Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | How Birth Videography Can Help Heal From Birth Trauma
How Birth Videography Can Help Heal From Birth Trauma
Birth is one of the most powerful, life changing experiences a person can go through. But for many, it doesn’t unfold as expected. Birth trauma...whether physical, emotional, or both is more common than most people realize. It can leave new parents feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or even robbed of the joyful moments they hoped for.
I have seen clients who simply had a birth go differently than they envisioned, nothing bad happened, they weren't transferred, it was just... different. Rewatching their film back showed them that the birth was far more peaceful than it felt at the time and it helped them rewrite the narrative that they had begun to tell themselves. Oftentimes, trauma can result more from the story we tell ourselves about the birth than the birth itself. It doesn't mean there wasn't trauma, but when we can rewrite that story or get clarity or reframe the story, it can make all of the difference in how we process our birth.
As a birth videographer, I’ve seen how documenting a birth can become more than just creating a keepsake...it can actually be a tool for healing.
Understanding Birth Trauma
Birth trauma looks different for everyone. For some, it may come from an emergency intervention, a long or difficult labor, or moments where they felt unheard. For others, it’s the emotional weight of plans changing in an instant. No matter the details, birth trauma can leave scars that linger far beyond the birth space.
While professional support from therapists, doulas, and supportive care providers is essential, having your birth documented on film can provide a unique path toward processing and healing.
How Birth Videography Helps in Healing
1. Reclaiming the Story
When a birth feels chaotic or traumatic, the memories can feel jumbled, incomplete, or clouded by stress. A birth film allows parents to revisit their experience with clarity. Seeing what actually happened...moments of strength, support, and resilience can help rewrite the narrative from one of fear to one of empowerment.
2. Noticing the Love You Missed
In the intensity of labor, it’s easy to miss the small but powerful gestures happening around you: a partner’s hand on your back, the way your birth team worked together, or the first cry that filled the room. A film captures those details so you can see them later, often revealing love and support you didn’t realize were there in the moment.
3. Affirming Strength and Courage
Trauma can make someone question their own strength. Watching your own birth story reminds you of the incredible endurance and courage you carried through...even when things didn’t go as planned. This reframing can be profoundly healing.
4. Creating a Bridge for Connection
Sometimes birth trauma makes it difficult to bond with your baby or partner afterward. Seeing your birth on film can help close that gap, highlighting the joy, connection, and beauty that existed even in the harder moments. It creates a tangible reminder that love was present all along.
5. Honoring and Processing the Experience
A birth film doesn’t erase trauma, but it creates space for reflection. Watching it, sometimes alongside a spouse or support person, can help parents process emotions, cry, grieve, and begin to heal with a fuller perspective.
Why Birth Films Are More Than Just Keepsakes
Birth videography isn’t just about capturing a baby’s first breath...it’s about honoring your journey. For families who experienced trauma, a film can be a mirror that reflects back strength, love, and resilience. It can remind you that even though things didn’t unfold perfectly, your story still matters and is worth remembering with tenderness.
If you’ve experienced birth trauma, you are not alone. And while healing is a process, having your story documented can be a powerful part of reclaiming it.
I love filming births and would love to chat about your birth!
5 Common Myths About Birth Videography (And Why They’re Not True) | Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer
5 Common Myths About Birth Videography (And Why They’re Not True)
Birth is one of the most powerful and emotional experiences a family can go through and it deserves to be remembered. Yet, many parents hesitate when it comes to hiring a birth videographer/photographer because of misconceptions that have been circulating for years.
If you’ve been considering birth videography/photography in Nashville, TN, or beyond, you may have heard some of these common myths. Let’s break them down and uncover the truth about why birth films are one of the most meaningful ways to preserve your story.
Myth #1: Birth videography is too invasive
The truth: A professional birth videographer knows how to blend into the background. My role is not to be in your face with a camera...it’s to quietly capture the story as it unfolds. Most clients tell me they hardly notice I’m there, and when they watch their film back, they’re amazed at how many beautiful moments they didn’t even realize were happening.
Myth #2: The video will be graphic
The truth: Birth films don’t have to focus on the medical side of birth. Instead, they highlight the emotions—the look on your partner’s face when they first meet your baby, the way you breathe through contractions, the moment your baby is placed on your chest. I prefer to focus on the relationships and connection with your birth team and spouse that helps you ride the waves of labor and bring your baby safely earthside.
Myth #3: My birth space will feel crowded
The truth: Most hospitals, birth centers, and even home birth teams are familiar with videographers and photographers and welcome us into the space. I work closely with your birth team to ensure I am never in the way. My job is to respect the sacredness of the environment while documenting it with care.
