Let's talk about family.

These intricate networks of people shape so much of ourexistence, yet they're never just one thing. This month marks my kiddo's third trip around the sun and I posed the big question to him: "What is family?" His lightning-fast response? "Dinner." And really, what a poetic take on the essence of family—sharing a meal together.

At Brood, our mission is to nurture the entire family unit—from pregnant folks, fresh new babies, excited siblings, jittery pets, and those elated-yet-exhausted parents. Working alongside Emma, first as my doula, and now as my co-founder of Brood, I’ve learned that family defies an easy definition. Families of all kinds can be grounded in ancestry, tradition, shared joy and pain. They can grow with new arrivals, new pets, and new relationships of all kinds. Our dynamic dinner tables can welcome guests, and lose others. They are not static—they are ever-shifting, adapting with change, life seasons and they evolve over time.

Family is a practice. Whether built through generations, or built through conscious connections and friendships, these special bonds need tending. They demand our time, energy,resources and love. Sometimes they ask us to let go, have hard conversations, set boundaries or grapple with loss. Often family is not what we expected or planned for. Embracing it all as an imperfect, ongoing practice helps us to show up for each other, offering what we can every single day.

So here's to celebrating not just our own families but yours too, whoever happens to be gathered around your dinner table today. We’re happy to have you in ours.

Lizzy & the Brood team