Gracefully companioning birth and death.

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Hands demonstrating connection and compassion in a tough moment
Nicole Heidbreder bio picture

Holding space at the edges of life — birth, death, and all that lies between. I walk with people through the doors life cannot keep closed.

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  • "This course gave me the permission to feel all of my feelings and to let go of the fantasy that death brings resolution to family dysfunction."

    —Liz, workshop student

  • "I so appreciate knowing that you are out there, helping heal and normalize these relationships."

    —Susan, summit attendee

  • "Coming out of EOL doula training, I didn't feel confident in my ability to negotiate complex family dynamics. This course offered valuable insights and precise interventions leaving me feeling empowered and confident."

    —Michelle, workshop student

  • “Most of all, I enjoyed the sense of deep connection in the class. It was a place where we could share without judgement—a place where we could finally speak of our pain, our love, and our fears without saying sorry for feeling. Nic held a safe space for all of us, and we walked away knowing that our empathy on its own is enough to do this work (although obviously, she taught us tons of other skills too!).”

    —Tawni

  • "I FELT SEEN and validated just by hearing the stories and topics shared."

    —Marie, summit attendee

  • "She embodies what she teaches. She isn't regurgitating someone else's knowledge. She is the real deal and you know that the minute you meet her."

    —Christina, workshop student

  • I can’t even begin to express how much Nicole’s training changed my life. I came to the training at such a sad time in my life and dealing with a huge loss. I didn’t have any expectations going into the workshop. I wanted to be a doula, but I had NO idea that the workshop would be so positively impactful. I’ve never in my life met anyone with the love and passion that Nicole has for this work. She made me feel the safest I’ve ever felt. We (other student in the class) were so open with one another and so vulnerable. We learned so much! Not only how to be great support people but how to be our best selves. I felt seen! I felt heard! And this allowed me to go forth and be the best doula and give the best support imaginable.

    —Tamoyia

  • Nic kept it real and allowed us to be real. It was a healing experience of self, and within that transformation comes the healing of others.

    —Jessica

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For as long as I can remember, the sound of chewing has undone me. 🌀 I think there's a name for it- misophonia. But a name doesn't touch what it feels like. It's a full-body response, like something inside me is unraveling. Like my brain is explodin
Death, most of us can hold. What pulls us under is the family around it. The way a family can dissolve into old patterns of relating, as though it was all just yesterday. Whether you’re the adult child in the middle of it, or the nurse, doula o
A sweet little owl flew into the barn yesterday. Miraculously it let me pick it up and carry it out to safety. It was so precious to feel its tiny, yet powerful little body in my hands. Christian Borrego I took some pics of it- as though it went r