If you’ve started looking into newborn photography, you’ve likely come across two popular options: birth photography and Fresh 48 sessions. While both beautifully document your baby’s arrival, they capture very different moments—and choosing the right one depends on the story you want to tell.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Birth Photography?

Birth photography documents the entire labor and delivery experience—from early labor (or active labor) through the moment your baby is born and those first emotional hours after.

This includes:

• Labor support moments
• Your partner’s reactions
• The intensity and strength of birth
• The exact moment your baby enters the world
• First cries, first touch, first feeding

Birth photography is raw, emotional, and deeply powerful. It tells the full story of how your baby arrived—not just the outcome, but the journey.

From my perspective as a birth photographer, here’s why so many parents choose to document their birth story.

What Is a Fresh 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 session takes place within the first 24–48 hours after birth, typically in the hospital, birth center, or at home.

These sessions focus on:

• Your baby’s brand-new features
• First yawns, stretches, and snuggles
• Family introductions (siblings, grandparents)
• Quiet, intimate bonding moments

Fresh 48 sessions are more relaxed and documentary in style—no posing, no props, just real life in those first fleeting hours.

Key Differences Between Birth Photography and Fresh 48

Timing

• Birth Photography: During labor, delivery, and immediately after birth
• Fresh 48: 1–2 days after your baby is born

Storytelling

• Birth Photography: The full journey of labor and birth
• Fresh 48: The beginning of life outside the womb

Emotion & Intensity

• Birth Photography: Raw, powerful, and emotional
• Fresh 48: Calm, tender, and intimate

Environment

• Birth Photography: Delivery room (hospital, birth center, or home birth)
• Fresh 48: Recovery room or home setting

Which One Is Right for You?

If you want to remember every moment—the strength, the anticipation, the first breath—birth photography is unmatched.

If you prefer something more low-key but still meaningful, a Fresh 48 session captures those once-in-a-lifetime newborn details without the intensity of labor.

Many families choose both to tell the complete story—from the first contraction to those quiet first cuddles.

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely—and they complement each other beautifully.

Birth photography captures the power of becoming, while Fresh 48 preserves the peace of arrival.

Together, they create a complete, emotional narrative you’ll treasure forever.

Final Thoughts

No matter which you choose, these early moments pass quickly. Having them documented allows you to revisit not just how it looked—but how it felt.

Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of birth photography or the quiet magic of a Fresh 48 session, you’re preserving the beginning of your baby’s story.

If you are drawn to one or both of these, you can view my birth photography packages here.

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If you’re pregnant and weighing your pain relief options, one of the most common questions is:
“What does an epidural actually feel like?”

You may have heard strong opinions in every direction—some people call it a lifesaver, others describe it as scary. The reality is far more balanced and grounded in real, physical sensations that unfold step by step.

This guide walks you through what an epidural does and what it feels like in the moment, so you can approach labor with clearer expectations and less fear of the unknown.

What an Epidural Does During Labor

An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia used to reduce pain during labor. Medication is delivered through a small catheter placed in your lower back, blocking pain signals from traveling from your uterus and birth canal to your brain.

You remain awake, alert, and present for your baby’s birth—but with significantly reduced pain.

Most people describe contractions shifting from sharp and overwhelming to strong pressure or tightening.

What It Feels Like to Get an Epidural: Step by Step

Getting Into Position

To place an epidural, you’ll be asked to sit up or lie on your side and curl your back outward. This position opens the spaces between your vertebrae so the anesthesiologist can place the catheter safely.

For many people, this is actually the most difficult part—not because of pain, but because you’re asked to stay still while experiencing contractions. Nurses and partners usually help support your body so you can hold the position safely.

The Numbing Injection

Before the epidural is placed, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic.

This typically feels like:

• a quick pinch
• followed by a brief burning or stinging sensation

The discomfort is intense but short-lived, lasting about 10–20 seconds.

