Don’t accept anyone telling you that you should be happy your baby is alive.
If someone is not in the middle of experiencing a traumatic birth that is happening to them, they won’t always realize that we need that extra emotional support. So it absolutely is OK for us to step up for ourselves and say I need my emotions to be validated right now. Validation.
I absolutely regret not hiring a BIRTH Photographer who was exclusively full time devoted to photographing births 8 years ago. I even more regret saying "what do I need photos for, I am just having a c-section." When the OBGYN delivered the news to me that I would not be laboring anymore and we are now going for a C-Section.
I document my clients births with exactly the same passion and love and attention to detail how I wish I would have had someone do for me 8 years ago when I had my baby via my unplanned C-Section and lost the chance to experience a VBAC (vaginal birth after a C-Section - usually called a TOLAC - Trial of labor after a c-section prior to baby being born via VBAC) delivery. I have zero Professional Birth Photographs from either of my births with my newborn babies. All I have are blurry and grainy cell phone photographs from 8 + 10 years ago.
Infertility in Boca Raton - Miscarriage, Loss and Birth Photos in the Hospital
The scary fear on every mom's mind,
"what if I lose the baby?"
Perhaps the fear of losing their baby during pregnancy (whether miscarriage or loss in the first or second trimester) this is one of the scariest defining reasons why many mamas hold off on booking their Birth Photographer during their first trimester. Accoring to BocaFertility.com, “Infertility in women can result from various factors, including irregular ovulation, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, and age-related decline in egg quality.”
Miscarriage or loss during pregnancy is a very real concern for not only couples struggling with infertility, but even first time pregnancies, and even mamas who have never had a loss before. Marchofdimes.com informs us that “For women who know they're pregnant, about 10 to 20 in 100 pregnancies (10 to 20 percent) end in miscarriage. Most miscarriages - 8 out of 10 (80 percent) - happen in the first trimester before the 12th week of pregnancy.”
While the best time to Book your Birth Photographer is definitely today, for reasons mentioned below,
a fear of loss can be paralyzing.
I met Dr. Moshe Winograd a few years ago, he works with families who have suffered loss not only from miscarriage but also from stillbirth and he shares his experiences here, “I have learned from so many women (and their partners) about how they have never quite forgotten their lost babies, even decades later. The pain and constant reminders diminish and recede into the background but they are still there, after all they were still born. Coming to counseling will provide you with a space to make sense of what happened, how to integrate what was in a coherent way that allows you to move forward and take what is important to you with you, and function on a day-to-day basis.”
When it comes to deciding when to book your Birth Photographer, especially if you are fearful of loss or have a history of miscarriage or loss,
A personal decision no one but you can answer is if you do suffer a loss, what next?
Will you try again or is this the end of your journey?
Depending on your answer…
you may find some relief in knowing that if you do suffer a loss, your investment in Birth Photography with me is not gone, it is held until your future birth story.
Many moms have booked me prior to getting pregnant, they know their investment with me is safe. Some moms who have suffered a loss after already booked with me know their investment is waiting for their next birth story, whether in a couple of months or later that year.
One of the most instrumental specialists my Birth Photography and Doula clients have worked with here in Boca Raton surrounding their pregnancies, their losses, as well as emotional and/or physical trauma from the birthing experience, has been Dr. KC Charette
KC Charette is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Florida. While her physical office is located in Boca Raton, Dr. Charette also serves patients throughout all of Florida via tele-health. She provides individual, couples, family and group therapy. Dr. Charette has over a decade of experience in treating a range of psychological concerns. She uses evidenced-based interventions and holistic/wellness approaches in therapy. Aided by her warmth and authenticity, Dr. Charette creates a professional & safe environment where clients feel supported and empowered to share their experiences.
Specializations
Adjusting to pregnancy, postpartum & parenthood
Coping with infertility and perinatal depression/anxiety/OCD
Grief from loss
Booking your Birth Photographer today gives you several benefits:
- I only book a maximum of 2 Birth Photography clients per month. I REALLY enjoy getting to know my birth clients and their families, this is actually one of my favorite things about my work, I am an artist and my work is tied to my emotions, and the more I know the family, the better my work becomes, and I could not do that if I worked with too many clients each month. But when I choose to limit my monthly Birth clients to only 2, I book up very quickly and am often booked 4 to 6 months in advance, therefore I also have to plan my own family's life and vacations 4 - 6 months in advance, and it is why I am off-call in May/June 2024.
- Booking your Birth Photographer today will give you the longest amount of time to pay for your investment. I rarely take payment in full, because my preference is to split all my clients payments into at least two. This gives me the opportunity to also have a "scheduled date" when I will be checking in with my client to see how her pregnancy is going. It's also a guide for my client for when my client's "on-call" time begins for them. Many of my clients enjoy weekly installments for their birth packages, because expensive strollers, cribs and everything under the sun from a baby shower, to room decorations, to post partum meals can add up. Instead of paying bulk payments, my clients enjoy weekly installments that break up their investment in their birth story over the course of their entire pregnancy. The earlier you reserve your birth story, the more installments you can breakdown over time. Its a bit more manageable to have a lump sum broken down into 12 installments vs 2!