Myth #4: It’s only for “perfect” births
The truth: Every birth story is unique and beautiful—whether it unfolds exactly as planned or takes unexpected turns. Birth videography and photography isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth. Even in the hardest moments, there is beauty, strength, and deep love worth remembering. Many families find that their birth film helps them process and appreciate their experience even more fully.
Myth #5: I’ll never actually watch the video
The truth: Almost every family who books birth videography tells me later it’s one of the best investments they made. You’ll revisit your film on birthdays, anniversaries, or simply on a day when you want to remember how strong you are. Your child will also get to see the story of how they entered the world—what an incredible gift to pass down.
Final Thoughts
Birth videography isn’t about making a “movie” of your birth—it’s about preserving the emotions, the connections, and the once-in-a-lifetime story of how your baby came into the world. If you’re in Nashville, TN, and considering a birth videographer, I’d love to help capture your story in the most meaningful, respectful way possible. Contact me here.
Why Hiring a Birth Videographer + Photographer in Nashville is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
When you picture the moment you meet your baby for the very first time, you probably imagine the joy, the tears, and the rush of love. But birth also moves quickly, and those memories can blur together in the haze of labor and postpartum recovery. That’s where birth photography and videography come in.
For families in Nashville, TN, hiring a birth photographer or videographer is one of the most meaningful ways to honor your story. These images and films don’t just document a day — they preserve the beginning of everything.
Why Birth Photography Matters
Birth photography isn’t about staged smiles or posed perfection. It’s about truth, strength, and connection. Here’s why so many Nashville families choose to have their births documented:
✨You see your own strength. In the middle of labor, it’s hard to step back and realize just how powerful you are. Later, your photos and film will show you exactly that.
✨Husbands are remembered, too. From the gentle touch of a hand to the tears of joy when baby arrives, birth photography highlights your husband’s love and support.
✨The little details don’t fade. Tiny toes, the first cries, the exact moment your baby is placed on your chest — those are memories worth reliving forever.
Why Nashville Families Choose Birth Videography + Photography
Nashville is a city full of storytellers, and birth is your family’s most important story. Whether you’re delivering at a Nashville birth center or at home with your midwife, having a professional there ensures those moments are captured beautifully and respectfully.
Unlike phone photos that often get forgotten, professional images and films allow you to revisit your baby’s birth story with clarity, emotion, and artistry.
The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
Birth is the day your family changes forever. By choosing birth photography and videography, you give yourself the gift of remembering every detail with clarity and love. Years from now, your child will be able to see the story of their very first day in the world — and the overwhelming love that surrounded them.
If you’re expecting in Nashville, TN and want your birth story preserved, I’d be honored to document it for you.
✨ Let’s connect — reach out today to learn more about Nashville birth photography and videography.
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of Indi Kate
Man, I knew filming my close friend's birth would be a super big challenge but it was even bigger than I anticipated. I thought maybe I would struggle with camera shakiness and crying when she had her baby, but it was more that I was dissociating and came home and needed to talk with doula friends to feel connected to my body again. Birth is WILD and SO deeply emotional. Even the least emotional person is likely to be highly affected. Many times, Im depressed coming off of the birth high. It's such a high high that you just naturally hit a low. and then level out. But I love every second.This was Sarah's first birth and baby. We filmed their sweet announcement of expecting a baby last year. Sarah did CrossFit her whole pregnancy and as a student midwife, did as many things as possible to prepare for birth. Going into this birth, she had a lot of muscle. We will find out that that muscle was indeed super needed for this particular birth.Her maternity session was so fun, capturing how they lived during their first time expecting a baby. How they loved listening to baby's heartbeat with a stethoscope and just enjoyed the days of Sarah having a sweet bump. Okay, let's get to the birth part already...On the day she turned 40 weeks, she got a PR on her Deadlift and then the next morning her water broke 🤣 So, maybe there's a lesson in there somewhere.🤣 She let us all know her water broke because we had Saturday plans and we weren't sure how close she was to delivering. During the day she and I and her bff went on a walk to help labor move along and ate popsicles.I stayed home and nearby and was called to go over to her house (she lives 5 mins walking distance from me). She was indeed in labor but the midwives said probably around 5 cm. I got some footage between 7-10 PM and went home to sleep. I came back the next morning around 5 am and it was really picking up and she was at 8 cm. Perfect timing. I got footage of early labor and got to sleep all night! What a dream! Sarah was hoping she would have as sunrise baby 🤣 That's high hopes for a first time mom!By 8-9 am it was very apparent that this last cm and that pushing was not going to be easy at all. She had this one last cm that just kept HANGING ON. Once baby arrived, we learned why. She also felt SO frustrated because she was honest to God pushing SO hard when it came time and it was like pushing against a brick wall.She at one point, called us all delusional for thinking she could do this at home 🤣 But the two midwives, the doula and the rest of us were all VERY confident that baby was progressing, just slowly. She was so frustrated. One of her midwives, Shannon, tells her - as you can see in the video - if you aren't making progress in the next bit, I will take you in. This was a reverse psychology threat 🤣 as she knew Sarah would get more determined than ever. Around 11:15, baby was finally born MILITARY OP position, which is the hardest position to get out. Everything then made SO much sense. This position keeps baby from fully engaging which keeps that last cm from fully opening and makes it feel SO hard to get baby out. But SARAH did it and honestly, her muscles from all the lifting made a huge difference. If she had been in a hospital she likely would have been c-sectioned.
