That’s right!  I’ve been gradually working towards getting all of my paperwork in electronic form, but it has been a slow process.  {If only there were more hours in a day}.  I tested a couple of different companies out and finally found one that I really liked.  Not only will this save me ink/paper/postage and TIME, you will get your own digital copy of the forms you fill out, and hello convenience!  You can sign with your finger from your tablet or mobile phone.  The forms can be located under the “Client Forms” tab above and they are password protected.

Watch for more exciting updates and a GIVEAWAY.  What will be up for grabs, you ask?  Well, a lovely postpartum pack handcrafted by ME!

Two things came to light after I attended this forum, which was lead by an attorney at law, specializing in health law issues. The first, was the importance of client privacy with regards to social media and the second was that I don’t want to tell someone else’s {birth} story. It’s your story.

Up to this point, nearly ever birth I have had the honor of attending and/or documenting, has been shared at some point on my Facebook page and/or here on my blog, with permission. You, my clients, have always been so excited and eager to share your stories with the world, to hopefully inspire and encourage other women. I would usually write a condensed version of what I witnessed and share it here on my blog, along with hand-picked images that had been approved beforehand.

Here come the changes.

As much as I enjoy sharing your photos and birth stories for you, I’ve decided I will no longer be posting sneak peeks on Facebook, nor will I blog your baby’s birth day from my perspective. Why? Because it’s your story.  I’ve also run into problems recently with others thinking the photos I post are ‘free to use’ whether they were involved with the birth or not.  The privacy of my clients is very important to me, and even though they may have granted permission for me to post their photo(s) and/or story, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is okay for anyone else to do it.  The photos still remain my property, and are subject to copyright laws.  In short, unless you have express written permission from the original author/creator, you do not have permission to download, copy or print images.  This also includes use for marketing.

I recently read an article by a fellow doula, Andrea of www.pamperedbirth.com, and this statement really hit me. “Client privacy is about more than just not using the client’s name. It is about preserving the client’s right to tell her own story on her own terms and in her own timing.” Birth is sacred and we all process it differently. My perception may be miles from my client’s and the last thing I want to do is misinterpret their experience.

When it comes to sharing on social media, Andrea hit the nail on the head, “They want to share the high from a glorious birth and gain support from colleagues after a difficult birth. These are very human desires, but they are also things that are of benefit to the doulas rather than the client“. I don’t want to lose site of what led me to this path in the first place. I like to think I’m my clients’ biggest cheerleader. Rejoicing with them after their baby is here, in awe of the beautiful job they did, regardless of the circumstances. I want to shout it from the rooftops and share some of the ‘birth high’ with others. I never looked at it the way Andrea described, and to be honest, it didn’t make me feel good about my practices thus far, even with the precautions I had been taking.

So what’s the solution?

I now will give my clients the option of writing their own birth story, with or without images, for me to publish on my blog, which can then be shared on Facebook. Your story, in your words. I will still write up my perspective, but as a personal keepsake.

I want your birth memories to be accurately depicted, in your words. After all, it’s your story.

Breastfeeding mini sessions will take place at the private location pictured here.  It’s magical, let me tell you!  All proceeds will be donated to Spokane La Leche League.  Spread the word!!

There’s nothing like the anxiety you feel when en route to a birth, not knowing if you’re going to make it in time.

By all means, heading to the hospital once active labor has begun typically allows plenty of time for some laboring shots, before birth.  Only in this case, mom was pushing when I arrived less than an hour from the time I was notified to come.  She was amazing.  Her husband and doula were amazing.  The birth was incredible.  Carter made his presence known from the time his head emerged and joined us earthside at 4:45 a.m.  FAST.  Pure joy filled the room as he was brought to his mother’s chest.  And then there were three…

Even before taking my photography full-time, I found myself surrounded by birth.  I worked on a labor and delivery floor as a health unit coordinator and I was usually the first face a laboring momma would see when she came up to have her baby.  I wanted to be a calming presence.  I wanted to support her and let her know everything was going to be okay, no matter how brief my interaction was with her.  I wanted to ease an anxious dad’s fears.  I would leave work with parents-to-be still ‘expecting’ and return the next day to find them mommy and daddy.  They would stop at the desk and share how things were going, tell me baby names, and give me quick updates.  I felt connected to them.  They weren’t just ‘patients’.

