Natalie Broders Photography | Doula - Portland, Oregon

Lidice K.

Since the moment that I talked to Natalie on the phone for our initial introduction, I could sense a warmth in her voice and that she was different from the other doulas I had spoken to. I was very excited to work with her but unfortunately, she didn't have any more availability to be my birth doula. So... I hired her as my maternity and birth photographer!

Officially I met Natalie the day of my maternity photoshoot and she was amazing! Natalie helped me figure out my wardrobe issues and was so patient with me regarding the location and even the dates for the photoshoot. Then the day of the photoshoot, it was amazing to see her in her role as an artist. She was looking all around at where the light was coming from and captured some amazing images! Plus, it was so fun hanging out with her. Like going on a hike with a friend! Natalie has a way of just making people open up and feel totally comfortable, like you’ve known her all your life.

I ended up working with another doula during my pregnancy and I was confident about the team I had for the day of birth. However, when labor started during the wee hours of the morning and continued until the next day with little progression it seemed like my team couldn’t support me how I needed. It was just my mom by my side trying to help me while I was in a lot of pain and our questions were not being answered in a way that we could make an informed decision on how to move forward. When my mom called Natalie in the middle of the night, there was no hesitation from Natalie at all. She answered the phone and listened to everything that had been going on for the last 24 hours. She asked questions and gave us answers (this is what my mom shared with me since I was still laboring and did not hear the conversation they had). My mom walked back into the bedroom and said, "Natalie is coming, she'll be here soon." There was hope again!

Natalie is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. The way she manages her time, the way she connects with her clients, her attention to detail, her ability to be present in every moment, the levity she brings and lightness about her, her incredible empathy and situational awareness. I could not believe that even though she wasn't officially my birth doula because she was already completely booked up, she was there for us in that capacity. Natalie was not only the birth doula I had originally wanted... She was truly the birth doula I NEEDED! She guided us through all our options on how to move forward so we could make informed decisions without feeling fearful but empowered. Since the moment she arrived, she stayed by us until my baby was safely delivered around 30 hours later! She guided me through the surges and difficult decisions, she supported my mom which allowed my mom to get some rest, and she became our friend all in that short but momentous moment in time.

Natalie was also able to capture all the all the little things that I knew I'd miss because my brain was focused on having a baby. Seeing all the photos of that day has filled in the gaps in my mind. Now, I know it was a lovely autumn day when my daughter was born. I have photos of the exact moment my daughter was delivered, which I was not able to see when it happened. The birth of my daughter did not end up being at all like I thought or had prepared for but I can honestly look back and say that as difficult as it might have been in the moment, it is so beautiful to look back now at the story of how my daughter came into our arms!

Thank you, Natalie, we are forever grateful, and we’ll see you when Lu is 1! 😉

Sarah M.

I am a midwife, and I have personal experience with most of the doulas in our area through my work. I chose to work with Natalie for the birth of my first baby because I respect her wisdom and knowledge as well as her professionalism. I knew Natalie would be thorough, thoughtful, encouraging, and allow me to fully embrace the role of ‘mother’ rather than the role of ‘midwife’ in my own birthing journey. My husband and I felt so ease at ease with Natalie and so grateful to have her care and presence during my birth. I knew she would be perfect for me, and she did not disappoint. My birth would never have been what it was without Natalie, and I am so grateful I had the insider knowledge to hire her. Now do yourself a favor and do the same!

Michelle S.

I spent a lot of time researching and interviewing doulas when preparing for the birth of my first child. I spoke to 3 others before meeting Natalie, and while they were all perfectly fine professionals, they didn’t feel like the perfect fit when envisioning what I wanted in a support figure for my birth. When I spoke to Natalie, I immediately felt that she was exactly everything I had hoped and so much more than I could have imagined. Natalie is warm, informative, a natural advocate and a true angel. When any concerns arose throughout my pregnancy and when decisions were needing to be made, Natalie was my go-to and trusted partner. She always had evidence based insight and materials to provide, and experience to speak on. She helped me believe that my dream birth was attainable. She taught me foundational information needed to survive my first couple of days/weeks/months of motherhood. Natalie was the first person to show up to my home birth, supported me through labor, and then supported me through post birth complications- always advocating for my needs and desires, and being a figure of safety throughout my experience. Equally important are the photos that Natalie took throughout my laboring and birth of my daughter. I didn’t know that birth photos were a thing until I came across Natalie’s page. If you are even slightly considering birth photography, DO IT. It is the greatest gift to have my my birth experience documented and the pictures only feel more and more special/sacred as time goes on. There are no words to describe the love and gratitude that I have for Natalie and the gift that was given to my family through her presence at our first born’s birth.

Gift S.

I had Natalie as My Doula with both my children I just love her, I honestly see her as family. Natalie makes you feel so comfortable, She makes sure that she’s doing everything in her power to be there for you, support you and, advocate for you when needed and she does an amazing job at it. On top of all that, Natalie does a beautiful job photographing and capturing all the best moments and really showing your story in those photos. I wouldn’t ask for anybody else to be my Doula and photographer. Natalie is the best.

Kelsie G.

Natalie was everything I hoped for and more! From our first phone call I knew, she was exactly who I needed on my team. She had such a comfort about her.

She was there every step of the way. You aren’t “just” getting a photographer. You are getting a person who will hear you and your wants/hopes, support you through the pregnancy journey, build you up with the exact words you need, and be there for you during and after the birth of your baby.

Our pictures capture exactly what we wanted and dreamed of. They are absolutely incredible! They remind me of what I did and how proud I am of myself. I cannot wait to show my daughter one day.

Mike L.

Natalie is the biggest “get” anyone could have on their birth team. She is such an important part of my daughter’s birth story. I’m forever grateful we met. Thank you, Natalie. ❤️❤️❤️

Elena M.

Great listener, great teacher, great companion in the delivery room. I was hesitant to hire a doula at first. I'm a second time mom and a believer in Western medicine (mostly). My background is science, so I'm all about data and evidence. I was worried a doula wouldn't understand that, but Natalie did. It was so easy to open up to her. She validated my experience with my first birth (which had not gone well). She helped me build a birth plan based on my personal values and preferences. She remained objective while thoroughly explaining all my options. In the delivery room, her calming presence gave me the confidence to advocate for myself. Natalie made sure I understood everything happening at all times. She made sure both my partner and I were comfortable and well-rested for our daughter's arrival. I was worried about a c-section when my daughter wasn't moving into the birth canal. Natalie used a technique to reposition her and get her moving. I pushed her out in 4 minutes! No tears. I am so thankful Natalie was there to guide me through everything. My only regret is not getting the birth photography and newborn photo package.

Autumn M.

I immediately felt comfortable during our phone interview. She listened, validated and offered perspectives about my previous birth experience that ensured me she was experienced and was the best fit. Our energies matched and I felt we were both our authentic selves. Going into a vulnerable place like birth, it is so important to me to be my most authentic self. I never felt I had to hide any part of myself from Natalie. She was always loving, kind, compassionate, understanding and overall just a really safe person for us. I highly recommend her for your birth journey. She offered us amazing insight and resources. I had no idea where to start with birth plans and how to gracefully experience the journey, she truly helped me have a positive birth experience in the shadow of some pretty difficult challenges.