was 20 weeks pregnant looking to relocate to the area. I was hoping, as a Doula, she could help me understand prenatal care and birth options available. She exceeded all expectations. Her guidance had both breadth and depth. She respected all of my personal preferences. She helped me find my full stack of care providers. Every midwife, nurse, chiropractor, physical therapist, massage therapist, etc that I met had a strong relationship with her and a deep and profound respect for her and her work.
I was afraid to give birth in a hospital but that’s where I had to be because of transferring care so late in pregnancy. Nora surrounded me by a moat of providers that respected my wishes and I had a beautiful home birth in a hospital.
— Niesje Dowell
Nora was an invaluable member of our birth team. From our first meeting, we trusted and adored Nora. Nora is not only topically well-trained, but she is also thoughtful, compassionate, and curious.
To assist in birth preparation, Nora made several home visits to share information, talk through our worries and questions, and help us build confidence. I also attended one of her labor workshops and pre-natal yoga. When the day finally came, I felt empowered with practiced tools I could use for mental and physical comfort.
When I began to hit a wall of exhaustion during labor, Nora prepared a fresh bath for me, offered mental cues that gave me something to center on, and made a smoothie run to help provide the extra push to the end. Nora provided support to both my husband and I that helped us get to the finish line with our goals and values in tact. She kept the atmosphere calm and focused at a time where it could have quickly shifted.
I also truly believe Nora’s presence helped to set the tone and atmosphere for our midwife and nurses at the hospital. With the twinkling lights, lavender bath, and relaxing music, we maintained a centered experience the entire time for me and the rest of the birth team. After Nora left, our nurses and midwife raved about how much they loved working with her.
Nora also brought peace of mind to my husband during the experience, his first and only time supporting his wife through labor. She provided him with insight, options, and steadiness that allowed him to confidently and fully support me.
If you’re reading this and made it this far, I just want to give you the gentle nudge to invite Nora into your birth team. You, your birthing partner, and the rest of your birthing team deserve a team member as wonderful as Nora!
— Hadlee Andrews-Robinson
Nora is a great doula who went above and beyond during my wife’s multi-day labor. Would highly recommend her!
— Kish
Nora was absolutely necessary for my home birth. I relied on her for so much during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Each time she checked on me postpartum she hit all the key helping points- hows my sleep, my nutrition, my mental health, hows the family, the baby, the dishes/laundry. Doula's are magicians, gracing us whith their ability to dabble in this and that. Nora is no exception- she does it all, and more! She has a profound love for humans and has so much knowledge surrounding families, babies, and Matrescence. We are so lucky to have such a great asset to our community. Nora is doing big things! If you don't hire her a birth doula, you must hire her for your postpartum village. You could also take a yoga course (which I took 3 sessions of and I swear it was the only thing that kept me strong and not alone during my pregnancy), and if you don't do that, check out a retreat and do some soulwork.
— Jessica Tyagi
I can’t begin to recommend Nora enough! I could going on about how great of an experience I had with Nora, but I’m constrained to a word limit. Nora meets you where you’re at. No judgement, only love and compassion.
Nora helped me navigate care during pregnancy, labor, and beyond. She helped me find the best doctors for me in the area, she constantly gave me resources, guided me through questions and concerns. Nora knew how my personal health issues could affect my pregnancy and birth. She was able to tell me things to look out for that my doctors never even mentioned. I felt so much anxiety lifted from me knowing that Nora was there for support, and that was before the birth. I had a 45 hour labor and when Nora arrived, she stayed through it all. I am pretty sure that if she wasn’t there I would have had to get a C-section due to some complications. Nora was a wonderful presence that helped guide us through the process.
If I have another baby she will be my very first choice as a doula.
— Melisa Schultz
I would 100% recommend the doula support from Nora of Mindful Matrescence, in fact I already have to a recently pregnant friend! My pregnancy, labor and birthing journey were honestly more full of curve balls that I ever expected but the guidance and care I and my husband received from Nora helped us feel less terrified as we navigated changing circumstances. She was present, nonjudgmental, receptive and genuine through the entire experience and I feel so deeply grateful for her advocacy, advice and attention. She even made it to the hospital in record time for my unplanned c-section. For anyone that thinks you don’t need a doula for a c-section…boy are you wrong, Nora ensured that all of our post-birth wants were met. I think my husband and I were too overwhelmed to manage any of those things, but Nora had it on lock! Anyway, I could write endless positive things but just meet her and it will all make sense:)
— Emma Master
Nora is just wonderful, if you've been on the lookout for a Doula you should just stop now and go with Nora. No matter what you'll need to make your time as pleasant while pregnant and having your child, Nora will help it be the best it can be. I can't imagine what our experience would have been without her, I know she made it better, and gave us all the vital information we needed before our son was born. I hope this review comes with some clarity if you've ever been on the fence with hiring a Doula for the wonderful experience that comes with the birth of your child.
— Geoff Hibma
Nora is everything I didn’t know I needed for my birth experiences. She was our Birth Doula for our second and third pregnancies, and when I reflect on those births, I know they would have been as positive without her support.
