Empowering women and partners in all things birth
Birth is more than just babies. It’s a new identity, new anxieties, and new beginnings to say the least. My job is not only to help you navigate your birthing experience, whatever that may be, but have you thrive within it. I am there for you, as your biggest cheerleader, support system and most important, trusted friend.
na·tal
/ˈnādl/
adjective
relating to the place or time of one's birth.
"her natal home"
I’m Natalie, but typically go by Nat!
I am a mom of two beautiful, and wildly energetic little girls, which is no surprise as most would describe me as a pretty energetic gal myself! I have a background in Sales, more specifically wine sales which has been an awesome field to work in, but after having my first born, and being the first of all my groups of friends to have a baby, I feel so at home, following my passion in all things birth.
I am a major foodie, I love to be outdoors and enjoy weekends away with friends & family. I truly feel blessed to have the family and friends that I do; my village is incredible. I love meeting people, it's almost an on-going joke with friends, at any concert or event I attend, you will always find me sparking up conversations with strangers, I am drawn to making new friends and connections, and I think it’s a huge part in why I love being a doula.
I look forward to connecting with you & feel honoured to have you here, learning a bit about me too!
How I can help
Not only do I support the one in labour, but it is just as important to support your partner(s) as well. My job is never to replace your partner, but to encourage and support you both. I have been through my own traumas and hope to educate as many people as I can in all things birth & postpartum. Birth is not a contract; it has its own plans. Every birthing experience is unique, just as every relationship is, that’s what makes my job so beautiful.
Pre pregnancy
Holy Hannah, there's lots of questions that can be overwhelming, right!? We will discuss everything in two prenatal classes, and talk about your ideal birthing plans and boundaries.
During birth
I am on call to you at 36 weeks 24/7 and will attend your birth wherever you plan to deliver. Covid Restrictions, we will further discuss. My goal is to have you not only survive, but THRIVE while birthing.
Postpartum
Post natal at-home visits while the little one(s) gets settled. Lactation support and helping everyone adjust to the new norm within the home.
Get in touch for a free consult or to learn more about my services and pricing. Virtual & in person options within the GTA location (Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville & surrounding areas)
“I highly recommend Natalie. You can open up and feel completely comforted by this amazing woman”
– Courtney M.
Qualifications & Methodology
Certified maternal support practitioner
Bebo mia's Maternal Support Practitioner (Fertility, Birth and Postpartum Doula) Certification is a 17 week in-depth, interactive, online program that covers the comprehensive knowledge necessary for you to be a confident Maternal Support Worker. The course covers the spectrum of fertility through pregnancy and birth into the postnatal period. The instructors are experts in their fields with decades of experience in the birth world. Learn more about the Bebo Mia.
Hands on experience with seasoned professionals
I’ve been humbled and honoured to work alongside Karen McWilliam. Karen has been a doula for 18+ years and has created her own workshops & practices that I am studying, in addition to my above Doula Certification. Experience is the best form of knowledge in the birth world, and I am grateful to be alongside Karen in all her work.
Constant investment in learning
This is an ever-changing field and I believe it’s important to consistently stay at the helm of the industry. I’m continuing my growth through the following programs: the McWilliam Method series, Birthing From Within/Birthing in Awareness, Birthing From Within series, Life after Baby workshop, HypnoBirthing Support Techniques for Birth Professionals, VBAC for Birth Professionals, CRP and First aid bi-annual renewal.
Meet my mentor
Karen McWilliam (She/Her)
BA, CD(DONA), HBCE, BFWM, LE(CAPPA), E-RYT500
Owner and Founder of Transitionings™: Prenatal & Postpartum Wellness, Karen is a DONA-certified birth & postnatal Doula, certified Mongan Method HypnoBirthing® practitioner, and creator of The McWilliam Method™ childbirth prep classes. She is a certified prenatal yoga teacher, trainer, breastfeeding educator and sleep educator. Karen offers private, group, and virtual birth prep classes as well as in-person and virtual doula support. Karen is also the founder of the “Life With Baby™” course designed to help families prepare for the myriad of changes that come with a new baby. All of Karen’s offerings are richly steeped in a wisdom born from 16+ years of nurturing and empowering families during this exciting and transformative time.
FAQs
What is the role of a Doula?
A doula’s goal is to provide you and your partner knowledge in hopes that your birthing experience is a positive one. We provide continuous emotional and physical support, education, and information that will lead to you being in control and understanding the process of birth. We are here to support and advocate in whatever you and your partner wish for your family.
Every experience, labour, and baby are unique, but my job is to always be a trusted source and friend in your journey. We provide tools and techniques, along with materials throughout your pregnancy to keep you as comfortable as we can. We are a trained birth worker and my job is to not only have you survive your labour, but to thrive within it!
How can a doula enhance my birthing experience?
A Doula can allow both the birther and their partner to feel much more at ease when labour begins. Not only do we support you through the intensity of labour, but our goal is to have you feeling confident in your pregnancy so that your birthing experience isn’t so ‘scary’. We want you and your partner to feel in charge and knowledgeable in all the choices that may be presented to you. The effect on births attended by a doula is astounding: less interventions, shorter, more manageable labour, less caesareans, increased satisfaction with the birthing experience, and more success with moms and breastfeeding.
Will a Doula Take the Place of My Partner(s)?
Never! If a doula does their job right, both the birther and their partner will feel educated and prepared for labour. A doula’s job (especially with Covid protocols) is to ensure the partner can support their partner through the birth journey. A doula is a support system for all family members. We are a team! In fact, many couples who hire a doula, when we receive feedback, often we are told by the partner how helpful a doula’s role was. Ultimately, a doula can add a more relaxed feeling when labour begins, knowing someone is there who has been trained in all things birth, and acts as YOUR support worker.
How is a Doula Different from a Midwife?
A midwife is a primary healthcare provider (HCP). In Ontario, OHIP covers either an Obstetrician or a Family Doctor or a Midwife. A doula is essentially a support worker, who is trained in all things birth. We are not doctors and we will never administrate medications. A doula is here to educate and support you.
What if my Doula is sick or in an emergency when I go into labour?
Every doula will have a back up doula who is also certified to attend a birth, until the intended doula should arrive.
