Once we got to the labor room, there was only the midwife and nurse in our room during the whole labor. Apparently, there were 10 other babies born around the same time so the hospital staff was stretched thin! It was nice though since there weren’t a lot of people in the room or coming in and out. The lights were dim and the midwife just let me listen to my body and do what felt best in the moment and gave me guidance when I needed it.

As doulas, we're all about empowering and supporting women through the incredible journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. There are moments of grief and loss that touch the lives of our clients and us, as birth doulas. So, how do we navigate these huge emotions while still being pillars of strength and support? How do we move on with birth work without bringing fears and anxieties into other’s birth space? How do you continue to take care of not only your clients but also yourself when the truly unthinkable has happened?

The location of your birth can significantly impact your experience, so it's essential to consider your options carefully. Whether you're considering a hospital birth, a birthing center, or a home birth, each location has its unique benefits but can also drastically impact your birth plan or preferences.

Labor how you want. Ask for a ball right away, even if you don’t want one right then that way you do not have to wait if you change your mind. Walk the halls, move around a lot, listen to your body.

Although I love home birth. Sometimes it is not what everyone wants or needs. I want mamas to have a wonderful birth experience regardless of location. There are multiple reasons that you may not want a home birth and that’s okay. Good births happen in the hospital too.

Do not be afraid of asking questions or making someone uncomfortable. Do not ignore red flags. I say that to mamas using the hospital system all the time but it is important for home births also.