Frederick Leboyer’s book, Birth Without Violence, was my first glimpse into birth outside of the typical hospital experience when I had babies. This book shared images of beatific, smiling, newborns, beneficiaries of Leboyer’s birthing method, contrasted with screaming babies, trying to protect their tiny heads, faces and fists bunched in terror, and presumably born after a more conventional hospital stay. I was profoundly affected by these images and knew in my heart and soul which I’d prefer, given the option. My children are grown now, and my desire to see peaceful, powerful, births has grown with them. As I begin my journey as a birth doula, I hope to share how far we have come, but also hint at how far we can grow in this arena ❤️