Birth as Art and Healing: Peyton’s Journey Into Trauma-Informed Birthwork

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A Creative Life Rooted in Motherhood and Storytelling

Hi sweet friends, I’m Peyton, and I’m so excited to share my story as a Be Brave Award recipient!

I’m a photographer and full-time mom living in western Colorado with my husband and our two little boys. Over the years, I’ve captured life in so many forms, but the birthing body has always been my favorite subject. It inspires me in ways nothing else does.

Growing Up Surrounded by Culture, Music, and Community

My daddy is white, and my mom is Hawaiian/Māori, Filipino, and Portuguese. I was raised in a blend of cultures, and I’m grateful to have learned to value tradition, community, and family. Some of my favorite memories are from family reunions. My uncles would sit together with their guitars and ukuleles, filling the house with song while my aunties danced hula. The house was alive with children running around, people cooking, eating, and laughing together. On my dad’s side, his sister had eight kids, and much of my childhood was spent in her beautifully chaotic home, full of cousins, laughter, and noise. So. Much. Noise. Growing up in this way instilled in me a deep belief, that whether by blood or by choice, people need people. Everyone deserves someone to lean on, and that is exactly what I hope to bring to my doula work.

Healing Through Birth and Reclaiming Trust in Her Body

Although I had moments of light and joy, much of my life was shaped by trauma. For years, I didn’t trust my body, I didn’t feel safe in it, and I harbored a heavy sense of shame. But there was a shift when I carried and gave birth to my babies. For the first time in my life, I was in awe of my body. She labored with grace and wisdom. It was instinctual. I finally felt powerful, capable, and truly at home in myself. I was so grateful to have my husband by my side. He was a calm, grounding, and unwaveringly supportive presence through the process (except for the time he got ghost white and almost passed out because he was holding his breath and “pushing” with me lol). Healing my trauma has played a huge role in my desire to provide trauma-informed care, and why I chose Bebo Mia to educate me. I want to offer that same grounding and empowerment to others.

Witnessing the Importance of Support Through Family

Supporting my sister through her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum further reinforced this. She was a young, single, first-time mom, and moving with her through that process reminded me just how vital support is, and I couldn’t help but think of how different her experience would have been without a solid support system stepping in. I quickly realized that I wanted to provide this kind of care professionally. Beyond being a support, I want to advocate for people who might struggle to advocate for themselves, so that everyone receives the safe, respectful care they deserve. For years, I have been searching for work that would allow me to contribute financially while feeling meaningful and purposeful. Becoming a doula combines all of that. It feels like a dream to pursue something that allows me to support and advocate for families in something as life-altering as childbirth, while still honoring my passions as a mother and creative.

Taking a Leap of Faith Toward This Calling

Applying for this scholarship was a leap of faith and it grants me access to education that I just simply could not afford otherwise. I have been ugly crying off and on since I got news that I had been selected. Like big heavy weeping lol and I am so grateful that this now connects me to the Bebo Mia community. This space feels so aligned with my values. I chose Bebo Mia because of their dedication to creating empowering spaces for people and families from all walks of life. I knew by choosing this program, I would be led with love by people who value me and my vision.

Combining Birthwork With Creativity and Advocacy

My hope as a doula is to combine pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care with my photography and videography skills, creating experiences that feel safe, beautiful, and deeply honored. I especially want to serve marginalized communities. People of color, young mothers, and anyone who might face barriers to care. I believe access to birth workers is a right, not a privilege, and my goal is to keep my services accessible so that everyone who needs support, feels supported.

Becoming Part of the Village of Care

Becoming a doula means continuing the values I hold dear. It absolutely takes a village, and I’m grateful to be part of that village. Birth is art, and nothing short of magic. I can’t wait to play a part in helping families feel safe and celebrated. I am humbled to have been chosen for this opportunity. I feel truly called to this work and can’t wait for this next chapter to begin.

Taking Your Next Step

If you’re ready to explore this path, our Birth Doula and full spectrum programs are here for you. Apply for a doula scholarship or enroll today.