What clients are saying.
Hear from our wonderful clients on their experience with us.
Birth Doula- Birth Keeper
As a birth doula, I support families through pregnancy, childbirth, nutrition, lactation, and postpartum, here are their words about working together.
I cannot overstate how important Healing Internationale was to both my wife's journey and comfort during her pregnancy. From the initial interview with Natalie, we were impressed with the attention to detail and nuance involved in getting to know us both, what we envision for my wife's road to the birth of our son, the expectations and realities of the health care system and how that reflects on people of color.
Each interaction provided us with a wealth of information regarding the lesser-known aspects of birth, birth plans, hospital rights, and the importance of experiencing a stress-free atmosphere during labor.
After our first initial Zoom meeting, my wife walked away feeling confident and stress-free regarding the common anxieties relating to childbirth. Addressing our preconceived notions about birth as first-time parents was important. Furthermore, the vibe and warm-hearted interactions centered not only around the birth but also our interactions as a couple and how we can support and strengthen our bond during our journey.
The on-site support from Natalie was also second to none. She was always available to provide information whenever needed and was easily accessible. Her words of encouragement, overall empathy, and ability to keep potentially stressful situations calm allowed us to feel at peace during initial labor all the way up to the actual birth.
The breathing, stretching, and techniques provided during our sessions allowed my wife to stay calm during labor and the nurses commented on how well-prepared we were for the overall process. This was a proud moment and is a testament to the quality of the care we received.
As a client with a healthcare background, I was extremely impressed with both the holistic approach to our care and the knowledge of medical terminology, rights, procedures, medical structure and hierarchy and women’s rights. The ability to align our expectations with realities takes an incredible amount of dedication and we are forever thankful and fortunate to have chosen Healing Internationale and Natalie during our journey.
– Brandi and Rich
“The doula services we received were really above and beyond what I could have imagined in terms of preparation, support, and education. Our process with Natalie began with super helpful prenatal visits where we discussed both my partner’s and my expectations for labor and delivery. The process of naming some of these assumptions and needs really helped us get on the same page and left me feeling more prepared for the stages of labor but also more connected to my partner. Natalie checked in with me regularly in between meetings and was a resource for all sorts of questions and connected me with different services/made helpful recommendations.”
— K &T
The doula services we received were really above and beyond what I could have imagined in terms of preparation, support and education. Our process with Natalie began with a super helpful prenatal visit where we discussed both my partner and my expectations for labor and delivery. The process of naming some of these assumptions and needs really helped us get on the same page and left me feeling more prepared for the stages of labor but also more connected to my partner. Natalie checked in with me regularly in between meetings and was a resource for all sorts of questions and connected me with different services/made helpful recommendations. Our next meeting was about comfort measures during labor and she taught us different positions, exercises and strategies we could use during labor. Again, this left me feeling both deeply held and supported by Natalie, as well as more confident in myself and my partner. When my birth experience took an unexpected turn and I was induced early , Natalie was there to provide us with more education and support. She gave me a massage that relaxed me and prepared my body for what was to come.
Knowing that we would need a lot of additional support with the baby in the NICU, Natalie ALSO helped to organize my friends and family into action, helping to create a meal train and coordinating with my support network to prepare our home for our baby’s early arrival. In the weeks/months after the birth, Natalie was a resource for questions and supported me through having a baby in the NICU. She taught us about herbs and exercises to nourish and heal my body, and held space and validated all of my feelings around the birth/making sure we both were getting support through the transition into parenthood and then going back to work. Deciding to work with Natalie was one of the best decisions I ever made. I cannot imagine having gone through this experience without her love and guidance. We are forever grateful to have met her and cannot recommend her more highly.
– K&R (Premature Delivery)
I knew I wanted an unmedicated birth. I did all the research, I took the hypnobirthing class, I hired a doula and built my birth team - I did it all. I was renovating our home when I got pregnant, and it was such a stressful time getting ready for Ziggy to arrive.