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | 5 Things No one Tells you about birth
You have dreamed of someday, having a baby, of seeing that line show up on the test, of who you might be married to when it happens. and finally, that dream has come true.
Being pregnant is so humbling. From morning sickness to growing larger and larger - it is just so hard and so humbling. It comes with an array of emotions as you process your body changing and also, that you'll have an incredible little life to be in charge of soon. It's a lot of change! You will get so many different view points that you will be annoyed by week 20. But what aren't people telling you that you might even want to hear?
1. Your emotions will be wild after birth.
After having your baby, you'll have this high of emotions. The surge of these hormones will help you to fall in love with your baby and to have the energy to be what baby needs. But those emotions will come down at some point and when they do, you'll feel sad. You might suddenly cry when your baby has their first big blow out or outgrows a newborn outfit - all of these emotions are normal. They are part hormonal and part because you are processing everything that has happened. My recommendation is to find a way to let the emotions flow. Journaling or just sitting in them, helps them to be processed in a healthier way so that you can feel more stable.
2. Birth isn't as awful as we may have heard.
Labor isn't as painful and terrible as you might have heard. It can be hard for some, definitely. But if you can take a good quality course like Bradley Method and learn how to labor well, it can help a lot. Pain can be lessened by taking lots of magnesium during pregnancy and having loose fascia. The key is to be relaxed in your body and to surrender your mind and body to the process. And of course, I highly recommend hiring a doula. A doula can make the pain significantly less! And if your plan is to have an epidural, well I would have a plan B because I had to have 3 epidurals and none of them worked and I had no way to manage the pain. I was also induced and so that was absolutely awful. My 2nd pregnancy I had no epidural and knew how to handle labor and had a doula and it was a MUCH better experience.
3. You will still looks pregnant... even after your baby has been born.
It takes a while for everything to shrink down. You just grew a whole human and your body will take a few weeks or longer to reduce your uterus and tissues back to their new size. Pack something cozy in your hospital bag or have something ready for after your home birth and just know that's part of the process.
4. Nursing struggles are normal.
I don't actually think this next one is a surprise these day, but nursing doesn't always come naturally. It can feel awkward as you step into this new life of becoming a mother and if so, just know it's okay. I think having grace on yourself is going to go so far in these first weeks as a new mother. Between oral ties and weird nipples, nursing struggles are normal. I do think it is so worth the work of pushing forward because the reward of being able to nurse is so great - from feeling confident as a nurturer to the extreme benefits breast milk has for baby - and the anti breast cancer effects of nursing - I believe that women can achieve it if they are willing to ask for help - and maybe even if they need help more than once. Get CFT on baby and mom, which can help nursing significantly and hire the best lactation consultant if needed. Let other women come help you step into this role and remember, you weren't meant to do this alone.
5. Things very likely may not go according to plan
I think it is extremely important to hold your birth plans loosely. If you are overly tied to the plans and stuck in a state of control of the outcome, it will hinder not only your ability to give birth but also the first few hours you spend with your baby, because you will be in a state of shock over how it all played out. Many of us know that hospital births are a much more challenging place to follow "birth plans" and that is why I personally, would never have a hospital birth without a doula to advocate for me while I can be in my own body and mind working hard on birth and labor. But regardless of where you choose to birth, sometimes things like inductions and assistance are warranted. My own births were emergency C-sections (I now know I have an extremely curved tail bone, they can't even find the end of it and think that played a huge role). Having had tried for a v-bac with the 2nd baby, I can honestly say in hindsight, I would prioritize my emotions after birth over the way the birth played out because I was so upset with myself for having failed my birth plan and wish I could have been more emotionally stable and in the moment those first weeks of my son's life. So, to sum up, have plans ... but have advocates between you and the medical staff, so that you can trust the plans if they change a little better and be in a good headspace for your postpartum period.