My decision to offer birth photography, not only stemmed from my own personal lack of photos for my first three births, but my years working on labor and delivery.  I got goosebumps every time I’d see a brand new daddy walk down the hall to the waiting room to announce their new son or daughter.  Watching grandma pace the halls, waiting anxiously for the sound of a tiny new cry.  Seeing new big brothers and sisters come up with gifts, proudly sporting “big brother/sister” wear, eager to meet their new baby.  Surely others would want to remember all these details.

As I started attending births as a photographer, I found myself in more of a supportive role than I anticipated, sometimes more than others.  It usually started at our initial consultation, where our ‘birth chat’ would evolve into a 2+ hour discussion about birth, previous births, desires, fears, wants/needs, etc.  It was then, my love for expecting mommies grew.  I was privileged to work alongside some amazing doulas in our community.  I learned from them.  I saw the bond they shared.  I asked questions, and started looking into what it would take to become a doula myself.  At one point, I was a click away from signing up for birth doula training, and then I decided I couldn’t possibly be a doula and a birth photographer and give 100% to both.  I tossed the idea aside and went about my business.

Then, I met a mommy-to-be, who was inquiring about birth photography.  I went to her house and we talked.  We shared birth stories and she opened up about her desire to possibly transfer care to a home birth midwife.  As I tell all my potential birth clients, I told her she could always call, email or text me if she needed someone to talk to.  I left the door open.  I felt a connection.   I wasn’t hired as her birth photographer but we kept in contact throughout her pregnancy.  I was listening to my heart and doing what felt natural to me.  I could no longer ‘ignore’ the urge to support women and I sought training.

In February of this year, I completed Wholistic Birth Doula training and within the week, I was hired as backup for another doula in our area.  About a week after that, the client’s water broke and off I went to serve.  The experience was humbling, empowering and emotional, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.  This is what I was meant to be doing.  I was hired for a second & third birth…then a fourth.  It was becoming clearer.  I needed to listen.

I have decided to specialize in one thing and one thing only.  Births.  I will no longer be offering newborn sessions, cake smashes, baby/toddler sessions or senior sessions.  My business will now be Small Beginnings Photography and Birth Services, where I will offer birth photography and doula services.  I will still offer family and maternity sessions, and breastfeeding minis throughout the year, but my focus will be on births.

So what does this mean for those of you that have booked one of the above sessions with me?  No need to worry.  I will still do them for you, if you wish.  You will all be receiving a personal email from me with options.

Yesterday was my last day at the studio.  It was bittersweet, but I am so grateful for the opportunity.  Without which, I might not have been able to follow my heart.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the overwhelming support I received from y’all as I prepared for the new journey.  I can only hope this news will be just as well received.  My Facebook page will soon reflect the {new} business name and my website will be updated as well.  For parents, I will be selling the wall displays to families who graciously agreed to let me share their babies with the community.  For fellow photographers, I will have a hefty prop destash (which my husband will jump for joy over).

My business is headed in a new direction, a direction I feel I was destined to follow.  It just took me a while to get here.  I hope you’ll join me.

Sweet Pea Imagery offers the finest 3D/4D prenatal ultrasound experience available. Combining cutting-edge technology an inviting environment, they bring unbelievable images of your unborn baby to life.

Erin has generously donated one complimentary 3D/4D ultrasound to one of my fabulous fans.  Now don’t run yet, entering is a snap!

All you have to do to enter is click the Rafflecopter link below and follow the instructions.  I told you it would be easy!

The giveaway will run from 5/1/2013 through 5/10/2013 at 12 a.m. PST and the lucky mommy will be announced on Mother’s Day!
**Giveaway is valid only for those living in and around Spokane, WA**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. We hereby release Facebook of any liability. Winner has 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send me an email!