Hello… my name is Natalie. I am a Birth & Postnatal Doula, Birth Preparation and Hypnobirth Instructor and Mindful Breastfeeding Supporter.
ABOUT ME
Hey there! The Dragonfly Doula here, taking you through my doula journey so far.
So, after 16 years as a Secondary Spanish Teacher I decided to make the leap and take my life in a whole new direction starting in February 2020, when I spread my doula wings with the incredible Developing Doulas. Fast forward to June 2020, and I was proudly wielding my Hypnobirth Instructor badge from The Little Birth Company too! Oh, and did I mention I'm also a Doula UK recognized doula and a Mindful Breastfeeding Supporter since early 2022? Yep, I'm on a mission to ensure that I am fully qualified to offer my families the support and care that they need and deserve!
Now, here's the twist – I've got three amazing children of my own. However, I only stumbled upon the wonders of doulas and the eye opening world of hypnobirthing after my trio made their grand entrance. If I could hit rewind, I'd totally be tempted to have another baby, armed with the knowledge and skills I've got now.
Unfortunately, life doesn't come with a rewind button, so my new mission is all about sharing this journey and the nifty skills in my toolkit with others as they prepare to meet their new arrivals. I want to make sure that every birth story is brimming with positivity and empowerment.
My first go at motherhood didn't quite unfold as I'd envisioned. Despite diving into piles of books and attending some NHS antenatal classes, I found myself woefully unprepared for the twists and turns of my birth experience. Like many others, I nodded along to the offer of induction without fully grasping the impact it could have longterm.
Picture this: I ended up labouring solo on the antenatal ward, my birth partner sent home thanks to visiting hour restrictions. I consented to pain relief without truly understanding the side effects and the toll of navigating it all without support. Had I known the full picture, I might've painted myself a very different story.
The aftermath? Trauma. My birth left me feeling shaken, affecting how I embraced those early weeks and months of parenting my son. But here's the silver lining – this experience lit a fire in me to become The Dragonfly Doula, ensuring no one else walks this path alone, mis- or under- informed.
Thankfully there is a silver lining! Following my experience during the birth of my eldest I dipped my toes into some antenatal yoga before the arrival of my second child. The breathing techniques I learned, the focus on staying cool, calm, and collected, and the unwavering support from my birthing partner – all paved the way for birthing experiences that make my heart swell with deep love, immense pride, and pure joy!
Now, as a doula and Hypnobirth Instructor my mission is simple – to sprinkle that same magic on your journey. I will unravel the wonders of your incredible body, so that you can understand the natural dance it does during labor, and learn how to be the perfect dance partner, guiding your body with efficiency and grace.
Remember that feeling of support and reassurance from my birthing partner that I mentioned earlier? That's what I'm here to offer you. Advocating for your individual labour choices, holding space, so you can focus on the main event – birthing your baby!
Together, we can make your journey as magical as it deserves to be!