When I talk with expecting parents, I often hear the same question asked in different ways:
What difference does it really make to have a doula and a birth photographer present at birth?

The simplest answer is this: birth is more than a medical event. It’s emotional, vulnerable, intense, and life-changing. And in those hours, having someone there who is focused entirely on you—and someone preserving the truth of your story—can shape not only how birth feels, but how it is remembered.

My Role as a Doula: Supporting You in the Moment

As a doula, my job is not to direct your birth or take over the room. It’s to listen, to notice, and to support you in a way that feels steady and grounding.

I’m there to help you trust what your body is doing. To remind you that the sensations you’re feeling are purposeful. To offer reassurance when things feel intense or unfamiliar. I support your partner, too—so they don’t feel like they have to hold everything on their own.

Hospitals and birth spaces are often busy, clinical places. Staff rotate. Policies change. In contrast, I stay. I hold continuity. I help create a sense of calm and safety so you can stay connected to yourself and your birth.

Why I Believe Birth Photography Matters

As a birth photographer, I witness things that are easy to miss in the moment.

You may not remember the way your partner looked at you when you were focused inward. You may not see the strength in your own body as it works so hard to bring your baby into the world. Hormones, exhaustion, and emotion can blur details quickly.

The photographs I take are not about perfection or performance. They are about truth. They document the connection, the power, the tenderness, and the transformation that happens in that room.

These images become part of your family’s story—not just for you, but for your child one day.

The Importance of Being Witnessed in Birth

One of the most meaningful parts of having a doula and birth photographer present is being seen.

Birth asks you to be vulnerable in ways most of us are not used to. When you are surrounded by people whose role is simply to witness without judgment, pressure, or expectation, it can be incredibly freeing.

I’ve seen how being witnessed helps people soften into their labor. How it allows them to feel safe enough to let go. How it changes the way they speak about their birth afterward—especially if it didn’t unfold exactly as planned.

Holding the Experience and the Memory

I often think of doula support as holding the experience of birth in real time, while birth photography holds the memory.

In the moment, I’m focused on your comfort, your emotional well-being, and the flow of the room. Later, the photographs allow you to revisit your birth with clarity and compassion. They help fill in the gaps, affirm your strength, and remind you of how deeply supported you were.

Together, these roles work hand in hand.

Birth Deserves Care, Presence, and Remembrance

Choosing to have a doula and birth photographer is not about adding more people to your birth. It’s about creating a container where you feel supported, respected, and deeply cared for during one of the most important days of your life.

Birth deserves to be remembered honestly.
And you deserve to be held—during it, and long after you look back.

If you’re feeling curious about what this kind of support might look like for your own birth, I’d love to connect. There’s no expectation and no rush—just a conversation to see if it feels like the right fit for you and your family. You deserve to feel supported, seen, and cared for as you prepare to welcome your baby, and I’m always happy to answer questions or talk things through when you’re ready.

The post The Benefits of Having a Doula and Birth Photographer appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

I have had a baby already. I am an experienced mom. Why would I need a doula for my second baby?

Why You Still Need a Doula for Your Second Birth

As I sit here on call, waiting for a family I had the honor of supporting during their first birth, I find myself reflecting on something I hear so often:
“Do I really need a doula for my second baby?”

It’s an honest question. You’ve done this before. You know how contractions feel, what labor might look like, how to breathe through the waves. You’ve experienced the power of birth firsthand.

But here’s what I’ve learned from standing beside families through their first, second, third — even sixth births:

No two births are ever the same.

Just because you’ve given birth before doesn’t mean this birth won’t bring its own emotions, rhythms, or unexpected turns. Your body might remember some of the process — but this body has changed. This baby is different. The circumstances of your life — your heart, your support system, your fears, your hopes — are not the same.

Birth is unpredictable — and that’s exactly why having a doula matters.

You don’t know how your labor will unfold — none of us do. Babies tend to keep their birth plans a secret until the very last moment. Most of the time, things go smoothly… but sometimes they don’t. And when the unexpected happens — physically, emotionally, or both — you deserve someone who can remain calm in the chaos and steady in the storm.

Doulas are trained to handle change.

When things shift, we don’t panic — we adapt.
We help you understand your options, find your voice, and stay grounded through every twist and turn.