Showing Appreciation: The Best Gifts for Labor and Delivery Nurses in South Florida
As a South Florida birth photographer, I'm constantly inspired by the dedication and compassion of labor and delivery nurses. These incredible healthcare professionals provide unwavering support to birthing families, ensuring a safe and positive birth experience. If you're looking for a way to show your appreciation, a thoughtful gift can go a long way.
In this blog post, we'll share the top gifts that labor and delivery nurses in Boca Raton and across South Florida truly appreciate. We've gathered insights from real nurses to help you choose the perfect way to say "thank you" for their incredible work.
Top 5 Gifts for Labor and Delivery Nurses
Individually Packaged Snacks: Nurses are always on the go, so individually packaged snacks are a lifesaver. Think granola bars, nuts, trail mix, or fresh fruit (uncut). As one Boca Raton labor and delivery nurse shared, "Anything that we can grab and go and don't have to worry about contamination is perfect!"
Chocolates and Treats: A little bit of sweetness goes a long way! Chocolates like Ferrero Rocher, Lindt, or Godiva are always a hit. Consider buying in bulk from stores like Costco or Sam's Club to ensure there's enough to share.
Energy Drinks and Coffee: Keep those energy levels up, especially for the night shift nurses! Celsius, Red Bull, Bang Energy, or a variety pack of Starbucks coffee are all great options.
Pens and Hair Ties: These everyday essentials are surprisingly valuable in a busy hospital environment. Pens seem to disappear constantly, and hair ties are always in demand.
Pizza: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Pizza is a universally loved food that's easy to share and enjoy on the go. It's a guaranteed winner for the entire labor and delivery floor.
Beyond the Gift: Recognizing the Dedication of Labor and Delivery Nurses
While gifts are a thoughtful gesture, the most important thing is to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of labor and delivery nurses. They are passionate about supporting women through childbirth and advocating for their patients' needs. A simple "thank you" and recognition of their efforts can mean the world to them.
Connecting with Labor and Delivery Resources in South Florida
SD Voyager.com Feature! Inspiring Conversations with Paulina Splechta of Paulina Splechta On-Call Birth Photography
I was recently interviewed by SDVoyger.com
If you’re unfamiliar with SDYoyager.com, they interview local entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders for SDVoyager's Inspiring Stories series and they were excited to feature me! Thank you SDYoyager.com for the feature! It was a lot of fun being interviewed and I appreciate your interest in looking into the why & how behind Paulina Splechta Birth Photography!
Below I’ve included some of the questions SDYoyager.com asked me in my interview as well as my answers. Cannot wait to hear your thoughts on it!
Walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The way my business was launched is living proof that when a door closes, a window opens. While I was always fascinated with photography, watching my dad take family photos as I was growing up, and especially enjoying looking through the prints later, 16 years ago, while working as an office assistant, I decided to launch my own photography business. Back then, I photographed a wide variety of subjects on the weekends while working my day job, Mondays through Fridays. Many things spiked my interest, and I wanted to see where it all led me.
11 years ago, I was expecting my first child, and as my birth approached, my boss from my office assistant job tried to bribe me with a financial bonus if I came back early from maternity leave. What he didn’t factor in was that I ended up experiencing a very emotionally traumatic first birth that also caused a lot of wear to my body, which took a substantial amount of time to recover from, so even if I had wanted to come back to work sooner, I wasn’t able to. As a result, he hired a “temp” to fill in for me while I was on maternity leave and essentially had no hours to offer me when I was finally healed and ready to go back to work. In a sneaky, modern-day world, I was let go. And in the moment, 11 years ago, I fully panicked being a brand-new mom with new and large expenses, a hefty hospital bill, and no job. I had no idea how I’d get back on my feet.
I soon found my schedule full of caring for my baby, and as we met moms and their babies during that first year as a mother, I fell in love with photographing mamas and babies and their bond. As I listened to their stories, a fire began to burn in my heart to advocate for these mamas through my work, so I became an advocate for breastfeeding mothers and captured their journeys. It was working with moms and babies that led me to my very first birth at Memorial Regional Hospital with one of my maternity and breastfeeding photography models/clients. Seven years into running my photography business, the moment I documented my client’s birth story, it was that moment brides have when they know the dress is the one. Sparks flew. I loved the combination of documentary photography married to the most profound moment of a mother’s life, meeting her baby for the first time.
