Super Sibling Preparation for Baby Class-Free!

The birth of a new baby is a wonderful and life changing event. This change is not diminished with each additional child you add to your family. I find such joy in watching my children interact and play with each other. We have been fortunate that our children have great relationships and I think they started at birth. Preparing your child for a new addition to the family can make the transition so much smoother.

 I offer a monthly Free Super Sibling Preperation for Baby class every 4th Thursday of the month at 6pm at the St. George Library. The class is aimed at ages 2 1/2-10 but all ages are welcome. Homebirth, birth suite and hospital birth familes are all welcome to attend.  Normal baby behavior, helping with baby care and communication skills will be addressed. The final 15 minutes of class will be for those children who might be present or in the home or hospital when their sibling is born and will cover birth sounds, sights and thoughts. Please feed your child prior to class, we want everyone happy and focused, and bring a baby doll or a stuffed animal to use. I look forward to seeing you there please RSVP to completebeginnings@gmail.com

Birth Photography for St. George and Cedar City Utah

I have had the privilege of working with Rachael Steele of Steele the Moment Birth Photography several times. Here is her fabulous facebook page.  If you are interested in birth photography I would highly recommend looking at all of the wonderful local options. The photos will be something you will cherish forever and everyone I have ever spoken to about them have found them well worth the cost. Below you will also find some beautiful examples of her work. I was at several of these births as a second midwife to Laura Hopper another wonderful local midwife resource. 

Here is my interview with Rachael:

When did you first become interested in photography?

I have always had a fascination with the idea of being able to photograph and freeze moments in time…a fascination that started very young and was inspired by many artists including Anne Geddes. I remember even at about the age of thirteen, setting up a fur rug to take a picture of my newborn sister, as well as a close-up picture of a beautiful flower and thought somehow that I was going to put it together to make this beautiful piece of art! Not quite sure how I thought I was going to do that to be honest, haha. Yet the desire to make art out of a precious new life while at the same time capturing all her little details forever was definitely already there at that point!

What about birth photography?

I first heard about birth photography from a fellow twin mom on the mothering.com twins forum actually! I had just started to really get into the world of professional photography, and as I also had such a love for the whole birth process (but no desire to be any kind of medical personnel) I could not believe what I was hearing! Two of my passions all wrapped up into one! And not only that, the whole idea of the sentiment behind it…I am a very sentimental person. Yes, I save everything. I wrote every single detail down in a pregnancy journal with both of my pregnancies, did baby books, kept little sentiments, had hand and foot molds done, etc. Everything I can get my hands on to sort of capture those little details that are so soon forgotten. What a wonderful idea, to be able to preserve those memories and at the same time, allow the support team to work with mom and not even worry about taking pictures! Phenomenal! Not only did I wish I had thought of it with my births, but I wanted so badly to be able to provide such an invaluable service to as many families as I could.

 Tell me about the first birth you attended whether you took pictures or not?

Well, the first birth I ever attended would have been my oldest sisters. I was probably 17 or so and just there to support my sister. Even at that young single age I remember being a little bit shocked since I had never really seen a baby be born before, but I have been so amazed since then and continue to be amazed at the human body, the things that it can create and the hard things it can do! I attended several other family member births after that and it never ceased to amaze me. Following a long period of training and being mentored specific to birth photography I took on my first birth client, a dear friend of mine where I was able to photograph her breathtaking home birth. It was such a remarkable thing to be a part of. And from that moment on, I knew it was my calling in life to be able to preserve these special memories for people. 


Why would someone want birth photography?

As one of my birth photographer colleagues says, “Because they only take their first breath once.” You know, this is the hardest thing for me to answer sometimes. I know the answer…but it is hard to describe. Each one of my clients could tell you, but kind of like having a baby, you will never fully understand until you have had the experience. For many mama’s it is so very healing and empowering to be able to actually see the work and the labor of love they put in to bringing their child into this world. To be able to see the love and support that surrounded them throughout the whole process. To me, there is no greater gift a person can give themselves, their baby, and their posterity than to have professionally captured those fleeting moments.

Why hire a professional?

