Birth + Photography Should Be Shown to the World, Why Others Disagree

Birth + Photography ≠ Graphic

Reactions when I say I am a Birth Photographer

When I get asked what I do for a living and I say birth photography, the response is quite frequently is shock and disbelief and revolt.

People Think “Birth” + “Photography” Don’t Go Together

I imagine that when someone says birth + photography in the same statement, it’s easy to begin visualizing how out of place the word photography is in that statement and how violating the work of the photographer must be because part of society is building a foundation in our minds that birth is this painful, gross, difficult Gate we all must walk through in order to have our babies.

Families Who Really Get it

Obviously we are moving forward as a society because there are people who look at birth and see the actual process of labor and birth as something not only beautiful but also powerful.
It’s because of progressive people like that, that I am able to show you that combining Birth + Photography is not something graphic and distasteful, but rather the defining moment where your walls get torn down about what you thought birth was and instead replaced with the knowledge of what birth should actually be.

Extraordinary Mothers Who Are Thinking About YOU

(EVEN THOUGH THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW YOU)

Without all the extraordinary mothers and families that you have seen on my social media pages, you would not realize that beauty and empowerment exist in birth.

How You Found Your Midwife, OBGYN or Doula

Many of you would have not found your midwives, doulas and OBGYNs had it not been for these progressive families who understood that birth photography should be shared with families who otherwise would not have a chance at a positive birth experience without coming across these photos.
So when you see my work, it’s not just me. It is the combined effort of strong advocates for women to have birthing rights.

Not About Fame

Birth photography is not about me sharing beautiful photos and getting more followers and getting more popular.

Birth photography isn’t about me at all.

I am just the vessel to help tell these stories so that they have a positive impact on YOUR intimate life.

#birthadvocate
#birthphotographychangestheworld

Hire a Birth Photographer in South Florida Who Will Show Up At Your Birth

Due on Christmas

Who Your Birth Photographer is Matters | Photographers Who Don't Show Up At Births

• This mom's due the day after Christmas and since babies rarely come on their due dates (only 3% of babies are born on their actual due date) it could very well be a Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day Baby.

  
  And yet,

  this photographer WILL be at her birth.

  
  Two years ago, this mama was about to become a mom to two. She had her 1 year old son by her side as they welcomed their baby girl into the world, and her photographer didn't show up.
  I really don't like to hear this story and I don't like repeating it even more, because it makes photographers out to be the bad guy, the flake, the super irresponsible, not worth it person. But here's the catch....
  And why it is SO important to do your due diligence when you are hiring a photographer specifically for your birth mamas. It cannot be just ANY photographer. It needs to be:

  
  👉 A seasoned birth worker

  Your photographer should also be a seasoned birth worker so that they understand birth, are committed, are responsible, reliable, and not queasy at the sight of birth
  

  
  👉 An experienced photographer

  Your photographer should also be an experienced photographer, not a newbie. It has to be someone who understands their gear, so they are not trying to google a gear malfunction in the middle of you meeting your baby
  

  
  👉 An experienced birth photographer

  Your photographer should be an experienced birth photographer, not just an experienced photographer. They need to understand birth, how unpredictable it is, the physiological process of birth so they understand at what stage a mom is in during labor and what is happening with baby during active labor and understand how truly unpredictable a birth environment is, and that its the worst lighting and conditions in the world to photograph in, so they are not trying to figure out lighting or how to get their camera to work in low light as you're meeting your baby
  

  
  👉 Honest about their availability

  A Seasoned birth worker and experienced birth photographer will be straight forward about their availability. If something else takes priority in their life, they will not accept clients and 'hope for the best'. They will have a reliable back up in case of emergency.
  #birthphotographer #birthworker

  Comments from Instagram followers:

  • sarahs.remedies

    So incredibly happy, blessed & thankful that you are apart of my birth team!!! ♥️

  • enunez20

    @psplechta_birthphotography Considering you showed up to our birth 30 minutes after the ball dropped on new years eve for Avery, and again in the middle of the super bowl for Ryder, I can vouch for the you being the best and always showing up 😂🥰!!! We love you!!!!

Real birth worker takes first childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes - real opinion, not sugarcoating, is it worth the money?

