What a privilege is was to be with this lady as she welcomed her two little girls into the world.  I was fortunate enough to be a part of her last pregnancy when I was working as a student midwife, so to see her again was a real treat!  Unfortunately, a cesarean birth was not what she had been hoping for throughout her pregnancy, but due to health complications and the babies positions it was determined to be the best course of action for everyone's safety.  These little girls came out a-screaming!  They were feisty and ready to meet their mommy!  It was such an honor to get to be a part of this exciting day and to document this family welcoming TWO new sisters into their loving home.  Happy {birth} day, Moriah and Eden!   

I completely love photographing births!  It is one of my favorite things to do and I LOVE hearing the new mommy's reactions when they see the images and films from their delivery.  There are no words to express how rewarding of a job it is! 

But in case you aren't so familiar with it, I made this little "magazine" to tell you more about what I do and the options that are available with Growing Wings Birth Films.  I hope you enjoy it and please  contact me with any questions you have!

There's something about getting to be with your best friend when she delivers her baby--I'm not sure I've been more excited about a birth since I had my own babies!  The lady was with me, supporting me with my babies and I'm so glad I was able to be there with her while she labored to bring her little one earthside.  Labor is hard work, but when we are surrounded by those who love us, encourage us, and support us, it makes the work less overwhelming.  This is a birth story that I will treasure always because this family means so much to me, so I hope you enjoy watching this incredible woman on the day she welcomed her little man into their family!  

Once upon a time, somewhere around 4 in the morning, my phone starting ringing on the table next to my bed.  I fumbled with the cord and the screen to answer--my brain wasn't fully awake yet. 

"I'm not sure if this is really it, but something is going on.  SOMETHING is definitely happening." 

I jumped in my car and got to their house while most of the world was still sleeping (or at least most of Knoxville).  It was dark outside and the stars were shining.  Something was definitely happening.  Mama labored and rested and relaxed until the sun peeked over the horizon.  As she stood on her back porch swaying and rocking, the day began around her; neighbors were getting in their cars and going to work, while she prepared to meet her baby. 

Settled at the hospital with wonderful nurses to care for her, her labor continued to progress, though perhaps it was slower than she wanted it to go.  But mama was a rockstar and kept on rocking, swaying, and moaning her way to complete.  The strength in her pushes moved baby every time and around 1:15 in the afternoon, mama held her baby in her arms. 

Mama was amazing.  She listened to her body, she moved to the rhythm of the contractions, she took one contraction at a time and even when the going got rough and it seemed like the end would never come, she kept going.  She rocked that birthing thing!  It was truly a beautiful birth. 

And now somewhere across town, a new family of three is settling in for the night with hugs and kisses and sweet baby's breath.   I would wish them sweet dreams, but I'm pretty sure that precious little boy will want to eat around 2 AM.  :)

Thank you, thank you for letting me be part of the story of your baby's birth day.  I loved every minute and think you are an incredible team.  Watching you work together to welcome your baby was the best part of my day.  Congratulations to you both!  And welcome earthside, little man!

~Rebekah

There is great excitement when meeting a new family and it is awesome beyond words to be present when their baby enters this world. But the BIGGEST reason we work as doulas comes down to what we know (and wish every expectant mother knew) - If an expectant mother has a doula, statistically she will have*:

50% reduction in rate of c-section

25% shorter labor

60% reduction in epidural requests

40% reduction in oxytocin use

30% reduction in analgesia use

40% reduction in forceps delivery

Why is this important and what does it mean? It means there is a significantly decreased chance that either mom or baby have complications, they get to go home sooner, the risk of postpartum blues or depression is significantly decreased, and mom feels that she had more control of and is more satisfied with her birth experience. This is important because complications from labor and delivery can have lasting negative effects on mother, baby, and future births. It is also important because women remember and reflect on their birth experiences through their entire lives. This colossal event can cause lasting positive or negative effects.

What we want to shout from the rooftops is that "There is a super effective, simple, and proven way to help ensure a better birth experience and labor outcome." It's not magic, or voodoo, or even crunchy alternative thinking. It's a scientifically proven, educated, non-invasive, and time-tested practice that makes sense for every mom in EVERY birth situation. You are not excluded from the benefits of having a doula if you plan a hospital birth over one at home or a birth center. The benefits still apply to you if you are planning an epidural or other narcotic pain relief. If this is your second birth, third birth, fourth birth...you get the idea - the benefits of having a doula still apply to you and your baby! If you are expecting, trying, or even plan to have kids one day in the future, take the time to educate yourself about what a doula is and how having one is the best gift you can give yourself to help you through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the early days of parenthood.

You may say I’m biased, spinning the statistics and reports to favor the practice in which I work. I would be lying if I told you I don’t have a vested interest in more women hiring doulas. We are doulas and more women hiring doulas would logically increase our demand and ultimately our bottom line. But as you delve into the information you will see there are many scientific studies that confirm the benefits of having continuous support from a doula during birth. You will also find that there are some doulas who offer discounted rates while they are in the process of attending their first births in order to be certified by the organization through which they received their training.  There are also doulas that provide discounted services for those with spouses in the military, young mothers, or families that lack the financial resources to pay the full rate.

Whatever your objections to having a doula, I encourage you to take the time to research the benefits. If you believe the statistics you find, please take the time to interview multiple doulas, find one that best suits your personality and desires, and look for one that is offering discounted fees or free services if necessary. There is no way to guarantee that your birth will go exactly as you imagine, but you can certainly stack the deck in your favor. Think about it, take action, and then tell other moms-to-be so they can benefit from your experience and knowledge.

By: Stephanie Roberts

(DONA), and Certified Childbirth Educator (ACBE)

Graduate Nurse, Birth Doula

*Information from "Mothering the Mother: How a Doula Can Help You Have a Shorter Easier and
Healthier Birth", Klaus, Kennell, and Klaus

On Monday morning the full moon was doing it's thing and making lots of women's labor start.  One of those women was saved from a scheduled morning induction because her water broke in the middle of the night.  Hopes were high since labor starting on its own meant that she could be at the birth center! 

As the day progressed and labor did not, mama made the choice to move to the hospital and get some help to keep things moving.  Oh, how the story of this labor would take pages to tell:  failed epidurals, painful contractions, lots of pitocin, tired mama, too many hours to count.  Honestly, I don't know how she did it.  Her mother-in-law kept looking at me and saying, "I can't believe you're still going."  and I would say, "I figure if she can keep going, so can I."  She was working so, so much harder than I was, and I was beat.  But she kept going!  Then, at 8:15 p.m., more than 36 hours after her contractions started, she delivered a happy and healthy (surprise!) boy. 

She is so amazing.  She was incredible and strong.  I'm not sure how she was able to find the energy to push her baby out!   After her baby was born and latched on she was finally able to rest.  I hope she had the best nap of her life that day! 

~Rebekah

I also need to say a HUGE thank you to Stephanie for bringing me food and for bringing some fresh energy.  You are the best!