Journal Entry: The Birth World

I remember when I first learned about doulas and birth six years ago. I had no clue how beautiful it was as I too grew up in a society where women see a doctor unaware of other options. After learning about birth and dreaming of becoming a doula, I remember my sister who was pregnant at the time showing me a video of a woman giving birth in a rainforest creek. As bizarre as it seemed to her, I almost felt comfort as she and her husband guided their baby earth-side with the water flowing over her feet, the sounds of the rainforest, and the calm presence of those around her.

It took me a few years, but as I dove deeper into this work I began to learn about what I’d refer to as “the birth world”. It’s a different kind of place, a place where women take charge of their experience and share their stories empowering other women to do the same. The best part is that it doesn’t matter whether they plan to give birth at home, or a hospital, or even a creek - it’s that they become educated, advocate for what matters to them, put themselves in the center of others who support and love them, and give birth the way they desire. In this world we encourage a woman’s ability, lifting her up during pregnancy and postpartum, and constantly learn new ways to better serve the birthing community.

I will never stop saying how proud I am to be a part of this birth world and how thankful I am for all the communities whose goals are also to serve women in the most meaningful way. I can't wait to see what the next chapter of life as a birth worker looks like and to meet more passionate birth-loving people along the way.