Now in 2023 and 200+ births later, On-Call Birth Photography is all I do full-time, year-round.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a business when you’re an artist is not easy. It calls for you to have organizational skills a marketing brain to come out of your introverted shell and network with your community, among many other elements. While I took a plethora of business courses during my undergrad, none of them prepared me as much as the firsthand experience of trial and error. Even though I specialized in breastfeeding photography for several years before photographing my first birth, the first seven years of my business did not always have a clear goal in mind. I photographed many genres and subjects, seeking that “spark” that would make me feel more passion for the work I do. To become more than just an artist who knows their way around a camera. Those first seven years brought many challenges, and so did the next nine years of On-Call Birth Photography. Many times, I was uncertain whether my calendar would fill up. Many times, I wondered if this would be my last birth. Many times, I worried if I’d get canceled for photographing birth. Although all those fears and worries always worked out, my biggest struggle was COVID. When the pandemic hit, all the hospitals went on lockdown. Working predominantly with in-hospital clients for eleven months, I was unable to attend a single in-hospital birth. The amount of contracts that had to be rerouted due to inability to reschedule work as birth is not an event you can reschedule. The emotional toll it had on me. Having my kids full time at home without school, without a break for me for eleven months. So many grey hairs. I had to learn to pivot if I was going to survive. I had to think outside the box and offer services that were outside the scope of On-Call Birth Photography if in 2020, I wanted my business of 13 years to survive.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
While a photographer for 16 years now, Paulina Splechta Birth Photography has been serving the tri-county area of South Florida for nine years as the most experienced professional birth photographer in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami Dade county.
When I say Birth Photographer, people have one of two reactions. They either think it is very sweet I get to work with babies, or they are shocked at the thought that I am taking photographs during a delivery, and they instantly think of anatomy textbook depictions of childbirth.
Birth Photography is unique from Newborn Photography by leaps and bounds. Sometimes, when a Labor and Delivery nurse says to my client, “Smile for the camera,” I will chime in and say, “Actually, it’s ok, they only want behind-the-scenes photos,” to try to help the nurse understand that my role at my clients’ births is not to be a portrait photographer, but a fly on the wall who captures all the candid moments. An excellent professional birth photographer will help you feel like you’re not being photographed so you can focus all your attention on the journey to meeting your baby.
The four elements of Birth Photography that sets it apart from any other type of photography in this world are:
Firstly, it is Documentary Photography (think photojournalism).
Secondly, Birth Photography includes on-call time; think Emergency Room doctor who gets paged into the ER during dinner or at 3 am in the morning while asleep. I know few people in this world asides from the president, celebrities, and professional athletes, who have a photographer on-call for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for weeks on end.
Thirdly, if you welcome a Professional Birth Photographer into your birthing space, that artist is no longer just a photographer; they become a member of your birth team, and this makes Birth Photography not just photography but also birth work.
And lastly, depending on which professional birth photographer you hire, your final photos, to a large extent, will have varied end result. Because I am modest and I got into birth passionate about the mental health component of experiencing a medical birth, my work tends to be modest and not as focused on the physical act of giving birth and more focused on the emotions of meeting your baby for the first time. This last element of birth photography is unique to every individual artist and is what sets not only all Birth Photographers apart but what sets Birth Photography apart from any other kind of photography worldwide.
What is unique to Paulina Splechta Birth Photography is my consistency in the quality of my work, the quality in my presence on birth teams, my care for my clients, and my endless emotional support.
Can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
I love collaborating with Midwives, Obstetricians, Doulas, Birth Educators, Hospital Directors, and every professional working in the field of birth, including prenatal and postpartum support people such as physical therapists and baby nurses. It’s important to know a majority of my clients will book me during their first trimester; some will book during their second trimester, but few book during their third trimester. So, planning to have a birth photographed is important to communicate in the very beginning of a pregnancy. I’ve had clients who’ve experienced losses during pregnancy after already being booked with me, and have plans in place for those situations, so I do not hesitate to start working with clients as early as their first positive pregnancy test. On-call time begins at 37 weeks of pregnancy for a client without a history of preterm labor and as early as 32 weeks for clients carrying multiples or high-risk clients. And while most of my clients book early, so my calendar is usually full 6-7 months in advance, I have had a fair share of last-minute bookings due to last minute unexpected availability, so it’s never too late to check if I am available for birth photography for a scheduled delivery this week!
Contact Info:
Top 10 Favorite Birth Photos from an Empowering Baby Girl's Birth C-Section in Boca Raton
If you edit a gallery of 100-200 images, I think its nearly impossible as a Birth Photographer to say you had your top TEN favorite birth photos…
I mean, Birth Photography isn't reduced to just ONE "moment of delivery" birth photo, it's SO MUCH MORE than JUST THAT one moment.
Birth Photography is your entire story
Your baby’s birth photos starting from the beginning, including all the details no one will be able to remember after the events of today, details that maybe were overlooked, but end up meaning so much to you, from the clock on the wall showing the time your baby was born, to the sun setting as your baby was being born.
When you see an entire gallery, it's either going to make a WHOLE LOT OF SENSE to you, or you will feel like 90% of it makes zero sense and that I am not for you.
This is also exactly how I find my forever clients, because the mamas and the papas who are so excitingly waiting on the birth of their baby know that the birth photos I capture from their newborn baby’s birthing day is what they want and what their heart needs.
Which is why I end up loving my clients dearly and so many of them become great life-long friends, parents looking for "just that one shot" at the moment of delivery are not the ones who are wanting me to be on their birth team.
