Part of the reason why I love being the host of the MOTHERLANDS Podcast is because I get to interview guests about deep and meaningful ideas about what it means to be a woman. But when it comes to myself I find it difficult to open up about my own process. This episode is my attempt to be both brave and vulnerable. I talk about how doula work found me. My childhood prepared me well for the job of a doula, especially my role as a caregiver for my older brother who was born with a rare genetic disease. It was a tumultuous childhood, riddled with immense uncertainty. But what it taught me is that our wounds, if handled with care, can be a source of connection. The depth of grief I experienced in losing my brother grants me access to places within my heart that allow me to be a loving, supportive presence for others. Photograph by Matt BockalThanks for reading Motherlands! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.As I ramble on, I weigh the pros and cons of giving birth within a hospital setting as well as at home and at birth centers. Additionally I share the major differences between a western OBGYN and a community based midwife. This is a good episode to share with anyone that is pregnant or plans to be pregnant and is not sure what environment is most conducive for trust and safety within their individual body.I am forever learning how to build the capacity to hold more complexity within my life. It has been the deepest honor to teach and work alongside others in deepening their own resilience. Thank you for being here.If you find this episode helpful or enlightening I would be so grateful if you left a rating or a write a review.Connect with our host, Keely Semler on Instagram (@k.eelys or @motherlands.podcast)Thank you for reading Motherlands. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com