beautiful

Have you ever thought of having a professional photographer at your birth, someone who could be "on call" for your special day? I am so blessed that my sister is an amazing photographer, but she lives 2.5 hours away and has her own family. It just never crossed my mind. Well that is until I saw my friend Brooke's photographs from the birth of her third child. Brooke was a warrior woman and had her little Mr. Benjamin at home! Amazing right? And look at the photographs she has of those moments.

How beautiful (and Brooke you look gorgeous even giving birth). You can see more photos here. So who is this special woman who takes birthing photographs? Her name is Lindsey Kliewer. You can see her photos at her blog Our Beautiful Mess. She is located in Orange County, California. I contacted Lindsey and asked her to give me a little insight on how it works! Here is what she had to say:

"I always want to meet face to face with the woman before the actual day, to connect and give her an opportunity to ask questions, feel out her style/likes/dislikes in regards to the birth shoot. I feel like this could be a great opportunity to get to know her and for her to know me, so that I can be a more comfortable, safe, supportive person in the room during the birth. Plus if it's a homebirth, then that gives me the chance to make sure I know where she lives. Also, during the initial meeting with the mom, I want to make it clear that at any time, she can ask (or tell) me to leave the room. I want her to feel the freedom to create the environment she needs to birth her baby and if that doesn't include me for some moments, then so be it! I also want to communicate this with her support people (spouse, mother, doula, etc) the day of the birth so that they too can be an advocate for her.

A couple things about me... I am a strong believer that a woman's body is more than capable to birth her baby, and that she needs a safe place (in all senses of the word) to do so. I also LOVE birth!!! Ever since I can remember I always have! I am a nurse. In fact I went into nursing with the hopes of someday becoming a midwife. I am well read on the art and science of birth so I understand the process and the stages and such; this can help me go with the flow of the birth and anticipate what might be coming next. "

Lindsey sounds amazing right? After having three babies of my own, I wish I had something like this for my kids. So I had to share it with you! If you would like to contact Lindsey go to her website here, click on the Contact section and you can send her a message!