Ever Searched on YouTube for water birth videos?

When I got pregnant last year, I stumbled upon January Harshe’s Birth Without Fear (BWF) Instagram feed, and was instantly drawn in. Each post felt authentic, honest and raw. I remember quietly whispering to myself “yes, this is the place.”

January is the mother of six children and the creator of several successful Instagram accounts. She holds conferences all over the world that empower women to give birth without fear. What I love most about January is that she always shows up fully for her followers. She doesn’t sugarcoat life, she doesn’t try to be someone she’s not and she doesn’t tolerate anything that’s not uplifting.

As a woman who went through a challenging postpartum period, it was comforting to know there was someone like January out there. Her @takebackpostpartum and @breastfeedingwithoutfear channels were a space where I saw women just like me, who had similar experiences, hopes, and a genuine need to not feel alone.

Throughout this last year, I’ve watched and listened to January closely. I’ve seen my own stories, thoughts, and feelings in her words. I’ve felt her support through her photos, her openness and her never ending encouragement.

It’s with absolute pleasure that I share her thoughts with you below.