You might find yourself exhausted, overwhelmed, or pushed to your emotional edge. Your partner might be, too. That’s when having someone in the room who’s calm, present, and experienced becomes everything — someone who can think clearly, advocate gently, and guide you through the intensity with compassion and strength.

Sometimes, second-time parents feel pressure to “have it all together.” To be the strong one, the experienced one. But birth is not a performance. It’s not about doing it better than last time — or even the same. It’s about surrendering — again — to the unknown, and being fully supported in it.

A doula isn’t there because you’re inexperienced.
A doula is there because you’re human.

We’re there to hold space for your emotions, to protect your environment, and to gently guide your partner in offering meaningful support. We’re there to notice the moments you might miss, to advocate for your wishes, and to keep you anchored when things get intense.

Sometimes second births are faster. Sometimes they’re not.
Sometimes they’re more emotional, more healing, more overwhelming than the first.
And sometimes, the need for continuous, unwavering support is even greater — especially when there’s a toddler at home, past trauma to process, or new fears rising up.

Having a doula isn’t about whether or not you can do it.
Of course you can. You already have.

It’s about knowing you don’t have to do it alone.

The post Do I need a doula for a second baby? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

What Happens During Labor in the Hospital?

So, you are in active labor (5 cm or more) and the hospital has deemed you “ready” for a birthing room. So off you go. At this point, you call or text your doula and photographer and let them know which room you are in, so they can come and meet you there.

The room will be fairly large since it must accommodate a team of nurses, your OB, the heating table for the baby, the bed, medical equipment, and usually a couch that can double as a bed for your partner. It will also have a bathroom and usually a shower.

If you are not into “hospitally” stuff (really, who is?), it’s important to bring things that will help you relax and feel safe.

What Can I do during a Hospital Birth to feel more Comfortable?

1. Your Own Gown

2. Electric Candles

3. Birth Affirmations

4. Your Own Music. This can be played on the hospital speakers (in your room) often times.

5. Aromatherapy. I have only been to one hospital that allowed a diffuser. However, Amazon has little patches of aromatherapy tabs. They can be found here.

What Happens During a Hospital Labor

Ok, so you have your creature comforts, you are in active labor and are now in your birthing room. What now?

Let us assume you are doing a natural birth without an epidural.

Now it is a waiting game. What I mean by that is, you will hopefully continue having your contractions. They will become more intense as time goes on. They will become quicker until they are on top of each other. And then you have a baby.

Now, all of the stuff in between. If you go to the hospital too soon and they still admit you, the likelihood of you asking for an epidural can increase. Why is that? Labor can take a while, and you get tired. Being completely exhausted is a real reason epidurals are asked for. You simply get too tired and cannot take on contractions while exhausted. In other words, really stick to that 5-1-1 rule (part I in the blog)and stay home as long as possible.

It is important to relax and listen to your body. Yes, labor progresses quicker if you are using the UFO method. That is you are in an Upright, Forward-facing, and in an Open position. Movement is your best friend during labor. However, if you feel you need to rest or sleep, please go with that. Never think taking a nap will stall labor. You can move afterwards, as you are in for a lengthy stay. If you can catch little cat naps in the early active stage, you will likely have more stamina for the more intense time later on.

What if I Feel Pressured by Labor Nurses or my OB during Labor?

In no way am I stereotyping here, so please save the hate mail. I am only speaking from my own experience, having been to many births.

There may be times when a nurse will check your dilation. Remember, this is an elective procedure. In no way feel like you must comply. If you are listening to your body and you don’t want to be checked, you have every right to voice that. But if you do want it and you have not progressed much over a specific amount of time, they may strongly suggest interventions.

The suggestions may be said in such a way as to make you feel like it is the best thing in the whole world. I have heard things like, “if you would like to have a little Pitocin to move things along, you could be holding your baby much sooner”. I have also heard, “You are so close, we could break your water and baby will be here in no time at all”. Now these statements sound very reasonable right? Nothing pushy about it, correct? But imagine you are so exhausted, perhaps in a lot of pain, and someone throws out one of these “life preserver” statements. Right at your most vulnerable, the chances of you jumping at it, is high. In no way am I saying any of these interventions are bad or wrong, but if you have it in your mind, you are doing this as naturally as possible, these statements that nurses say, can go against what you want, and when you are vulnerable, you take it.

