Hello all and thanks for coming by to see my first ever blog post! Let me introduce myself. First, my name is Natalie Miller. Second, my titles (which there are many!), so here it goes: I am first and foremost a child of God, a wife to a supportive hubby who is probably slowly going crazy because of the rest of my titles, a mother to four kiddos (and a birth mom to another one), a nurse since 2008, photographer since 2014, certified birth doula, chicken and duck mama (chicken math is real ya'll), a go-getter who thrives on change, a nature lover, a people pleaser, a little bit of a rebel (my mom would probably say a lot), and a person who is a OBSESSED about birth.
I've got a lot on my plate and even though I tend to complain about how busy I am, I still tend to keep adding more responsibilities. Like this blog (haha). But seriously, I am wanting to write this because I feel passionate about the experience of birth and want to share my knowledge and experience with others to hopefully help them have positive and empowering birthing journeys themselves. In the USA today, that is not something that comes easily, especially in a hospital setting. I would know after working in labor and delivery for 9 years, which is why I feel the urge or drive to somehow make a change.
How Birth Can Change Your Life
I have had five very different birthing experiences myself. Each one I learned something new and changed how I approached each pregnancy. I admit, I was very naive about pregnancy and giving birth, even after my first birth when I was 17 years old (picture below). Maybe because that was like an out of body experience for me. I wanted to disassociate myself
from my baby as a defense mechanism since I was planning on adoption. It was definitely a traumatic, yet life pivoting experience that set me on my track to where I am now. I used to think I wish I could change the past and not have to go through what I did, but looking back now I can see how God was there helping guide me to my purpose through the pain. I can't wait to share with you each story and how it has impacted not only my life, but the lives I have and will come in contact with.
Making an Impact One Life at a Time
My background is pretty diverse, which I feel gives me an edge because of my many experiences. For example, in nursing alone I went from a nursing home working as a CNA (certified nursing assistant) to a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) to a RN (Registered Nurse) in Ortho/Neuro, then ICU (Intensive Care Unit) to Labor and Delivery, then Home Health and lastly a Obstetrics/Gynecology clinic. I'm currently only working as a doula and photographer and taking a break from nursing all together. This not only applies to my professional life, but also my personal life. I've seen and been through a lot and I know there is a reason, though, for each moment in my life that seemed to wreck me. I want to use my experiences and what I have learned along the way to help others as they push through this wild jungle of not only healthcare, but life in general. It's a crazy world outside of the womb and I am going to do my best to help navigate these waters with each person I meet.
Would you like to join me? Say hi in the comments below!
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