Ayla, Born Motherhood

Coffee, Cramming, and Contractions: The Life of a College Doula Ryan skillfully supporting her laboring client. Photo credit- Carol Ann Neville Hi, I’m Ryan Sesker—a 21-year-old psychology major at Hollins University, a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), and a birth doula serving families in the New River Valley. My life is a whirlwind of lecture halls, textbooks, and the incredible, unpredictable work of supporting people as they bring new life into the world. Between balancing the...

The schedules feel fuller, the expectations heavier, and the pressure to “make it special” can quietly creep in—especially for mothers already carrying the weight of daily life. In the midst of the busyness, it’s easy to assume that meaningful connection requires elaborate plans, expensive traditions, or perfectly executed moments. But the truth is far simpler—and far more freeing.

One of the first questions everyone asks when you’re pregnant is: “When are you due?” And while it’s fun to dream about that magical day your baby will make their grand entrance (and maybe even circle it in pink or blue on the calendar), let’s talk about what your due date actually means—and why it might be time to rethink how we look at it.