Adding Questions to Your Birth Plan

When I do birth plans with clients, I always ask them, “Do you want staff to offer interventions or do you want to wait to ask yourself?” This is hugely important. It’s totally ok, if you decide to have interventions, but make it on your terms. You or your partner ask for them. When you are offered options at a vulnerable moment during labor, those options can change the course of your birth dramatically.

Using Your B.R.A.I.N. During Labor

Whenever you are given an option to do something, such as getting a little Pitocin, breaking the water, getting an epidural, always use the acronym BRAIN.

For example, an OB says, “Would you like a little Pitocin since it seems your labor has stalled”? First of all, yes, your contractions can slow down or become less intense. Some practitioners call this “failure to progress”. What a nasty little term THAT is! As necessary as I feel hospitals are, they are often run on numbers. If they can’t get you delivered and moved to the maternity ward quickly enough (opening up the room for another birthing person), then they may look for ways to speed you up. Contractions slowing down or becoming less intense are often part of labor. If you and baby are doing fine, then, in reality, they should just leave you alone. However, they don’t always do that.

B. in BRAIN

Ask what the benefits are. In the example above, ask your OB, what benefits are there to me and baby if I have Pitocin?

R. in BRAIN

What are the risks? If I get Pitocin, what are the risks of that?

A. in BRAIN

What are the alternatives? If I don’t get Pitocin, what can I do instead?

I. in BRAIN

What does your intuition tell you? Do you feel Pitocin is the right thing to do?

N. in BRAIN

What if you do nothing? What will happen if I do not do Pitocin or any alternatives? Even if for a little while.

Part III

Part III will come out in a day or two. That part will be pretty short, but vital!

The post What Really Happens During Labor Part II appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Just the Basics, mam

As a labor doula and birth photographer, I have attended my fair share of births. From home births to birth center births, hospital births, and emergency C-section births, I have found that the majority of parents know the basics, have done research, and generally know what to expect. Parents know about using a birth ball, they know they will have contractions, they know they will need to push a football out of their vagina. Most are super excited, but some are a little scared. Fear and anxiety about birth come from not knowing. Not knowing what happens beyond the breathing and pushing creates apprehension.

The goal of this blog post is to let you in on the little things that happen that you may not think of. Knowledge is power, and power over rules fear every time.

Hospital Birth

Generally speaking, parents, and mothers in particular, have more fear and anxiety around hospital births as opposed to home births or even birth center births. Please don’t come at me with hate, I am only generalizing here. Every birth and every person is different. Because I have seen the fear and anxiety most pronounced in the hospital, this is what I will speak of today.

Braxton Hicks or a Real Contraction?

So you’re sitting at home, sleeping in bed, or otherwise engaged in your everyday life when a full-on contraction happens. This doesn’t feel like simply tightening and relaxing like previous days. This feels somehow different.

Braxton Hicks contractions are the way for your body to get ready for the “real thing”. They are often felt in the front of the abdomen and can be relieved by changing position or resting. They are irregular and not particularly painful, just a tightening. A true labor contraction is far more intense and felt in the abdomen and wraps around to the back. True labor causes cervical dilation, so you may see a little bloody show in your underwear and/or leaking of fluid. Braxton Hicks does not cause dilation, so these things are not generally seen. If you are unsure which you are experiencing, reach out to your OB, nurse, or doula.

My Water Broke and/or Contractions are Starting!

Now that you have decided this is the real thing, many parents may want to rush to the hospital. We see that all the time in movies and TV shows, right? Assuming you are healthy and there are no medical issues that warrant going to the hospital immediately, you have time, so relax. It’s exciting to be sure, but if you are in early labor, hospital staff will send you back home anyhow. If you rush to the hospital, they will check you, and let’s say you are at 2cm, they will, generally speaking, send you back home. The hospital wants you to be in active labor, which means at least 5cm dilated.

Ok, so now you know you are staying home for a bit. This is a very good thing. You are more relaxed at home. You can walk around (or rest), take a shower, and have some food. All of which are heavily restricted when you go to the hospital. They want to monitor the baby, which restricts your movements; showers are not offered (but you can certainly request one, as most rooms have them), and food is a no-no.

Why is Food Withheld at a Hospital?

