When we found out we would be expecting out firstborn there were so many emotions. Happy and excited for what was to comes and finally being chosen to become lucky parents but I was also nervous and anxious for the unknown and uncontrollable situation that may ensue. In studiously talking to my more "granola" girlfriends about their experiences I received the strong suggestion to find a doula. My friend's experience had been a great one through a really tough labor and I in wanting to feel as prepared for anything as possible decided to also "safeguard" my own experience. The other reasons I ultimately went with their recommendations: 1) I felt like I craved the emotional support and genuine connection I feared may be removed in not knowing who would deliver me (my doctor's practice doesnt assign one dr so I had over 9 different on call doctors could deliver me). 2) I really wanted to go as natural as possible and not feel "forced" into doing things body or my baby weren't ready for. 3) And lastly I wanted someone else in the room who could cue to my always attentive and intense hubby that support through labor didn't have to completely fall on his shoulders. The result? Pre-labor: Natalia and Hope we're so attentive when I approached and missed my due date by a week and a half- Before every appointment and check in with my dr. I presented recaps and questions in what was being recommended and they provided me the resources but also reassurance that my feelings and concerns were valid. Labor: Once I finally went into labor Natalia was on-call and seriously helped create such a beautiful environment. She was calm, nurturing and somehow managed an incredible balance of providing helpful suggestions and support without being or annoying as lets face it, you are your worst self when you are in pain! In addition I feel like I should mention that I had a 32 hour delivery and Natalia stayed there the entire time with us to see the baby. They were so worth it!​

Rachel Ness

Natalia was an answer to prayer.

I had already given birth six times prior to this pregnancy with three of those births being at home with my husband.  But things were different during this pregnancy and we sensed that we needed to be at a hospital, or have a midwife at a minimum.  We weren’t terribly excited about the hospital option because we have a pretty hands off approach to birth.  So during the effort to find a like-minded midwife, a common friend told Natalia of our need and she kindly went out of her way to help us even though we had not yet become acquainted.

In my searching I also came across Natalia’s blog in which she wrote about her last birth a couple of years ago. I was deeply moved by her story and couldn’t help but be drawn to this woman of character and strength.  My husband too was impressed and we knew that we had found the one we wanted to have present at our son’s birth if at all possible.  After a lot of prayer and talking through our options, we chose to go to the hospital and asked Natalia to join us.

And were we ever glad we did! The hospital ended up being just fine it was me who was the problem.  Natalia’s knowledge ended up being invaluable.  For a couple of weeks previous to the birth, I joked that my uterus seemed to have forgotten what it was supposed to do this time around.  But as the nights of false and unproductive labor dragged on it wasn’t quite as funny anymore.  I was exhausted and had little reserves of energy left when labor actually began. 

Several hours later, my contractions began to slow down and I just wanted to lay in bed and go to sleep. It was Natalia who recognized what was going on and encouraged me to get up; and to get me up she suggested that I go to the bathroom.  I didn’t think I needed to and really didn’t want to, but I trusted her judgment.  Upon moving around the contractions came back in earnest and I was holding my son in less than half an hour.  Natalia is a life (and labor) saver!  (She was right about the bathroom too, by the way.)   Had she not been with us and nudged in her gentle, decisive way I would have had an unnecessarily prolonged labor.  Thank you, Natalia!

Natalia knew what was needed and when.  A bath, a sip of water, an encouraging word- or a bathroom break!  And when she was simply in the background watching and waiting for those needs, her presence was a source of peace.   I will be forever grateful for her knowledge and kindness.

I have 4 children. With my first 3, I never had a doula and didn't think I needed one. WAS I WRONG!! Talia was AMAZING!!! She made my LAST BIRTHING EXPERIENCE, my BEST BIRTHING EXPERIENCE! In a room full of people (my mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and my husband) she brought me peace and helped me focus. I have never had such a smooth labor and delivery. We are FOREVER indebted to you Talia, you are a life saver!! We love you and you are forever part of our family!

~Amandia G. & Family

I wanted to say THANK YOU! Your support and encouragement during my daughters recent labor and delivery was incredible and MORE than we could have asked for or imagined. Even though this was her 4th child, the labor was very difficult with lower back pain which made it difficult to walk or even sleep. Her labor started a few weeks before we went to the hospital and was not easy for her. I prayed for her everyday and asked God for some relief so she could at least get some sleep. That is when God sent you to us, I received encouragement from you over the phone and suggestions for her to try to help eliminate some of the discomfort in her back. You suggested she get on her hands and knees to help the baby adjust and get into the correct position for delivery which helped more than we can say. My daughter was finally able to get some much needed rest. Totally an answer to prayer for her and this "worrisome" mother of hers. 

Once we were at the hospital with a room full of family, I could tell my daughter was in need of focus and calmness...but with all the excitement for the new daddy and family there was a lot of commotion  When you came in, you sat down next to my daughter and immediately I could see the calmness on her face, her breathing mellowed out and she remained focused during each contraction. This mom got a little emotional and you even comforted me. The delivery was quick and beautiful (2 1/2 pushes) and our new little prince Kairos (Kai) came into our lives. My daughter still talks about how wonderful it was having you there..."definitely an answer to prayer!" She said you brought such a calmness with you and she couldn't have done it as peacefully and wonderfully without you. Thank you again so much, you provide such an amazing service. I pray for your continued success.