As much as it would be nice to be able to have just anyone record your story, the sad truth is that many of those special moments will be missed, and those moments are things that you cant get back. As a professional birth photographer I am trained to hone in on the details and quiet moments that matter the most, often times they are little bits of importance that the average person may not catch as “important” but is very much a part of the journey. Many people may think it’s just the difference in the camera, but that is not the case. Yes…I have a nice big camera, but it is just a tool, and knowing how to use it properly is what makes the difference. I chose my camera and lens’s specifically to be able to capture great images in low light situations and have been trained in just about every aspect/scenario that comes along with birth. The difference in training as not just a professional, but a professional birth photographer is of immense importance.

Can't dad take pictures?

Words cannot describe! Please if I may share a link that will show you exactly what moments you would have missed if dad were behind the camera instead. As a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, a group of us got together to share our best images that just begin to describe the answer to this question. Please, enjoy our video “Hold her hand, not the camera” 

What if I don’t want pictures of the baby coming out?

This is what makes birth photography so great! It is totally up to you how much or how little you want in your photos. Either way, rest assured you will have a complete birth story start to finish regardless of what you choose. It is purely personal preference. Some people want images they maybe even just want to keep to themselves to see the hard work they did, some may just want the images of babies head coming out where you cannot see anything else revealing, and then some choose to wait until baby comes up for their first breath. There is no right or wrong choice; it is absolutely up to you!

What about modest pictures?

Again, it is completely up to you how you want the images to turn out. There are almost always angles I can use to take the images in a way that it is as modest as you would like it to be. I am always very conscious and respectful of the birth space and my clients’ privacy and do everything I can to make it comfortable…more like a “fly on the wall” kind of experience.

What if I do want pictures of the baby coming out?

Absolutely. I have no problem with however my client decides they want their images taken. 

What type of editing do you do?

Well, to start off…each of my clients gets a folder of color images as well as a folder of black and white images. Many birth photographers will just do black and white, but often times I find that I absolutely love the color image and I don’t want to take that away. For that reason, I provide both. So it is up to my client to decide which ones they like in color and which ones they like better in black and white. As far as actual editing, I “process” each of the images a certain way, I don’t ever “touch up” the images. I won’t remove things out of the photo or change anything in a way that does not depict the trueness of the actual experience. Most of what makes the images what they are, is the way that I actually “take” them in the first place. It’s true there is cropping and tilting and converting to jpg format, etc. and all my images go through a similar process, but it’s all just a way to get the images into a usable format. 

How do the doctors and midwives like working with you?

I have a really good working relationship with a lot of providers including midwives, doctors and nurses. I have worked with a lot of them in the area so most of them are familiar with me and it has been a great experience! I have had both midwives as well as doctors tell me that they actually really enjoyed being able to see their job from that perspective as well.

When do you like to get called to the birth?
Basically once my client is in active labor I want to be there. For most home births, I will show up shortly after the midwife does. I want to be there soon enough to get “laboring” shots as well as pictures of those moments when their support members are there for them and helping them through their progress. I want to be able to get detail shots before hand also, in a way that sets the seen. Pictures of all the stuff that is out and ready for baby, maybe what other family members are doing while waiting, the weather, the date on a newspaper or calendar, and things like that.

What if I have a c-section?
Well, in general the rule is that as long as it is not a complete emergency and the doctor and anesthesiologist are okay with it, then it is allowed. There are no actual policy’s set in place at our local hospital that prevents photographs from being taken, as long as there are no photographs of any actual procedures. Even if something turned into c-section and I was not able to photograph that part of the birth story, there is still a story to be told. Even if the birth story images went from mom and dad walking into the OR, a picture of the empty room they were in and a picture of the clock at the time, then a picture of them coming out with their new bundle of joy. Then a lot of times they can wait to do the length, weight and footprints til they are in a regular room, so everything is still there and the story is still complete.  

Tell me about the difference in shooting photos at a hospital birth verses shooting a homebirth?
Really there isn’t much difference as far as my job goes. The hospital ones I do tend to mostly be medicated, not all, but most. So those ones are easier to gauge how long I have. But that’s not always the case. The only other difference besides the “security” at the hospital is that the lighting is usually always the same in the hospital, very 2 dimensional. Because of that, I shoot a little bit differently in order to create 3 dimensions. Just technical stuff though. Each birth is different regardless of whether it is in the hospital or at home.

Do you do maternity and/or newborn photos?
Yes, absolutely! I specialize in maternity, birth and newborn. I have packages for each so you are able to combine either of those options together, which makes it nice for my clients to sort of be able to build their package how they want between those options.