IF I HAD to reduce a gallery to my favorite TOP 10...
Starting with my favorite:
1- Mama holding her husband's hand in the operating room at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, the Anesthesiologist moving the blue drape away from mom’s face.
The moment of relief & joy - a second ago she was able to look upon her newborn baby’s face, for the first time in her life she became a mother.
I know this moment so well, I lived it twice myself, as someone who internalizes a lot of my feelings, I LOVE how outwardly expressive mama is
2- I was overcome with how dainty this little lady is as she's being held by the baby nurse, in preparation for weighing her during the newborn exam at the baby warmer in the operating room, I'll never forget this image
3- While I love clear drapes for what they do for mamas in a c-section, instead of being “in the dark” behind the blue drape, scared why you don’t see your baby, why you don’t hear your baby crying, why no one is updating you on how your baby looks, you can actually see your newborn baby’s face the moment that your OBGYN or Midwife pulls your baby out and up and shows you your child!
The downside of clear drapes is that they are so hard to photograph through. The light hits ALL the creases and folds and makes visibility so limited.
Because this mom’s awesome midwife held baby up to the drape and moved baby around/closer to mama, I was able to capture some really great angles so we could focus and celebrate mama's meeting & heart moving emotions
4- Pure documentary style, LOVE the in between moments that aren't 'portraiture' for mom & dad, but part of the story. Just before surgery began a wave from @courtney_mcmillian with Dr. Lubetkin honed in and focused already
5- Take it back a few minutes earlier. The scene before the start of surgery. Notice size/shape of a breech baby belly. Sneak peek from Midwife. A favorite Labor and Delivery nurse (and friend) in the background along with Dr. Lubetkin
6- Even a few moments earlier. Proud first time daddy eager to meet his daughter while supporting his wife in the Operating Room at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Boca Raton, South Florida
7- Mom's first look at baby. I cannot emphasize how difficult it is to capture this moment in the operating room during a c-section where there is no space for a Birth Photographer/Doula/Professional Camera. It makes my heart so happy when the stars align for this birth photo
8- When I get permission to photograph the incision, it means so much because this is your proudest scar to wear as a strong c-section mama
9- Labor and Delivery nurse’s hand parting from daddy who is holding his baby skin to skin for the first time while waiting for mommy to return from the operating room.
If your baby needs NICU care, the following information is available for the public to read through on the Labor and Delivery Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital website, I will quote it below and provide the source link so that you can click the link and be directed to the hospital website in the event the information changes or is updated you can have the best information for you and your baby needing NICU support:
“NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (NICU) New parents eagerly look forward to bringing their baby home, so it can be frightening if your newborn needs to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Understanding the NICU and what goes on there can help alleviate your fears and allow us to better help you and your baby.” (SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“If you baby is sent to NICU, your first question will be, 'What is this place?' With equipment designed for infants and a hospital staff who has special training in newborn care, the NICU is an intensive care unit created for newborns that need specialized treatment. Toppel Family Place is a level II intensive care unit, which treats critically ill or premature babies. Babies who need to go to the unit are often admitted if they're born prematurely, have difficulties during delivery or show signs of a problem such as infection, breathing difficulties or feeding problems in the first few days of life.”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“Care of critically ill babies at or around 28 weeks or greater
Nurses and respiratory therapist trained to level III NICU
Doubled board-certified neonatologist in house 24 hours a day
Pharmacy, social work, physical and occupational therapy as well as nutritional services
Support groups and classes for parents
Breastfeeding support and equipment for sale or rental
Local sub-specialty support as needed
Participation in national research projects”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A LEVEL I AND LEVEL II NICU?
The care given to our patients is exactly the same in both units and is provided by staff who are trained to the same standard and using the same equipment. The level III nursery provides some specialized technology and cares for babies born at fewer than 28 weeks gestation.”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“WHO WILL BE TAKING CARE OF MY BABY?
Although there will be many people helping your child during the NICU stay, those who are the most responsible for your baby's day-to-day care will likely be nurses and neonatologist. You will come to know these nurses and doctors very well and can rely on them to give you information and reassurance about your baby.”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“To better help you help your baby during his or her time in intensive care, it's a good idea to get as much information as possible about what to expect. The nurses see your baby every day, so they can give you frequent updates.
Some things you might want to ask the neonatologist and/or the nurses include:
How long will my baby be in the unit?
What, specifically, is the problem?
What will be involved in my baby's treatment and daily care?
What medicines will my baby have to take?
What types of test will be done on my baby?
What can my baby eat and when?
Will I be able to nurse or bottle-feed my baby and if so, when and how?
What can I do to help my baby?
Will I be able to hold or touch my baby?
How often and for how long can I stay in the unit?
What type of care will my baby need when we get home?”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“Once your baby is settled in the unit, he or she will receive care tailored to specific needs. Most NICU babies are on special feeding schedules, depending on level of developing or specific problems. Medications are another crucial part of NICU care and to ensure that your baby's care stays on track, the doctors may also order various tests. It is important to us to make the infant's stay in the NICU as comfortable and stress-free as possible for the whole family.”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
“WHO AM I INVOLVED IN MY BABY’S CARE?