Natalie and I met a couple years before I got pregnant, and when I shared the news, they regularly checked in with me, making sure I was taking care of myself and finding time to relax. I knew I wanted Natalie's lactation support services, so we arranged for them to arrive the weekend after Ziggy's "due date" - also knowing that I would likely carry Ziggy longer since this was my first pregnancy.
Around the week of my due date, my local doula informed me that she unexpectedly was suffering from gout, and didn't know if she could make it to my birth! That definitely added to the stress and anticipation. The days went by, and despite a couple false alarms, I was only 1cm dilated at 41w2d.
The Alternative Birthing Center where I was to give birth completely supported my desire for a natural, unassisted birth, but their policy said I had to go into labor by 42 weeks, otherwise there was a higher chance of more complications. Thankfully Natalie arrived while I was in the hospital doing everything I could to go into labor. After some dinner and a dance party in the hospital room, Natalie and a couple other friends went home, hoping tomorrow would be the day.
At 1am, while trying to fall asleep, my water broke and I immediately went into labor. My local doula was able to come around 3am, crutches and all. I was deep in labor, so I don't remember exactly what time Natalie arrived, but I remember them walking in and saying "Yes! You're a bad bitch!" after a contraction. They kept saying you're doing great, and I wanted to believe them because they have so much experience attending births, but it was challenging to imagine it in the moment. My labor seemed to last forever. I labored in the shower, in the tub, on the bed with a bunch of different birthing balls.
Natalie helped me get into a bunch of different positions and used techniques to relieve the pressure. Everyone on my birth team was so supportive and patient. Finally, after 18 hours of labor, Ziggy arrived. There is so much to say about the experience of childbirth, but having people around that kept telling me I could do it helped me get through the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I'm so grateful Natalie was able to be there. The lactation support I received from Natalie helped me off to a good start - I nursed Ziggy for 22 months!
Natalie is invested in the whole process of birth, focusing on a healthy, whole mother as well as a healthy baby.
– Angela and JT
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If you are reading this testimonial because you are deciding whether or not to hire a doula, just do it. Specifically- hire Natalie. The words don't exist to fully describe my experience or express my gratitude for Natalie and the support she provided to my partner and me during our journey into parenthood, but I will try. Before childbirth, Natalie was a constant source of information and care. I am someone who likes to learn as much as I can about things that scare me. Natalie both leaned into this about me by recommending books, podcasts, and videos while also helping me get out of my head by making suggestions like meditations I could try. The childbirth series she runs is informative yet reassuring. Prior to giving birth, Natalie also helped to frame my birth plan. I am someone who has experienced trauma and does not easily give up control. Natalie helped me to make a birth plan that clearly communicated my needs to hospital staff so that I could have a trauma-informed birth. Her understanding and knowledge around this specific topic mattered. My baby was super cozy and didn't want to come. Natalie tried to help me stay calm during the long days of waiting. She gave me lots of things to try to help bring on labor. She checked on me consistently. When I finally went into labor, Natalie was in communication with my partner to stay informed on my progress. When my labor was progressing, but I still wasn't losing mucus or blood, she came quickly and helped us to decide to go to the hospital earlier than we originally planned. My baby wasn't in an ideal position and I was in quite a lot of pain. Natalie did her best to help me manage it. She would make suggestions, some of which helped and some of which didn't. But overall she was a calming presence as we made our way to the hospital.
Once we were at the hospital, Natalie ensured that the hospital staff were informed that I needed to receive trauma-informed care, which I did the entire time. Because my baby was facing up, I received some interventions in the hospital that I hadn't planned on, such as having my water broken. Before every intervention, Natalie explained what would happen. Most importantly- I was in so much pain that I was asking for an epidural. This was not what I had originally wanted. Natalie was consistent in letting me know that I needed to listen to my body, but that if I decided not to get the epidural, I'd be able to do it. She would say, "Let's just try a few more contractions." We ended up turning the anesthesiologist away quite a few times. Pushing was difficult. I didn't know that my baby was facing up (OP) while pushing which was making it difficult. Along with that, the cord was wrapped around my baby's neck so I would push and the cord would pull him back. Natalie coached me through 2 and a half exhausting hours of pushing. She lifted a leg on every contraction, helped me to know what was going on when the doctor would make vague threats, and gave advice to my partner about how to help me. It was hard, but Natalie never lost hope that I could birth my baby the way I had said I wanted to. And she was right. My beautiful baby boy was born and he is perfect. After giving birth, Natalie stayed for a bit to make sure I was okay. She made sure my placenta was delivered and watched as the doctor stitched me up. She left when everything was calm and I was happily feeding my baby.