The long and short of this question is cesarean birth. If, for whatever reason, you need an emergency C-section, they do not want you to aspirate. You may be asking, “How would that happen if I am awake”? Good question. Sometimes emergencies arise so fast, they do not have time for an epidural (if you don’t have one to begin with), and they need to put you out fast and deliver the baby. That’s when the aspiration can come into play.

Contraction Timing at Home

If you time your contractions and not the intensity of them, you can pretty much determine when it is time to go to the hospital. “That’s a lot of pressure!” you may think to yourself, but it’s pretty easy. I would suggest a contraction timing app. Those are super easy to use. I always recommend the Freya app by the Positive Birth Company. Not only is it a contraction timer, but the affirmations are so helpful in remaining relaxed.

The timing is just part of the equation. Intensity is the second part. Are the contractions becoming more intense over time? You want this. You want the intensity to increase over time since that is an indicator of progression.

My Water Has Not Broken. Is this Really Labor?

Your contractions are here, and you’re timing them like the beast you are. They are becoming more intense. Then you realize your water hasn’t broken yet. You must be doing something wrong, right? No, you are doing nothing wrong. Your waters don’t always break during early labor. What happens during a contraction is your body’s way of squeezing from the top and moving baby down. The more it is squeezed, the more baby moves down. The more baby moves down, the more pressure on the waters.

In pregnancy, “frontwaters” and “backwaters” refer to the location. The “front waters” are located in front of the baby’s head, and a rupture here can cause a gush of fluid. The “backwaters” are behind the baby’s head, and a rupture here may result in a slower trickle.

The more pressure from the contractions, the more likely the waters will break.

When do I actually go to the Hospital to have my Baby?

A Loose rule of when you have reached or are close to reaching active labor is the 5-1-1 rule. Some say it is the 4-1-1 rule, but that personally makes me nervous; but use either one.

The 5-1-1 rule is this: You have a contraction every 5 minutes, lasting for 1 minute over the course of 1 hour. The contractions are increasing in intensity.

Contractions every 4/5 minutes: This indicates that the contractions are becoming regular and frequent. 

Each contraction lasts 1 minute: This means the contractions are becoming longer. 

This pattern has been happening for at least 1 hour: This signifies that the labor is progressing and becoming more intense. 

What Happens When I get to the Hospital to Have My Baby?

When you first get to the hospital, they will put you and your partner in triage. This is where they monitor you and check your cervical dilation to make sure you are in active labor. This can be a lot of waiting around. They will want to see a series of contractions, how you are handling it, and how the baby is handling it. If you have a doula or photographer, they will not be allowed in this area. If they decide you will be staying, they will usually put in an IV port in case you need fluid or Pitocin, or anything else. It’s a “just in case” IV port.

They will have you change into a hospital gown unless you have brought your own. I always advocate for bringing your own things. The less “hospitally” things feel, the more relaxed you are. The more relaxed you are, the less tension your body has to fight through to deliver baby.

In this triage space, they often give you and your partner paperwork to sign. Read through everything carefully. There will likely be a section on photography saying something like “photographing staff is prohibited”, blah blah blah. A birth photographer ALWAYS has the right to photograph you and your partner, even if the staff is off limits. Most don’t care, but some do. Most OBs don’t care about photographing the moment of birth, but some do. And nurses most always will tell you “no”. The OB has the last word on that. The hospital has to cover itself, and nurses tend to want to uphold it. Again, the OB has the final say.

I am in Active Labor and Transferring to a Birthing Room, What Now?

Ok, my fingers are going to fall off my hands, so I will end this here and do Part 2 in a day or so!

The post What Really Happens During Labor? Part 1 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.

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What does U.F.O. stand for? Simply put, it means upright, forward and open. When having your body in this UFO position there is an astounding 28% more space in your pelvis that when you are lying on your back. Holy Cow Batman!

Why does it seem everyone lies on their back to give birth?

You see it in the movies–woman lying on her back in extreme pain, grunting, groaning, sweating, holding their breath, pushing. We are inundated with images of birth this way in books, television, movies and many birth photos you see online. Unless there is a medical reason or your body simply wants to, birthing on your back is just plain difficult.

Why is it difficult? For one thing, you are pushing uphill. For another you are closing off space.

Our coccyx bone usually tucks right into the pelvis, as your baby’s head descends it pushes the coccyx out of the way. If there is something blocking this move (like a bed if you’re lying on your back) it slows baby’s descent and makes life much harder for you both! —birth-ed

What are some upright positions for labor?

