http://www.earthmotherdoula.com/

Earth Mother Doula & Birth Photographer, Carmel, CA (2025)

05/01/2023

I love how this mother only left the tub when she felt content and stable. Sweet baby girl got to experience most of her firsts right where she was born. 💛

04/07/2023

Bonding ✨

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04/01/2023

✨BOOKING 2023✨

Hello my name is Morgan! ✋🏼

I am officially opening my bookings for Birth Photography for the months of MAY —> AUGUST.

I specialize in Documentary Birth Photography. Birth is one of lives most precious and treasured gifts we get to experience as humans.

Often, people are hesitant to invite a stranger in to their most vulnerable moments and I get that. I also know how fast the day flies by during those moments, and you can't fully take it all in after hours of labor because you're swelling with emotional and physical exhaustion. Let me do it for you. I am here so you can relive the moment you brought your baby into this world. I am here so you don't have to piece together the day. I am also here to show you how strong, powerful and determined you will be to get your baby earth-side.

But I have been there. I have sat in your shoes and birthed two amazingly beautiful girls. And they were the most magical and earth shattering experiences I have ever been through in my life. I am able to go back and see my photos from that day and re-live that excitement, joy, stress and LOVE that I was surrounded by. I want to give those magical moments to you, mama.

✨So if you are expediting soon, reach out and let me show you how magical you truly are. ✨

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

12/13/2022

Our precious daughter arrived last night exactly how we envisioned she would. In front of a fire and the lit Christmas tree with calm music playing and the focus on filling our home with peace.

She poked her head out just shy of four hours after my water broke. I delivered in the pool, unmedicated and was thankful to have to focus on along with our incredible team of midwives from and .photographer there to capture it. She took her first breath at 6:43pm, weighing 7lbs 6oz and 20 inches long. Ten fingers, ten toes and some of the cutest lips and cheeks I’ve ever seen!

A head full of dark brown hair - I’ll be thankful to not experience the same type of heartburn for a while! We are absolutely in love, how could we not be!?

12/13/2022

✨ Scout Kelly ✨

I had the absolute honor of being present at this magical homebirth. Scott’s mother went into labor Thursday afternoon, and baby girl was born at 6:43 PM on Friday night. The Christmas tree was sparking and a warm crackling fire set the most welcoming space. Mom did amazing, taking each surge one at a time. Dad was there every step of the way supporting her in whatever moves she made. And we had an incredible midwife team from Ohana Midwifery & Wellness] who stepped back and trusted mom and her body to bring this sweet child earthside.

Welcome to the world Scout; you have some incredible parents and many puppy siblings to support and love you✨

🤰🏼:
📸: .photographer
🩺: Ohana Midwifery & Wellness]

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12/05/2022

💧Water use for birth 💧

The pros of water birth are literally never ending but here's the lowdown.

(P.s they're all backed with evidence!)

Firstly, getting into the water allows spontaneous movement that instantly increases comfort and relief from her heavy baby bump! This movement is a godsend for the pelvis allowing it to open and create more space for baby! In turn this -
✨ Speeds up labour by dilating smoother and sooner!
✨ Reduces blood pressure
✨ Reduces perineal trauma
✨ Reduces the need for intervention especially episiotomies + C Sections!
✨It's SUPER relaxing which in turn allows that incredible oxytocin to rise up! This then increases the endorphin levels which provide the BEST pain relief.
✨ Stress hormones are less likely to attack the brain as water reduces the sensory stimulation of the room!
✨ It creates a private space allowing the person giving birth to feel safe and secure. Almost cocooned.
✨ Gives baby a gentler passage into the world. As we know they spend their time cuddled up in their amniotic sac so the transition from the womb to water is precious!

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Have you thought about a water birth? Or had one in the past? Share your stories and tips! 💛

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11/06/2022

✨ Touch During Labor ✨

Not only do women’s bodies know how to give birth, we also have a secret response to touch that helps us during labor.

Join me for a little tour, and know that beyond “the breathing” or “the epidural” there are ways to tap into the body’s own neurophysiologic pathways to reduce pain.

Mechanoreceptors respond to touch:

1️⃣ Merkel’s Disks are found on the palms, soles of the feet, and lips. They respond to steady, maintained pressure, and don’t habituate readily, meaning these techniques work for a long time. Some things you can do during labor that use these pain relief properties of the Merkel’s discs include:
✨ holding hands
✨ standing (on the soles of the feet)
✨ squeezing a stress ball
✨ kissing, although some people bite their lips!

2️⃣Meissner’s Corpuscles are found on fingertips and hairless skin; they respond to textures and light touch.

