The day before the Babies & Bumps Expo, I thought I’d be casually visiting my cousin while early labor slowly unfolded. Instead, I found myself jumping into full doula mode—massaging, squeezing, supporting—and eventually cutting the cord for baby Callum James, who surprised us all with a fast and powerful debut. A whirlwind, an honor, and a reminder to always bring the full doula bag.

Getting to share A Doula’s Guide to Labor Positions in person at Babies & Bumps this past weekend was pure joy. Once people flipped through the book, their reactions—“Wow, this is so detailed!”—reminded me why I made it in the first place. Meeting parents, birthworkers, and partners face-to-face, walking them through how to use it in real time, and feeling that spark of connection was the best kind of validation for all my hard work.

Rachel moved through labor with such deep connection to her body—intuitive, grounded, and powerful. Her birth reminded me that even in calm, well-supported spaces, your voice is your strongest tool. Ask questions. Say no when you need to. You deserve to feel safe.