In this nourishing chat, Victoria sits down with doula and motherhood mentor Ash Tomlinson to unpack birth without fear, what "continuity of care" really looks like, and how to turn a rigid "birth plan" into a flexible birth map anchored to your values. Ash shares her own story -planning a home birth, navigating IUGR and a breech baby, ultimately choosing a gentle, intentional caesarean - and how listening to her intuition shaped a joyful experience. You'll hear practical ways to advocate for yourself, include partners meaningfully, and protect your nervous system in pregnancy, birth, and the long, long season called motherhood. Big reminder: You always have the answer within you - you just need the space to hear it. What we cover * From plan to map: why a birth map honours your values, preferences, and "if this/then that" pathways—even when things change * Intuition over noise: how Ash knew a caesarean was the right call and made it beautiful and intentional * Continuity of care: private midwives, postpartum support at home, and why familiar faces matter * Language & power: spotting phrases that quietly remove your choices—and reclaiming your "yes/no" * Partners as anchors: preparing partners for hands-on (or hands-off) support, and debriefing their experience too * Postpartum is forever: nervous-system regulation, emotional embodiment, and simplifying daily rituals * Little moments, big impact: sunlight, a hot coffee, slow mornings—why tiny practices count (and kids mirror what we model) Meet Ash Ash Tomlinson is a mum to Billy and a doula supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in and around Geraldton, WA. She blends mindset work, nervous-system education, and soulful, practical support for mothers at every stage. Ash offers 1:1 doula care, birth mapping sessions, and a motherhood group program (re-launching early in the new year). * Connect: Instagram @ashtomlinson_ or Facebook: Ash Tomlinson Holistic Doula &b Mentor * Enquiries: DM Ash to book a connection call Connect with Victoria * Instagram: @the.victoria.r * Website: www.victoria-r.com.au * Questions or collabs: DM on Instagram Gentle disclaimer This episode shares lived experience and general information. It's not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for your specific circumstances.