The Epidural Placement

Once the area is numb, the epidural needle is used to place a thin, flexible catheter into the epidural space.

Most people report:

• pressure rather than sharp pain
• a deep pushing sensation in the lower back

Occasionally, you may feel a quick electric-like sensation down one leg. This is normal and happens when the needle briefly brushes a nerve. It’s startling, but it passes quickly.

Important to know: the needle does not stay in your back—only the soft catheter remains to deliver medication.

What the Epidural Feels Like Once It Starts Working

The First Signs of Relief

Within about 5–15 minutes, you’ll begin to feel a shift.

Many people notice:

• warmth spreading through the lower body
• a heavy, relaxed sensation in the legs
• contractions becoming pressure rather than pain

For someone who has been laboring intensely, this moment often brings a powerful emotional response—relief, tears, or even laughter.

As the Medication Fully Sets In

As the epidural takes full effect:

• your legs may feel numb, tingly, or heavy
• you’ll remain in bed for safety
• contractions are still present, but far more manageable

You’re still mentally present and aware of your body—you’re not sedated or asleep.

The Emotional Experience of Getting an Epidural

Pain relief in labor isn’t just physical—it can shift your entire emotional state.

After hours of tension and adrenaline, the sudden drop in pain can feel overwhelming. Some people cry from relief. Others finally rest or sleep. For many, it’s the first moment they feel they can breathe again.

This emotional release is normal and often overlooked when people talk about epidurals.

Benefits and Tradeoffs of Epidurals

Benefits

• Strong and reliable pain relief
• Ability to rest during long or exhausting labor
• Can make complex or medically necessary interventions more manageable

Possible Tradeoffs

• Limited mobility during labor
• Pushing phase may take longer
• Labor sometimes slows, increasing the chance of additional interventions
• Possible side effects such as itching, a drop in blood pressure, or headaches (rare)

Is Getting an Epidural Scary?

Many people fear the idea of a needle in their back, but the actual experience is usually described as:

brief sting → unusual pressure → noticeable relief

Knowing what to expect can transform the experience from something frightening into something predictable and manageable.

There Is No “Right” Choice in Labor

Some people plan for an epidural, some plan to avoid one, and many decide in the moment. All of these paths are valid.

What matters most is understanding your options so you can make decisions that feel informed, supported, and right for your body and your birth experience.

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Ok, So I Might Need Doula Support

Think of a doula as a resource you and your partner can rely on throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and beyond. A doula can provide physical, emotional, and informational support in many ways.

1. More coping methods: Your doula can suggest ways to help ease the stress and pain of labor. For example, they can show you breathing techniques or help find a more comfortable position as you work through contractions.
2. Fewer interventions: Studies have shown that doulas can decrease the need for assisted vaginal birth and lower the likelihood of a cesarean birth. If you do end up needing a cesarean, a doula can still provide reassurance and support. Your birth doula may even be able to go with you to the operating room, if you wish, instead of a partner or other support person.
3. An unbiased resource: Doulas are trained to point you to evidence-based resources, so you can stay informed and empowered throughout your pregnancy and birth. They can also help you put together your birth plan by asking questions you may not have considered. Do you want the baby placed on your chest right after birth? Will you bank your baby’s umbilical cord blood?
4. An advocate: Once you’re in labor, the doula can be a voice for your birth plan, helping to make your preferences known to your health care team. Your doula can also help you make decisions in the moment. (Sometimes surprises happen, and new choices need to be made.)
5. Another set of hands: A doula can take a little pressure off your partner, family members, and friends.
6. Better communication: Doulas can help navigate confusing situations. They can remind doctors and nurses to explain medical terms and help make sure you always know what is going on.
7. Extra attention: Your doctor and nurses can’t be in the room for every minute of your labor, as they need to tend to other patients. Having a doula there at all times can help you feel relaxed, calm, and fully supported.
8. A more satisfying birth experience: People who use birth doulas often report having a more positive childbirth experience.

