113. The Birth of a Notion – Expectations #2
Being part of this show was more than just a fun side project. It ignited a renewed fire within me to advocate for realistic, empowering pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting experiences. Every story, whether it plays out on screen or in a delivery room, can inform, empower and inspire.
“I Am Not Eloquent.” – Biblical Moses
When I was growing up, people would say what a character I am. It turns out, they were right!
Dr. B here, with my second installment of “Expectations.” This time, I’m sharing a wild ride that I was NOT expecting and which left me both humbled and inspired—my recent exodus into acting. I joined the cast of Showtime’s The Curse alongside Hollywood powerhouses like Emma Stone, Nathan Fielder, and Benny Safdie. (That’s how they describe me too. Probably.)
From Chiropractor to Character (Sort Of)
Imagine my surprise when Emma Stone suggested my name for the role of Moses, a male doula who supports her character Whitney, through a breech birth. Talk about a whirlwind! My initial instinct was to play up the humor—create a slightly wacky, zen-infused, over-the-top caricature with a thick New York accent. But I soon realized they wanted authenticity: Jewish doula dude who’s seen and supported the twists and turns that birth can offer. It was a powerful (and hilarious) reminder to just be myself.
Parting the Red Sea (of Expectations)
Yes, even the most outlandish Hollywood birth scene (Episode 10, highly recommend (somewhat biased)) can spark a moment of clarity. The Curse is a cringy, darkly comedic series that blends the everyday pressures and hidden anxieties of modern life with the absurdity of a supernatural curse. The birth, brilliantly portrayed by Emma Stone, was no exception. Watching a mother’s strength and determination to bring new life into the world amidst the chaos of her husband’s surreal, curse-induced predicaments offered a profound reflection. It was like my own little burning bush moment. Amidst the surreal and exaggerated, the raw resilience and adaptability of a mother, battling through an over-the-top birth scenario, shone through with unmistakable clarity. It was a powerful reminder of why I started Informed Pregnancy – to ensure families know they can navigate those moments, just like navigating the wilderness, with grace and courage.
A Fire Rekindled
Being part of this show was more than just a fun side project. It ignited a renewed fire within me to advocate for realistic, empowering pregnancy, birth, postpartum and parenting experiences. Every story, whether it plays out on screen or in a delivery room, can inform, empower and inspire. Our Informed Pregnancy+ original series Empowered Mama, for example, highlights the power of storytelling from real life women who’ve faced birth challenges, navigated the unexpected, and emerged stronger. Hosted by the insightful and compassionate Arista Ilona, this series reminds us, as “Moses the Doula” says, “A mom can do anything!”
Follow Me (Literally)
The Curse showed me the incredible power of storytelling—how entertainment can spark deeper conversations about the realities of life in general, and more specifically the realities of birth and parenthood. It’s a (n old) testament to how every experience shapes us and can be a catalyst for growth. Have you found inspiration or learned something new from our Informed Pregnancy Podcast, blog or Informed Pregnancy+? Let us know! Plus, if you have a powerful birth or parenting story that shaped who you are and would be open to sharing it with our community, send a message on Instagram @doctorberlin and we love to hear from you may just feature your story or comment as an inspiration to others.
Like the Biblical leader Moses, despite doubting his own eloquence, he ultimately motivated and empowered his people, guiding them to freedom and leaving a lasting historical legacy. We never know the impact our words and stories might have, so don’t hold back.
“A mom can do anything. “ – Moses the Doula
Yours in health,
Dr. B
Dr. Elliot Berlin, DC is an award-winning pregnancy-focused chiropractor and creator of Informed Pregnancy Media which includes his popular long-running The Informed Pregnancy Podcast in addition to a blog and a number of original shows featured on his streaming channel Informed Pregnancy+. Dr. Berlin’s goal is to use his passion for media and entertainment as a means of spreading information and awareness on topics that growing families need to make informed choices about fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.