Valerie and Steve
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I found myself among the low percentage of people experiencing a water break without contractions. From our very first session, I foresaw it happening, and sure enough, I spent three days with my water broken—something I didn't even know was possible. Natalie's regular check-ins during that time were a comfort, ensuring my well-being and addressing any questions that arose. Thanks to the detailed birth plan I had crafted in advance and thoroughly discussed with both Natalie and my doctor, the induction process proceeded smoothly. Even with the unexpected twists during labor, including my dropping blood pressure and my son's fluctuating heart rate, Natalie's clear explanations brought much-needed clarity to the situation. It was unnerving to hear various codes being called and to see a special sticker placed on my door, but Natalie took the time to check in, asking if I understood what was happening and providing the necessary explanations. In the end, my son made his entrance into the world in just 15 minutes. Even after giving birth, Natalie's continuous support didn't waver. Her check-ins persisted throughout the year and continue to this day. I genuinely have no complaints about the experience, and our positive encounter has led us to consider working with her again next year.
Shayna and Gary
Having a doula (and choosing Natalie, specifically), was the absolute best decision we made in the process of having our daughter. Natalie’s presence allowed both my partner and I to relax into the experience without fully entering a fear response. The day I was in labor, we both were so relieved when Natalie came to the apartment...it felt like someone knew what to do. Natalie’s intuition about the specific comfort measures and positions my body needed was invaluable. I remember, on the cab ride to the hospital, thinking in the haze of active labor, “If everyone had a doula, no one would need medicated birth.” Of course, I still had hours of labor in front of me but that’s how shocked I was by the comfort of having Natalie be a part of this process with us. I truly cannot fully express what it meant to us. Natalie felt the baby’s feet and hands pushing into my back, she cut the umbilical cord, and she helped us respectfully navigate the care we were offered at the hospital. It’s an intimate thing to share birth with another person and I am so grateful we had a doula with us.”
-Meghan and Dylan
Natalie was a steady voice of reason in the room when a lot was happening and lots that was new and sometimes scary. We took Natalie’s childbirth classes and we were informed about our options and what to expect upon arrival. Twins. Big hospital. Penchant for the medical. The odds were against us. One of the things that helped enormously, in the end, was that my wife labored as much as possible sans epidural (encouraged by Natalie and others around her). This helped her learn how and where to push so that later she was able to do what everyone said was unlikely, have a natural twin birth in the OR of a highly medicalized institution. Truly revolutionary.Encouragement, helping us ask more questions, supporting us through decision points. Twins are a lot. Natalie helped us learn to use a wrap, and answer questions about breastfeeding, and sleeping. She talked us through our feelings when things got hard or frustrating and was there for a lot of our questions in-between visits. There are a million tiny little ways in which she helped shoulder the burden that are hard to name like dishes, and even taking out the trash.