Tell me about the birth where you learned the most about taking birth pictures?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough one! I’d say I have several. No matter how long a photographer is in the field, you learn something new at every single session I think. For me it was important to learn everything I needed to know about taking birth photos, before ever stepping foot into a birth to “practice” on, as birth is not something you can retake if you miss something. But if I had to pick, I would probably say some of my “firsts”. For instance my very first home birth, my very first hospital birth, first twin birth, first c-section, etc.

How long after the birth do I have to wait to get pictures?
I will usually give you a sneak peek within the first 24 hours of the birth. That way you have some beautiful images you can share with family and friends immediately to announce the birth of your new little one! I always say 4 to 6 weeks for the CD of all 150 to 300 images, although I have gotten them back within a couple of days. It sort of depends on how much work I have at the time. But is never beyond the 6 week mark and usually by 4 or sooner. If you need images for birth announcements, etc. I am always really flexible with emailing you a couple if you would like.


How much do you charge and what is included? 
Well, I always tell my clients in the beginning that it may be something you need to save up for. I do take payments as well, but it is along the lines of wedding photography (except that a wedding photographer isn’t on call 24/7 like I am ). Right now I am currently charging $400 for the birth, and have packages that include either the newborn or a maternity session for $575 and my “Whole Bundle of Joy” package which includes a maternity session as well as the birth and newborn sessions for $750. (These are my current specials that require a $100 deposit to hold at that price)

Any final words?

I just want to emphasize how priceless and invaluable birth photography is. No matter what your concern, I have never once had an unsatisfied customer. It definitely isn’t something you will regret! But I can’t tell you how many people I have talked to that never quite get around to booking their session until it’s too late and they say how much they had wished that they had done it. For me, it’s not an option. Not just as the professional birth photographer, but as a mother myself. My next birth, no matter what the obstacle, I will make sure I have my birth documented in a professional way so I can freeze those moments in time so the memories can always be fresh in my mind.

4 Types of Midwives that Attend Homebirths in Utah

There are a lot of misconceptions about the types of midwives who attend births in Utah including Southern Utah. Every woman has the right to know the credentials and skills of the midwife who may be attending her birth. Each type has it's positives and negatives.  This video is a basic break down of the 4 different types of midwives to help you make the best choice for your family.

What is the Difference Between a Birth Center and Birth Suite and a Home Birth in Utah?

I get asked this question all the time 

"What is the difference between a home birth and birth suite or birth center birth?"

First we need to look at the difference between a birth center and birth suite.

What is a birth center in Utah?
A birth center in Utah is almost always staffed by Certified Nurse Midwives. The birth center must be in near proximity to a hospital. It needs to be constructed adequately to provide emergency service (rolling beds etc.) to move through out it. They are required by law to mandate certain laboratory tests for both mother and baby and must carry liability insurance as well as malpractice insurance which is where a large amount of your birth fee goes. All nursing services provided at the center must be done by licensed nurses. There can be up to five birthing rooms at a birth center. There are restrictions on what pregnant women may birth in a birth center example: no twins. Epidural anesthesia or cesarean births are not performed at a birth center. Here is a list of birth center laws for Utah. There is only one free standing birth center in Utah and it is located in Salt Lake City. Because of all of the additional fees and laws many birth centers do not stay in business for long. The average length of stay after a birth at a birth center is 4-8 hours.

What is a birth suite in Utah?
A birth suite it essentially a designated birth space for an out of hospital birth. All of the same equipment that your midwife offers at a homebirth is also available for those who want to birth in a birth suite. There is no difference in equipment offered. There may only be one birthing room in a birthing suite. Midwives and clients may determine their own qualifications for birthing at a birthing suite so depending on your midwife that may include birthing twins, breeches, etc. Birth suites are not required to be with in a prescribed distance from a hospital. Any type of Utah midwife, Traditional, Direct Entry, CPM, Licensed or CNM, can work at a birth suite. Some medical options may be available depending on your midwifes legal stance such as I.V. therapy, antibiotics in labor, and pitocin for postpartum hemorrhage. No epidural anesthesia or cesarean births are performed at a birth suite.The average length of stay after a birth suite birth is 4-8 hours.

Why would someone want to birth at a birth suite (birth center birth is not an option in Southern Utah)?