✨ Effleurage (light fingertip massage often done on the belly)
✨ Move fingertips lightly on sheets
✨ People who put themselves to sleep by moving their feet on the sheets will intuitively do that.

It’s one time when it won’t drive their partners nuts!

3️⃣ Pacinian Corpuscles are found in the deep layers of the skin.

They respond to deep pressure and vibration. These techniques are often used for back labor.

✨Deep massage
✨Acupressure
✨Counter Pressure

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Did you try any of these during labor? ⤵️

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10/14/2022

✨ Family connection ✨

Even though it’s such a simple picture it shows me so much of the love and support this baby already has. Dad doing skin to skin in the tub while mom gets checked out. Grandma holding big sister and the bowl. And peep that ADORABLE little hand. Big sister Ellie wants to participate and feel connected to this magical moment 🥹💛

10/11/2022

Big birthday nap and skin to skin. Exactly where baby girl feels the most held and secure ✨

📸: .photographer

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10/09/2022

✨ Gentle Cesarean ✨

Have you ever heard of a gentle or family
centered cesarean?

Wait, is this an oxymoron? In some ways, yes.

Is it an AMAZING option for most people?

DEFINITELY YES!

Gentle cesareans are becoming more common as people are starting to learn about their cesarean options and what they desire for a cesarean birth.

Can I get a "hell yes" for educating yourself and owning your birth?!?

A gentle cesarean may include:
✨Having a clear or lowered drape
✨Not strapping your arms down
✨Having surgical staff be silent
✨Playing your desired music
✨Having photos or video taken
✨Having your partner AND doula present
✨Having immediate skin-to-skin and breastfeeding in the OR
✨Helping guide baby out of your belly (parent assisted cesarean)

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Did you have or are you planning a gentle cesarean? How was your experience? Share in the comments! ⤵️

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10/05/2022

For all my mama‘s looking to take control of their next birth and attempt a Vaginal birth after a previous caesarean. 💛✨ The numbers don’t lie. The decision is yours!

10/05/2022

✨ Let’s chat about cesarean rates ✨

The rate currently hovers around 30% in the United States - and that the increase in cesarean rates has not been associated with a decreases in poor birth outcomes. Annoying right?! 🙄

But in fact, "in the United States, as the cesarean delivery rate has increased, maternal mortality and morbidity have also risen" (Antoine & Young, 2020).

WHAT.

It is TRUE that cesareans can be life-saving, necessary, and beautiful things. As a Doula, I have been grateful for them time and time again.

But what I would love is for us to stop looking for fancy ways to decrease cesarean rates and start acknowledging that continuous labor support has a MASSIVE impact on cesarean risk. That continuous labor support from a midwife or nurse, partner or friend, or doula, can decrease your risk of cesarean 25% - and as much as 39% if that support comes from a Doula!

Side note: This type of support is also associated with increases in the likelihood of spontaneous vaginal birth, decreases in the use of medications for pain relief, shorter labors, decreases in the risk of low Apgar score, and decrease in the risk of dissatisfaction with birth. 🤯🤯🤯

So here is my wishes:
- What if hospitals started staffing labor units in a way that allowed RNs to provide good 1 on 1 care?
- What if all hospitals employed doulas in community programs that were available for their patients?
- What if hospitals acknowledged that providing support like this can do far more than any medical process or procedure — and that there is inherently NO risk with this type of support?

✨As you prepare for you birth, consider these questions: ✨
1️⃣What kind of support do you have?
2️⃣What kind of support does your hospital offer?
3️⃣Can you see a midwife?
4️⃣Does your hospital staff 1:1 for their patients?
5️⃣Does your hospital or local area have doulas available?
6️⃣Can you afford your own?

Reach out to me .photographer if you have questions and I might be able to point you in the right direction for resources in your area 🙌🏼

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What kind of support did you have? ⬇️

10/05/2022

✨Let’s talk Due Dates. ✨

How disheartening is it to get to 40 weeks and be told by your doctor that baby is officially “late” and start discussing induction options?

This makes women:
- feel like they have failed at birthing their baby correctly.
- That something is wrong and they need intervention.
- Anxious and stressed over the idea of an induction they did not want.

Evidence based research shown here at finds that the true estimated due date is 3 to 5 days AFTER 40 weeks. (Smith, 2001a).

The researchers found that 50% of all women giving birth for the first time gave birth by 40 weeks and 5 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks and 2 days.

Meanwhile, 50% of all women who had given birth at least once before gave birth by 40 weeks and 3 days, while 75% gave birth by 41 weeks.

✨This means that for both first-time and experienced mothers in Smith’s study, the traditional “estimated due date” of 40 weeks was wrong!✨ 🙃

So to embrace this time of waiting, I encourage you to start saying "birth window". 🪟

Nothing is "due".

