Nathalie Grolleman
A Passion for Guiding Birthing Journeys
I had the privilege of experiencing three distinct birth journeys. The first two took place in a hospital setting, with the first one being induced three weeks early due to medical reasons and the second arriving naturally around the due date. Our third child was born at home, offering a unique perspective on childbirth. Drawing on my 9 years of experience as an ICU/Cardiac Care nurse, I bring a wealth of knowledge from various medical settings to my role as a Doula. Every day, I'm reminded of the immeasurable value of these experiences in guiding expecting parents through their pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
People describe me as warm, loving, enthusiastic, devoted, caring, and compassionate, coupled with maturity & responsibility. I easily connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and have a genuine knack for listening. During my downtime, you can find me hiking with our dog, enjoying quality time with my husband and friends, cycling on my road bike, and delving into a captivating book. While I may not be the best cook, my family can attest to our culinary explorations at various restaurants. As a family, we relish the joys of travel, sailing, and immersing ourselves in the rich tapestry of different countries.
Every Newborn is a Miracle
Being in the USA has allowed me to follow my dream of becoming a Doula. I have always been inspired and touched by birth, the mystique around it, and how a newborn baby can change parents' life experiences. Meeting a newborn baby for the very first time is still a miracle. I look forward to being part of the beginning of a new chapter in your life. The birth of our children was a positive and memorable experience. Childbirth is a life-changing experience that can leave the most joyous and beautiful imprints .... unfortunately, this is not always the case. However, studies show that preparing yourself and working with a doula significantly increase your odds.
While I can look back on three positive birth experiences, I know that it can be overwhelming and scary, in particular for the first birth: being alone with your partner in the hospital room for a long time, not knowing what to do and what to ask the medical care team for—not being sure about what to expect and if the things that are happening are "normal." When I gave birth to my children, I did not even know that support persons like doulas existed! I would have loved to have had a doula helping and guiding my husband and me; it would have saved us a lot of anxiety.
I hope to make a difference for you!"
Feedback partners often say:
"You were a lifesaver"
"I could relax"
"You gave us the privacy we needed"
"You helped me be able to help my wife better"
"You made me a rock star"
"We couldn't have done it without you"
"I could grab a coffee downstairs knowing my wife wasn't alone"
"I could take a nap"
"When the baby needed to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), my wife wasn't alone"
"A doula is like a trail guide, familiar with the path, she keeps you hiking through the hard parts, knowing the view at the end is incredible.”
- Author unknown
Having a Guide is Priceless
Climbing a mountain is a metaphor for giving birth (I dare to say this after my own experiences). It was a challenge; beautiful, inspiring, and very tough. So tough at times that I was afraid I would not make it. I faced a lot of anxieties; about the cold, about health issues (altitude sickness), and not having enough stamina...
On the fifth day, we planned on reaching the summit. The guides took really good care of me. They carried my day backpack. They made sure I drank enough water. They rested with me as much as I needed. They even helped me put my gloves on or take them off. And when I was almost unable to reach "Stella Point", they pulled me forward to it. When I finally reached the top, I was tired but so proud!