31st Birthday Reflection: A Year of Birthwork and Bold Moves

May 25th marked my 31st birthday—and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by reflecting on this wild, heart-expanding, soul-stretching year.

Last year on my birthday, I was still working my full-time marketing job, but I was already knee-deep in passion and possibility with zero idea what the next year would bring. But I knew one thing: I wanted to support birthing people with everything I had—my brain, my heart, my skills, and maybe a few nerdy infographics too.

Fast forward a few weeks after that birthday, I left my job in June to go all in on this calling. Since then, I’ve been in rooms filled with strength and surrender. I’ve knelt beside tubs and hospital beds, held hands through contractions, and whispered affirmations like my life depended on it. Each birth has left me in awe—and yes, occasionally in tears (the happy, goosebump kind).

Somehow in the middle of all that, I also built a business from scratch. Woven Within became real—not just a logo or a dream, but an actual, living, breathing doula practice. I published my first book, A Doula’s Guide to Labor Positions, and released the 99 Pregnancy Positions poster, because hey, if you’re going to give birth, you might as well have visual aids that don’t suck, right?

But let’s be honest—what truly made this year special wasn’t the milestones. It was the people. The incredible birthworkers who’ve welcomed me with open arms (and brilliant brains). The clients who trusted me with their most vulnerable moments. The mentors, collaborators, and friends who made this journey feel a whole lot less lonely.

One huge highlight? Attending the Indiana Doula Conference on April 25. I was honestly so proud to sit in a room with some of the most passionate, grounded, and wildly smart folks I’ve ever met. It felt like finding my people. I learned so much—not just about birth and pregnancy, but about holistic approaches that have even helped me on my own health journey. It was a soul recharge in the best way.

Of course, not every day was sunshine and glitter. There were hard lessons, awkward stumbles, and plenty of "what am I even doing?" moments. But there was also growth. So much growth. And grit. And grace (the messy kind, not the elegant kind). And for all of that—I’m so grateful.

As I head into 31, I’m dreaming even bigger. More families to support. More resources to create. More ways to make birth feel less scary and more sacred. More collaborations with people who light me up. Maybe even another book (okay, definitely another book).

If you’ve cheered me on this year—whether by hiring me, buying my book, sharing a post, or just sending a kind word—thank you. Truly. Your support means more than I can ever say.

Here’s to 31. To a year of birthwork. To showing up with your whole heart. And to all of you who’ve been part of the ride.

With gratitude and way too many Google Docs,

Cheyenne Williamson <3