Ayla Hartless

If you are pregnant and hearing scary breastfeeding stories, I want you to know that it's not because your body is broken or because breastfeeding is inherently this hard. It's often because the methods we've been taught are working against our bodies, not with them. That’s exactly why we’re such big believers in prenatal preparation- learning a gentle, baby-led approach to breastfeeding—one that prioritizes comfort, confidence, and connection from the start.

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.