South Florida Childbirth Education Class with Midwives

Last night was part one of the virtual Childbirth Education series with midwives Gelena Hinkley and Sandra Lobaina of Natural Birthworks Birth Center in Margate, Florida.

Let me just say….

I have SO MUCH FEEDBACK for you mamas AND birth workers out there.

If you have never taken a child birth education class: I highly encourage you to sign up ASAP.

If you have taken a childbirth education class in the past…

(at your local hospital for example)

I highly encourage you to check this one out.

This childbirth education series is not only cost efficient, but the information is well-encompassing of both the medical, the emotional and the midwifery care model, which covers so much more than the typical medical-led class.

Click the N.B.W. Logo below to go directly to the Natural Birthworks website to sign up or learn more, or click here:

Natural Birthworks Childbirth Education

So what did I think about the first Childbirth education night? My REAL non-sugarcoated opinion?

I absolutely LOVED it and took an entire page of notes just for myself, as midwife Gelena was navigating through the evening, it motivated and ignited my thought processes and I realized I had increasingly more questions for her.

Child Birth Education Series Review

By

A Birth Worker who has attended 150 births

A mother of two cesarean born babies

A birth trauma survivor

My review of the Natural Birthworks Childbirth Education series is coming to you from my personal opinion, as a birth worker who has attended 150 births over six years, as a mother of two cesarean born babies, and a birth trauma survivor.

As we made our way through the class, I was typing up notes in my gmail, (I type way faster than I write).

At one point midwife Gelena asked “are there any questions so far?” And I raised my hand and said “I actually have a bunch” through gritted teeth, I wasn’t sure if I was making things more complicated for all the couples, asking questions probably only a birth worker would be thinking about, but midwife Gelena at no point made me feel self conscious. She answered my questions clearly and tended to each one.

So first, let’s cover the basics of what I personally thought about the course as a mom & birth worker:

1. Midwife Gelena provided a thorough understanding of a woman's anatomy for childbirth

   Understanding your body and what is happening physically during labor and birth is critical for feeling empowered during your labor, or even if you are attending someone else’s birth as a friend or birth worker. You MUST know what is happening at each stage, in the woman’s body and in the baby’s body to truly be present and connected. In the uterus, the cervix, the pelvic bone, everything. Not only that, but Gelena actually addressed how important education and awareness of anatomy contributes to being empowered during childbirth. Tying in the physical, the intellectual to the emotional. Birth should always be a three part component in this way. This is another reason why I love midwives Gelena and Sandy. They get it: They get that birth is not just a medical process like getting your appendix removed. It’s a transformational journey, for the mom, for the dad, for the baby, for the midwives, the doula, everyone.

2. Vocabulary

   Let’s be real. Giving birth (and even being pregnant) requires you to learn SO MUCH as a new parent. Not just as a new parent, but I’ve got families that are still learning new vocabulary with baby #4. Midwife Gelena went over all the crucial vocabulary you will be hearing during pregnancy, labor, birth and post partum, so you can feel empowered and understand everything that is going on.

3. Diet

   Hearing diet during pregnancy discussed in a Childbirth education class was quite unexpected for me. I did not realize what a vital role a well-balanced-diet plays in not only a healthy pregnancy but also labor and birth. Midwife Gelena emphasized this topic and reminded the couples that during prenatal visits with the midwives, outside of this Childbirth education series, even more guidance is given.

4. Visuals

   The Visual Representation for the cervix, contractions and the baby being born, were top notch and very effective. Sometimes visuals on google can be super unclear or confusing, or even present conflicting information, but the combination of photos and videos that midwife Gelena included in the pregnancy and childbirth portion of this Childbirth education series were very clear, easy to understand and incredibly helpful in clarifying any confusion anyone may have had about any of the stages of labor and birth.

The three top things I learned from the First Night of the Childbirth education series as a birth worker and mom of two kids:

This was such a pleasant surprise to me, because I absolutely LOVE learning new information every time I speak with midwives:

1. The cervix is a muscle.

   Did you know that the cervix is a muscle? Isn’t that fascinating?? Not only is it the contraction that pushes the baby’s head into the cervix that helps with dilation, but also the softening and relaxing of this incredible muscle helps with dilation!

