A pregnant woman stands in a field of sunflowers, gently holding her belly. Text reads: "Why I Believe in Hands-Off Physiological Birth and Autonomy by Sophia Antoine.

Rooted in Trust, Not Control

There’s something deeply sacred about witnessing a body bring life into the world. And every time I teach or attend a birth, I’m reminded of this truth: birth is not something that needs to be fixed, managed, or controlled. Birth is not a problem to solve—it’s a process to honor.

As a birth educator and doula, my philosophy is simple but powerful: I trust the body. I trust the birthing person. I trust the process.

Hands-Off, Physiological Birth

I believe in physiological birth—birth that is guided by the rhythms and signals of the body, not dictated by a clock or protocol. I believe in hands-off support, where space is held with care, not interference. I believe in being present, not prescriptive. There is magic in quiet observation, in respectful stillness, in waiting for the birthing person to lead.

Autonomy Is Everything

But most importantly, I believe in autonomy.

Too often, birthing people are spoken over, rushed, or made to feel like bystanders in their own stories. My work is about rewriting that narrative. I want every parent I serve—every person who sits in my classes or calls me into their birth space—to know they are the author of their experience.

Education Should Empower, Not Dictate

Education should never be about control. It should be about expanding your options, exploring your values, and deepening your confidence. Whether you’re preparing for an unmedicated home birth or a planned cesarean, your choices deserve to be fully informed and fully respected.

My role isn’t to tell you what to do. It’s to walk beside you, offer grounded information, and hold space while you discover your own truth.

Centering Physiological Birth and Autonomy in Every Experience

You are not just delivering a baby—you’re being reborn, too.

Birth is not just the arrival of a new baby—it’s the emergence of a new version of the birthing person. No matter how many times someone has given birth, each experience reshapes them in profound ways—physically, emotionally, spiritually. That’s why it’s so important to acknowledge and nurture the newly born mother, not just the newborn. She may be meeting herself in a new way, discovering new strengths, navigating new fears, or healing from past wounds. Whether it’s her first birth or her fifth, she deserves to be held, supported, and seen in her own transformation.

When we center physiological birth and autonomy, we give birthing people the space to not only deliver new life—but to emerge empowered, informed, and deeply transformed.

This Is the Heart of My Work

I believe that when we center the birthing person—when we listen, honor, and trust—we create more than a positive birth. We create healing. We create power. We create transformation.

This is the heart of my work. This is my calling.

Missing person poster for Charles Curry, last seen in Augusta, GA, on Feb. 3, 2025. Includes his photo, description, details of last sighting, tattoos symbolizing autonomy, and a contact number 706.821.1080 for information.
Sophia Antoine

Sophia Antoine

Full-Spectrum Doula

Hosted by doula and life coach Sophia Antoine, The Sacred Sunflower Podcast is a warm and welcoming space dedicated to personal growth and holistic wellness. Drawing on Sophia’s extensive caregiving background—spanning birth work, family care, and life coaching—this show dives deep into the heart of self-care practices, mindset shifts, and nurturing community support. With each episode, listeners are invited to find inspiration in real-world experiences, honest reflections, and transformative conversations that foster empathy and empowerment.

At its core, The Sacred Sunflower Podcast is about creating a safe space for meaningful dialogue, celebrating vulnerability, and embracing life’s many lessons. By tapping into the collective wisdom of guest experts, shared stories, and Sophia’s own journey, the show provides both practical tools and heartfelt encouragement. Whether you’re seeking guidance through a major life event or looking for a supportive network that values authenticity, The Sacred Sunflower Podcast offers a home for anyone ready to bloom.