Twin Dad Tommy
We took Childbirth Education with Healing Internationale and it was so nice to have details that doctors and the hospital don't give you. I had resources and education to rely on that minimized fears, helped me understand processes without needing doctors to inform me, and empowered my pregnancy.Sadly I had covid so Natalie could not be in person during my birth, but her virtual presence was incredible. It felt like she was next to me. I honestly could not have done it without her. She guided me through contractions, my overwhelming emotions, and advocated for me when it came to my doctors, my mom, and was a great support to my partner. I wish she was there, but if I ever decide to have kids again (a big IF) I hope she is still providing services because I couldn't imagine being pregnant without her by my side!I made it to 38 + 5 with twins. We got to the hospital on 11/21/23 and checked into triage around 11pm. They began monitoring and I was moved to labor and delivery to begin Pitocin around 1am. I did not begin to feel much until about 5:30pm on 11/22. I labored for about 7-8 hours until I got an epidural. Those hours were very intense, and Natalie helped me every step of the way. Laboring for that long was what allowed me to have a smooth delivery of my boys. Once I got the epidural I slept for about 1.5 hours, which really helped. I was exhausted and needed some rest. When I woke, the nurse checked me and I was 10cm and ready to push. I almost cried I was so happy to finally begin pushing. I pushed for a bit in labor and delivery then was taken to the OR. My first boy was born at 4:33am and my second was born at 6:18am. I can't describe the feeling of seeing my boys for the first time. I am in awe that birth is such a common and miraculous experience. My first boy was having a bit of trouble breathing so he was taken to the NICU, but thankfully was able to go home with us by the time we checked out of the hospital. I would like to add that my OB and the team at Weil Cornell were great. The hospital was extra (haha) in terms of their procedures and at times alarmist reactions to monitoring the twins, but I still felt heard, encouraged, and safe. There wasn't much more I could ask for.
Twin Mom Salwa
We interviewed over a dozen doulas and chose Natalie because of her specialization in birth trauma and psychological counseling, her international experience and her demeanor in the interview. Natalie's voice, to me, exuded calmness, competence and care. It has a magical effect. Her immigrant background and spiritual practice also was an important component, as it complemented our family background. I had a very difficult birth with my first son and had a lot of fears and ghosts going into birth a second time. I was truly hoping to have a healing and spiritually powerful experience and I think that I did! I did my best to try to set up a network of safety and connection to usher forth this new birth and surrender to the mystery of it, and Natalie - as well as my chosen midwives - were an indispensable part of this network. I felt that Natalie can be the person that can - metaphorically and literally - pick me up as I am falling into a dark river - and carry me through it on her arms. I felt that about her from the start. We had a very extensive set of questions that Natalie asked us to answer, which were very helpful for me and my partner to fill out. Our video visit was based on Natalie's assessment of our answers, and she was able to identify the key issues that we were working through with deep competence and sensitivity. Our at-home visit was also very nice, and focused on some physical aspects of birth, such as practicing birth ball positioning. Natalie also gave us her birth ball and peanut to borrow, which was generous. Natalie also made me a gift for my altar, and that meant a lot to me, helping me feel more spiritually connected. Natalie arrived at our home during the part of the birth where I was already in the "I can't do this" place. She calmly did her best to go to my limit with me, and then when it was time to go to the hospital, she held my hand in the car, and most memorably, helped me crawl through the streets of Manhattan in my blue bathrobe and through the hospital door and all the way to triage. The feeling of her body as I leaned on it during surges is imprinted on my birth. Natalie was wonderful during the hospital part of birth itself, helping maneuver through a series of unexpected challenges. She brought us broth and took our placenta home to freeze for us. I think Nataliie's great gift also came after the birth, when I had challenges with breastfeeding and engorgement issues. She had the sensitivity and knowledge to intuit that this was a right time to share the birth story, have a cry and massage my feet, which helped the milk flow. Natalie then did another visit, a week after, where we just sat and spoke about things, and it was so meaningful to me. Writing this now, I feel that language fails me, as I feel so much love and gratitude for Natalie. It made me truly feel that birth is sacred.
