Peaceful Birth, Peaceful Earth

I know that every birth keeper (and birthing person) has their own differing ideas on what a "good birth" is. I want to make a clear list of my expectations for a "good birth"

1. You feel safe.

2. You feel heard, seen, and understood.

3. You feel valued and are cared for with compassion.

4. You feel confident in the birth space.

5. You feel empowered to make the choices that align with you.

6. You and your baby enter the fourth trimester in good health, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

7. You can look back on your birth experience and feel peace.

I do NOT care what you decide to do with your body or your baby or how you decide to birth them. I don't care about your religion, sexuality, gender identity, political beliefs, or how your body looks. I don't care if you want to take your entire family camping and give birth in a tent with no medication and no doctor (from experience this was magical af) or if you decide to birth in a hospital and ask for every single drug they can give you so you can nap, or do your makeup, or search Pinterest for newborn outfit ideas in peace (was also magical af to peruse Pinterest). I don't care if you want to exclusively formula feed, or exclusively body feed, or mix it up. I don't care if you invite me into your home as a postpartum doula and want me to take care of your baby ALL 8 hours while you sleep for ALL 8 hours. I don't care what tests or procedures you decide to partake in and I don't care if you decide to do none at all.

I care that I provide the best possible care to you no matter what. I care that I am able to share my knowledge on all things pregnancy, birth, and parenthood in an easily digestible way. I care that you understand the risks, benefits, and indications of common tests, procedures, and medications and that you feel confident in making the decision on whether or not you want them involved in your birth plan. I care that you feel prepared for the unexpected so that if the unexpected does happen, we can work together to limit the possible trauma that might follow that experience. I care that I'm with you to advocate for your desires and needs in the birth space regardless of who is on your birth team. I care that you feel supported and safe in the birth space. It's an honor to witness the bravery and power that birthing people tap into. I care that you feel honored in being held through that space. I care that you don't go home feeling alone with so many questions and so little sleep. I care that you get connected to the right resources in your community and that you can actually access them. I care that you have ample opportunity to build your parenting village in the fourth trimester. I care that you can look back on your experience with the deep inner knowing that you did the absolute best you could in birthing your baby regardless of the twists and turns of labor and that you feel like a fucking badass telling your story. Because you ARE a badass. You DESERVE deeply compassionate care. You DESERVE to be heard, seen, valued, and advocated for. You DESERVE to have the birth of your wildest dreams. You DESERVE peace.