We are family-centered NICU which means we encourage active participation by the parents and family in the care of your baby. We recognize that we provide care for a short time, but that you and your family will care for and nurture your baby for a lifetime. There is substantial research that demonstrates the importance of parental hands-on care and touch in supporting growth and development and decreasing the incidence of complications of prematurity.
Our lactation consultants and nurses will support the NICU mother and baby in the decision to breast feed. It is important for babies in the NCIU to have rest time and avoid over-stimulation. To ensure the optimal environment for healing we have guidelines for visitation which will be explained by your nurse. We work together toward the goal of taking your baby home and providing the support you need. It is our pleasure to care for you and your baby.”
(SOURCE LINK - BOCA RATON REGIONAL HOSPITAL NICU UNIT)
Golden Hour, which was implemented at my favorite hospital in Boca Raton (BRRH Boca Regional) by some of my absolute favorite Labor and Delivery nurses who many of which have become amazing Certified Nurse Midwives since implementing Golden Hour, serves to the benefit of mom and baby. The benefits are endless, including baby’s healthy body temperature regulation, baby’s healthy heart rate regulation, increased success rates of breastfeeding due to this immediate and consistent bonding, better mental health results for mom, and so much more. Golden Hour is not a trendy or viral commodity. Golden Hour is a medically substantial tool to improving physical and mental health of both mom and baby following delivery and should be the standard of care at every hospital, as long as neither mom nor baby require immediate medical attention. In fact, many of the standard procedures nurses need to do such as taking baby’s temperature, administering vaccines, listening to baby’s heart rate and more can all be done while baby is doing skin to skin with mom. *** In the event that baby had to be delivered via c-section and mom is still in the operating room, the other parent (or support person) of course as long as baby’s parents approve, are able to do skin to skin with the baby until mom is able to do skin to skin, in the event you want to receive the immediate benefits of skin to skin following delivery but cannot do so because mom and baby cannot be together immediately.
10- FINALLY truly holding her newborn baby girl after her C-Section. A favorite documentary shot
Thank you for having me as a member of your birth team!
#bocaratonbirthphotographer
Happy 9th Anniversary Birth & Newborn Photography Boca Raton Hospital
Paulina Splechta On-Call Boca Raton Birth Photography
9 Year Anniversary
Next Month August 31st, 2023
Exciting Anniversary Sale
NEW On-Call Birth Photography Clients
NEW On-Call Birth Photography clients
Booking On-Call Birth Photography contract between today, July 11, 2023 and the end of August 31, 2023
Receive a Gift of Choice of Mini Session:
30 Minute Mini Session 10-12 High Resolution Professionally Edited Digital Images
Clients Can Choose From One of the Following Sessions:
Pregnancy Announcement Session between 6-12 weeks of pregnancy at Photographer’s Location
Maternity/Pregnancy Photo Session between 28-35 weeks of pregnancy at Photographer’s Location
In-Home Newborn Session at Client’s Home (Client’s House must be no further than 20 miles from Boca Raton Regional Hospital)
Family Photo Session once baby is 3-12 months of age at Photographer’s Location
If you are currently expecting, no time is too soon to contact Paulina Splechta Photography regarding pricing and availability!
Currently taking On-Call Birth Photography clients with estimated due dates ranging from July 2023 all the way through to next year, March 2024!
I work with up to two On-Call Birth Photography clients in each “Due Month” and my schedule fills up quickly to this limitation. Most clients book their On-Call Birth Photography package with me as soon as they get into their 2nd Trimester (this would be right around 12-14 weeks of your pregnancy) however plenty of clients have reserved me as early as 5 weeks pregnant, some clients like to put down a retainer before getting pregnant, and other clients have even booked in their third trimester. It just depends on when my clients deliver, its always worth asking if I have last minute availability!
Eye Opening Things You Need to Know about Newborn / Infant Care after Birth South Florida, Boca Raton, Florida
While as a whole, it is fantastic that we are moving towards giving the mom and the baby room to be together after birth, instead of hustling to get standard of care and protocol completed.
However, we still have a very long way to go.
I admire that Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital Labor & Delivery at Toppel Family Place embraces, honors and respects the Golden Hour, which is the first hour following birth, of uninterrupted skin to skin between mom and baby, as long as the mom and baby do not need immediate and urgent medical attention.
However, surprisingly to many birthing families, this is absolutely not the norm in every hospital.
Painstakingly it makes me so emotional that I attended a birth as my client’s Birth Photographer and Doula just before Christmas (not at my favorite hospital, this following experience is from a birth in Miami) where the nurses came into the room and demanded to do their routine protocols with baby, when baby was latched onto mama and doing skin to skin.
I looked at the clock, seeing as that we had a good 20 minutes still left to go of Golden Hour and inquired with the two nurses why they were breaking the 1 hour of promised skin to skin.
They rambled some nonsense that they were here and this was required now.
