My last pregnancy was almost 8 years ago, but it was the birth that sent me on my path to become a doula and birth worker. During this birth, "The Business of Being Born" came out. My partner and I watched it and our jaws were on the floor! Hospitals are just businesses? They get paid more if I have a C-section? There are other places and ways to give birth? So many revelations in that one documentary.

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I had given birth twice before and although I considered myself very knowledgeable about the birthing process; here I was 9 years after my first pregnancy looking at birth through very different eyes.

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"I never realized how much we are taught not to question medical professionals...''

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Back to "The Business of Being Born", after I watched that documentary, I wanted to do homebirth! I loved the thought of being in my own home in my space doing what I wanted. I didn’t realize saying that to a doctor wasn’t the best idea. After bringing it up I was told: No that’s not possible. Looking back I never realized how much we are taught not to question medical professionals. She told me no and even though I knew that it was an option and what I wanted, I listened to her instead of myself.

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I remember the day before he came was my anniversary and we went and celebrated with a trip to the beach. We had a long walk in the sand which is a huge workout while being pregnant. We made the journey home, had our anniversary love session, (another huge workout), and went to bed. I woke up around midnight and I couldn’t go back to sleep.

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As the contractions intensified, I was able to shower, walk around my quiet home, kiss my children as they slept, bathe, sway, and rest without anyone telling me where and how to give birth. It was easily one of the most empowering feelings. After a couple hours, I was laying in the tub when a little voice told me to wake up my partner, it was time to go.

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As much as I wanted to stay in that tub in my home, my OB's ''NO'' at the time held so much weight. So after laboring at home for close to 3 hrs we made our way (5 min to the hospital). By the time we got there, I was in transition having to stop and power through each contraction. The only thing I remember the nurse saying is ''Why didn’t you call us!'’ as I’m squatting at the front desk.

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We get to our room, as they start to prepare for an IV, I decline the IV. They told me that’s fine. All around there are tables being set up, people rushing to get things prepared because they know I’m close. The nurse said I was dehydrated and before I knew there was an IV in my forearm, but nothing connected. My OB arrives, I am fighting to get off my back and in a better birthing position. OB tells me he’s ready and to push! Three good pushes later my little Boop makes his way into this world. I looked at the OB and said:''Can I go home now!'' Twelve hours later we were in our bed.

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Looking back on that birth, I am in awe at what my body accomplished. I always say, I should have just stayed in that tub at home. Now I give families the knowledge to know they have options and that they are in charge of their story!