You hired me...now what?

I’m so excited to be a part of your birth team!!! I thought writing a blog post would be the easiest way to lay out the “what comes next” questions. So there’s different sections all laid out in alphabetical order 💕

Birth Doula/Birth Support

We will meet at about 35 weeks for your first prenatal meeting and then at about 38 weeks for your second prenatal meeting. From the time you hire me, I love to get text updates after appointments or really anytime you feel like I should know something. I’m available for questions or concerns, or even just a bump update! I can send resources if you need any or recommendations for things.

Up until about our first prenatal I typically lay low and don’t contact you much. My philosophy is that I’m there as a sounding board, but that this portion of your journey is for you and any partner you may have. Once we start to get closer to your guess date, I may begin to text you a little more often (more just to check in on how you’re feeling). I more so rely on you to update me about things, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. You’re probably going to be bombarded by well-meaning people already, I don’t want to add to that. Once we start our prenatal meetings, we’ll be in a little more contact to make sure you’re feeling good about everything and to check in and make sure you’re doing homeplay (yes I give you homework, but it should be fun so I call it homeplay).

Birth Photography/Birth Videography

The first time we meet in person (if we haven’t had an in person interview) will be your 37 week midwife appointment at home if you’re having a home birth. If you’re birthing at a birth center or at the hospital, we’ll meet at about 37 weeks at your home to go over cardinal signs of labor and when to call me. We’ll also go over the type of photos you’re comfortable with (more conservative/exposed, etc). I have a few handouts I will give of when to call me, hospital bag items, etc that are yours to keep. After our meeting, I typically lay low and rely on you to update me of any changes. I may periodically text you how you’re feeling or any recommendations I feel may help (like stretches, exercises, etc). But for the most part, I’m simply in the shadows of your journey until it’s time to meet your babe.

Doula & Birth Photography

As a combination of doula and birth photography services, we will meet twice for prenatals, once at about 35 weeks, and again at about 38 weeks. I have a few handouts for you and list of things we’ll go over for each prenatal. If you’re having a home birth, one of our prenatal will be for the 37 week midwife appointment, that way your entire birth team is on the same page. We’ll go over when to update me and when to call me when it’s finally birthing time.

Up until about our first prenatal I typically lay low and don’t contact you much. My philosophy is that I’m there as a sounding board, but that this portion of your journey is for you and any partner you may have. Once we start to get closer to your guess date, I may begin to text you a little more often (more just to check in on how you’re feeling). I more so rely on you to update me about things, especially towards the end of your pregnancy. You’re probably going to be bombarded by well-meaning people already, I don’t want to add to that. Once we start our prenatal, we’ll be in a little more contact to make sure you’re feeling good about everything and to check in and make sure you’re doing homeplay (yes I give you homework, but it should be fun so I call it homeplay).

Fresh 48 Session

I like to know when you’re in labor as just a heads up. Simply letting me know that things are rocking and rolling is all I need. Once baby is born, we will set up a time for me to come photograph your new gorgeous family! Please no super vibrant colors (like orange or lime green) though, you’re photographer greatly appreciates it! It’s a lifestyle session capturing your new normal, we don’t need anything extravagant. These sessions are super laid back. Most sessions now a days will be one to two days after you’re released from the hospital. If you’ve had a birth center birth or home birth, it is typically the following full day after baby is born.

Maternity/gestating Session

After the contract is signed and paid, we can immediately start hashing out themes, color schemes, location options, and available dates for your session! The session is typically about an hour long, although sometimes they are shorter if I feel like I got everything I need OR can be a little longer if we’re exploring the location a bit. I can help find a dress/clothing if needed, however I do not currently offer a client closet. Come ready to the session to have fun and laugh! These sessions are super laid back with zero pressure. It is all about you and your new growing family!