With a birth plan, you say I know my options, I have prepared, I have opinions, and I may not want the default care.

For most, achieving an unmedicated birth requires some level of preparation throughout pregnancy. I’ve divided these areas of focus into education, spiritual and mental work, and a supportive environment.

Thanks to my journal, dear friends, and wonderful counselor, this year has offered many lessons and revelations about my work.

Traditionally, a doula is any companion that cares for a new family throughout pregnancy, birth, and/or the postpartum period - a relative, close friend, or community member.

There still remains a lack of uniformity and standardization among doula training organizations and individual doulas themselves disagree on certain aspects of this work, so I speak for myself and many of the other doulas I know when I address these common misconceptions about doulas.