St. Louis Birth and Baby

06/27/2025

Ask any birthworker what they think of laboring on the toilet and we'll happily tell you it's not called "the dilation station" for nothing! Because we spend our whole lives training our pelvic floor to relax when we sit on the toilet, it's an ideal place to encourage that same relaxed pelvic floor for labor and birth. And it doesn't hurt that the bathroom is basically a dark, private cave - perfect for feeling cozy and safe with the support of your partner and letting the oxytocin flow!

Did you labor or birth your baby on the toilet? Did you love it? Hate it? Did it seem to help your labor progress? Tell us all about it!

06/25/2025

Did you know that you can get in hands and knees position even after getting an epidural? It's true! With a supportive team, there are so many positions and possibilities available to help make space for baby to find their way, whether medicated or not!

06/23/2025

Splash! 💦

06/21/2025

Sometimes in birth, despite trying All. The. Things. a change of plans becomes a necessity. And while it may not have been what was envisioned, there is beauty still.

06/19/2025

Every little detail...

06/17/2025

One of the coolest things is getting to watch our clients' families grow. When past clients let us know they are expecting again and want us to support their birth and document their journey, it's the biggest honor and such a joy. I was there to document each of these sweet sisters' pregnancy, birth, and newborn experiences. To see this family go from two adults to a family of four is so, so special.

06/16/2025

Golden hour just hits different when you didn't get to experience it with your first...

06/13/2025

Repeat clients are always a favorite, but when we get to be with a client who had a really, really hard birth the first time, it's extra special to be with them to support and document their empowering, redemptive birth experience the second time around! Everything about this birth was different. In the best possible way!
 

  redemptive

03/31/2025

We are celebrating being honored and recognized in the 15th annual International Association of Professional Birth Photographers Image Competition. Not only did we win the judges pick for first place in the labor and delivery category, but two of our images were in the top 10% of all images and another 5 of our images placed in the top 20%. There were 722 entries from some of the most incredible birth photographers from all over the world and we both feel really honored to be among them. So many talented folks providing artistic documentation of the most important moments for families everywhere and showing the world what birth can look like. Raw. Emotional. Hard. Devastating. Joyful. Connected. Respectful. Empowering. Meaningful. Important.

*link to blog post in our profile.

03/31/2025

Wanted to share some exciting news with you all!

Each year, the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers (IAPBP) hosts an image competition that brings together some of the most powerful and emotional moments in birth photography. With 722 entries from around the world in this year’s competition , we are truly honored to

03/27/2025

The Remarkable True Knot

Pictured here is a “true knot” in the umbilical cord—a rare occurrence, happening in about 1% of pregnancies. A true knot forms when the baby moves through a loop in the cord, often early in pregnancy when there is more room in the amniotic sac. While a tight knot can sometimes restrict blood flow, potentially affecting oxygen and nutrient delivery, most remain loose and do not cause complications.

Fortunately, the umbilical cord is designed with a natural safeguard—Wharton’s jelly, a thick, gelatinous substance that cushions the blood vessels and helps prevent compression. Thanks to this protective layer, the vast majority of babies with true knots are born healthy. This image of a true knot shows the cord's intricate structure and its vital role in sustaining life, even with this natural twist of fate.

03/25/2025

The first hour after birth, often called the 'Golden Hour,' is a sacred time for bonding, warmth, and the first nourishment. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate a newborn’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing while fostering a deep connection between parent and baby. Whether breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or simply embracing, these moments lay the foundation for love, comfort, and security. Every journey is unique, and each family's first hour looks different—what matters most is the closeness, the care, and the love shared in this tender beginning.

nourishment @