6. Pushing isn't necessary
One thing I have learned in the many many births I have attended, is that pushing forcefully isn't actually that normal and necessary. For one, if it is unwarranted, it can ruin your pelvic floor. For two, you have a fetal ejection reflex, which is defined as "a natural, involuntary process where the body expels the baby during the second stage of labor without the need of forced pushing" .... it's pretty cool. Anyway, a good midwife will coach you to relax your pelvic floor vs pushing against tension, which will translate to a healthier pelvic floor and less chance of tearing. It's more of a breathing down into your pelvic floor and less of a forced push. It's a surrender rather than a workout.
I hope you enjoyed this blog about birth! If you want your own birth filmed, please reach out to me and let's chat!
Nashville, TN Birth Videographer + Photographer | Why you need to prioritize rest and healing postpartum
Society. Our society is so wild. They have put this expectation on mothers that after we deliver a whole human we grew from nothing, that we are able to bounce right back, look amazing, and juggle all things motherhood within a few short weeks of giving birth. And as much as society is to blame, being stubborn as women, we are to blame too.
I want to talk about the things that need to happen postpartum and why it is so incredibly important to do whatever you can to heal and rest WELL during this period.
First of all, you are healing a dinner plate sized wound in your uterus. You need REST to heal that well. You are also VERY depleted from sharing all your nutrients with a baby for 9 months AND now you are sharing even MORE nutrients with that baby via nursing. Being friends with many midwives and doulas, I can tell you that postpartum you will need 4k cals a day of food to heal and recover and renourish your body. This information is from a doula who got specific training in postpartum nutrition. The lack of these 4k cals is why women's hair falls out, why postpartum depression and even psychosis exists as well as postpartum anxiety. It's why women feel completely exhausted. We have somehow managed to normalize waking up, drinking coffee first thing, eating nothing until noon and then barely surviving the day and wondering why we feel the way we do.
Whether you hire someone to help postpartum, or your husband and you have a plan that involves food prep, etc - PRIORITIZE getting nutrients in. It has even been said that mom doesn't even need to be drinking plain water, because ideally, she is drinking raw milk and bone broth - liquid calories - during the day, rather than water.
Your ONLY job postpartum is to rest and snuggle your newborn for AT LEAST one week. (per midwives' recommendation). When mommas are out of bed too soon and moving around too much, they run the risk of hemorrhaging from that dinner sized wound I mentioned earlier. The general rule of thumb in a home-birth setting is 5-5-5. Five days IN the bed, five days ON the bed, and five days NEAR the bed. To rest, to eat well, to learn about your baby. Have help mama, ASK for HELP. Find someone in your family or friends to come help. If possible, have a mother or mother in law come stay for a few weeks, and if that doesn't work, find friends to rotate through. Teach your husband about postpartum and set up plans for postpartum healing. Have a cleaning person, etc. Whatever helps you feel calm and rested. Because, you do not need to be stressed postpartum either - as your nervous system regulates the baby's.
These first few weeks with your baby go by SO incredibly fast. SOAK THEM IN. Don't try to do it all and miss this time. The laundry will aways be there waiting for you, but a 1 week old won't be, because he will turn 2 weeks shortly. So stare at your baby, be calm entering motherhood and set the stage for those first few years of mothering that baby. Start off in peace and love and being loved on.
We weren't meant to do this alone, ever. We weren't meant to be SO damn independent that it comes at a cost to our central nervous system. We were meant to be cared for and loved on during our pregnancy and postpartum periods.
I should also mention how much how we handle this time period can affect the future. If we aren't nourished well postpartum, this will greatly affect us when we get to be in our 40s. What happens is, women enter perimenopause very early and have a much harder menopause transition.
How we feel, in our nervous system, those first few weeks makes a HUGE difference in baby. If our fascia is tight because we are stressed, baby's fascia is also tight. Which then affects baby's ability to latch and nurse. I highly recommend having a provider come to the home if possible to give you and baby some CFT (cranial sacral fascial therapy) (which is not the same as CST). It is called the Gillespie method and it loosens fascia for baby and mom (because baby mimics mom) and can dramatically help the body be calm and relaxed. I hope midwives get trained in it so they can provide this service to their mamas.
You can enter motherhood in peace and love and become the mother you want to be. But it actually comes from doing LESS those first weeks and not from doing MORE. Put down the stubbornness and surrender to motherhood, the most amazing ride you will get to go on. You are amazing for prioritizing your health which then prioritizes your children's health.
Warmly,
Jennie
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | 7 Questions to ask your birth photographer
What does on call time look like?
