Testimonial for Natalie Epstein CD(DONA)
Natalie is incredible. We hired her for the birth of our first child in summer of 2025. My partner and I were immediately drawn to her quiet self-assuredness, and how she innately understood our vision for an ideal birth experience and gently guided us to make that vision a reality. Natalie has an amazing ability to share her knowledge without imposing her opinions, and this allowed us to explore our own desires without fear of judgment. Ultimately we were overjoyed with our birth experience, and I attribute that entirely to Natalie and the support she provided us.
Natalie met with us several times prior to the due date. I wanted to attempt a natural birth, and Natalie created highly personalized mental and physical exercises that would help both me and my husband through the birth process. I had a lot of anxiety in late pregnancy, but each time we met I left feeling calm and excited again.
In the hospital Natalie brought a positive and calming presence. Several times I got frustrated feeling that labor was not progressing, but Natalie remained patient and reassuring. I was really torn about starting Pitocin, and Natalie helped me explore my feelings around that until I was able to arrive at a decision.
As labor intensified, I remember Natalie’s face and voice like a guiding light through each contraction. Whenever I began to lose composure, Natalie helped me focus on just getting through the present moment. Her expertise and composure also allowed my husband to remain calm and trust that I would be ok.
In the end I achieved an epidural-free Pitocin birth (no small feat). I fully credit this to Natalie’s equanimity, reassurance, and guidance. Having someone so experienced and confident about the birth process allowed me to trust her fully, and in turn trust myself. Natalie helped us achieve the raw and powerful birth we desired, and I truly feel I could never have done it without her.
-Melanie
September 18, 2025
Natalie Epstein CD(DONA)
Natalie Epstein Birth Doula
Birth Fee: $2000 to $2300