2. Station 0

   I learned that it helps to get a “head start” and have your baby’s head engaged at station 0 when labor begins, and while not every woman starts labor at station 0 (that’s ok, labor just may be a bit longer if baby’s head isn’t as engaged), I learned that an estimated majority of women’s babies heads are at a station 0 when they go into labor.

3. Anterior Cervix

   During pregnancy, the cervix faces towards the back (towards your butt) that is called posterior, but during labor the cervix shifts towards the front and becomes anterior and this gives baby more space to be delivered.

Midwife Gelena reviewed numerous topics during the childbirth portion of this Childbirth Education Series that kept the entire class of couples engaged in conversation ranging from what your midwives do if baby is not in the right position by 28-32 weeks of pregnancy (third trimester), the anatomy of baby including discussing the multiple sac layers, ruptured amniotic fluid during labor, signs of labor, and so much more.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this first night with Midwife Gelena and highly recommend everyone signs up!!!

I cannot wait for the Breastfeeding and Newborn Care segment with Midwife Sandy next week! Stay tuned!!!

Don’t forget to click below to go directly to the Natural Birthworks website to sign up or learn more!

Natural Birthworks Childbirth Education

South Florida Use Your Voice in Birth

Use Your Voice in Birth

Using your voice in birth:

Being able to speak up in birth and voice your desires is reason why many people hire a doula.

Birth makes each of us feel vulnerable in a unique way, and I've heard it described by many mothers over time, you're not really motivated to be outspoken and assertive during intense active stages of labor about what you want and do not want.

Many people in the medical world would argue, why do you need a voice in labor? Just listen to what everyone tells you to do during your labor. But that is exactly the problem: not every single person is an amazing birth provider, and that is why women go so far out of their way to change hospitals during their pregnancies, to change providers, to get a doula, because they've learned this from their own past birth experiences.

And even with the best of providers, doctors and midwives alike, and even with the best of L&D nurses, they all want to know what your preferences are and if you have a birth plan. Do you want your partner to catch the baby? Do you want to get an epidural or do you want to wait a few more hours or maybe not get one at all? Do you want to get up and have movement during your labor (movement is good) or would you prefer hydrotherapy (getting in the shower or tub)

There are many decisions to be made and there is no one-size-fits-all model because no one mom births identically to another. Strong providers who are beloved by the community know this and they automatically expect mothers to speak up and voice their concerns / desires, they create room for a mother's voice.

So remember, when using your voice in labor, you also speak for your baby who cannot yet use their voice.

#yougotthis

#birthadvocate #womensadvocate #birthworker ##useyourvoice #yourvoicematters

Boca Raton Coming Home Newborn Baby Photo Sessions

Coming Home Sessions

Boca Raton, Ft Lauderdale and Parkland, Florida

BABY’S FIRSTS

How I wish I could turn back time and have photos like these coming home from the hospital.

My youngest child is now 5 years old, and five years post partum, I no longer care how messy my hair was when I was leaving the hospital post c/section, all I wish is I could remember my oldest child’s face when she first met her baby sister, and my parents both excited and crying when they met their 8th grandchild.

While many families hire me for birth photography, many hospitals are still only allowing 1 visitor during delivery and for most of my families that is going to be their significant other, their partner or spouse.

We have been capturing all the sweetest moments of my families older children meeting their families newborn babies as they are coming home from the hospital, along with all of baby’s firsts. Parents carrying baby out of the hospital outside for the first time in their baby carrier, baby’s first car ride home, baby entering the family house for the first time, and meeting all the special people (and fur babies) waiting for baby at home, from big brother or big sister, to grandma, grandpa, and their older sibling doggy.

In the 2 to 3 hours we spend together, we capture hundreds of special FIRSTS

Do you have photos of your older child(ren) or your parents meeting the new baby??

Which is your FAVORITE shot??? I have 2! I’ll post them at the end! Tell me what yours are!

Hi Baby! Big Brother waving at baby brother!

Birth Photographer International Image Competition Award Winners of 2020

My friends, this November, brings triumphant news:

The Birth Photographer International Image Competition 2020

Awarded 2 of my out-of-hospital birth images from births during the pandemic with

THE BRONZE AWARD!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I am SWEPT away by this victory for not just my birth art work, but for birth in the community with home birth midwives in south Florida, for these mamas inner strength bringing their babies earthside, for our future mothers-to-be who are learning how to prepare for childbirth, how to build a strong birth team, how to be empowered.