Nothing is "late".

Everything, in its own time, (usually a whole 5 +/-week time span!!) is softening, opening, and preparing for birth.

When people ask you when your baby is "due", try giving a season: "in the fall!" 🍂

Or just a time range: "April or May!" 🌷

Or simply say, "whenever they choose!" Because, honestly, that's the most accurate answer! 🙌🏼

And while you wait, with your womb full and your heart in constant anticipation for your little one's arrival, find ways to honor this time.

Spend time in nature, observing how unrushed and yet perfectly timed flowers bloom, animals gather, or leaves fall. Spend time with loved ones that love you well. Create space to listen to your body and baby. Prepare postpartum foods.

Take in positive birth stories that grow your confidence in birth.

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How'd you spend your last days of pregnancy?

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10/05/2022

✨ Being Pregnant With A Toddler ✨

Pregnancy is a hard and confusing thing. Your body is changing every day, you are exhausted even if you do get a good night sleep and, for so many women, there are countless days full of sickness and fatigue.

Now, throw a toddler on top of that, and it makes the tough parts of pregnancy even tougher.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make those day just a smidge easier:

1️⃣ Make A Special Toy Box: Sure, playing with your tot is fun, but if you feel sick or tired, you may not have the energy and capacity. So give your toddler room to play independently, next to you. Fill this box with books, fidget toys, blocks etc. Make them only toys they get to play with when you need a break so they are more exciting to see!

2️⃣ Make Nutritious Meals: it’s always so easy to focus on making a nutritious meal for your toddler. But you also need to eat healthy and nutritious during this time! Try to avoid the Hangry feeling as much as possible. Keep healthy small snacks on standby just in case.

3️⃣ Get Outside: So often, a little Vitamin D and fresh air can go a long way for your tired body. Spend at least 10 minutes outside every day, especially on those hard days.

4️⃣ Screen Time: I know, I know... you probably want to limit screen time, but hey, it's ok to get a little help from cartoon characters every now and then. Plus, it makes for a fun date to snuggle on the couch with popcorn and a movie.

5️⃣ Preparation Is Key: Try and prep your baby bag or snacks the day before if you plan on having an outing the next day. Preventing the panic shuffle.

6️⃣ Ask For Help: if you feel like you need help, ask for it -- whether it's to help with errands or preschool drop-offs or watching after your little one while you get a little time for yourself or for a nap.

7️⃣ Get Your Toddler Involved: allow them to help you pick things up off the floor or pick out clothing and toys for the new baby.

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What tricks did you use while pregnant with a toddler?

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10/05/2022

An epidural is a common tool to manage pain in labor.

In the US more than 60% of women use an epidural.

It involves placing a needle into the spine to insert a very thin catheter that delivers medication.
It is used to cause numbness/ loss of feeling in the lower part of your body.

Because of this numbness, it is likely that you will no longer feel the sensation of needing to urinate, so a urinary catheter is placed after the epidural is administered.

It requires additional monitoring in an otherwise low-risk
pregnancy/labor/birth such as:

1️⃣ continuous electronic fetal monitoring (which is known to increase the risk of cesarean and forceps and vacuum
deliveries).

2️⃣ blood pressure and oxygen monitoring for mom (due to
the side effect of lower blood pressure).

3️⃣ It will limit your mobility. You will not be able to stand up or move from the bed. This is well known, however you should still be encouraged to labor and push in different positions.

I recommend rotation or changing positions every 30-40 minutes! MOVEMENT IS KEY 🔑

✨ Looking at the risks vs benefits can help you decide if an epidural is for you! ✨

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Did you have an epidural?
Did you love or hate it?
Tell me in the comments! ⤵️

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10/05/2022

Did you know the average prenatal appointment in
the US is 6 minutes!? I always felt that it was like
“heart rates good, BP good, any questions? No? Bye!” ✌🏼

I felt like there were questions I SHOULD have been
asking... I just didn’t know WHAT to ask.

As a first time mom, I felt like I just didn’t know what I
didn’t know. I hadn’t done this before, and I didn’t have any guidance from my OB group.

I just felt pretty lost!

It’s so important to birth with a team that supports the birth YOU want!

So here are some questions you can ask your provider!