I go on call at 37 weeks and stay on call until 42 weeks or until baby arrives. Every time I leave the house, I have my birth bag and camera with me, in case I get called. I am ready to go 24/7 and will discuss in detail with you when to let me know you are in labor.
What if you are not able to attend my birth?
I most likely will not miss your birth because Im at another birth, because I do not take births that overlap much. I spread out my clients by at least a few weeks. Because it is that important to me to be at your birth, as I realize that I am one of very few birth videographers in the Nashville area. The only way I would be unable to attend is in the case of severe sickness or a life altering event. If that did happen, I would credit you for the amount paid to be applied for future family sessions.
What happens if baby arrives before you get to the birth?
Sometimes, babies come faster than expected! Birth is wild and unpredictable sometimes. In most cases, I trust my intuition and head out sooner rather than later... even if that means I am there a bit longer than necessary. In the event that your baby arrives faster than expected and I do miss the actual delivery, I’ll be on my way just as quickly as I can to document the amazing first few hours of you with your new baby.
Do you have back up gear?
I do! I have backup microphones and a back up camera. I have multiple batteries, charged and ready to go.
Can I see a full gallery?
If a client has given me permission, I am happy to share a full gallery with you. There are also many images on my instagram and website!
Will you share my images?
I am SO grateful to the mamas who do let me share their photos and or film. Because it provides potential clients the opportunity to see my work. However, birth is incredibly sacred. Even if before your birth you have given me written permission to share anything, I text you images first and ASK permission. Every single time a birth photo or video is shared, I ask... because they are YOUR memories. Also, my clients see sneak peeks and their film before anyone else does. This is incredible important to me, as memories are sacred.
Are you a doula?
I am not! and Thankfully so. I do not believe that a GOOD videographer has the capacity to capture your story fully AND be there for you like a doula should be. I have had two births and have attended many births. I had to learn all about labor and delivery in college, during my degree in developmental psychology. I myself, took the Bradley Method Birth course during my 2nd pregnancy. I feel extremely informed about birth and come highly recommended by many doulas and midwives in the area.
Nashville, Tennessee Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Tubina Wild Milky Birth Tub vs Earthside Birth Pool
Having attended home births for going on 4 years now, I have seen many tubs in action and have many observations about them! I prefer clients to choose the white tubs over the blue tubs, simply because the white ones reflect light onto baby's face and the blue ones do not. In addition to that, the blue ones cast a blue hue onto baby. Many times, newborns are already less magenta and pink when they are born, so this can accentuate that or make bruising appear worse than it is. I can edit only so much out, and hardly any of that out of video, so it is ideal to get the best scenario in real life.A few years ago, Earthside tubs came out and everyone flocked to them. The white was new and innovative and beautiful. I have not enjoyed my interactions with Earthside, they come off very closed off - they don't ever want to collaborate or share other photographers' work. That is their prerogative, but from my perspective, sharing more = more followers = more sales AND better community. People love you and feel connected to you. Tubina has been entirely different from this stand point. She loves working with all kinds of birth workers and photographers and will share anyone's posts using her tubs. She seem so incredibly grateful and in love with her job. She comes across authentic and kind and happy.Now to compare the actual tubs. The tubs themselves, the Tubina has this amazing arch shape that I LOVE. It really gives this amazing wall for momma to lean against and labor and or birth and an arching circle for her birth team to gather around and assist her in anyway. It also gives so much space for a videographer to have a place to shoot from, with many angles. There is no "seat" in it, but I personally think thats a plus. It kind of gets in the way, I have never seen a mom use the seat in the Earthside tub - and you never know where mama will want to be. The Tubina also has a 3 tier design that really displays the higher quality (despite the $100 cheaper price!) The Tubina is SO incredibly elegant. It is thick and sturdy. With the earthside, I have seen sides cave in, the liner didn't fit well and it was just a hot mess. The Earthside is small and doesn't feel like it will last. The Tubina is solid and I think could last for multiple pregnancies. Also, the Tubina could allow a child or husband into the pool, whereas the Earthside is too small. The liners for the Tubina are TOP notch and you do not even notice them - I have never experienced this at a birth, they are usually very obnoxious both in look and in function.Tubina Wild Milky Birth Tubhttps://www.instagram.com/tubinawild/
- Outer Dimensions: 67" x 60" x 27"
- Material thickness: 0.4mm
- Price: $175
Earthside Birth Poolhttps://www.instagram.com/earthsidebirthpools/
- Measures (inflated): 65.5 in x 59 in x 27 in
- Professional grade thickness: 0.5 mm
- Price: $279
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of Hosanna Dawn Joy