I'd like to thank my clients and their midwives and doulas for having me at these two births, without everyone’s trust, I could not have captured these moments for my clients and their families

From the first image of my client Ashley, (double braids image of @makehomewarm )

Thank you to Ashley and her family for welcoming me into their birth space at Natural Birthworks Birth Center in Margate with their midwives Gelena and Sandy and their doula Renata Rosa

You can follow Ashley’s midwives and doula here: @midwifegelena @mymomglow and @renatarosa9525

And also visit the birth center here: https://www.naturalbirthworks.com/

And visit Doula Renata’s Facebook Page Here: https://www.facebook.com/doularenatarosa/

I'd like to thank my client Shanitra for having me at her birth in Broward County with her midwife Christa West, her doula Dawna Insua and student midwife Kelly

You can follow Shanita’s midwives and doula here: @coastalmidwife @dawnadoula and @the_birth_garden

And also visit her midwife Christa at Coastal Midwifery here: http://coastalmidwifery.com/

And Dawna (student midwife and doula, also has a fantastic childbirth preparation class) here: https://www.dawnasbirthservices.com/

---

A WIN FOR US ALL!

Birth Photographer International Image Competition is a Win for us all

I have witnessed many image competitions over the years and many image competitions that were specific to birth photography, and I have yet to see a stronger system evaluating each entrant, instead of putting two entrants competing against each other, which isn't fair since no two entrants were at the same birth and birth is unlike any other event in this world, it's wildly unpredictable in terms of events, lighting, positioning, available space, outcome -- THE BPIIC competition scored each entrant on a point system with a panel of expert judges with a deep history rooted in birth photography so their judging was actually irrefutable when it comes to judging BIRTH images.

(My images above were ranked 31 points (image on birthing ball) solidly in the Bronze category and 36 points (double braids image of @makehomewarm ) bordering silver that starts at 40 points.)

I watched the live judging of 212 images over 4 live feeds spanning over a total of 9 hours and I only disagreed on scores on 5 images out of 212 image submissions. That is outstanding! Not to mention, witnessing the judges panel giving feedback to entrants on what technical improvements they could make to their work to get their image to the next category was invaluable to my own education as a photographer. It was essentially an image competition and birth photographers educational workshop rolled into one.

In less than a week from the day the competition award winners were announced, the powerful photos that show the raw reality of giving birth were featured by Metro UK to no surprise, these are some of the most extraordinary birth images I have seen in 2020.

You can view the Metro UK article here: Powerful Photos that Show the Raw Reality of Giving Birth

Quote from Ellen Scott, Metro Co UK

“The photos have been crowned the best in the world in this year’s Birth Photographer International Image Competition (or BPIIC, for short), a contest founded by Lacey Barratt as a way to further legitimise the art of birth photography. Lacey, 33, from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, has been a passionate birth photographer for 10 years and was one of fourteen experienced judges to pick the winners of the competition. First place was awarded to Renate Van Lith, from Amsterdam, Netherlands, second place was presented to Jenna Nord from Montana, USA, and third place was granted to Diane Hinek, from California, USA. But with 216 entries snapped by birth photographers from around the world – including Brazil, Portugal, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand – Lacey felt it was important to showcase all of the top images of the competition. Mum-of-five Lacey said: ‘It was important to host a competition because there are so many other incredible competitions in the world, but they are not specific to birth photographers. ‘So we often get lumped in with documentary, photojournalism, and wedding documentary categories.” [Read more]

Shortly thereafter followed by 7 News Australia

and DailyMail.co.UK !

Below I’d like to share with you some of my favorite images from the competition

I took the time to go back to the judging videos to write down the names of the photographers, hyperlink their websites below, hyperlinked their social media accounts.

I’m curious if you’d like to know what I would have scored my favorite images if I had been on the judges panel? (FYI I do not know most of these artists, but also, most of these images I have never seen so I did not know who the artists were until after the results of the competition were released) Let me know if you want to see a post with my personal scores for my fav images from the competition.

Which are your top 2 Favorites of the BPIIC?

