There’s a question almost every client quietly carries — even if they never say it out loud:

“If things get intense… will she put the camera down?”

The answer is simple.

Yes. Always.

Before your birth, we talk through all of this during our prenatal session. We discuss different scenarios, your preferences, and what support looks like for you. Some partners are incredibly hands-on and steady, and in those moments, they may be exactly what you need — even during the most intense waves of labor.

That doesn’t mean I’ll be continuously shooting. And it doesn’t mean I’ll disappear into the background either.

I’m always there. Watching. Reading the room. Ready to step in with reassurance, grounding, or a steady hand if needed.

Because your experience will always matter more than any image I could capture.

Birth Is Not a Photoshoot

Birth is raw. It’s unpredictable. It’s sacred. It doesn’t follow timelines or lighting plans.

When I walk into a birth space, I don’t enter thinking about angles first. I enter thinking about you — your breathing, your energy, your partner, the tone of the room.

The camera is a tool.

Support is the foundation.

And because I’m trained as a labor doula, I’m constantly assessing:

• Is she coping well?
• Does she need grounding touch?
• Is her partner feeling confident?
• Is the room calm?

Sometimes that means I’m quietly documenting.

Sometimes it means I’m hip-squeezing through a contraction.

Sometimes it means the camera goes down completely.

How I Actually Balance Both Roles

The truth is, it’s not chaotic — it’s intuitive.

Before your birth, I spend a lot of time with you and your partner during our prenatal visits, showing both of you comfort measures, how to use counterpressure effectively, how to work with a rebozo, and how to breathe together during critical moments. I don’t expect anyone to remember everything when labor is happening, but I’m there to gently cue you with a simple, “Remember…” so you can focus on the birth itself.

After years of attending births, I’ve learned the rhythm. Labor has waves. There are intense moments, and then there are pauses. Those pauses allow me to step back and document without ever compromising support.

Here’s what that often looks like in real time:

• During early labor — I document more freely while offering steady presence and guidance.
• During active labor — I move fluidly between counterpressure, encouragement, and capturing emotion.
• During transition — I am almost always hands-on.
• During pushing — I document strategically while staying grounded beside you.

If at any point you need me fully present, the camera rests. No hesitation.

Because no image is more important than your experience.

What Happens When Things Get Intense?

This is where being both a doula and a photographer truly matters.

When intensity rises:

• I know what’s normal.
• I know when to reassure.
• I know when to advocate.
• I know when to step in physically.
• And I know when to step back and let your partner lead.

There’s no panic. No scrambling. No “choosing” between jobs.

Support always comes first.

Ironically, that’s also what allows the most powerful images to unfold — because you are genuinely supported, not staged.

The Sacred Trust of Doing Both

Being invited into someone’s birth space is an enormous honor. It’s a privilege few ever get to experience, and it comes with a deep responsibility — to witness, to support, and to protect the sacredness of the moment.

Holding a camera in that space? That adds another layer of trust. I am not just present; I am observing, capturing, and translating the raw, fleeting emotions of one of the most vulnerable, intense, and miraculous experiences of your life.

But holding your hand while you bring your baby into the world — that is the heart of it. It is the part that requires full presence, unwavering focus, and a gentle awareness of every breath, every contraction, every shift in energy. It’s leaning in when you need reassurance, staying silent when you need space, and knowing instinctively when to guide and when to simply witness.

The photographs that emerge from this space are powerful not because of perfect lighting or carefully framed shots — they are powerful because of the care, support, and trust that underlie every image. They carry the story of your strength, your vulnerability, your love, and the people holding space for you.

Not in spite of the support. Because of it.

Why This Approach Changes Everything

When your doula is also your photographer:

There’s no extra body in the room, no added distractions — just a calm, steady presence devoted entirely to you.

There’s no need to explain your birth preferences twice or worry about whether someone understands your wishes in the heat of the moment.

There’s no split attention between two providers; every hand, every glance, every word is focused on supporting you fully.

There’s seamless trust, the kind that allows you to surrender to the process, knowing you are seen, understood, and held.

And most importantly — there’s someone who truly sees you, not just through the lens, but with the heart. Someone who witnesses the intensity, the vulnerability, the strength, and the love that surrounds your birth.

Both through the lens, capturing the moments that will tell your story for a lifetime.

And beyond it, standing beside you, holding space, and honoring every breath, every contraction, every triumph.

The post When the Camera Goes Down: How I Balance Hands-On Labor Support While Capturing Powerful Birth Images appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

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.

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.

The post Is a Birth Doula Necessary? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

These lovelies messaged me about a week before her due date. They were looking for a doula but hadn’t found one. The ones they did find were already booked. This was started months ago. Well, they changed their search criteria and boom, I popped up on Google for them. I am so glad I did!

I let them know I had another birth scheduled, but the chances of two different families having a baby on the same day at the same time were unlikely, but just in case, I worked with a backup. They didn’t mind at all. They would risk it.

I kept them very up to date ion what the other family was doing. When I got the call to go to the other birth, I let them know. This other birth went about 24 hours. Around the 23rd hour mark, I got a call that these ladies were heading to their birth center as the surges were getting very intense.

I wrapped up the first birth, went home, jumped in the shower, slapped myself around a bit and headed off to the birth center. This was at Moxie Birth in Pasadena.

It was a gorgeous sun drenched room, perfect for a peaceful birth.

Active labor wasn’t too long especially for a first time mom! Maybe about 5 hours later, transition hit and it was go time♥

If you would like to see their birth film, I encourage you to listen as well. The audio really makes it all work perfectly.

The post Moxie Birth Center in Pasadena 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!

The post A Pasadena Birth story: Huntington Hospital appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Ok, now that’s off my chest, lets talk publications. As you may (or may not know) I had an interview with SHOUTOUT LA magazine last year. Since expanding my birth photography and doula services to include San Diego, Orange and Riverside counties, SHOUTOUT SOCAL magazine asked to do a similar interview.

They like me. They really like me!

It’s always exciting to get asked to interview. I think birth photography might be a little misunderstood. I think people feel we are going to be all up in their lady parts and photographing their naked body. News Flash–birth photography is really about the feelings, emotions, the high and lows and everything in between on the day your child is born. What were you doing? What was your partner doing? How did you cope with labor? Who was there in the room? What did your baby look like? Did you cry? Laugh? Did your partner faint dead away or did they throw their arms around you in joyous celebration? Maybe it was a more subdued day. Maybe you decided on an epidural or a C-section. Did you get in the shower? Did you use a birth tub, birth stool or peanut ball?

What I am trying to say, birth photography is the journey of your story on that day. One day in your life that is documented. It’s not about nekkid lady parts.

Alright Already, where is the SHOUTOUT SOCAL article?

You can find the article here. Please don’t look only at the pretty pictures–I do have some things to say. I describe how I got started (duh!), why I love it and some tidbits about the Southern California area.

Is Birth Photography Right For You?

I realize birth photography isn’t for everyone. However; if you are curious and have questions, you can read anywhere on this website or you can send an email. I will happy to talk with you. No pressure to book!

The post SHOUTOUT SOCAL Magazine appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.