Glad you asked! Upright can include most anything that is not lying flat. It can be on a birth ball, swaying or holding onto your birth partner, in a shower chair, on the toilet, squatting, using a birth bar and even in a sideline position on the bed.

Ok, I get upright, but what is forward in the UFO acronym?

Leaning forward into your bump, either by leaning onto your partner, using a wall to lean on or using a birth ball helps open up the pelvis and encourages baby to move into positions easier for birth. No need to complicate it, your body instinctively knows the best position to be in, trust your own body.

The open part is easy.

If you are upright and leaning forward, you will be open. These positions (squatting, leaning over something, on all fours, kneeling) all help by reducing the length of the birth canal. A shorter birth canal means the baby has a shorter distance to go to get to the outside world.

I will be getting an epidural, do I have a choice of labor and birth positions?

You will be happy to know that giving birth on your back does not need to be your destiny when receiving an epidural. There is something know as a walking epidural. These are not “all-numbing” like the standard epidural, but it still provides effective pain relief. Contrary to it’s name, you are not going to go walk around, but you will have more range of motion than the standard epidural. This will allow you to move into different positions (with assistance) in the bed.

If you opt or need the standard epidural, blotting out all sensation, you are still not destined to a flat back delivery. The sideline delivery can work very well to keep you open. Including a peanut ball between your legs while on your side can be very useful.

I will go into the different epidural options and your range of motion in a subsequent blog post. In the meantime, keep on with UFO!!

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A couple things may happen at this point. Either the prices are going to be there or you have to “contact” for the price list. Either way, you get your answer and you ARE BLOWN AWAY. Why on earth would birth photography be so expensive and in some cases rival that of wedding photography? This is the question I am here to answer, but before that, let me explain the why we do this work.

I am going to tell you we all have a passion for birth. We love it and if we could give it away, we would, because we believe it is that important. Alas, it is hard work and we need to feed our families and we need to charge accordingly.

On Call time

Imagine for a moment, someone asks you to photograph their wedding. They give you an approximate date, but tell you in could happen at anytime a couple weeks around that date so you have to be ready. Heck, the wedding can be in the middle of the night, so be ready! Don’t be sleeping the night away or out at a party skunked. It doesn’t matter if we are throwing a birthday party for our kids or it’s Christmas morning, when we get the call that the wedding is now, we must go. We are owned for the 2-3 weeks prior to an estimated date.

Challenging Lighting

Buckle up Buttercup, it’s going to be a dark ride! Ok, so we have grabbed our gear and snacks. We have placed our kids at a babysitter (who by the way are expensive since they are on call too) and rushed to the home/ birth center/ hospital only to see the lights so dim that one can barely make out the zipper on the camera bag.

Going back to the wedding scenario, not only do we not know when the wedding will be, but we will be asked to shoot in the dark, by dimmed light, those twinkle lights and then that dreaded ultra bright spot light doctors use during the delivery.

We, the photographers, need to know how our camera works. We don’t shoot in “AUTO” mode, we need to get creative with shutter, aperture and ISO. Most use full manual mode to create the beautiful images you see. If a flash is used, knowing how to use it is imperative. Most flashes are also in manual mode to burst the right amount of light for a given situation. This flash is bounced and never pointed directly at anyone especially a laboring mother or newborn. Flash is bounced from the ceiling, a side wall or even a wall behind us. We go through great pains for the laboring mother and those attending not to be aware of the flash.

Where do you think that knowledge comes from? For some, how to use a camera comes from schooling. For others, it’s self taught. Equally important is the camera equipment. The camera absolutely needs to be able to handle low light situations and the flash should have manual mode as well. The batteries within the flash should be lithium so each burst of light has the same power and consistency.

The walls might be painted a relaxing earthy green, a calming blue or a combination of colors. What’s the big deal you ask? Well, whether flash is used or not, the dreaded color cast on the birth pictures is a real concern.

Labor Can Be Quick or Take a Long Time

Ok, so we have arrived at the mystery wedding (your birth!), but we have no idea how long we will be there. Labor can be quick or take several hours. Birth photographers stay no matter how long. We aim to arrive when you are in active labor (around 6 cm) and stay around 90 minutes postpartum or after the baby exam. The length of time in between is anyone guess. We may miss birthdays and holidays with our family. We could miss vacation time, recitals, plays, actual weddings, you name it.

