So excited to share with you the conversation I had with artist, illustrator, doula, mama, visionary,Kira Birney. She has an amazing story of self awareness, creativity and service and I think it will help you see how important your time on this planet is. I’ve seen many aspects my work evolve because of our chat. Kira is a gamechanger! She discusses how to make your business a reflection of your authentic self, how to create your website as a tool for reflection and manifestation. She shares aspects of her cultural background and we dive into some shadow work surrounding race, gender and privilege and she has wonderful suggestions for how to support new parents, new doulas and creative spirits- aka you!. And she gives suggestions for collaborating and what it was like illustrating a children’s book. Her understanding of the transition from maiden to mother will fill you with inspiration.

Statement by Kira Birney (at www.kirajoie)

"My role as an artist, mother and doula is fluid. Each influences each other and provides me a creative outlet to be of service.

Creativity is my guide for processing my experiences, environments and identity. Drawing, painting and crafting are my primary methods of expression. Recently I have identified the meditative qualities to my art practice. Art as meditation allows me to support my family and doula clients from a present, intuitive and heart centered space. Creativity is life.

The meaning of mother has been an evolution from daughter, sister, babysitter, counselor, teacher to having my own children. Parenthood has been my ultimate teacher and creative guide. Motherhood is art.

My personal experience of navigating early parenthood guided me toward supporting people and families in their postpartum period. Personally I was shocked of my lack of knowledge surrounding postpartum after the birth of my first child. I had so many questions at a fragile and amazing moment in my life.

I believe new parents and birthing folks deserve to be celebrated and honored by providing them a safe space to rest, heal and bond. As a doula my goal is to provide answers to questions and resources on a wide range of topics, non judgmentally supporting an empowered entry into parenthood."

""I am no longer aligned with carriage house birth due to their harmful treatment of a black employee"-Kira Birney

Thymelights:

https://www.instagram.com/manna_apotheke/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/wild_moonflower/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/__anweshaco__/?hl=en

Kira Links

https://www.kirajoie.com/

https://www.instagram.com/missbirney/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/homesweetbabybook/?hl=en

Links Mentioned in the show:

https://www.instagram.com/birdsongbrooklyn/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/divinebirthwisdom

https://www.instagram.com/donaintl/?hl=en/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/bellhooks_/?hl=en

http://www.bellhooksinstitute.com/

https://www.npr.org/2020/01/27/799925293/code-switch-cross-racial-relationships

https://youtu.be/uBNagGMJA9g

Lets Be Friends! (Thyme in the Studio links)

https://www.patreon.com/thymeinthestudio

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AidaZeaArts

https://www.instagram.com/thymeinthestudiopodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/403582056803336/

https://www.instagram.com/aida.zea.arts/

https://www.aidazea.com

Music by komiku

Topics covered in this chat:

Grew up navigating an intuiting life on a deeper level due to more complex identity and biracial background

Grew up drawing and making art

Postpartum has a broader range of time than normally thought of

Her 1st birth drew her to birth work/doula work.

Realized that there was so much about the birth experience that no one ever discussed with her.

Boundaries around service

Virus feels like postpartum time (Isolated and time is slowed down)

Postpartum support

Doula certifications

Building a business

Expanded definition of being a doula and learning to hold space

Carrriage House birth work

Birdsong mentorship

Building community

Finding mentors

Ask a friend, where could I be working more on my life?

Lacey Philips- Expanded

Racism and friendship

Racism and identity

Checking privilege

Health injustice

Racism and birth experience

Foundations of Herbalism

Herbalism in minority communities

Health care

Equitable healthcare

Licensure and certifications for doulas

Collaborating on writing a book- centered around home birth experience for siblings

Working in a team- collaborating and working with another person- not the only one receiving information and having someone to hold accountability

Wanting to build business and growth potential

Don’t show up empty handed at the goddesses door

How to help the pregnant mama

Transformation from maiden to mother

Clothing as an important gesture of embracing change

Walking through a major threshold

Be your authentic self

Kundalini yoga practice

Daily art practice

Spiritual downloads

Insomnia

Spiritual dialogue

Kundalini prosperity meditation

It will come

Being kind and compassionate with oneself

Self care

Essential oils, rosewater, walking

The First 40 Days book

Fourth Trimester- book

Divine Birth

Bell Hooks-Salvation Quote