Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Evelyn

This is Evelyn's birth story

When I first met Mama, she told me she was interested in having her daughter's birth photographed because she felt like there were so many parts of her son's birth that she wanted to be able to remember better- but it was just such a blur.  A happy, emotional, blur.  I really feel like that is the reason why birth photography is so important to me.. It's TRUE.  The labor and birth of your child is one of the most precious moment's of your life (if not THEE most precious..) It's a time that you wish so badly you could freeze in that moment and return to it years down the road.  When Mama sees this video, I hope it'll pull her right back in, to that day.  To the anticipation of riding in the car for her induction with a doctor that she absolutely LOVED and had such a connection with.  And remembering that she wanted some peanut M&M's while she was laboring (and she got them right after baby arrived!!!)  I want her to remember her husband by her side telling her sweetly he wished there was something he could do to help her- and the way that he looked at her while she was laboring, and how he admired her holding their baby girl.  It is my biggest wish that she will remember how excited her son was when he burst in the room running to see "myyy babyyyyyyy!"  (I'm pretty excited for baby girl to get to see this video someday, too!!!  Her big brother fell in love with her in just seconds!)  I want Mama to see this video and see how beautiful she is, and how beautiful her family is.  She and her husband have created this precious family together, and that is something worth celebrating.     

Etzel family, thank you so much for giving me the honor of working with you. 

Welcome to the World, sweet Evelyn!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Oliver

This is Oliver's birth story

I met with Mama twice before her birth, and we chatted about her hopes and wishes for her delivery. She told me she wanted to try birthing naturally. And she did it. She embraced the waves of contractions, and found this beautiful strength within her. When her sweet boy arrived, he cried for a moment, and instantly calmed on her chest. He was peaceful, alert, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

“THERE IS A SECRET IN OUR CULTURE AND IT IS NOT THAT BIRTH IS PAINFUL BUT THAT WOMEN ARE STRONG”. -Laura Stavoe

There is so much I want to say about this birth.  I want to tell you about how calm, and peaceful this beautiful, laboring Mama was.  I want to tell you about how I witnessed a woman working with her body to bring her baby into the World.  She chose not to use any type of pain relief.  (No epidural, or anything else)  Her husband was by her side the whole time, and at one point, he said something to the effect of "she's got this."  Tianna's birthing space was full of support, full of LOVE, and I think she could feel that we ALL believed in her, and knew how powerful she was in this moment.  You'll notice in the video that her smile radiates between her contractions, and into transition.  I want to tell you about how she made the decision to cut her own umbilical cord, like the incredible, fierce Mama that she is.  I want you to see how she embraced the waves of contractions, and trusted the power of her body.  Most of all, I want to tell you what an honor it was to be in the room with her, and to witness such strength.  Her strength is an inspiration to me, and to all the women that come after her.  This is the birth of Oliver Warren Scott Carroll.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Date Night with Doulas

Last week I hosted a table at the Date Night with Doulas event in downtown Salem, Oregon.  It was held at Crema Tea Room (they have AH-MAZING coffee and Bubble Tea, by the way) and I was so excited to do an event with these ladies!  Bloom Lactation, Mamaroo: Mid-Willamette Valley Baby Wearers, and an incredible group of Doula's including The Salem Doulas were all there.

It ended up being a super fun evening, and I was so happy to get to know these inspiring women!  As a Birth Photographer, I am drawn to the beauty of birth and all that surrounds it.  I have so much respect for the birthing Mama, for her partner, for the medical professionals, and for the support that she has; before birth, during, and postpartum.

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As the evening was coming to a close, I was able to get a few shots in!  The gift bags for Mama full of coupons & little treats, some of the amazing women that were there, the Butterfly Tree (SUCH a beautiful idea!) and a few items from the giveaways!  HELLO Earth Mama Angel Baby products- (My family LOVES the Angel Baby Orange Vanilla wash & Non-Scents lotion!)

On a personal note- choosing the best birth support team for you (Doula, breastfeeding counselor, photographer, postpartum Doula etc.) is such an important decision.  I loved the idea of getting to sit down and "interview" each of us and see what kind of connection we have.  It is important to feel safe, understood, and supported during such a sacred time in your life. If you are reading this, and expecting, just know there are so many of us here in the Salem area that are here to support you!  (And in my case, to capture this precious milestone for you!)  I know that I would have loved to have any of these sweet women with me on my birth journey <3