When a home birth does not work out for one reason or another with a first baby, it can be so redemptive to see families navigate their way peacefully the second go around.

We try to keep it real with our clients. Any birth is a success. It takes great courage to walk into one of the most overwhelming, intense, and beautiful experiences in life- birth. No matter how it happens it takes so much strength and determination. We're excited to open the dialogue more about collaborative care, homebirth transfers, and especially necessary cesareans. 

This story comes from one incredible mama. In fact, reading her recount and seeing the photos her photographer captured made me ugly cry quite a bit. Knowing her journey to homebirth, and knowing what her family has been through over the years made her triumph that much sweeter. 

It's that time of year again! The time that we must shamefully share with y'all the utterly embarrassing cesarean rates of our local hospitals. Consider these when choosing care providers!

As a birth photographer I am on call for births from about 38 weeks until baby is born. This means I have my phone with me 24/7 and drop everything when mom is in labor so I can be there to capture the birth and the fresh baby meeting his family. 

There is something pretty great about women finding their power in the midst of lots of self doubt, high expectations, and pressure from all sorts of forces in their lives. This is one of those stories- and an *almost* holiday birth to boot!

There is something about walking with a long time friend and couple you truly adore as they embark on their special journey into parenthood that is profoundly moving and extra special. To witness your friend find their strength as a woman, and then as a mother is a beautiful, poignant thing! 

Choosing your birth team is one of the most critical decisions you will make in your entire pregnancy. These are the people who will (or should!) support YOUR choices throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods. 

Every year we like to bring a little silly to your holiday greetings! 

This year we wanted to remind you that Mary had a "home" birth- though we think she may have found a waterbirth a little more comfortable...

To celebrate Tampa Bay's newest midwife, Charlie Rae, we're offering special pricing on all photography booked in the month of October!

Maternity, lifestyle newborn, and family sessions booked in and shot in the month of October will have the opportunity to purchase the disc of high-resolution photos and print release for only $150 - that's a $350 savings! The standard $150 session fee will apply, bringing the entire cost to only $300 plus tax! 

Also, for a limited time, birth coverage with a high-resolution disc of images is available for only $700 plus tax! Email me at jeanine@barefootbirth.com to get started!

It is with great joy and excitement that we announce that Barefoot Birth is (FINALLY!!!) providing concierge home birth services and personalized prenatal care!  We are looking forward to preserving REAL home birth midwifery right here Tampa Bay!

"...I think it’s time that we transfer your care.”

If you are planning an out of hospital birth, these are words you hoped you’d never hear, or thought wouldn't ever apply to your birth. I mean come on--you've eaten right, done all your prenatal yoga, read the latest Ina May book, and attended that 12 week long childbirth education class! You’ve done everything possible to prevent having to leave your intended birthing location. However, birth is unpredictable. As you and your labor partner prepare to transfer into uncharted waters, you’re feeling uneasy and wish that you would have hired a doula.

As many of you know, Barefoot Birth began as a small little wish of myself and my best friend Megan. This past summer, I had the huge honor of attending Megan's first homebirth and welcoming her son earthside. Every birth is so special, but to walk with your best friend on one of their most vulnerable and important days is simply magical. 

These are two best friends who I had the honor of caring for simultaneously during their second pregnancies. Katie and Dana were due just days apart from one another. They became inseparable after meeting when they were teenagers. They put their story like this:

My mantra along my path into birth work has been "let it happen." Birth work sought me out, wouldn't let me fight it off, and has thrown things in my lap along the way--beautiful, crazy, unbelievable things! I have been humbled beyond belief throughout the past five years with amazing opportunities, experiences, and the immense honor of witnessing such vulnerable experiences with the beautiful families I have served.  

As my formal midwifery training draws to a close, I asked the universe to just "let it happen" and tell me the direction my work should head in next. I never knew that the plan would not only make itself known, but then begin to happen right before my eyes.