Dasha and Giacomo
If you are reading this testimonial because you are deciding whether or not to hire a doula, just do it. Specifically- hire Natalie. The words don't exist to fully describe my experience or express my gratitude for Natalie and the support she provided to my partner and me during our journey into parenthood, but I will try. Before childbirth, Natalie was a constant source of information and care. I am someone who likes to learn as much as I can about things that scare me. Natalie both leaned into this about me by recommending books, podcasts, and videos while also helping me get out of my head by making suggestions like meditations I could try. The childbirth series she runs is informative yet reassuring. Prior to giving birth, Natalie also helped to frame my birth plan. I am someone who has experienced trauma and does not easily give up control. Natalie helped me to make a birth plan that clearly communicated my needs to hospital staff so that I could have a trauma-informed birth. Her understanding and knowledge around this specific topic mattered. My baby was super cozy and didn't want to come. Natalie tried to help me stay calm during the long days of waiting. She gave me lots of things to try to help bring on labor. She checked on me consistently. When I finally went into labor, Natalie was in communication with my partner to stay informed on my progress. When my labor was progressing, but I still wasn't losing mucus or blood, she came quickly and helped us to decide to go to the hospital earlier than we originally planned. My baby wasn't in an ideal position and I was in quite a lot of pain. Natalie did her best to help me manage it. She would make suggestions, some of which helped and some of which didn't. But overall she was a calming presence as we made our way to the hospital.
Once we were at the hospital, Natalie ensured that the hospital staff were informed that I needed to receive trauma-informed care, which I did the entire time. Because my baby was facing up, I received some interventions in the hospital that I hadn't planned on, such as having my water broken. Before every intervention, Natalie explained what would happen. Most importantly- I was in so much pain that I was asking for an epidural. This was not what I had originally wanted. Natalie was consistent in letting me know that I needed to listen to my body, but that if I decided not to get the epidural, I'd be able to do it. She would say, "Let's just try a few more contractions." We ended up turning the anesthesiologist away quite a few times. Pushing was difficult. I didn't know that my baby was facing up (OP) while pushing which was making it difficult. Along with that, the cord was wrapped around my baby's neck so I would push and the cord would pull him back. Natalie coached me through 2 and a half exhausting hours of pushing. She lifted a leg on every contraction, helped me to know what was going on when the doctor would make vague threats, and gave advice to my partner about how to help me. It was hard, but Natalie never lost hope that I could birth my baby the way I had said I wanted to. And she was right. My beautiful baby boy was born and he is perfect. After giving birth, Natalie stayed for a bit to make sure I was okay. She made sure my placenta was delivered and watched as the doctor stitched me up. She left when everything was calm and I was happily feeding my baby.
Valerie and Steve
Individual Bloom Coaching
BLOOM is a trauma informed therapy model different than any other therapeutic experience, you've encountered. Created with care, BLOOM intentionally allows clients to examine, transform and take responsibility for the patterns learned through out your life. In BLOOM clients are able to explore sexuality and how it came to be. In only eight weeks, BLOOM allows clients reignite the sexual expression. Though this work we invite you to find your sexual compass and learn about how your bodily history responds to touch.
“I would absolutely recommend BLOOM and future Healing Internationale programs. BLOOM provided me with a space to get out of the pattern of cognitive therapy and explore the relationship I hold with myself, my past, and my sexuality. I was looking for a way to build this connection and after my first session with Natalie, I realized I just needed the space to slow down, breathe, and listen to my body. Looking back I feel like I was stuck in a pattern of recounting my history and my trauma without actually taking the space to feel what my body was telling me about my stories. I will forever be thankful for the reminder that the strongest tool I have in my healing is the way I hold myself. I hope to continue to deepen this personal connection and cultivate this healing throughout my community.”
– Bloom client
I was beginning a journey of reclaiming my sexual power in April, and my friend sent me the link for Bloom shortly after that. It sounded like exactly what I was trying to accomplish. Growing, evolving, and exploring sexual quirks, free from any guilt, judgment or lack of self-respect. Free from the past trauma so I could be fully accepting and grounded in the present. Natalie was brilliant, she was able to spot things in my body language, or subtle changes in my voice, quite something over Zoom! She would then ask me more questions or delve deeper into something I was saying and I was pretty shocked by some of the realizations I was having, things I thought I had dealt with years ago. I loved her direct approach and the ways in which she enabled me to think differently about situations. The concept of Bloom is so great, and the videos provided really helped bring the homework to life. I was really engaged throughout the program, and felt my body confidence growing from strength to strength. To the point, I went skinny dipping and then barely wore clothes after that! The joy in fully accepting my body was so liberating. Since finishing the course, I have been learning to trust my intuition, find my voice, and express my needs and desires.