💛 What should I know about labor and birth?
💛What resources do you have for me?
💛 What symptoms warrant immediate attention?
💛 Can I continue my usual medications (if applicable)
💛 Is there an on-call line I can call if I have medical
questions?
💛 What can I expect in our upcoming appointments?
💛 What testing is routinely performed? Do you have
more information I can read about these beforehand?
💛 What are your hospital policies for labor and birth?
💛 What is your episiotomy rate?
💛 What is your cesarean rate?
💛 How many of your clients have an unmedicated
birth? How do you support them?
💛 What do you suggest for pain management?
💛 How will my baby be monitored during labor?
💛 Will you always ask my permission before performing any procedures, like a membrane sweep or artificial membrane rupture?
💛 Under what circumstances do you typically recommend induction or augmentation of labor?
💛 How many days past my EDD are you comfortable waiting for labor to begin?
💛 What % of your clients give birth in upright or alternative position?

✨ These are just a few examples of some questions you can ask your provider. ✨

My biggest tip? Make sure you WRITE THEM DOWN before going to your appointment! therefore you are less likely to forget important questions you wanted to ask them 🙌🏼

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Did you feel rushed during your prenatal appointments? ⤵️

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10/05/2022

✨ Let’s talk CHOICES ✨

The entire day is a whirlwind. It’s easy to forget there were certain things you DID or DID NOT want.

Pregnant, postpartum, or thinking about a baby? Join
me .photographer for daily education + support!

These few items (and more!) can be thought through before birth, okay? If you have a birth preference/map sheet, make sure they’re in there. And if you don’t have a written birth map, make sure your partner or your birthing support person knows these questions and answers too.

1️⃣ Delayed cord clamping: Most facilities practice this now. But how long do you want? 30 seconds? 5 minutes? Until the cord stops pulsing? Decide ahead of time and make sure your delivering provider + you are on the same page.
2️⃣ Cord Blood Banking: Your care team actually needs to
know about this ahead of time. Make sure you bring your kit in so they can save your cord piece during delivery.

3️⃣ Vitamin K, Eye Ointment, and the Hep B vaccine are
standardly recommended and given around the time of birth/ within the first day. Have you thought each of these through for when they ask if they can give them?

4️⃣ Placenta: Are you wanting to keep it for encapsulation or ritual? Again, let your team know and they’ll get it ready to be taken home or picked up.

5️⃣ The First Bath/Vernix: There is a ton of research that
screams the benefits of leaving vernix (that white cheesy
stuff) on a baby. You can ask them not to vigorously rub it off AND deny the first bath if you choose.

6️⃣ Donor Milk/Formula: Even if you’re hoping to breastfeed, what if baby ends up needing supplementation? Donor milk or formula? Give it a little thought beforehand.

7️⃣ Circumcision: Some hospitals do this before discharge
- SO you’ll want to think this decision through before you go into labor/your cesarean and meet your baby.

I want you to get caught in the whirlwind. These first hours
are indescribable. But I also want to make sure the things you do or don’t want happening get communicated really well.

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Did I miss anything that you added?

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10/05/2022

✨Let’s talk about what happens Post Birth ✨

1️⃣ FUNDAL MASSAGE
This starts happening right after birth and is done a
lot in the first 24 hours. Most hospitals with have a nurse come by every 15 minutes or so to press on your stomach to feel your fundal height and try and push any blood clots out. It will continue through postpartum care until you go home. This can be painful! But necessary to help/check for postpartum bleeding.

2️⃣ SHAKING + SHIVERING
Sometimes after birth (ANY type of birth) your body starts shivering and clattering around. Teeth chattering, knees knocking - it can feel wild. This is NORMAL and thought to be caused by the hormone dump and will most likely stop quickly.

3️⃣ PITOCIN
In a hospital setting, birth is probably followed by Pitocin
administration unless you have said "no thank you." It
is usually done via the IV (or a shot in your leg if you
don't have an IV). Speak up early and talk about it with your team if you don't want it. It is given around the time the placenta is delivered to help with postpartum bleeding.

4️⃣ CRAMPING/ PLACENTA BIRTH
Guess what? You can still feel your uterus contracting after birth. it's doing its job - shrinking. But it can feel pretty darn painful! The Pitocin and the baby latching can make it stronger. Some first time mamas don't notice, many feel it stronger with each subsequent birth. But it’s also doing it’s job to get the placenta out! Each contraction helps your placenta detach from your uterus wall and descend through the birth canal.

5️⃣ VITAMIN K+ ERYTHROMYCIN (Eye Drops)
Although not mentioned in the video It's standard practice for all hospitals to give your baby these meds via shot in the first hours after birth. They can wait until after skin to skin and the first feeding if you choose. BUT you also have the right to refuse. Have those conversations early with your provider/support team.

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Did any of these surprise you? Did you know all of this was going to happen at your hospital birth? ⤵️

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Earth Mother Doula & Birth Photographer

05/01/2023

04/07/2023

04/01/2023

12/13/2022

12/13/2022

12/05/2022

11/06/2022

10/14/2022

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10/09/2022

10/05/2022

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