At the end of the crazy year known as 2020, a gentleman from the magazine ShoutOut LA contacted me. He asked if I would like to be interviewed for their start up magazine. I gave them a resounding Heck yea! It seems I always have so much to say! However; they shot me some real zingers that I really had to think about. I had to be brave and really tell my story of how I came to Los Angeles and continued my work as a birth and maternity photographer.

I invite you to read my interview with ShoutOut LA Magazine here

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So 2020 has been a bit of a whammy, hasn’t it? I have really neglected my beloved blog. Being the last day of 2020, it is fitting I make this year in review type of post. The last entry was in July and so much has happened since then! I have had several maternity sessions during COVID.

With hospitals not allowing birth photographers in and birth centers doing a reduction in support people allowed to attend, I have turned my focus to three things.

Doula Certification

The first is I am in the process of getting certified as a Doula. This is something I am really excited about! It not only allows me to grow as a birth worker, but will further my skills in holding space for the laboring person and partner. What does that mean though-holding space? It simply means being physically, mentally and emotionally present without judgement. “The person who is holding space helps set the tone for a kind, curious, and judgment-free interaction where the other person can be vulnerable, and like the term says “have space.” 

Maternity Sessions During COVID

The second thing I have focused on during 2020 is studio maternity photography. Maternity sessions during COVID are alive and well. Several online courses and webinars have led me to really excel in this genre. I have also been entering images into photography competitions which is something I have never done before. Winning a bronze in the RISE International Photography Competition motivated and pushed me to excel.

Website optimization

Finally, I have worked hard on this website. If you are visiting again, you will see it is much faster loading. There was a time for most of 2020 that the website was as slow as this year was long! My invaluable website builder, Tom, has put up with endless emails and phone calls from me and, well, I am incredibly indebted to him for what you are seeing now.

I look forward to a wonderful year ahead filled with growth, love and births!

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Happy October!!

While most of the country is getting pumpkin spice lattes and bonfires, here in Los Angeles we are still sitting at the beach. This is where I found myself pondering my own birth. There were many items I didn’t bring. It was like my brain fell right out of my head. It made me think; what are the essential items to bring when having a baby?

Essential Items to Bring When Having a Baby

I put up a Facebook post asking people what they would bring if they could do it all again…here are some of their responses…

“I’m so picky when it comes to pillows, so definitely a pillow or two from home”!–Lauren

“Coins for snacks, comfy but cute clothes and makeup and hair stuff for photos (i was swimming with my first and my water broke and we left right away to the hospital… i had messy chlorine hair lol. a macbook for movies for downtime. my own swaddles or cute etsy swaddles that would be pretty for photos! i love the idea of bringing essential oils, i never had done that but i know how helpful those can be”–Bree

“Cash/checkbook! At our hospital, we had to pay cash or check for the birth certificate and we didn’t remember to bring it!”–Christi

 “I feel like my time in the hospital went so quickly! I sort of wished it had slowed down and I could’ve set up twinkle lights or my diffuser! ? But the item I absolutely missed the most was my pregnancy pillow I had been sleeping with for months! I really wish I had brought it with me!!”–Liz

“Coloring books or more activities for my older kids”.–Sarah

“A doula!!!!!”–Ashley

“A robe!”–Stephanie

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What is a Cesarean Birth?

Cesarean delivery (C-section) is a surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.

A mother and doctor may plan ahead of time if complications develope or you’ve had a previous C-section and aren’t considering a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). Often, however, the need for a first-time C-section doesn’t become obvious until labor is underway.

Why C-sections Are done?

Your health care provider might recommend a C-section if:

• Your labor isn’t progressing. Stalled labor is one of the most common reasons for a C-section. Stalled labor might occur if your cervix isn’t opening enough despite strong contractions over several hours.
• Your baby is in distress. If your healthcare provider is concerned about changes in your baby’s heartbeat, a C-section might be the best option.
• Your baby or babies are in an abnormal position. When a baby enters the birth canal feet or buttocks first (breech) or the baby is positioned side or shoulder first (transverse), a c-section may be a safer option.
• You’re carrying multiples. If you’re carrying twins and the leading baby is in an abnormal position or if you have triplets or more babies, then a c-section would be recommended.
• There’s a problem with your placenta. A placenta covering the opening of your cervix (placenta previa), is a reason a C-section would be recommended.
• Prolapsed umbilical cord. If a loop of the umbilical cord slips through the cervix ahead of baby, then a C-sesion may be recommended.
• You have a health concern. If you have a severe health problem, such as a heart or brain condition or visible genital herpes, then a C-section might be advised.
• Mechanical obstruction. A large fibroid obstructing the birth canal can cause difficulty in vaginal birth.
• You’ve had a previous C-section. Depending on the type of uterine incision and other factors, it’s often possible to attempt a VBAC. In some cases, however, your health care provider might recommend a repeat C-section.

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