As a birth photographer, we may have booked a couple of births within a month. It is not unheard of to finish one birth to begin another right afterwards. Sleep? What is that?

Editing Time

Are you tired of the wedding scenario yet? I hope not, because here we go! Birth is an event as big as any wedding. There are many many hours of editing to do. We are not done because the birth is over. However; unlike a wedding, parents want those images like yesterday. We edit, edit edit. Circling back to the wall color, this can take many hours if we have to edit out color cast from faces. Granted this is more documentary than a wedding is, but the same effort is given to each image.

So There You Have It

As much as we love this genre and believe in it on a visceral level, it is a lot of work. It’s not something we can give away even though we absolutely love it. It is time consuming and technical. I haven’t even mentioned camera costs, flash costs and software for editing. We also have business licenses and insurance to keep current. There are workshops to help us continuously improve our craft, organization dues and website maintenance costs. We are business owners. We love our business, but we need to treat as a business.

So yes, it can be expensive. I fully understand that. But now, I hope you have an idea why.

The post Why is Birth Photography so Expensive? 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.

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A professional birth photographer understands first and foremost how to shoot in low light. Most home births and birthing center births have low lighting. This is used in order to make a calm birthing space. Hospitals also tend to have low lighting except for the exceptionally bright hot spot light aimed your lady bits. Now that is challenging light! In any case, we need to know how to utilize the light and we need to have the correct gear to accomplish that. For those that use flash (I do), they need to know how to use it correctly as to not disrupt the the birthing person and the birth space energy.

The birth photographer also needs to know where and when to move around. This really comes with time and practice.You should have seen my first birth, I was in everyone’s way! Thankfully, they were all very gracious and I learned. Along the same lines if you are squeezed into a corner, a seasoned birth photographer will know how to work that corner. Trust me, I have been there too.

Finally, a professional birth photographer will make the images look good. What that means, is that we know the angles, the lighting and how to capture it in a way that is tasteful yet authentic. Documenting your story in its entirety is our goal. You are your story. Your partner, your birth team and how your amazing fortitude and strength brought your child to your arms is your story.

If you would like to know more about the birth photography services I offer, as well as pricing, please click here.

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In April of 2020, I started my journey to understanding on a deeper level and become a doula. As I write this, I am not finished with my education, but I would like to impart some knowledge as I go. In this episode of “What the heck is birth about” I will talk about the physical changes a body goes through while in labor.

What the heck is birth about and what are the Stages of Labor?

Ok, ok, we all know that birth is about pushing a tiny human out of our body so that we can love him and hold him and life will be magical. Maybe you have dreamt of this day forever. Perhaps you have gone into this as a warrior, steadfast in your knowledge. Or maybe you are a bit fearful of any pain. Maybe, like me, you didn’t give it a lot of thought and just waited with baited breath to hold your baby. However you think about birth, knowing the physical changes your body undergoes is hugely important. Why? Well, knowledge is power. When you know what your body is physically doing during the stages of labor, you can mentally prepare and the fear can subside.

The Physical Changes-Prodromal Labor

The first stage of labor-Prodromal Labor- are contractions may begin hours or even days before active labor. They are irregular in length, frequency and intensity. The key word here is irregular. On average they are not longer than a minute and range 7 to 10 minutes apart.

• The cervix is moving from a posterior (back) position to an anterior (forward) position.
• The cervix is softening.
• Effacement or thinning of the cervix is beginning. It may thin anywhere from 0% to 50% during this stage.
• May lose the mucous plug from the cervix.
• The cervix may begin to dilate, opening anywhere from 1 to 4 centimeters.

It’s quite normal to get excited that the moment is finally here, but remember this is just the beginning and to remain calm as this transition can take awhile. The stages of labor are just beginning!

The Physical Changes-Active (Latent Phase) Stage 1

The latent phase is the beginning of active labor and can last anywhere from a few hours to 10 hours or more. The contractions will grow longer, stronger and closer together.

• The cervix continues thinning out (effacement).
• The cervix will dilate to 4 or 5 centimeters.
• You may have a couple of loose bowel movements.
• If it hasn’t happened already. you may lose your mucous plug.
• You may notice a bloody show. Bloody show is thick vaginal discharge that contains mucus and blood from the cervix.