This All Sounds Good, But How Much is a Doula?

As with everything, prices will vary from person to person. Depending on where you live, hiring a birth doula can cost between $500 and $2,000 out-of-pocket. If cost is an issue, you can ask about a payment plan. Another option is to hire a doula-in-training, who may offer their services for free or at a reduced rate.

Insurance carriers (including Medicaid) are now starting to cover the cost of a doula. This is great news for everyone. We are getting our due recognition as a true part of the birth team and families are getting costs covered.

You’ve heard “it takes a village” to raise a child. In many ways, that’s true of labor and birth as well. You can have a team of people to support you on this journey, and a birth doula can absolutely be one of them. If you would like to know more about my doula offerings, please feel free to contact me here.

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This beautiful mother was set to give an unmedicated intervention-free birth at HOAG in Newport Beach, and this wasn’t her first rodeo; it was baby number four. Generally, with subsequent births, you can expect a faster delivery, but this little one won the prize!

Receiving the Call

I received the call around 9 PM that she had finished triage and was now settled in her delivery room. The moment I got the news, I dropped everything and rushed over, arriving around 9:30 PM. As I stepped into the room, I found her moving gracefully, clearly focused, and in the zone, yet occasionally pausing to breathe through the intense contractions sweeping over her body.

The atmosphere in the room was electric, filled with anticipation and determination. The nurse had been tending to her needs but soon stepped out for a moment. Just then, a powerful contraction struck, causing her to bend over the bed, her face a mixture of determination and urgency, as she hollered, “I gotta push!” In that instant, my heart raced. Quickly bolting out of the room, seeking help, I spotted the first staff member in the hallway and exclaimed, “She’s pushing!” My instinct told me it was better to grab someone in person rather than rely on the intercom system, as those answering it often take their time to respond.

Baby Girl Arrives

As I came back into the room, a wave of medical personnel flooded in, ready to assist. They coordinated quickly to help her onto the delivery bed. At that moment, the OB burst into the room, still putting on her gloves. The energy was palpable—everyone understood that time was of the essence.

In a matter of minutes, less than five to be exact, the room filled with the exhilaration of new life. With just a few powerful pushes, the baby emerged, and suddenly, the air was filled with the sweet sound of a newborn’s first cry. A wave of relief and joy washed over everyone present—this was not just a birth; it was the arrival of new hopes and dreams. Witnessing that moment, the sheer strength of the mother, and the collective excitement of the staff made it an unforgettable experience. What a thrilling and poignant reminder of the miracle of life!

The post An Unmedicated Birth appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Laboring at home

This momma was a nurse herself and frankly had no problem speaking up for herself. I was, of course, this family’s birth photographer, but also their labor doula. I was their doula “just in case” things went sideways. I arrived to do all the at-home laboring which I love. Mom, was completely in control and dug deep inside herself. Some mom’s to be are loud and proud and some look inward for their stability. She was the latter. I found myself wondering how to help or if I was doing anything at all. I voiced this later and she assured me that just being there was comforting and I hadn’t needed “to do anything”.

When contractions started to become more frequent and increasing in intensity, we all headed to the hospital. It was important to do this first bit at home. She was more comfortable, able to walk and do as she pleased, and reduced time actually in the hospital.

Heading to the Hospital when Active Labor Begins

Once at the hospital, the nurses did all the things, began an IV port, monitored the baby, and checked her cervical dilation. But that is when any hands-on “stuff” ended. It was only her, her breathing and deep concentration. This portion didn’t last long at all. She did most of the work at home and now she was going to meet her child.

A completely hands-off OB

I have never seen such a doctor listen so well and be completely hands-off. There was no coached pushing. No “1,2,3,4 PUSH“, there were very few people in the room, and there was dimmed lighting. Gone were the sounds of voices, the beeps of machines, and fingers on and in her vagina. The OB was there, but simply watching and not right on top of her.

