There is something incredibly sacred about January 31st now.

It was my son’s 25th birthday — and I had the absolute honor of welcoming another sweet baby boy earthside as both doula and birth photographer.

As a St. Louis birth doula and photographer, these are the days that stay with you forever.

A Morning Text That Changed the Day

At 7:20 AM, I woke to a text from Momma.

She had been up all night with contractions strong enough to keep her from sleeping. At her last OB appointment, we already knew she was 3 cm dilated and her waters were bulging — so when she said contractions were coming every 3–4 minutes, I moved quickly.

Having attended fast labors recently, I packed my gear, gathered my doula bag, and was on my way by 8:45 AM.

They decided to head to Mercy Hospital Washington, and I met them there.

A Slow Start at the Hospital

After two hours at the hospital — and an hour of walking, yoga ball stretches, and deep squats — there had been no cervical change.

Sometimes birth asks us to slow down.

So we headed back home.

We shared lunch. Rested. I did massage. More walking. Pumping. Deep squats. Gentle movement. Patience.

By late afternoon, things began to shift.

The Singing Labor

This sweet southern momma hummed and sang through her contractions. Some of her songs were so funny and so tender. There was something deeply beautiful about watching her move through each wave with rhythm and sound.

Daddy took a nap with their not-yet-two-year-old big sister.

And then something changed.

When Momma stopped singing, I knew.

She sat in a chair, closed her eyes, and her body shifted inward.

We gently woke Daddy and called Grandma to come be with big sister. This momma was so concerned about her first baby — wanting everything arranged around her schedule.

But this day? This day was about her.

They lived only minutes from the hospital. As soon as Grandma arrived, we headed back to Mercy Washington.

And this time — she was ready.

Admission, Sunset, and Soft Lighting

Sure enough, real change had happened. She was immediately admitted.

I set up the room with delicate soft lighting and calming aromatherapy while the most gorgeous sunset glowed through the hospital window.

Birth can be clinical — but it is also sacred. Creating a calm, safe space matters.

This momma had already decided she wanted an epidural after her experience with her first baby. Around 5:50 PM, the epidural was placed. At 6:10 PM, her waters broke.

She rested.

Then pressure returned.

It was time.

9:50 PM — A Baby Boy Arrives

The medical team moved in with quiet efficiency.

Daddy and I supported her with hip squeezes and steady encouragement. She pushed with strength and focus.

At 9:50 PM, a beautiful baby boy was born.

7 pounds 13 ounces.
21 inches long.
Pink. Perfect. Strong.

He latched and nursed quickly — one of my favorite moments to witness as a St. Louis birth doula and photographer. The instinct. The connection. The way newborns simply know.

It is miraculous every single time.

Doula Support Through Wild Roots Birth Collective

I was honored to support this family as their contracted doula through Wild Roots Birth Collective, an incredible community of women supporting mothers and babies across the St. Louis area.

Collaborating with a strong  — including compassionate nurses, OB providers, along with birth doulas, photographers and lactation help— makes all the difference.

Birth is never done alone.  I am proud to be a part of this amazing group. 

More about Wild Roots Birth Collective

Why I Do This Work

To attend a birth on my own child’s birthday felt like such a full-circle gift.

For 25 years, I’ve mothered my oldest son.

On January 31st, I helped another mother be born again.

Being both a St. Louis birth doula and photographer allows me to:

• Offer emotional and physical support during labor

• Support partners and families

• Create a calm environment

• And preserve every fleeting moment through timeless birth photography

Every heartbeat.
Every first cry.
Every sacred beginning.

Looking for a St. Louis Birth Doula and Photographer?

If you’re expecting and looking for:

✔ A compassionate St. Louis birth doula
✔ Professional birth photography at Mercy Washington or surrounding St. Louis hospitals
✔ A calm, steady presence who also documents your story
✔ Support through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum

I would be honored to walk beside you.

Because birth is powerful.
And your story deserves to be remembered.