First let me show you the two images I actually screen-shotted as the judges were judging them live, because they captivated me so much I did not want to forget to express congratulations to the artists who captured these moments

Charlene Foerster

from Germany

Awarded Bronze for this amazing capture entitled: “Strong Labor”

Scored 33 points in the Bronze Category

You can follow her on Instagram here

You can follow her on Facebook here

Alisia Mason

from Australia

Awarded Silver for this incredible unique capture entitled: “Yin and Yang Mother Meditates During Baby Crowning”

Scored at first scored 38 points in the Bronze, but after several judges extra input and rejudging, this image placed in the Silver Category at 42 points!

You can follow Alisia on Instagram here

You can follow Alisia on Facebook here

There were exactly 5 winners in the Gold Category of the Birth Photographer International Image Competition, and Silver had exactly 15 winners, see the two galleries below for Gold and Silver shot below, and directly under it I’ve highlighted my favorite ______ images from Gold and Silver.

Jenna Nord Gold 2020 BPIIC Winner

I’ve been a big fan of Jenna Nord from Missoula, Montana for a while now. No wonder this treasure of a human being captured two images that ranked in the Gold Category.

I remember what one of the judges said, how the hands catching baby through the door entry is parallel to between worlds. Genius. I have so much to learn from this incredible artist and will be watching her closely to learn how I can elevate my work for future competitions!

You can follow Jenna on Facebook here

You can follow Jenna on Instagram here

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Hayley Edgar Silver BPIIC 2020 Winner

Hayley Edgar of Raising Us Photography Australia maybe a new name to ME in the birth photography industry, but also a member of IAPBP along with me! But by no means a new photographer. This image below that stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away was awarded Silver in this years BPIIC!

I will def be following on Instagram and you can too over here

---

Sarah Lentz Silver 2020 Winner and Finalist

of Australia

The gorgeous early morning light in this image with the toddler unphased by the fact their mom just had a new baby really resonated with me. This toasty cozy “Sunday” morning vibes image by Sarah was awarded in the Silver category

You can Follow Sarah on Facebook Here

You can Follow Sarah on Instagram Here

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INTERNATIONAL BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Renate Van Lith

I want to congratulate my colleague Renate of Renate Van Lith Birth Photography in the Netherlands and owner of Birth and Beyond Photography Awards for being awarded The International Birth Photographer of the Year with her incredible Gold Placement in 2020!

View the Gallery Below of her 2020 Image Submissions

You can Follow Renate on Facebook Here

You can Follow Renate on Instagram Here

---

Diana Hinek

Overjoyed to see my colleague in Third Place overall from the 2020 image competition!

Congratulations Diana!

You can follow Diana on Instagram Here

You can follow Diana on Facebook Here

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Below are some of my favorite Bronze Award Winners from the 2020 BPIIC:

Amber May of Australia

Amber Instagram

Amber Facebook

---

Amey Bencke of Canberra ACT, Australia

Amey Facebook

Amey Instagram

The below outstanding image by Amey was titled brilliantly by the artist “Wait for White” that I did not even have to write down because the title is so memorable.

---

Hannah Paulsen

Hannah’s placenta, newborn, fresh post partum shot Bronze Award Winner is soft and on point and unique that I truly wish it had placed Silver!

Hannah Facebook

Hannah Instagram

---

So what did you think? Did you have a favorite from all the above? Two top favorites? I can’t wait to hear if you agree/disagree with my favorites?

Throw me some comments below so I know if I am hitting home with these beauties!!

Congratulations to all the winners and Bravo to all who entered! I know this is not easy to have your very intimate art work critiqued and everyone who entered has a beautiful road ahead with learning from each other! I know I cannot wait to get to know some of my colleagues who are new to me this year!

Is there something you’d like to see in the 2021 Birth Photographer International Image Competition next year that wasn’t done this year? Let me know so I can give Lacey feedback!

A sincere thank you to Lacey Barratt of @birth_photographer_ for her hard work bringing this incredible competition together! I cannot imagine how much stress, sleepless nights, blood, sweat tears went into this, but you’ve lifted my spirit with your profound sense of community, involving some of my favorite colleagues and industry leaders as judges (see below) and creating a unique system that worked so damn well!

Last but NOT least

JUDGES & TEAM

I want to thank the incredibleJUDGES TEAM PANEL for the time and sincere genuine effort they put into this competition. I was so pleasantly surprised by your energy, determination and consistency.