Baby was Born into a Peaceful Environment

The baby girl was born and came out all on her own. No yanking baby out, no pulling, no guiding, and no yelling “Here she is!” It was calm. It was breathtaking. It was amazing.

Postpartum

These very calm parents, doctor and the nurses took such good care. I wished all OBs could be so accommodating. There was no rush. He waited to cut the cord until it was white and aided in delivering the placenta. There was no tearing. He calmly finished up, congratulated this couple, and silently left the room.

I hope you take the time to watch the video. Don’t expect a lot of screaming and fanfare, but instead watch the quiet determination of a strong woman and her equally strong partner welcome their baby daughter. A natural hospital birth can be accomplished.

The post A Natural Hospital Birth appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Now, this birth was with two very special humans who I like to call new friends. October 4th was this little lady’s first day breathing air. Mom and Dad had some very specific requests. Hospital trauma is real and should never be confused with simply “not liking hospitals”. Trauma and reactions to it are visceral and can physically manifest. Doing everything possible to minimize additional trauma with childbirth was a task both the partner and I took on. I learned so much as their doula and photographer about managing trauma and feelings of crisis.

The partner showed me techniques they use called EFT Tapping for anxiety. He used it during labor quite effectively. There is not a ton that can be done with a hospital room setting, but going in beforehand, seeing the space and using visualization techniques were helpful. Letting them know exactly what to expect in the room and who to expect in the room was useful. Hospital birthing rooms can become quite crowded when pushing begins. Special essential oils were incorporated, low lighting and electric candles were brought in to make the space comfortable. One thing I always feel is essential is purchasing your own hospital gown. These gowns give the same access to doctors and nurses, but they feel better, look better and don’t remind you of being in a hospital.

The birth preferences for this beautiful momma didn’t go to plan exactly as written, but it was close and she has an amazingly beautiful little girl.

Ready to inquire about labor support and birth photography? Doesn’t cost anything to send a message to me. Talk to you soon!

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We set up a Facetime call with her and her husband. They were such wonderful people. We clicked right away. She asked about my doula services that I combine with birth photography. I explained how being a doulatog works. Turns out that was the service she and her husband wanted. Now, I am newly certified birth doula, but excited and passionate about this important service. If you are curious about what a birth doula does, I have a simple to read blog post explaining it here.

I met with them at their San Diego home as I would with all doula clients. We went over their birth desires and preferences. Some people call this a birth plan, but that tends to create unfulfilled wishes and disappointments. If you have a preference and desire, but keep an open mind if things go a different direction, then disappointment is lessened (generally speaking). We went over breathing techniques, talked about labor stages and what to expect. Practicing labor positions and how her partner was an integral part was also practiced. My job mostly was to teach him how to help her. We stayed together several hours talking about all types of things labor related and personal related.

Finally getting to the hospital

The day had arrived to induce labor. Since the hospital was so full, the date kept getting moved back. Finally at 11pm on August 18th, they were instructed to come in. I met them there at 1am or so and have to hand it to this woman. She did everything under the sun to bring this baby earthside. Her partner was the best as he never left her side.

The Pitocin Drip

They started pitocin soon after arriving at the hospital and slowly increased it over time. Many people think that induction means speeding up the process. While this can be true in some circumstances, more often it is a lengthy process. In this case it was very long.

Complete Exhaustion

Around the 30 hour mark, this warrior mother had had enough. The pain was too much, the labor had stalled and she was exhausted. The baby wasn’t tolerating the pitocin increases, yet without the increase her body wasn’t making the contractions it needed to.

A Cesarean Birth

At 8am she was taken back for a cesarean birth. She wanted it done. The exhaustion was overwhelming and she just wanted her baby girl.

Afterwards

They had a wonderfully happy baby girl and I am so proud of them. I have visited a couple times postpartum and she is amazing. Her parents are amazing and I am so blessed (a way overused word!) to have been part of this. If you would like to see there highlight real, you can find it here.