Madison was due the weekend after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving night as I headed to bed, she had sent me a text "Hi! We are about to try & head to bed. Contractions have been consistent for the last hour or so & I’ve been having quite a bit of bloody show. We’ll call or V will when it’s time!"I tried to get sleep (it is so hard to sleep when you think you'll head out soon!)At 10:38, her doula, Viergeni White, texted me "Hey lady! I’m Madison’s doula and I’m about to head over. She’s contracting about 6m apart lasting over a minute"Given it was Madison's 3rd baby and her previous births were not slow by any means, I slowly got ready and left. I got to her home around 11:39. No one else was there. I filmed a few clips of them in the partially lit room, alone. It was intimate and incredibly beautiful, just me and them. Around midnight, Viergeni arrived. Apparently that was all Madison needed because literally when her doula walked in, things picked up fast. We started to wonder if baby was going to come before the midwife got there. The tub was finally ready, and Madison hopped in. Within a few contractions, just as the midwife (Tanya Green) arrived, baby was born. She was born at 12:36!!! I was not even there an hour before baby came. I am really amazed at how long her birth film is, because I left around 2:20 am and I remember feeling so odd leaving already. But I had stayed through everything, it all just went so fast. and mom was tired and ready for rest. I was home by 3 am. I woke up in the morning and my mother in law said "No baby yet, huh?" and I said, "actually, yes!" and she was amazed I had gone and come back and slept all since she went to bed.If you are thinking about having your home birth filmed, I would LOVE to chat with you! Enjoy this incredible birth film and some photos!
Nashville Newborn Photographer | The Best Doulas in Nashville, Franklin, Spring Hill, TN and Beyond!
As a Nashville Birth Videographer and Photographer, I am blessed to be able to attend many home births. As such, I get to see so many birth providers and doulas and midwives support women in their journey of bringing their newborn into the world.Hiring a doula is such an integral part of your birth plans. I did not have a doula with my first birth and it turned out the epidurals do not work on my body (they gave me 3 and all 3 failed). So for my 2nd birth, I attended Bradley Method Birth Classes and hired me a doula!It was 2012, and the birth world wasn't what it is today. I found a few and interviewed them but ultimately chose a woman named Beulah (Man, if she wasn't 70 and was starting her business today, what a marketing campaign for Beulah the Doula!). She was amazing. Calm and centered. and I adored her. (I would recommend her, but I don't think she's practicing much these days!). All that to say, I truly know the importance of having a doula that meshes well with you and can stand up for you, plus support you WELL.Here are my top faves!!!
- Viergeni White. I have attended a few births with this lady and she is hands down the BEST doula. You know, being the best doula doesn't really have to do with WHAT they do? It's how they do it. It's their presence. Their soul. any doula can "do all the right things" but it really comes down to that plus their spiritual self and presence in the birth space. This sweet lady has such a deep connection with her moms, she prays audibly, shows up so happy to be there. She is so in tune with mom. Is just amazing.
2. Lyss Moore. I have not yet gotten to be in a birth with Lyss, but I have heard many MIDWIVES rave about her. She holds women well in their time of need and has a big heart for birth.3. Kimberly Williams. Kimberly is amazing. She's a gentle soul and loves the lord. She is an incredible doula with a peaceful presence in the birth space.
4. Amanda Githaiga. I have not yet had a birth with this doula, but she comes highly recommended by doulas on this list! She is who other doulas would hire for their birth - which speaks volumes. She is crunchy and Christian, which matters to many.5. Lauren Glass. I had a long VBAC with this lovely doula. She spent many hours with this momma, supporting her and helping her, mentally and physically. Mom even got transferred and Lauren's energy never waned. She is fierce and loving - an amazing combination for a doula.
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of Owen Jesse
Jessie hired me with some slight risk attached to it. She was due around the time I would be in Tampa Florida for a family film. But it was her 4th baby and she always goes later.... so we took the risk. When a client hires me for birth, we talk about the chance I don't make it to their birth. They basically get a credit for the amount they spent for future film and photography. She and I both entered into this willingly and hopeful. Well, a hurricane hit Florida, so I was in fact here and she did in fact go later as well.on the day she gave birth, she sent me a few texts about things potentially starting. It was breakfast time so I simply got ready in case I got the call. She goes fast and lives 35 minutes away. I started to get a feeling around 11 am and went into town to be closer to her. I texted her midwife (she and I are friends) to ask if she was the one on call. and She was! (Lauren Drees of Haven Birth and Wellness). Not only that but she was grateful for the heads' up (Jessie had not yet contacted her) so she could get showered and ready since she knew she would be on video! I ended up hanging out a friend's house for a bit when I got the call to come. I was all of 7 minutes away. We all arrived about 90 mins before baby arrived 🤣🤣🤣 So I think we all played our cards right!Jessie is so funny in birth. She's very chatty in between contractions and there are very few signs she's about to give birth. Her doula of 4x was there and let us know "this is how she is all the way up until pushing!" I don't think Jessie had more than handful of contractions in the tub before baby was arriving earth side!Day time births are my specialty it seems. After the tub birth, Jessie moved into a guest room for her postpartum. The light was OUT of the world!!! Just breathtaking. I loved editing this birth and making the prayer from Grandpa included. It is so special and I wanted them to always remember it.If you want your birth captured on video and photos, please let's chat!
Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer | The Birth of June
In June, I had the honor of filming and photographing a birth for a client whom I have worked with many times in the past few years. She first hired me to capture the home birth of her 2nd child, a boy a few years back. She has since done annual family films and each baby has had a newborn session. This was my first birth client to have hired me for a 2nd birth, which was really exciting. Both of her home births were daytime and just gorgeous. She hired Haven Birth + Wellness both times. I love that I get to be at many Haven births each year. I have grown close to the entire midwifery team and just love when we get to share the same birth space.My favorite part of how Erin moves through the journey of labor and birth, is how she verbalizes. It just makes her birth films have so much more story to them, and I love it. She verbalizes her fears and anxieties and what she is feeling physically. I love the story of her feelings and how her birth team really supported her. If you think you want your home birth filmed, you can contact me here. You can watch her film below:
Nashville Birth Photographer | The Birth of Shiloh Owen
Being hired to video and photograph the most important days of a family's live.... it's just beyond words. It's a gift, and honor, and I truly never take it for granted.
Krista reached out to me about filming her birth. She and her husband are former wedding videographers themselves. There is no greater compliment than when other photographers and videographers choose me.
I was incredibly blessed to be able to come to Krista's birth of her 3rd baby, during the day time. We had such gorgeous weather for her March Birth. Her home birth team was incredible. Krista's labor progressed so fast, we worried the midwife would not make it! Baby was born within 10 minutes of the midwife arriving. It was fast, but incredibly beautiful.
Krista and Patrick did not find out the gender of their baby until he arrived. It was such an incredible moment as she found out he was a boy!
Doula: Kimberly Williams of https://growingyournest.com/
Midwife: Cameron https://libertymidwife.com/
The Birth of Shiloh PG from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
4 Benefits of Delayed Cord Clamping | Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer
In my 3 years of birth photography and videography experience, I have been drawn to so many elements presented before me in the birth space. Because of my decision to niche and only offer my services for home births, I frequently see similar birth plan decisions play out in the birth space. One of those being delayed cord clamping. I have yet to see any babies not delayed. I wondered what the benefits were, as this wasn't a known thing when I had my own babies in 2009 + 2012. As a person with a BS in developmental psychology, anything that affects a baby's health or development interests me. I thought I would share with you what I found.
According to the American College of obstetricians and gynecologists, here are 4 benefits of delayed cord clamping.
#1 Blood Benefits
In full term newborns, delayed cord clamping increases hemoglobin levels at birth and improves iron stores in the first months of life, which in turn can affect development. I know both of my boys had "low hemoglobin" and I remember wondering how and why, as I was nursing. My 2nd baby, I even went so far as to serve him liver for one of his first foods and he still had this issue.
#2 Circulation + preterm babies
Delaying cord clamping was associated with SIGNIFICANT neonatal benefits in PRETERM babies. It improves their circulation, then better establish red blood cell volume.
#3 Premature Babies Benefit
In Premature babies, there is a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (a severe complication within the intestines in premature babies).
#4 Reduced risks for preterm babies
Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping also decreases the need for a blood transfusion and decreases risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.
If I were having a baby today, I would have a doula ready to keep the hospital from clamping too early especially if I went into labor early.
If you are thinking about having your birth filmed and photographed, please reach out!
Birth Photography + Videography FAQ's
#1. What can you expect from your birth videographer + photographer? (aka me!)
I am a professional birth videographer and photographer who believes in throwing 150% of myself into each and every birth. My goal is to give you the best photos and video I can from the day of your birth. I believe in building a relationship with my clients (especially birth since it is such a sacred space!). This is why I not only meet you before we go through the booking process, but I meet you at your home. I want to see your birth space and see the vision you have for your birth. My goal is to bring you back to the very moment your baby entered the world for years to come.
#2 How soon should you book your birth photographer + videographer?
Immediately. I know that you have to go through the process of hiring a midwife and possibly a doula and getting insurance in order to pay for your home birth, but don't be afraid to start the conversation while you are getting your ducks in a row. I only take on 6 births a year, so availability is extremely limited.
#3 When do I arrive at your birth and how long do I stay?
