Last month I had the honor of being invited to document a beautiful gathering held by the amazing doulas at Orchids Nest in Delray Beach known as a "Mother Blessing" or "Blessingway" for one of my birth clients in 2017.
(click link above to be directed to the Orchid Nest webpage and view their services from hypnobirthing classes to expanded class schedules and offerings, community events, placenta encapsulation, doula services, birthing and post partum, salves, oils, soaps, and of course, hydrotherapy labor tub rentals)
A Mother Blessing is a gathering of women celebrating a woman's journey into motherhood.
This special event was quite dear to my heart because my birth client and I were both pregnant at the same time two years ago, she with her son and I with my daughter and that is how we originally met.
When she reached out with the news that she was pregnant again - and that they wanted me to document their birth - my heart skipped a beat.
I felt as though it was my own sister reaching out to me with this joyous news.
My birth clients are my family, they are my sisters.
Photograph of myself making a dedication to my birth client's pregnancy and birth journey at the Orchids Nest. One of my favorite doulas Samara Andreadis pictured in the background.
It was especially meaningful when my birth client asked me to add something special to this sacred bowl of epsom salt, flowers, oils. I added an oil that I explained for me symbolizes the yin and yang of transition from the birth of our first babies to the birth of our second babies.
The last time we shared space in this room together it was night time
This time it was day time
The beautiful balance of transitioning from first time moms to second time moms.
As you all know, I give 100% of my attention to my birth clients in documenting their births.
And sometimes, especially in moments like this, I am honored when I am invited to participate in and document their special life moments surrounded by the empowering tribe they have built to surround themselves during pregnancy and birth.
Family lifestyle documentary photoshoot of Charlene and her sons in Delray Beach done by Paulina Splechta birth photographer and film maker.
I was thrilled when one of my favorite moms, Charlene, arrived at this blessingway, preparing the yummiest, healthiest and also a beautiful sight to see food to celebrate this mama.
Charlene owns Cardamom Charlie
(click hyperlink above to view facebook page)
Charlene is a Registered Nurse and provides prenatal, welcome baby and postpartum massages at The Orchid Nest in Delray Beach.
With her passion for health, wellness and food she also offers in home meal prep and cooking lessons- group and private.
My birth clients absolutely love her!
If you are one of my birth clients and would like to see Charlene for a prenatal, welcome baby or postpartum massage, feel free to reach out to me here and we will get you in touch:
I love being a birth photographer in Palm Beach County. South Florida is my home, this is where I have planted the roots of my family.
I hope you enjoy my favorites moments from this sacred journey below.
(left to right) doulas Lorie McCoy, Arian Englesson, birth photographer Paulina Splechta, doula Samara Andreadis, doula Delainey Casey