The post Doula and Birth Photographer in San Diego appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

I am currently a doula and birth photographer (doulatog) to a wonderful couple in San Diego. Recognizing mom was worried about how she would know which stage of labor she was in, prompted me to write. I drew up an easy to read document that outlined labor stages and how to recognize them. I hope you find in beneficial.

WHAT IS PRE LABOR AND HOW WILL I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–Contractions are neither consistent nor build in intensity.

–It’s an exciting time, but don’t obsess. Go to lunch. Go to a movie. Relax, this can last a while.

–Call you doula

WHAT IS EARLY LABOR AND HOW WILL I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–contractions get more consistent and closer together–predictable.

–you may have a bit of blood or mucus when you go to the bathroom. You may have lost your mucus plug.

–your water may break

–time to really breath during the contractions. The Destresser Breath-In through your nose filling your belly 4 seconds and out through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat 4 times calmly. Sit on the birth ball, sway with your partner. Lean over birth ball. Whatever you are comfortable with.

MOVING INTO ACTIVE LABOR AND HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–Contractions 3-4 minutes apart and growing in intensity.

–Time to go to the hospital

–The 4-1-1 rule. The contractions are every 4 minutes, lasting 1 minute over the course of an hour.

–mom may feel very emotional at this point, but remain calm, baby is coming!

–continue to breath with the technique above through the contractions. Sway with partner, use birth ball, rebozo and anything that is helpful for you.

WHAT IS ACTIVE LABOR AND HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–contractions getting intense and you are dilating from 6-8 centimeters. You will be in the hospital.

–use swaying techniques, breathing, birth ball, squats, rebozo, aromatherapy, visualization, shower, counterpressure and toilet to help you.

WHAT IS TRANSITION AND HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–This is the most intense part of labor but the shortest. The end is near!

–You are going from 8-10 centimeters.

–Contractions are practically on top of each other.

–You may feel the need to poop–this means baby is coming!

–You may feel the need to push and bear down. Please resist that urge as you could possibly tear.

–If you don’t feel that urge, try to continue the same breathing pattern you have been. If you do feel the urge-do the shallow “hee, hee, hoo, hoo” breaths

IS IT TIME TO PUSH BABY OUT AND HOW WILL I KNOW?

–your doctor or midwife will know when you are 10 centimeters and will instruct you to push.

–baby may be crowing at this point.

–Don’t hold your breath while you push as it can cause tearing. Breathe your baby out. Breath in, ideally through your nose, and breathe out to push with a guttural moan.

The post What are the Stages of Labor? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Our job starts far before you go into labor. A doula meets with you and your partner a couple times before the big event. We are there to listen and answer any questions you may have and if we don’t have the answer, we’ll find it. A doula may help you with exercises to prepare for birth, aid you in writing your birth plan or show your partner how they can enjoy the birth process as well.

Doulas serve as someone you can call if you have doubts or questions. You can call your doula to ask a question that comes up, to get words of strength and reassurance or talk you “off the ledge”.

During your birth, we are there with you. Your doula comes when you need her Your doula comes when you need her. Using emotional, physical and informational support, a doula helps you maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence. Doulas may use touch, massage or counter pressure to ease the birthing person. Even the best laid plans have a way of going sideways and a doula can help you understand the process or what a doctor or midwife is saying.

What A doula is not

A doula is not a medical worker. We do not give medical advice, supervise a birth or prescribe any medications. The Doula is there to bridge the gap between medical professionals and expectant parents. They do not make medical decisions, but they do explain medical procedures to the parents when they are necessary.

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Since 2020 put the kibosh on so many sessions, I took this time to study…and study…oh, and study some more! Finally two weeks ago, I became certified birth doula through Mardiella.

What Is a Birth Doula?

“A Doula, or childbirth assistant, is a labor support person who has specific training and experience in providing informational, emotional, and physical support during the childbearing experience, especially during labor and immediately after the birth”.