I looked at my client, as of course I support my clients in what they want, as long as it is safe of course, and in this case her baby was absolutely healthy and not needing any urgent medical attention.
My client looked at me, gained some courage and asked the nurses if they can come back in 20 minutes when her Golden Hour would be complete.
The Nurses responded with a firm no, they are here now and this needs to be done now.
My client looked at me again, and her eyes were desperate. I am not in the habit of getting kicked out of the delivery room, I do not impose my own ideologies, instead I support my clients and I said directly to her, “it is your choice mama you do not have to do anything you do not want to do,” but at this point my client decided to seceded to the nurses and give up her baby. Fortunately, there were no negative consequences to her being separated from her baby during the nurses standard, non-urgent procedures that absolutely interrupted the Golden Hour mom was promised of uninterrupted skin to skin bonding time with her baby.
Golden Hour, which was implemented at my favorite hospital in Boca Raton (BRRH Boca Regional) by some of my absolute favorite Labor and Delivery nurses who many of which have become amazing Certified Nurse Midwives since implementing Golden Hour, serves to the benefit of mom and baby. The benefits are endless, including baby’s healthy body temperature regulation, baby’s healthy heart rate regulation, increased success rates of breastfeeding due to this immediate and consistent bonding, better mental health results for mom, and so much more. Golden Hour is not a trendy or viral commodity. Golden Hour is a medically substantial tool to improving physical and mental health of both mom and baby following delivery and should be the standard of care at every hospital, as long as neither mom nor baby require immediate medical attention. In fact, many of the standard procedures nurses need to do such as taking baby’s temperature, administering vaccines, listening to baby’s heart rate and more can all be done while baby is doing skin to skin with mom.
It shocked me as one of the most upsetting things I’ve ever seen that there are nurses prioritizing non-urgent standard of care over a patient’s request. This violates informed decision on so many levels, as my client was clearly bullied into giving up her baby when she clearly did not want to, over nothing medically urgent. This adds to the list of why I absolutely do not enjoy attending any births at hospitals in Miami. Most hospitals in Miami have similar procedures and I have yet to hear moms shouting from the roof tops that they had positive & supported birthing experiences with any doctors/midwives/hospitals in Miami in nearly a decade of working in birth.
If you know me, you know that I absolutely prioritize medical care and medical attention. Mom and baby must be safe and healthy.
But when it comes to things like footprints or measuring baby’s length, essentially non-urgent procedures, there is absolutely no reason to bully a patient into giving up her baby when she was clearly offered 60 full miutes of uninterrupted skin to skin bonding time with her baby.
If you are currently expecting and planning to give birth in a hospital in South Florida, it is vital that you have these super important discussions with your OBGYN or Midwife as well as with your Labor and Delivery nurse, Baby nurse, and the hospital where you plan on giving birth, so that you are not promised one thing and then bullied into giving up your rights and your informed decision after the fact when you are in a vulnerable state.
I am so grateful for the team at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital, as they understand the importance of not only keeping moms and babies safe during pregnancy, labor and delivery but also the vital importance of mental health. Golden Hour factors into both supporting improved mental health and physical health benefits and should be implemented as the standard of care more urgently than footprints.
Announcing: Boca Hospital Visitor Policy You'll Love: Sibling Meets Baby After COVID
Can I bring my older children in to meet the baby in postpartum at the hospital during the pandemic?
Worrying all of us, this is one of the number one questions being asked by expecting families right now. The pandemic is technically over, or almost over, isn’t it? The entire world has seemingly returned to “normal” yet there are still some restrictions here and there, especially at medical facilities.
As of March 2023, Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital updated their visiting policies:
While the Labor and Delivery link still states “We are temporarily limiting hospital visitors to one person, age 18 years and older, per patient.” This is why I always say, don’t go by what the website says, ask a Charge Nurse in Labor and Delivery by calling the Toppel Family Place Labor and Delivery phone number directly 561-955-5118, or speak with the Director of Labor and Delivery.
The main Visiting Hours link to the Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital states: “Labor & Delivery: One visitor at all times. Two additional visitors are permitted during regular visiting hours (8:00a.m. - 8:00p.m.). Siblings are permitted.
* Please note that one minor, at least 10 years old, is permitted to accompany an adult visitor into our patient care areas. Masks will be provided and must be worn at all times during the visit. Visitor guidelines are subject to change.” (Patient-Visitors)
Families birthing for the last three years have been waiting for this exact moment. It has been devastating to miss out on those Sibling Meetings in the hospital and while some families welcomes the quiet and the peace, a rare opportunity to bond with their baby before heading home, other families were devastated, a feeling that will stay with them forever.
Big Brother Meeting Baby Brother for the First Time at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital
Where to register for labor and delivery at Boca Regional Hospital?
There is an option on the Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital website that allows you to use an online tool to do Pre-registration only. You will need to physically go into the hospital for formal registration from what I am hearing from all of my birth clients. You don’t need to go through the main entrance of the hospital, there is a side entrance behind the Emergency Room, where the Toppel Family Place is, although it can still be confusing. Firstly, leave your car with the valet, let them know you are going into Labor and Delivery, you can even ask them if they can point you to the right door.
