I first met Josefina through Boca View Optical in Boca Raton, my trusted optician for nearly a decade. Boca View has consistently provided exceptional service, guiding me through the process of choosing the right frames and lenses with expertise and care. Over the years, their attention to detail has made them an integral part of my eye care routine.
However, the arrival of Josefina's first baby transformed our relationship from being about optical support to being deeply involved in her pregnancy journey. When Josefina reached out to me, her top priority was having doula support. Although my primary service is birth photography and doula support is secondary, she insisted on having me as part of her birth team. This choice was especially meaningful, given that she had the option to work with experienced doulas throughout South Florida.
She was planning on delivering with her Midwife, Laurie Gibbons, from Women’s Health Partners at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital (East Boca near I-95 and Glades Road - not West Boca)
Our check-ins during Josefina's pregnancy were fantastic. She kept me updated after every prenatal visit, which made me feel like a valuable part of her birth team. We collaborated on her birth plan, including preferences for labor and delivery and an emergency plan for a possible C-section in the operating room. I always emphasize that a birth plan is a list of preferences rather than strict guidelines, aiming to set a collaborative tone with the medical team while prioritizing the health of both mom and baby.
As Josefina approached her due date, her questions about delivery and the newborn exam increased. This is normal as the birth becomes more imminent and medical concerns become clearer. With the rise in prenatal visits, bloodwork, and ultrasounds, new concerns or recommendations may arise. We discussed these topics thoroughly, ensuring she was well-prepared.
I guide my clients to list questions for their Doctors (OBGYN) and Midwives (CNM - Certified Nurse Midwives) to make informed decisions. It's important for clients to understand their options and feel comfortable with their choices. My approach is to balance your Doctor or Midwife’s recommendations with personal feelings, seeking answers that foster trust and autonomy. If trust can't be established, it may be worth considering a change in providers, and though that can be difficult, may sometimes be necessary.
This approach ensures that the birthing experience is empowering and calm, avoiding the pitfalls of panic and mistrust.
Super grateful for my client’s birth team from her Midwife Laurie, to her labor and delivery nurses to the hospital’s staff taking amazing care of Josefina during her first baby’s delivery at Boca Regional! And I am so thankful that Josefina and I got the chance to work together in this exciting capacity of birth photography to document the first day she became a mom to this little girl!
