I am a Birth Doula—offering support to people before, during, and after birth. My intention is to create a calm, non-judgmental space for mothers to connect inward—with themselves, their baby, and their partner.

Motherhood is often accompanied by expectations—some internalized, some imposed—about how it “should” feel or look. But the reality is deeply personal and, at times, surprising. Many mothers have turned to art—writing, painting, film—to express the complexities of this transformation.

"I thought early motherhood would be gentle, beatific, pacific, tranquil: bathed in a soft light. But actually, it was hardcore, edgy, gnarly. It wasn’t pale pink; it was brown of shit and red of blood. And it was the most political experience of my life, rife with conflict, domination, drama, struggle and power." —Lucy Jones

LITERARY RECOMMENDATIONS - Motherhood & Creativity

For those navigating this transition, art can offer resonance and reflection. Here are a few books that explore the intersection of motherhood and creativity: 

Milkyways by Camille Henrot

"A collection of short essays by artist Camille Henrot (born 1978), Milkyways explores the ambivalence of motherhood and the process of creation in both art-making and life. Each chapter explores a cosmos of references in literature, comics, art history, psychoanalysis and more―from ancient maternity myths to modern maternity wards; from Marcel Proust to Maggie Nelson to Hélène Cixous."

The Baby on the Fire Escape by Julie Phillips

"An insightful, provocative, and witty exploration of the relationship between motherhood and art―for anyone who is a mother, wants to be, or has ever had one." 

A Life's Work by Rachel Cusk

"An education in babies, books, breast-feeding, toddler groups, broken nights, bad advice and never being alone, it is a landmark work, which has provoked acclaim and outrage in equal measure." 

Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood by Lucy Jones

"Here is an urgent examination of the modern institution of motherhood that seeks to unshackle all parents from oppressive social norms. As it deepens our understanding of matrescence, it raises vital questions about motherhood and femininity; interdependence and individual identity; and our relationships with each other and the world." 

Motherhood by Ann Coxon

"This beautiful book delves into the subject of motherhood as seen through the eyes of artists—including Louise Bourgeois, Frida Kahlo, Dorothea Tanning, Lucian Freud, David Hockney, Eileen Agar, and René Magritte—providing a fresh insight into maternity as a subject in art history and revealing the ways in which it has been confronted and reimagined in the last 150 years."

POSTPARTUM TEA RECIPE FOR HEALING

Ginger, Turmeric & Honey Tea––This tea is a tonic for the whole body after the efforts of childbirth. *Recipe from The First Forty Days by Heng Ou.

Ingredients (serves 4)

1-inch (2.5cm) knob of fresh ginger, peeled and grated (~3 tbsp)
1-inch (2.5cm) knob of fresh turmeric, peeled and grated (~3 tbsp)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
¼ cup honey to taste

Instructions

Bring 5 cups (1.2 L) of water to a boil. Turn off the heat, add all ingredients except the honey. Let it steep, covered, for 10 min. When you’re ready to drink, add the honey.

Resource for those displaced by LA fires

Since Kye is a Los Angeles-based brand, I wanted to share a resource for those affected by the fires. Moxie Birth has put together a comprehensive roundup of support and resources, which you can find here.