The Five areas of doula support are:

1. Emotional Support
2. Physical Support
3. Informational Support
4. Partner Reinforcement
5. Self-Advocacy

Emotional Support

There is so much going on with an expectant mother, the very first thing we, as doulas, will do is listen. I mean really listen, without judgement or thinking about what to say. Actively listening and holding space for a mother to express herself is so important.

In a nutshell, “Emotional support is being able to identify what another person is feeling with accuracy and is able to respond in an appropriate, compassionate, and empathetic manner.”

Evidence shows that the best kind of support during birth is someone who knows about birth, is unaffiliated with the hospital, and is also not a member of the birthing person’s family. You do not have to worry about offending a doula as you might with a family member. If the birth plan begins to deviate, doulas are an extra person that can answer questions if staff gets too busy to answer.

Physical Support

A doula provides physical support primarily during labor, but also by demonstrating positioning and massage techniques that can be used by the partner before labor begins.

There are different touch and massage techniques a doula can use, depending on what the mother finds helpful. As labor progresses, the doula may cradle the woman in her arms, wipe her brow, massage her and use other forms of touch as she educates her about what is happening to her body and in the birth of her child. She can instruct the partner or birth companion in doing the same, helping him or her to soothe the mother.

Informational Support

As your doula, we would meet at least once before the birthing day. You can ask and express as much or as little as you want. Maybe you would like information about where to birth? Perhaps you have concerns about pain and pain management options or you need help writing out your birth plan.

Informational support helps keep the birthing person and their partner informed about what’s going on with the course of labor, as well as provides them with access to evidence-based information about birth options. 

Partner Reinforcement

Despite the quality and amount of childbirth classes and preparations they have made, partners are sometimes nervous about the labor and birthing process.

The presence of a Doula can help birth partners participate at their own comfort level; showing them how and when to use various comfort techniques, providing information, and in some cases, looking after them as well. Partners are often grateful to be able to share the “coaching” responsibility with someone more experienced, and can therefore, enjoy the birth experience more themselves.

Self advocacy

Self advocacy means that we (the doula) empowers a woman to speak up for herself in the delivery room. We do not speak on your behalf.

When births moved from home to hospitals the mothers lost much of the control they had in the birth arena. They became patients having procedures done to them instead of women in control of a process that is a natural function of their bodies.

Even in a hospital a woman can be in control, or can at least feel like she has more control if the doula helps her state her wishes in a clear and realistic manner.

Advocacy can take many forms—most of which do not include speaking on behalf of the client. They include:

• Encouraging the birthing person or their partner to ask questions and verbalize their preferences
• Asking the birthing person what they want
• Supporting the birthing person’s decision
• Amplifying the mother’s voice if she is being dismissed, ignored, or not heard, “Excuse me, she’s trying to tell you something. I wasn’t sure if you heard her or not.”
• Facilitating communication between the parents and care providers
• Teaching the birthing person and partner positive communication techniques

What a Doula is Not

A doula is not a medical worker. We do not give medical advice, supervise a birth or prescribe any medications. The Doula is there to bridge the gap between medical professionals and expectant parents. They do not make medical decisions, but they do explain medical procedures to the parents when they are necessary.

Becoming a Los Angeles Birth Doula

There are many training and certifying doula associations. Since the doula profession is not regulated, they are all just as officially valid as the other. However, some of them are bigger, better known and are seen as more legitimate in the profession. Some of them respond to particular needs or niches in the birth community. 

I chose Madriella. Madriella is a licensed, certified online doula training facility that offers several different types of certifications. You can also get hands-on training given by approved workshop providers, experienced doulas that want to pass on their knowledge to other women (which is the heart of the Madriella philosophy).

If you would like to talk about adding doula services to your birth photography package, message me and I will be happy to talk with you. Having a Los Angeles birth doula can not be underestimated!

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