Being called to my first birth on Christmas Eve one year ago was a life changing experience. My own birth was the first and only one I had attended to that point, and it was the complete opposite from what I saw that day. I carried much of my own birth baggage into the first few births I attended as a doula-in-training with Barefoot Birth. I had not yet learned how to separate the experiences, though I would soon learn with time, love, and guidance from my doula sisters.

This last year has taught me so much.

"...I think it’s time that we transfer your care.”

If you are planning an out of hospital birth, these are words you hoped you’d never hear, or thought wouldn't ever apply to your birth. I mean come on--you've eaten right, done all your prenatal yoga, read the latest Ina May book, and attended that 12 week long childbirth education class! You’ve done everything possible to prevent having to leave your intended birthing location. However, birth is unpredictable. As you and your labor partner prepare to transfer into uncharted waters, you’re feeling uneasy and wish that you would have hired a doula.