Then, if you are looking AT the hospital (Toppel Family Place) there are two double doors. The double doors on the left is an employees-only entrance to the hospital, the double doors on the right is to the Toppel Family Place and when you go through those, you’ll be in the corridor / hallway leading to security and check in for Labor and Delivery (that is then found on the third floor but you’ll need security clearance to use an elevator in the future when you return to give birth).
You can always call Labor and Delivery directly for questions/concerns about your delivery at 561-955-5118. The Boca Regional Labor and Delivery registration page indicates that after you complete your online maternity registration, for you to take a moment to view their website as they offer registration for Childbirth Classes and other resources, including a Pre and Postpartum Program.
Nearly every birth client of mine has asked me about tours at the hospital. While Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital does indicate on their website that for the health and safety of their patients and employees, in-person tours have been temporarily suspended and they are encouraging everyone to take a virtual tour by visiting BRRH.com/maternitytour. However, I do recommend reaching out to them directly to confirm this information is up to date as caring for patients is always a priority over updated info on the web, and there may be exceptions to this depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your delivery. There’s no way to know unless you ask.
Boca Raton Newborn Photography: Excited First-Time Parents Welcome Baby Boy (Hospital Birth Story)
“I was following along with important updates on progress with labor, knowing that most of the time, when it comes to first time moms and first deliveries, things tend to move a little slower. ”
This birth took place at the beautiful Boca Raton Regional Hospital, known for its family-centered approach to maternity care, support of local doulas, midwives, vbacs and unmedicated deliveries. If you're curious about other birth environments, I also photographed a serene water birth at a local birthing center Natural BirthWorks Birth Center Water Birth. Each experience is unique and special in its own way.
It is possible that if you’re in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, nearing full term (37 weeks and more) to find and hire your Birth Photographer Photographer last minute for your birth, although it is so incredibly tricky!
Let me explain:
I usually work with a maximum of two Birth Photography clients in each month (and mainly in Boca Raton).
Yes, I can absolutely take more clients, but rarely do.
If my clients births overlap, I need to call in my backup photographer. And while my backup has been vetted by myself, it isn’t me. And then my Birth Photography client would need to add a stranger (stranger to them) to their birth team at the last minute.
Most of my Birth Photography clients hire me during their first trimester (between 6 weeks to 12 weeks of pregnancy) or second trimester (13 weeks to 28 weeks of pregnancy) because it matters to them who is part of their birth team during their baby’s delivery.
While there’s many pregnancy and newborn photographers in south Florida, there’s only one of me, and often, that’s enough reason for my clients to want to invest in On-Call time with me and appreciate that I limit my monthly Birth clients to two, which reduces the risk of overlapping births.
And that’s why I absolutely enjoy working with two Birth Photography clients each month, I get to know my Birth clients well, and the closer I am to a Birth Photography client and her family, the more part of her birth team I feel, and in turn, the better her Birth Photos are.
Birth Photography is an art form, and just like all artists, I am driven by emotions and emotional connections with people. I love what I do!
This first time mom and dad did not get the opportunity to hire me earlier in their pregnancy, but we were so glad that the stars aligned and I was able to attend the birth of their first baby, a sweet newborn baby boy.
This little one was born just four days after my 2023 January Birth Photography client gave birth to her twins and one week before my 2023 February Birth Photography client gave birth to her daughter.
That kind of star alignment happens for an Aquarius baby, I’m telling you! :)
If you love Birth Stories, Thanks for hanging out!
Scroll Down to get started and read more of Baby Boy Layton’s Birth Story at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital with his parents, grandmother and Midwives from Boca Midwifery below!
My client and I had been texting and emailing and even did a quick-prenatal visit on the phone during the last few weeks of her pregnancy with her first baby.
Ever since she and her husband decided they wanted to have me as a part of their Birth team for their first birth, along with her mom, Midwives and Labor and Delivery Nurses. She was planning to give birth to her first baby at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital (the East Boca Hospital near Glades Road, east of I-95 *please note the two Boca Raton Hospitals are not in anyway connected, it’s two completely different companies — One Hospital is owned by Baptist, (while the other hospital out west on 441 is Tenet owned).
Even though everything was super last minute with this family, when it works out so well and the stars align, it was clearly meant to be.
I was super excited for my client and her husband having their very first baby, and at one of my favorite hospitals in south Florida and with one of my favorite Midwifery teams.
The morning that my client went into labor with her first baby (January 20th around 430am), we were texting back and forth the way I do with all my laboring clients.
I was following along with important updates on progress with labor, knowing that most of the time, when it comes to first time moms and first deliveries, things tend to move a little slower.
My client saw her Certified Nurse Midwife at Boca Midwifery later that morning while contractions were 30-40 seconds in length, occurring every 4-6 minutes. Typically, to be in the ‘active’ stage of labor, your contractions should ideally be around 60 seconds in length, every 3-5 minutes.
