Nicole Heidbreder & Penny Simkin

 Blessings

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 “When I signed up for this class, I was expecting a sterile classroom environment. I arrived to find something so much more! During my time in Nicole's class, I was emotionally inspired. In 4 days, Nicole created a family of women who were inspired and passionate about birth. I walked out of the class with an unbelievable knowledge as well as a deeper adoration for woman and what our bodies are capable of!”

—Mary


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“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


“I am forever grateful for the education and community that I found in Nicole’s Birth Doula certification class. My life’s calling was unveiled to me in this class, and I truly believe that it was due to the incredible support and education that Nic provided. The class not only taught me everything I need to succeed as a wonderful doula, but also fed my spirit in a way that I did not know was possible.”

—Tali 


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“Nicole's Birth Doula Workshop was everything I needed to launch my career in birth work. Nicole is knowledgeable, thoughtful, and committed to each attendee getting what they need from the workshop experience. After four intense days, I felt a renewed sense of commitment to my birth work journey. I would recommend her workshop to anyone planning a career in maternal health or even someone seeking to support a loved one in their birth!”

—Sara 


“Most of all, I enjoyed the sense of sisterhood 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. I was sort of new to this state and had yet to make real connections—after the class, I was so grateful to know that although I'm far from home, there were at least 20-something amazing women in my new community who just *get it*. I don't think that many strangers would have opened up to one another so easily without Nic's leadership and encouragement. She 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 came in with defenses up as my birth experience was not the greatest. I was immediately disarmed because Nicole let us know that it wasn’t about us or superimposing our views/experiences onto the birthing person… While I wish my birth experiences were different, this workshop allowed me to shift my perspective. I'm still living so I can help others by advocating yet following their lead. This workshop was life-changing for me. Education on childbirth was one of the topmost empowering things I have ever experienced.”

—Melanie 


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“I enjoyed the whole workshop experience! Nic creates such a unique, empowering atmosphere for all women. She creates this amazing doula sisterhood at the workshop that continues even after training. What I took from the workshop the most is being able to really support a women during labor and being in tune with her and her body. What I learned from the other ladies was we all come from different backgrounds but are all striving for the same outcome, to help give moms the best labor support when they walk into the hospital, birth center, or if they labor at home that they got this. Nic really empowers you as a woman to go out here and conquer the world.”

—Dominique