– Bloom client
Working through Bloom and with my therapist has helped me immensely–having the focused time where I was able to clearly define that I was prioritizing my healing was very meaningful to me in that moment, and in part possible because of the concentrated nature of the program.
I found my therapist to be so extremely smart and communicative, I really appreciated working with and learning from someone with a willingness to contextualize experiences we discussed, rather than a more “silent and probing” approach of other therapists I had worked with in the past. The experience felt very different than working in a traditional therapist setting– where my past experience was just nebulously exploring trauma and not feeling affirmed or much trust in the direction of where things were going. I appreciated being challenged to confront or examine my style of communicating and being asked to bring things back to earth when I was getting into non-specific and ungrounded thinking– this is something I want to continue to bring more awareness and intentionality to.
I was surprised to spend so much time talking about childhood, I think I assumed we would spend more time talking about specifically sexual experiences. I was kind of fascinated to see how on point my therapist was in making observations and helping me understand styles of intimacy patterned throughout my life. I think trusting my therapist and the process here let me just take each consultation and invitation as an opportunity for growth and not be attached to a preconceived assumption on how the program would go. I think part of me still wanted the catharsis of talking directly about traumatic experiences but I kind of hold onto that simultaneously with knowing that did not have to be was the program was for– I think there was a direction and a thoroughness to the approach that felt more intentional than purely seeking catharsis, and I grew to appreciate that as I was constantly gaining insight in consultations.
I felt that the invitations were always so intentional, it gave me the motivation to spend time with them and really approach them earnestly even when challenging. It meant a lot to hear my therapist talk about ideas of worthiness and being loved. That is something I will continue to hold close. I felt a lot of discomfort in the beginning about not being “the right” person for the program and grew to understand those feelings more in the greater context of why I was there in the first place, and my understanding of worthiness and access to care.
- Bloom client
Couples and Individual Coaching
Relationship Counseling for modern couples involves understanding, action, and appreciation. We see all couples, we are not here to change, what we are looking to do in this work is transform. Our practitioners are trained in divorce, separation, family building, infertility, and transitions. Coaching at Healing Internationale combines sex therapy, wellness, and couples therapy to transform your relationship with yourself and your partner.
I was recommended Natalie by a friend after experiencing troubles in my relationship, having struggled internally since having my first child a year and a half previously. I’d had therapy in the past and knew the importance of having a good rapport with your therapist, so I was quite anxious going into my consultation. I liked Natalie immediately, however, and found it particularly refreshing speaking to a woman around my age. I soon felt comfortable being myself and opening up honestly; I sensed Natalie appreciated my eccentricities, and I never felt judged.
As therapy progressed, many things started to unravel in my personal life, while I was simultaneously working through my internal world with Natalie. Having my weekly therapy session was the anchor I needed to hold things together and organize my thoughts and to be really held and heard was invaluable. And while I felt that she cared a great deal about my well-being, she was always extremely professional. My therapist strikes a really good balance of giving you space to work things out yourself and presenting you with her observations when a nudge is needed. She is also unafraid to challenge you, which I think is vital in a therapist.
When I started therapy with my therapist, I thought I knew what was ‘wrong’ and even how it would play out. I thought it was a relatively simple issue and that my therapist would simply help guide me to the finish line. I was wrong. We delved a lot deeper than I was expecting, and I had some genuinely profound revelations along the way. In this sense, therapy was much more of an undertaking than I was anticipating, but it was beyond helpful in shining a light on negative patterns I’d been rehashing my whole life – patterns I thought I’d already identified and worked through!
By the time I decided to stop my regular sessions, I was in almost the opposite position I’d expected to be in after therapy, but it was where I needed to be. I felt lighter, more enlightened, closer to my partner and generally more joyful. I am not ‘cured’ of my melancholic tendencies and propensity to overthink, but I now have the tools and knowledge to bring me back down to earth when my mind is running away.
