In physics, fusion is known as the process by which nuclei join in order to create energy. It is believed that this is what created the sun and stars. Like the birth of a star, sun, or distant corner of our universe, the birth of our children is no less a miracle. Indeed it is an extraordinarily graceful miracle, presenting us with new joys and forever altering our lives.
Nicole Heidbreder is the founder of GracefulFusion, professional labor and postpartum support, labor photography, childbirth education, and lactation support services. She is a DONA trained birth and postpartum doula. And a Lamaze and CEA trained Childbirth Educator. She is a member of the New Leadership Council for the International WomenÕs Health Coalition, and is currently working on Transparency in Maternity Care, a research project that will offer current statistical information for expectant couples throughout America.
Nicole believes that the experience of becoming a mother is one of our most important rites of passage in life, and her approach is to bring a comforting and calming energy to her clients. She supports her clients with physical comfort measures, provides information and explanations throughout pregnancy and labor, and offers emotional and mental support to the couple during labor. She has attended births all over the world, and this exposure to different cultures and practices has given her a wealth of information on pregnancy and the birthing process. In addition to her regular doula practice, Nicole is also experienced in massage, acupressure, and aromatherapy, and also offers services in labor photography, combining her passion for photography with her sensitivity to the precious moments around birth.
For the past year Nicole has been actively involved with BornClear- an amazing childbirth education program. As well, Nicole works as the Special Events Coordinator for The New Space for WomenÕs Health.
Before becoming a doula, Nicole completed a Masters of Arts in Administration and Management from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Illinois. She was also a Ford Foundation Scholar. She has lived, studied, worked, volunteered, and traveled in over 30 countries around the world; what continues to inspire and amaze her is the resilience and intelligence of women she encounters, and how they gracefully face the highs and lows of life.