If you love my client’s green labor and delivery gown, you can find it here https://amzn.to/3Zmzmne my affiliate link and a percent goes to me :)
My Birth client let me know she was about 2-3cm and that her Midwife did a membrane sweep to help kick things into gear.
Contractions definitely got more intense as labor moved on for my client and she headed into the hospital around 3pm. She was still about 2-3cm but hopeful.
530pm they let me know her water broke.
Once my client got an epidural around 7pm, I waited to hear if there were any updates. I expected to get called into join them in person sometime in the next few hours and was ready with my uniform and gear for the better part of the day waiting on that notification.
At 849pm I was informed that my client was feeling pressure.
I right away asked if they had any updates. Sometimes women who are even not yet in active labor can sometimes feel pressure as contractions are putting pressure on baby.
I really wanted to join them, but I also knew that going in too soon (since the last update she was 2-3cm only a couple of hours ago) could mean I may be there for way too many hours. So I continued to wait patiently to hear from the parents and when they would like me to join them.
But then suddenly they texted 20 minutes later to say she was 10cm! Out of nowhere!
I asked them right away if they would like me to head in (I was already on my way out the door) and at first they worried if I would make it, but after talking to their nurse, she reassured them that even if you are 10cm, baby still needs to work its way down, so more confidently they said yes.
They were worried I wouldn’t make it.
I walked into Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital at 945pm
Baby wasn’t here yet!
My client was all smiles. Her husband and mom sat calmly as they were all super excited to meet baby boy very soon.
Her Midwife Courtney McMillian from Boca Midwifery came in and sat at the edge of her bed.
I am glad for all the years of attending births, that even though this first time mom was already 10cm dilated, it didn’t mean baby was coming. I often explain to my Birth Photography clients, once you get to 10cm, you also have to bring your baby down a bit into the birth canal.
Babies usually start out being high, with a station of -3 and they aren’t crowning until +3 station when the head is beginning to crown.
Shortly after I arrived, it was time to start pushing
My Birth Photography client’s husband and her mom both joined at the bedside to help with pushing, everyone was so excited that it was finally time & that everyone was here!
The Labor and Delivery Nurse wheels in the delivery table, covered in a blue drape to protect all the sterile tools beneath it that aid my client’s midwife in the delivery as well as postpartum.
My client holds her pregnant belly for the last time, connecting with her baby boy, before she gets to see and meet him! If you LOVE her green labor and delivery gown, it is super affordable from amazon, and works well with epidurals, belly monitors and even buttons down for breastfeeding. They have so many colors so you pick what you love, here is my affiliate link if you want to send some love my way: GREEN LABOR & DELIVERY GOWN
Mom was a very determined pusher and even asked for a mirror, which while some moms won’t ask for, she knew it would give her the guidance to push more effectively - smart move mama!
Mirror for use in Labor and Delivery for pushing
I know it can be scary & vulnerable and even intimidating to use a mirror when pushing. You’re scared of what you’ll see, you feel vulnerable being even more exposed. But trust me and give yourself permission to surrender and use this super effective tool to help you meet your baby sooner!
Super focused pushing. Amazing work on the part of this first time mom!
She pushed so well it was time to catch a baby!
My client’s other midwife Nikki was able to join just in time for my client to give birth to her baby so my client had both her midwives from Boca Midwifery at her delivery, Courtney and Nikki!
And with one last push….
He was here! Welcome Baby Boy Layton!
Love this moment of dad cutting the cord, you can see how happy mom is and Midwife’s eyes smiling behind her mask.
Excited Midwives!
This moment, right after birth, is so fleeting.
That's why I'm passionate about capturing these precious memories for families. (link to your About Me page)
If you're interested in learning more about my birth photography services, you can find all the details here:
2023 Babies being born in Miami & Boca Raton, FL
2023 Babies
I can't wait to start meeting my 2023 Birth Photography babies in just a few short weeks!
My 2023 babies are spread all over south Florida. While my Spring 2023 Birth Photography clients are mostly all in Boca Raton (at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital) I have birth clients due from April through August 2023 not only in Palm Beach County (Delray Beach and Boynton Beach) but also many home births and hospital births in Broward County (including a birth center mama) and several mamas planning to have their babies in Miami Dade County (both in hospital (Mount Sinai again!) and my repeat home birth client in Miami is expecting her 4th baby with one of my favorite midwives ever).
I am super excited to travel and visit with so many families across south Florida in the new year!
I had to look it up and as we say goodbye to the year of the Tiger (2022), the new year 2023 will be the year of the Water Rabbit, I just love this. The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
People born in a year of the Rabbit are called "Rabbits" and are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious.
The last Rabbits were born in 2011. It's been a while!
Do you have a Rabbit from 2011 or 1999 or are YOU a rabbit from 1987, 1975, or have a parent who is a rabbit from 1963 or 1951?
Are you expecting a little 2023 baby? If you are then I wish you all the best for a beautiful rest of your pregnancy and an empowering and beautiful birth mamas!
