Testimonial for Natalie Grammer, CLC, HBCE, SpBCPE from MJ Sedlock

Testimonial for Natalie Grammer, CLC, HBCE, SpBCPE

Natalie from Maine Doulas was everything we could have hoped for in a doula experience for our first child. She was with us via call, text, and in-person visits from very early on in my pregnancy. It was a great source of calm to know that she was always available for any questions or worries that might come up. I knew I wanted a low-intervention, unmedicated birth right from the start and Natalie supported me in a way that made me feel confident and empowered to do that without fear or anxiety. On the birth day, my baby arrived less than an hour after I realized that I was actually in labor, which didn't give Natalie enough time to get to the hospital for the actual birth. But, her presence at the hospital after his arrival was still invaluable. We struggled to establish a breastfeeding relationship within the first 24 hours of my son's life. Without Natalie, I know that I would have have let the (well-meaning) hospital staff pressure me into supplementing with formula. But, Natalie's patience and reassurance gave me the confidence I needed to keep trying different methods of expressing/pumping and feeding until we were able to successfully get a good latch for feeding directly at the breast. I will always be so grateful that she made that possible for us. I had a birth/newborn journey in which I felt informed, prepared, confident, and empowered. Natalie's support was a huge part of what made that possible.

-MJ Sedlock

June 17, 2023