Paul Atkins Atkins Pro Lab 

Connie Baker Integrated Copy

Kathleen Ellis Melbourne Birth

Hannah Paulsen Hannah Paulsen Photography

Emma Winch Morris Bear Designs

Victoria Berekmari Adelaide Birth Photographer

Judges

Belle Verdiglione Belle Verdiglione Photography

Bree Garcia J&B Photography

Lindsey Eden-Bartell Lindsey Eden Photography

Liz Cook IAPBP

Sarah Fowler Life + Lens Photography

Katie Gallop Sugar Images

Kelly Champion Kelly Champion Photography

Kate Randall Kate Randall Photography

Jo Robertson Lillian Craze Photography

Jelina Sonnenberg Jelina Sonnenberg Birth Services

Dania Watson Lauren + Douglas

Beth Fernley Beth Fernley Photography

Leilani Rogers PhotosbyLei

VBAC SUCCESS in South Florida with Midwives Gelena Hinkley, Sandra Lobaina and Doula Sandra Murillo

Guest Blogger:

Midwife Gelena Hinkley of P3Birth and Natural Birthworks Birth Center in Margate, Florida

Midwife Gelena:

How can I not share another beautiful VBAC success?

It's beyond empowering and inspiring for women. Especially in states that have maybe a handful of MDs that support it, us Midwives can't help but boast when our mama's do it.

This mom worked SO hard, broke through all her fear and doubt, and had the best team to get her through it.

Your birth team is ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS!

It's not just ok to do VBACs but you need to be supportive of VBACs.

There's a difference believe me;

"I'll let you VBAC" vs. "We are doing a VBAC".

This mom had a VBAC friendly birth photographer (who should be a doula),

a doula,

VBAC supportive Midwives,

a great back up plan with a VBAC supportive MD

and her family who trusted her and the process.

Note from Birth Photographer to midwife’s above comment:

That is such a beautiful thing to say Gelena, I am so incredibly touched by that. Thank you. Those words mean so much to me. Over 6 years, while being a birth story teller, I have been practicing intuition-led birth work. I have never stayed in the shadows because I am just the photographer. I have always stepped up to fill in the deficit, when my clients have chosen not to hire a doula, or hired the wrong provider that they only realized during labor, or their doula/partner/midwife are all taking a 2 minute break and she needs some water or back compressions. I am two (or 3 I lost track) months into my official certification to become an official certified doula, because the medical world and hospitals does not recognize me as a birth worker unless I have a certification. But I am so proud to be doing this for our community, for my mamas, and to continue being an advocate in the lives of families that need it. 

Midwife, Birth Photographer, Midwife before the coffee kicked in ;)

This beautiful munchkin who worked so hard with her mama!

Sincerest thank you to this mama’s incredible birth team and especially to midwife Gelena who wrote this beautiful VBAC Success blog post.

Check out Midwife Gelena

& more amazing Birth Stories

from P3Births in South Florida here:

P3 Births Blog and Website

Find the Best OBGYN or Midwife in Boca Raton, FL

A positive birth experience

Does not just come

with attending all your prenatal visits

This is much more that goes into actually walking out of your birth having had a positive birth experience.

Step 1

Build Your Birth Team:

Is to build a birth team (OBGYN or Midwife, Labor Doula, Hospital, Birth Center or Home, Birth Photographer, Post partum doula or nurse) and make sure you trust them flawlessly at 100%. Remember to give yourself grace. Everything in life is constantly changing. If you built a birth team and you're in your 2nd or 3rd trimester and realized it is no the right birth team for you, you have time and options to rebuild. For birth workers: it is our job to support mamas to the best of our abilities, and it is YOUR JOB to make sure the birth experience you have is the one you can live with for the rest of your life. 

Step 2

Your Own Birth Education:

Step 2. What do you know about pregnancy, labor, birth, post partum, breastfeeding, bleeding after birth, belly binding, breathing through contractions, nourishing in the post partum, how your partner can be in involved, ask yourself what do you know? For every single area you find yourself at a deficit of information/knowledge >>>>> pursue education. There are childbirth education classes, but are they full spectrum? Will they teach you how to connect with your baby and your body on a personal level? (For some mamas it could be spiritual connection, for others emotional connection) 1 childbirth education class may not be enough for you. Seek other methods of education via local birth centers, deeply involved in the community labor + post partum doulas. 

