I'm a mother of two wild and beautiful boys, a certified Birth and Postnatal Doula, and I hold certifications in Mat and Reformer Pilates as well as a 50-hour Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga training.

But before all of that, I was 23 years old and pregnant with my first baby—which I now reflect on as being very young. Someone gave me the book Birth Stories by Ina May Gaskin, and it opened my world.

Around the same time, our female Kelpie had ten puppies. I watched her deliver them so effortlessly using nothing but her instincts. She didn't panic. She didn't second-guess herself. She just... knew. It moved me deeply.

These two experiences planted a seed: What if I could homebirth too?

The idea shocked my family. They were certain it was "too dangerous." But I found a competent homebirth midwife, and with my husband's support, we committed to it. I had moments of nervousness throughout my pregnancy—wondering if I'd made the right choice, if I was being reckless, if I should just go to the hospital like everyone expected.

But when labour started, I knew I'd made the right decision. We were in the comfort of our own home. Twelve hours later, my son River was born, and we snuggled up in our own bed, getting to know each other with endless cuddles. Nearly three years later, my son Rata was born—on the same toilet in our bathroom! And once again, I felt so grateful to be sitting in front of the fire in our own home with my new baby.

These experiences changed everything for me. They showed me what birth can be when a woman is supported, informed, and trusted to follow her body's lead. Now, I'm passionate about helping other women discover that same confidence and strength—whether they're planning a homebirth, hospital birth, or anywhere in between.