Some people are uncomfortable at the thought of birthing in their homes. They may be living in a space that in noncondusive to a private birth such as living with relatives or worry about sound traveling through apartment walls. They may have a belief that birth is safer out of the home. They may have family and friends who are less concerned about a birth suite/center birth than a home birth. They may have a young family and want some time alone with the baby after the birth before returning  to regular child care.

I provide birth suite care at two different facilities one birth suite in St. George Utah and the other birth suite in Cedar City Utah. I am a private independant contractor with permission to use the facility for an additional facility fee. If you feel like a birth suite birth might fit your families needs give me a call at -435-215-6514 or email me at completebeginnings@gmail.com

St. George Magazine Article December 2011

Options and Benefits abound for Mothers Wanting a Natural Childbirth Experience in Southern Utah

            In conversations with elderly women, I have been surprised to find that while some couldn't remember what they had eaten for breakfast that day, all had detailed memories of the births of their children, both the treasured parts and more difficult parts.  The experience of giving birth profoundly impacts a woman forever.  Many women had little choice in their birth experiences.  Either they gave birth before the advent of modern anesthesia techniques, or gave birth during the time of “twilight sleep birth” when women were given pain medication that rendered them unconscious or into such a trance that they would not remember what they went through to birth their babies.

            In the modern world, women have more options.  They can choose a “natural birth,” without any type of medication to start, stop, or numb the pain of labor, or an epidural, anesthesia placed in the epidural space in the woman’s spinal column, causing a cessation of pain below her waist. Epidurals can be a lifesaver for women who need cesarean sections and a very useful tool for those with long or drawn out labors.  However, natural childbirth offers tremendous benefits for the laboring woman and her baby:

·         Reduced chance of cesarean section

·         Easier time breastfeeding

·         Increased bonding between mother and infant and less separation

·         Increased participation by the mothers partner in the birth experience

·         Increased maternal sense of accomplishment

Natural childbirth also helps avoid many side effects that can occur from epidurals:

·         Reduced maternal blood pressure and fetal heart rate

·         Labor slowing, leading to additional medication to augment labor

·         Increased maternal temperature

·         Difficulty pushing

·         Increased likelihood of having a cut made (episiotomy) to birth the baby

·         Increased need for forceps or vacuum extractor to birth the baby

·         Increased cesarean section rate

·         Increase in infant hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

·         Increased chance of baby having to spend time in the nursery

·         Maternal anesthesia headaches (“epidural headache”)

·         Increased incidence of postpartum maternal back pain and paralysis

            While a natural birth is not the only road to a positive birth experience in Southern Utah, it is easiest to have a positive natural birth with some preparation.  Here are some local options to help women achieve that goal. 

Natural Childbirth Classes

Understanding the birth process makes it easier to cope with labor.  Classes are offered by the hospital and by other trained instructors. There are different approaches to childbirth education, make sure your class is focused on natural childbirth. 

Doula Services

A doula is a trained professional birth coach.  They provide support to the laboring mother and her partner by providing information, massage, changing of positions, relaxation support and other techniques to help ease the pain of labor.

Careful Selection of a Care Provider

Several local obstetricians, family doctors, and hospital based certified nurse midwives support and encourage natural birth. Shop around. You are paying your provider for a service: choose someone who supports your wishes while safeguarding your health and your baby's. 

Out-of-Hospital Birth Options

Southern Utah has one of the highest homebirth rates in the nation. Many trained and qualified homebirth midwives serve the women in the area, providing wonderful, safe experiences for both the mother and baby. The benefits of homebirth include:

ñ  Midwives are trained professionals who know normal birth and how to handle complications and have good relationships with the hospital if it becomes safer for you to birth there

ñ  One on one attention

ñ  Birthing in the comfort of your own home with water birth as an option

ñ  A clean environment, free of many of the “super bugs” that reside at hospitals

There are also out-of-hospital birth suites available in both St. George and Cedar City.   Birth suites provide the benefits and resources of homebirth outside your home if you aren't comfortable birthing there. 

More and more Southern Utah women everyday are realizing the benefits of choosing a natural birth for themselves and their children. The right tools can make all the difference and change a potential frightening and overwhelming experience to one that is treasured.

DyAnna Gordon, BS, is a Southern Utah native, mother of 4, doula, childbirth educator, birth trauma support group facilitator and traditional midwife at Complete Beginnings Childbirth Services