A Stunning Surprise: a Footling Breech Birth Story in images

This labor was progressing beautifully when the mother announced she could suddenly feel something between her legs. Surprise! It was baby’s sweet little feet! No one was expecting baby to be born breech — but footling breech birth is indeed a variation of normal and can often be managed vaginally when given the opportunity. Here, the birthing person’s team supports her through this variation of normal with calm confidence. With shared wisdom from the midwife and internal wisdom from mama and baby, all unfolded beautifully. Enjoy this beautiful birth story in images!

Black History Month 2022: Featured Black Birth Workers/Businesses

Representation matters, especially in birth. Black maternal and fetal health matters, especially because the American healthcare system is rooted in white supremacy. Empowered birth and the option to birth at home matters, especially for women of color. In honor of BHM 2022, we’re featuring Black birth workers & businesses who are dedicated to providing equitable care & inspiring necessary change in the birth work field.

Birth Doula 101: What Do Birth Doulas Do(ula)?

Doulas offer physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing persons and their partners. This invaluable doula support makes a difference, no doubt. Read along with us as we offer insight into what birth doulas do and why it matters!

Shay's Empowered Birth Story

It wasn’t until the afternoon of Monday, February 17 — 9 days after my “guess date” — that the strong, persistent contractions stuck around. It was the real deal this time! (My midwives knew what they were talking about when they revealed that most first-time birthers don’t go into labor naturally until closer to 10 days after their “due date.”)

Emily's Homebirth Story

“It was so calming to be in my own home, and be surrounded by people with positive birth energy who believed in my ability to birth my baby myself.” - Emily

An Outdoor VBAC Waterbirth at Home | The Birth Story of Scout Jolie | Grand Rapids Birth Photography

Annica jokingly suggested that Hayley have her baby in the backyard when she arrived on a beautiful day for their homebirth. Hayley said, “sure” and the rest is history. Hayley tells the story of her second baby’s birth - a VBAC, at home, in water, en caul.

Your Birth Team Matters | Grand Rapids Doula + Birth Photographer

Don’t get me wrong, I do think that the process of making a birth plan is valuable. But your birth team matters more.

Find a doula who you trust…and then trust her knowledge of local providers.

With a doula and a clinical provider that you are really confident will support you, you will be set up the best you can be for the unknowns of your individual birth experience. Your birth team matters more than your birth plan.

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