The Physical Changes-Active Labor (Active Phase) Stage 1 continued

The active phase of labor will continue with contractions that grow longer stronger and closer together. At this stage you will find yourself working so hard that everything outside your body almost ceases to exist.

• The cervix continues thinning out (effacement).
• The cervix will dilate to 9 or 9+ centimeters.
• Your body will be working very hard during this stage.
• Your water may break at any point. If it does, you may find contractions are increasing in intensity.
• You may notice a bit more bloody show. Some blood is normal now as her cervix stretches open and some of its tiny blood vessels break.
• It is important to continue to get enough to drink to avoid dehydration.

The Physical Changes-Active Labor (Transition Phase) Stage 1 

Transition marks the period when her body completes its labor and prepares to move into birthing the baby. It is perhaps the most intense part of the labor process, physically and emotionally. It is the shortest phase of labor and pushing will soon begin.

• -The cervix will dilate to 9 or 9+ centimeters.
• -Your body will be working very hard during this stage. Some women will tremble or shake.
• -Some women may be nauseous and/or vomit.
• If your water hasn’t broken yet, it may do so at any time.
• The contractions come closer together, perhaps one to two minutes apart. They will last from one minute to ninety seconds. Some may come in pairs with no rest period between them. These are called camelback contractions. These contractions will be the most intense in strength. They reach their peak quickly and maintain it for most of the contraction.

Birth (Latent Phase) Stage 2

The latent phase of stage 2 is the period that it takes the body to “switch gears” so to speak, moving from the dilating of the cervix to pushing the baby down the birth canal. It begins when the cervix is completely dilated and ends with the urge to push along with the contractions.

• The cervix is completely dilated.
• The uterus is shifting gears from dilating contractions, to pushing contractions.
• Contractions are becoming further apart since the work of dilating the cervix is completed. It is not unusual for there to be five or more minutes between contractions.
• For some women contractions may all but cease.

Birth (Active Phase) Stage 2 continued

The active phase of stage 2 is when the pushing comes.

• The baby’s head is molding to fit through the pubic outlet, stretching the birth canal as it goes.
• You may expel some feces, urine or gas.
• You may feel nauseous.
• Pushing contractions are usually five to ten minutes apart and are accompanied for most women by an intense urge to push. It is not unusual for some women to feel little or no urge to push.
• You may be able to feel the baby’s head moving down the vagina.

Crowning and Birth (Active Phase) Stage 2

As the baby’s head begins to emerge it is referred to as crowning. This is an extremely intense phase emotionally and physically. This is the actual birth of the baby.

• The baby’s head will emerge.
• These pushing contractions may be a bit farther apart if she is especially tired.
• Following a short pause to make sure the umbilical cord is not wrapped around the baby’s neck (this is called a Nuchal Cord and is not usually as dangerous as TV and Movies would like to make you think it is); the doctor/midwife will gently ease the top shoulder out first, then the bottom shoulder. The rest of the baby’s body should slip right out.
• You may feel an intense burning at the vaginal outlet, although many women do not.

Delivery of the Placenta (Afterbirth) Stage 3

Although the baby has been born, you still has some work to do. The stages of labor do not end with the birth of baby. The placenta needs to be expelled. If the placenta is delayed, your doctor, nurse or midwife may encourage its expulsion by ‘kneading’ your belly to get the uterus to contract more effectively. This is called fundal massage. 

• Many women notice no sensation at all until they are asked to bear down “one more time.”   The placenta separates from the uterine wall and is expelled through the vagina.
• You may feel the uterus cramp, especially if the baby begins suckling immediately.
• You may feel an uncomfortable “full” sensation even though the baby is out, until the placenta is delivered.
• Other than a cramping sensation, there will be no more contractions.

To sum it up-Stages of Labor

The changes in your body are pretty amazing. The more knowledge you have about what’s going on, the easier it can be. Knowledge of the stages of labor is power. The more knowledgeable and powerful a woman is, the less fear there is. The less fear there is, the less stress there is. The less stress there is, a more positive experience a woman can have. Some women may forget everything when the chips are down, this is why a doula can really make a difference.

If you are ready to talk about your birth plan, please contact me today. If you need doula support through the stages of labor, I can help. For more information about the stages of labor, the Mayo Clinic site has some interesting pieces of information.

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