I am a birth doula certified through DONA International. I live in Mooresville, NC with my partner, two children, and a spoiled rotten corgi. Four months into my first pregnancy COVID-19 locked down the world as we knew it which created uncertainty and fear- cancelling planned birthing classes and hospital tours. During this time I attempted to take control over that fear and uncertainty by learning more about birth. I endlessly researched and sought out content from podcasts, books, documentaries, groups, and mothers in my life. At 31 weeks I was hospitalized due to an ovarian cyst - I was so overcome with pain that I let the doctors and nurses make decisions without even asking any questions. During this stay I had a doctor say to me, "if you can't handle this you will never be able to handle birth". Unfortunately during that time in the world only my partner was allowed in the delivery room. Even with the best intentions and preparation we were both out of our depths once labor hit. My second birth was an entirely different experience because of being able to choose to have additional support people and the experience of a doula. This ignited a desire in me to help other women have empowered births and to be the support they and their partners need to have a birth where they feel heard, seen, and understood. Your feelings toward your birth set the stage for your postpartum journey - preparation and support can make sure you start this journey, and new relationship with your baby, with your best foot forward.