This is at the end of the day YOUR BIRTH and POST PARTUM experience.

You will own it.

Choose a path that feels completely right and empowering for you.

Choose a path that sounds like the one you'd love to share with your child one day. 

#positivebirthexperience 

#positivebirth #empoweredbirth #educatedmama

#birtheducation

Boca Raton, FL - How to Change Your Doctor During Pregnancy

So you’re 30 weeks pregnant, welcome to the 3rd trimester. 

But oh no, what do you do, if you realize now that your baby’s birth is on the horizon, the provider you’ve been with thus far is not the right doctor (or midwife) for your baby’s birth???

Are you stuck???

No! 

FIRST:

Take a deep breath.

This has happened before. This happens often. 

SECOND:

Remember, just like everything else in life (do you personally prefer dunkin over starbucks or vice versa??) not every single OBGYN and not every single Midwife is perfectly suited to every single pregnant mom. 

THIRD:

Give yourself some grace. Sometimes you won’t know what exact qualities you are looking for in a Midwife or OBGYN until you can actually see the finish line in your viewfinder. It’s not uncommon to realize you not with a provider who does not emulate your hopes for your birth experience. But that is why birth workers (such as birth photographers and labor doulas) have valuable input on which providers their past clients have had positive experiences with, depending on what they were looking for out of their birth experiences.

Specialties:

There are providers who specialize in and do high volumes of vbacs (vaginal birth after c-section), there are doctors who support water birth and those who have never attended one, there are obstetricians + hospitals where gentle c-sections are administered to all cesarean deliveries automatically, there are midwives (CNM) who are more hands-on and others who are more hands-off, there are OBGYNS who are more soft spoken, and others who are very outspoken. Th ere are newer faces in the birth world and seasoned providers who’ve been doing birth for as long as you and I have been alive.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

Every single provider, whether doctor or midwife, has their own unique philosophy of birth. It’s completely OK and Encouraged to seek the one whose philosophy is one that makes you feel safe, empowered and excited. 

How to Avoid a Bad Birth Experience in Csection South Florida

It is my MOTHERHOOD WEEK! 8 years ago I was about to become a mama for the first time...

(this Saturday 11/7) 

So this week we're talking birth experience and how to avoid having a negative experience, particularly right now during the pandemic. 

Just because there is a pandemic and the entire world seems to be set up to take away our pregnancy / birthing experiences, this does not mean it no longer is YOUR BIRTH EXPERIENCE.

While you see in this image of Ashley's @makehomewarm birth surrounded by birth workers in masks, what I will share is that Ashley built her own birth team, she hand selected her midwives, her birth center, her labor doula & me: her birth story teller. 

Despite the disconnect we have been feeling during this pandemic, especially expecting families are feeling with the inability to hug their midwives or even show each other our smiles, CHOOSING YOUR BIRTH TEAM CAREFULLY + ASSERTIVELY HAS NEVER BEEN MORE IMPORTANT THAN NOW. 

So I have a CALL TO ACTION to EXPECTING MAMAS: 

Do not select your birth team

just because your friend/sister had a

great experience.

I call you to judge that birth team

by your OWN personal criteria:

Questions to Ask Yourself

When Seeking an OBGYN ( Obstetrician ) or Midwife (CNM or LM) to deliver your baby:

1. What are you expecting from your birth provider?

2. Is their personality important to you? (ie. assertive, outspoken, soft spoken, nurturing, direct, compassionate)

3. Are statistics important to you? (how many c/sections, vbacs (vaginal births after c-sections), inductions (especially inductions as a first time mother)?)

4. Prenatal visits- Do you expect to be educated on options, are patient, longer visits important to you? 

5. Community opinion- is the community opinion of your provider important to you?

Example: if it seems like almost every one you know is praising them vs. almost everyone you know raises their eyebrows or says yikes when you mention their name

6. How they feel about labor doulas? (and if they are against doulas, why is that?) 

7. How they feel about your birth preferences? Ok so maybe you don't want to make a birth plan, thats ok, it's hard enough to plan a birth, because we never know what your baby and your body will do, but that doesn't mean you can't have preferences, so how does your provider feel about YOUR expectations? 

8. Above all, follow your intuition! Your gut instincts! 

#youarewisemama