Doula

Deb and Silvio welcome Penka into their home as they prepare for the birth. Penka stays with them temporarily to provide support during the preparations and birth planning.

During a guided meditation, Deb and Silvio realize Penka has died. The moment triggers a chain of grief and funeral planning for the doula who had been guiding them.

At Penka’s funeral, they see Penka’s only child Sascha for the first time. The encounter plants the possibility that Sascha might become part of their lives as they approach the birth.

Silvio invites Sascha to stay with them, and Deb reluctantly agrees. The presence of a new person in the house shifts the dynamics during late pregnancy.

Deb learns she is having a boy at a prenatal appointment. The doctor urges a hospital delivery, but Sascha supports Deb's plan to birth at home and remain in control of the process.

Will, Silvio’s teenage son, will soon live with them, prompting Deb to confront Silvio about making big decisions without her. She asserts her desire to be included in these choices about the household.

Deb tells her mom’s group that she doesn’t feel like herself and fears becoming an afterthought once Will arrives. The fear highlights her sense of identity during the pregnancy.

A birth simulation led by Sascha prompts Silvio to reveal that Will almost died during his hospital birth. Deb remains sympathetic but makes clear her own preference for how she wants to give birth.

Silvio briefly fires Sascha at the park, and Deb steps in to push back against losing control. Later, Deb kicks Silvio out after learning he plans to leave to pick Will up.

Deb begins contractions, drinks wine, and admits she’s scared she won’t love the baby. She goes to the hospital, but the doctor wants to give Pitocin, and she ultimately decides to deliver at home.

Silvio returns around the same time, having taken hallucinogenic mushrooms, adding to the surreal atmosphere. The birth occurs (with a midwife present) and soon after Deb bleeds, prompting an ambulance to be called.

Deb wakes up in the hospital holding their newborn daughter, relieved to be no longer pregnant. Sascha reminds them that the hardest part—being parents—has begun.