Meet Natallie Doram | Doula

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natallie Doram and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natallie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There were numerous thoughts that ran through my mind when it came to starting my own business. I still have numerous thoughts. It first came to me shortly after having my daughter. The experience of parents during and after pregnancy is underrated and that bothers me. So many people assume that if we aren’t saying anything that we are fine and that’s just not true for all. I went through an intense postpartum period that impacted all of my relationships and if there’s one thing that stays consistent in my mind is that if only I had better support or knew about more resources. Also, I naturally think about all the parents out there who are dealing with similar challenges. It’s no joke. There’s so much that many of us worry about whether we are a first time parent or have multiple children. We worry about our bodies (for those that carry the baby) because they do change a lot during and after having a child. We also worry about being judged as parents. Many times identities are lost. We get caught up in this ideal that we are parents now. It’s a big adjustment period. We are individuals too but we put that to the side. Social life’s take a plummet, mentally we can be all over the place, and overall we often feel misunderstood or silenced. I despised my body after pregnancy and I’ve learned to give myself some grace, but some of those insecurities are still there. I also didn’t know how to handle all the different opinions from family members about what I should and should not do. On top of all things postpartum, I lost my brother very violently in the same year. I felt super alone. I was still dealing with postpartum and had to add grieving in the mix too. It makes my stomach turn to think about other parents who are in or could go into the head space that I was in. This even goes for the partners. Sometimes they don’t know what to do, how to support, or how to even recognize signs of a need. Then we can’t look over the disparities in the healthcare system when it comes to birth, particularly those with black women. It’s sickening! Babies are a blessing and birth is such a beautiful thing and I just want to help others see that and enjoy the experience. I don’t want it to be seen as a downfall or something that will hinder growth in life or cause a pause on enjoying life because that’s just not true. They should have support and not have to dwell solely on the many barriers we have to face. Mental health is so important and yet there’s still an abundance of ignorance out there.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My story is not the same as the next persons. I’m coming from a deep and genuine place and I truly believe others should see what they are capable of. It’s hard to see past what you’re used to. I’m most excited about connecting with families and sharing all that I have to give. There’s just something about being able to empower others and sharing my story in order to help others in their own process. I think just living life and having gone through the things I went through is what got me to where I am today. I’ve gone through it all from my daddy issues, to being homeless, to losing myself etc. I had (and still have) so much to learn and I’m just someone who embraces that and looks forward to it. A life long learner. I’ve also always been someone who really cares about other people and their well-being so I think naturally this just was my path. It hasn’t been easy and it still isn’t easy but when I think back about all of the things I’ve had to face and overcome, that motivates me to keep going. Also wanting to change the narrative for my family is a huge motivator. Breaking generational curses, pushing limits, striving for peace and happiness, spreading love, it’s all worth it. We get back what we put out. The world needs this. I’ve learned so much: You’re never done learning, don’t stop just because you hear a bunch of nos, perfect doesn’t exist, patience, make things happen but also understand things will happen how they are supposed to, the mind is truly a powerful thing and most of all, being true to yourself matters so do you because there will always be those sitting ready to criticize your every move. We literally have this one life to live, don’t be miserable. I want people to know that my passion runs deep, I’ve been putting my all into this and they are getting nothing less than full authenticity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As long as I’ve lived in Georgia, I haven’t explored enough. I’d for sure want to introduce them to foods they haven’t tried both chill and formal places, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, any fun artsy activity we can get into, nice park date, yoga class, pole dancing class, winery, etc.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I really want to shoutout my good friend Veronica! She was such a huge part of my healing and growth because she provided nothing but support. There was never any judgement and she didn’t tell me how things “should” be like many have. Literally always willing to listen and do whatever else she can. Also my friend and soul sister Chante’l because she’s so dang dope! She supports me even when I’m not looking. She gets excited to talk about life and growth with me. She’s the one person who checks in when she can just to see how things are going, share information, or provide a resource. Even when she was going through her own stuff she still thought about me and made sure I knew it. Lastly my family. My grandma Judy, who I lost this year, she’s always been there for me no matter what. She knew what to say at the right times, encouraged me to keep going, always let me know how proud she was of me, made sure to say she loved me every conversation and never failed to share some of her positive words. She was a strong believer and supporter of God and reminded me about keeping faith. My mother and my sisters Christina and Shanika. They all just go with what I have going on even if they don’t 100% understand. They show me so much love and I just don’t know what life would be without them.

Website: DelicateDoulaLLC.com

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Other: DelicateDoulaLLC@gmail.com