The Lessons I've Learned as a Birth Worker
As a birth photographer and doula, I have had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact that childbirth can have on people. I have also learned so much from my work and would like to share some of the most beneficial things I have learned as a birth worker. Have a read about the top things I have learnt and for a very sappy exit to this blog at the bottom of the page…
Respecting Unique Experiences
Being in the birth space requires a tremendous amount of trust and respect. I have learned the importance of respecting each person's unique birth experience. Every person is different, and so is every birth experience. As a birth photographer and doula, it is crucial to provide a safe and supportive environment for each person, regardless of their birth preferences or choices. No two births are the same, which not only makes my job a much welcomed challenge, but it’s exciting and incredibly rewarding.
Empowering Through Storytelling
I already knew the power of storytelling through photography, however, being at births and living my own birth experience has really solidified its importance. Sharing stories of joy, triumph, and resilience can help remove the stigma and shame that often surrounds the birth. Something else I have witnessed is the importance of people re-living their own stories and being able to fill in the gaps, to say ‘I did it, I really did it’ and to believe in their own ferocity and strength that I saw within them. I have also witnessed first-hand how imperative it is for people to share their own stories of their birth experience - whether with a friend, a midwife, a doula, it is vital as part of any birth experience, positive or negative, to do what we birth workers call, ‘debrief’. I encourage all my clients to do so after their births, whenever they feel ready to, as part of their postpartum healing. Telling your story will ensure you’re heard and listened to, especially if you need some extra help afterwards.
Advocating For Preferences
I have learned the importance of advocating for the people I work with when appropriate. This includes advocating for their birth preferences and choices, and signposting them to the resources they need to make informed decisions. It’s different when I have my doula hat on compared to my photographer hat, and a fine line but ensuring there’s strong communication with regards to needs and preferences prior to the birth, then we’re all set to go ahead.
Celebrating Strengths + Resilience
Lastly, I have learned about the incredible strength and resilience of women and birthing people. Witnessing the incredible power of birth has been an incredibly humbling experience, and has taught me so much about the strength of the human spirit. Moments like this prove time and time again how passionately I feel about documenting the human experience, not only to prove to the client how strong and ferocious they are, but to share to others the magic of childbirth.
The Importance of Teamwork
When it comes to giving birth, you can’t go wrong with a bit of teamwork. The person giving birth, their support squad, and the midwives all need to work together to make sure everything goes smoothly. Whether it's managing pain or making decisions, it helps to have a team backing you up if you need it.
Sometimes when I look back at the images of the people I’ve got to know and the unbridled strength, I get overwhelmed at the trust they have in me and for the love and admiration I have for them. Truly what an honour it is to be invited into their space, physical and mental, to be witness to the depths of their vulnerability and raw power.
Being a birth worker has taught me so much about the power of people and the importance of supporting and advocating for each person's unique birth experience; it has also taught me so much about myself. How strength can be found in the most unlikely of places, especially when you feel there’s nothing left to give. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to work with families during this vulnerable and transformative time, and continually look forward to supporting and empowering amazing women and birthing people in the future.
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One last thing to say, is thank you for the trust you have in me.
