Birth Education & The Impossibility of Words

I have been passionate about birth since I was 13 years old. I have believed that birth is important, not only in the obvious ways— but on both deeper and broader levels.

As I have endeavored to write more and speak more about my perspectives on birth, it has become even more apparent just how deeply the subject goes in the minds and hearts of people.

Depending on how you were born and raised, what you have been told, and the experiences you’ve had, you may think of birth very differently than I do.

Many people, including some birth professionals, are quite rigid in their thinking and may deal in black and white sentiments about how birth should be.

I believe that dogma and ideology in birth does a lot more harm than good, and so I strive to become more and more aware of my biases, opinions, and blind spots.

Birth is at once very simple and very complex. Using language to describe, teach, or discuss birth can feel terribly inadequate, because not only do words often not do justice to the profound process of birth, but they also hold a great deal of emotional charge and meaning for different people.

For example, in my podcast and content, I use words like sovereignty, transformation, and initiation. Depending on your background you might read different meanings into these words.

Some will assume I am implying unassisted or free birth, while some may infer that I’m talking about ignoring any and all medical advice, and still others might think I’m referring to mentally overriding labor pains and avoiding fear.

All three assumptions would be incorrect.

The power and personal authority I discuss regarding labor has everything to do with helping to resource you with what you need to face and step into your birth, however it comes.

This journey looks different for everyone.

I truly believe there is no one size fits all when it comes to birth.

I truly believe that birth is an incredible achievement, no matter what it looks like.

I truly believe that when given quality support and information, women will find their way to the birth that they were meant for, and they will be able to take what they need from their experience.

I use a lot of words to describe these resources, and the possible qualities of the experience. But ultimately, I know it is not and could never be my role to tell you what your birth should or will be like.

Rather, I hope, by sharing my perspective, this information, and wisdom I have gathered and cultivated, that you will find gentle reminders of truths you already know.

And I hope that you hold my words softly, so that they don’t become rigid in your own mind.

The greatest gifts I have been given by my teachers have been excellent questions.

I do my best to pose questions throughout the podcast recordings so that you can explore your own perspective, with curiosity.

The Birth Illuminated Podcast is an invitation, to move towards your birth experience with courage and trust, and the commitment to meet whatever comes with the strength and wisdom you already carry.

You already have everything you need within you for this journey. If my words serve, you’re invited to bring them along with you.