I recently returned to Japan, my motherland, and it was a deeply meaningful experience that reconnected me with my family, ancestors and the land itself.

As the New Year unfolds, I find myself reflecting on my journey as a doula and the profound reasons that led me to this path. In sharing my story, I hope to convey the essence of my commitment to empowering women and birthing individuals. Growing up in Japan, where "autonomy" wasn't commonly discussed, I initially adhered to societal "norms". However, my perspective shifted during my own transformative birth experiences in England, unravelling the wonders of our body's capabi

Today, I want to share my personal experience and thoughts about the benefits of home birth. 14 years ago, I gave birth to my eldest son at home in Norwich, East of England, and it was a truly empowering journey. Some may raise an eyebrow at the idea of a home birth for a first child, but with hindsight, I realise that we wanted to make thoughtful choices in welcoming our precious new life. My family in Japan, where home births were even rarer, expressed concern and asked, "A