Coaching client
Postpartum Doula
As a postpartum doula, I intend to provide you with non-medical and non-judgmental emotional, physical, mental, and informational support after the birth of
your baby. I will offer a range of services to nurture you and to aid in the transition of adding a new member to your family, including support with self-care and postpartum recovery, assistance with feeding, and general newborn care.
While Natalie worked with my new family as a postpartum doula, her service extended well beyond this. From lactation support to nutrition to general well-being, Natalie is very knowledgeable in women’s health. She is an advocate in self-care and she will help you define what you need to navigate the stresses of bringing home a new baby.
My husband and I found this helpful. We didn’t know what to expect, but Natalie took the load off by doing those things we were to tired or overwhelmed to do, like making a meal and light cleaning. She also stepped in to watch our baby so that we could sleep. For us, this was like gold! A key goal of mine was to breastfeed and Natalie was very supportive, often giving me tips and information to make my experience better.
By taking the time to get to know us up front, Natalie was able to be flexible, which is what we needed. There is a lot of not knowing with childbirth and care; Natalie understands this and can navigate the twists and turns that may come up. This is what makes her a good Doula.
– C& D
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Postpartum is a trip! The version of yourself that you encounter is not something you can prepare for. I did have the items I needed, but I was not ready for how emotional I would be, how my children felt like my heart was outside of my body, and how sensitive I would be to those around me. Natalie is one of the 3 people I trusted fully to be around my family and my children. The newborn bubble is such a sacred time, and I am glad that Natalie was able to be a part of this tender time in my life. The downside of postpartum was that my stitches came undone and I was in extreme pain. I felt like things were going backward, which was hard to deal with. Luckily I did begin to heal, but the setback was challenging. Natalie has been a huge part of my recovery emotionally, mentally, and physically, From wrapping my belly, making me herbs, preparing baths, cooking, caring for our children, checking in on me, reminding me of my power when I regularly forget, and educating my partner and I on the changes I am experiencing, and how to bond with our children. Natalie helped me become comfortable with breastfeeding, and removed the belief that I should be pumping a ton, which just isn't true! The pressure for that goal decreased significantly which helped me emotionally and mentally. She helped me find different positions for feeding, what to look out for when identifying a strong latch, and recognizing the different needs for each of my boys.
Encouragement, helping us ask more questions, supporting us through decision points. Twins are a lot. Natalie helped us learn to use a wrap, and answer questions about breastfeeding, and sleeping. She talked us through our feelings when things got hard or frustrating and was there for a lot of our questions in-between visits. There are a million tiny little ways in which she helped shoulder the burden that are hard to name like dishes, and even taking out the trash.
Twin Parents S&T
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During postpartum care, Natalie was crucial.
She came a few days after the baby's birth. Natalie truly upholds "hold the mother, not the baby". In fact, she didn't hold my baby at all during this first visit. Instead, she gave me breastfeeding advice, massaged me, made me tea, and helped me process my birth. During subsequent postpartum visits, Natalie continued to care for me and my baby. She helped me to trust my intuition about feeding and sleeping. She showed me different ways to feed the baby and how to wrap my belly. She helped my partner and I schedule our time so I could get more sleep. She reassured me when we were nervous about my son's reflux. She drew me baths. Most of all, she was present and listened. There is so much more I could say. I am having such a positive breastfeeding journey and I know much of it is due to Natalie's support during those first few weeks. Natalie didn't only advocate for me, but helped me to advocate for myself. Natalie is the perfect juxtaposition of strength and power, yet calm, reassuring, caring, and kind. She was the perfect person to help us during the most important moment of our lives and I do not doubt that she'd be the perfect person to help you during the most important moment of yours.
V&S
As my postpartum doula, Natalie went above and beyond, not only with an amazing womb massage but also belly binding. She ensured the entire experience was centered around me, providing an hour of relaxation and helping carve out a clear, tranquil space. I highly recommend this comprehensive approach for all mothers; taking time to wind down and prioritize self-care is invaluable.
S&G