She helped us navigate being induced for high blood pressure with our second, and waiting 18 hours to go into the hospital after my water broke for our third. Both experiences we did not anticipate.
Nora has a gentle and informed approach that made me feel like I could take on the entire hospital system. Her deep knowledge helped us in times of uncertainty in a way that wasn’t pushy or judgmental, and instead invited us to consider many options while listening to our own wants and needs.
I knew I could rely on Nora to advocate for me in the hospital room, but she also empowered my husband and I to advocate for ourselves and the babies. Specifically, while in labor with our third, the Midwife was a bit pushy in wanting me to start pushing. I knew my body wasn’t ready, and Nora assured me I could ask for 30 more minutes. Sure enough, after 30 minutes (and a new Midwife), I was mentally and physically ready (and baby was too!) My third birth experience was by far the best because I felt in control, and Nora was so instrumental in that.
We are beyond grateful for everything Nora has done for our family. To anyone considering Nora’s support, we would without hesitation tell you to do it! Even my husband says anyone giving birth, especially for the first time, needs Nora as a Doula, she’s the best!
— Ali Schwartz
I started my journey with Nora (Mindful Matrescence) by attending her prenatal yoga series. I’d been recommended by a friend who happens to be a labor and delivery nurse. I was immediately awed by the vast insights shared in class and felt an instant connection to her energy and teaching style. I decided to hire her as my birth doula.
Nora is a well of knowledge and I felt supported in my stages of pregnancy by receiving so many resources from her. She also helped my partner prepare for my labor journey in ways that proved integral.
My actual labor was about 36 hours from the time of my waters breaking until baby arrived. Nora stood by me in periods of intense doubt, fear and anxiety and allowed me to be my most vulnerable self while encouraging me of my capabilities and strength. She helped me navigate as my birth plan shifted and validated my feelings as well as advocated for my preferences.
I truly can’t imagine experiencing my birth without her. She played a fundamental role in the most transformative experience of my life. I wish every birthing person could have a Nora to walk them through this metamorphosis. I am forever grateful.
— Leah Shanahan
Where to begin?! Nora went above and beyond for our birth. We created a beautiful birth plan, discussed intentions, excitement, fears, what to expect, and more. Nora checked in on us in the weeks leading up to labor, answered any of our questions and helped us make informed decisions. Nora never left our side at the hospital, she kept us comforted, fed, informed and was beyond wonderful. I highly recommend welcoming Nora to be a part of your birth experience! We are forever grateful for our detailed birth timeline, photos, and now a very special friendship.
— Kylie Ferguson
The day retreat with Nora was nourishing, deep, and fun - far exceeding my expectations for a short event! I feel more prepared for the birth of our baby, and am grateful for the valuable resources she shared.
— Aria Everts (Aria Mae)
I would HIGHLY recommend Nora’s Doula Services (Mindful Matrescence). She is compassionate, kind and so knowledgeable. We loved having her there for the arrival of our daughter.
— Marissa Caton
She is simply amazing! I had her for my first pregnancy and she truly went above and beyond for both prenatal and postpartum. When I was pregnant I ended up having a kidney stone at like 30 weeks pregnant. She wasnt on-call at that point but she had no problem meeting me at the hospital. She answered every question my Partner and I had and made us feel so supported. Unfourtanetly our baby came super fast with the induction that the birth was missed. But she arranged her schedule to stay for the whole induction process and to make me comfortable. But because of the support she provided my partner prenatally he knew EXACTLY what to do for the birth. For postpartum visits she helped clean, she helped run baths and helped with whatever I needed. You can't go wrong with hiring Nora. Id hire her again for our next pregnancy if I could, Unfourtanetly its just not in the cards.
— Tanya Murphy
I don't think words can express how much Nora meant to our family. We clicked almost immediately when she stepped foot in our home, like an old friend. Her support during my pregnancy, her experience and wisdom, and her calming vibe were exactly what we needed. Her presence during my labor and birth was one of the best tools we had to keep us calm and on track during such a stressful time. Postpartum, she cared for us and our son as though we were family, easily fitting in like she'd always been there. If you have the ability to hire a birthworker, Nora couldn't be more worth adding to your lives to support your growing family.
— Brandy Cacciamani
I took a prenatal yoga course with Nora. She was so kind and respectful and thought provoking. She taught me a saying that ended up being my mantra for much of my pregnancy and into my labor - “Pain with a purpose.”
Nora has the kind of presence and personality that you feel like you've known her or met her before (we both actually said to each other, “where do I know you from?” But turns out we just seemed familiar to each other having never met). I found myself wishing I was still pregnant so I could take another course with Nora, but I know we will cross paths again because this wonder woman has her hands in a lot of community happenings!
— kristin webb
Nora’s birth prep class is the best gift I’ve ever been given. I’m due with my 4th baby and still learned so much. I had a truly life changing experience in the workshop. I feel ready, empowered and supported to carry and birth my babe.
— Genevieve Allen