I aim to arrive 2-3 hrs before delivery, around 6-7 cm (all a guesstimate, as we know!) and stay approximately 2 hours after birth. I am aiming to capture all of your transition phase of birth as well as immediately after birth as you have skin to skin, cut the cord, latch for the first time. I will also capture daddy holding baby for the first time, baby getting weighed and measured during their newborn assessment and then if applicable, the siblings meeting their little baby sibling.
#4 What happens if I miss the birth?
I give my clients the option of either having me call in a backup or converting their fees to other types of photography. Most often, clients don't want an unknown person walking into their birth space, so most often we plan to convert it to a credit (this has never happened by the way!). Clients can then use it for a family film or photography sessions.
#5 Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, I do! I can divide it up into 4-6 payments, depending on your preference. As long as your invoice is paid in full by 36 weeks, all is well!
The Birth Story of Melody Ann | Nashville Birth Videographer + Photographer
Melody Ann Rhodes Allen Birth Story (as told by the mother, Emily)
December 29th 2023
With her 1 month Earth side quickly approaching (Friday) I didn’t want to put off sharing our birth story any longer! I am so proud to share our story. When preparing for a home birth, listening and reading about positive home births and mamas experiences was so beneficial for me. My hope is that this would serve as the same for others ❤️ Daniel recorded some time stamps so I’m going to go through the sequence of events in that way.
The Birth of Melody Ann | December 2023 from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
Brief context and a little bit of my why on choosing a homebirth. I had the pleasure of meeting my beloved midwives as my own clients before I ever became one of theirs. Over the span of knowing Sarah fuqua for a few months into a year I met Sara Rosser. We became fast friends and I grew to understand their work a lot more. We shared a lot of commonalities with all things natural and holistic. I had always wanted a third child but felt so blessed to have two healthy children, so I had come to terms with having our two and calling it quits, well, God had other plans! ❤️ I’ll always say the Sarah’s final last words were if you ever have a third…😉 From the very first prenatal appointment in our living room I could tell this experience was already going to be vastly different from my previous two births. I felt held, heard, understood , and incredibly lucky to be under the care of my friends. Then I had the pleasure of meeting the force of nature that is Jennie our photographer. If I was going to do this I wanted it to be documented and she is the ultimate expert in this field!! We had the all-star team in place! I was already confident in my body with the way I birthed my other two (induced/epidural/vaginal delivery/labor time lasting less than 8 hours for both) so I was ready to embark on this new adventure!
2:45 AM: I woke up to a sudden leak of fluid and when I got up to check I dismissed it and went back to lay down. Not a minute later I felt baby move and this time a lot more fluid was leaking out so Daniel and I both got up and I got a test strip to check if it was amniotic fluid, sure enough, it was! We looked at each other excitedly! I was so excited to have this happen naturally for me and not have my waters broken in the hospital like with my other two. I called Sarah Fuqua to let her know and she told me “I was just dreaming you were calling me and then I picked up!” (I swear God made her for this work) she proceeded to tell us to try to lay back down and rest and that she understood it may be difficult to since our adrenaline spiked but that we’d need all the energy for labor in the near future. So we listened and tried to fall back asleep. We may have dozed off a little bit but eventually I just woke up expectant of baby’s arrival soon!
4:30 AM: I took a shower and prayed for Daniel, baby and myself, our midwives, my sister and our photographer. I prayed everything would flow seamlessly and that this birth would turn out to glorify him. I gave up my surrender and told him I trust in his design to help me birth my baby.
5:00 AM: By this time my sister had woken up and met us with the same amount of excitement we both were having! We started reminiscing on our birth stories together and it was such special time spent that I won’t ever forget. I had imagined that since my water broke I would start contracting soon but nothing was happening other than a steady flow of fluid.
We hung out chit chatting until our kiddos woke up at 6:45 and 7:15. Grace and Daniel made them breakfast, got them dressed and sent off to hang out with our best friends Jake and Cristy who live in our neighborhood.
9 AM rolls around and I still wasn’t feeling anything, like nothing at all, just more fluid leaking. I kind of started getting discouraged because I thought I should be feeling something by now. I asked my midwives what I could be doing to get things started. They had me start the miles circuit which is laying in certain positions to get the baby in optimal birthing position. I spent about an hour doing that until their arrival at our house.
11:15 AM I told them I am ready to do whatever in order to meet our baby soon! Another final last words scenario…😂 Sarah fuqua proceeded to have me climb our stairs three steps at a time for 15 mins straight 🥵 I felt like I bossed that out 💪🏻 and was ready to move on to the next thing. Shaking apples! That helped baby get into a good position. After this I contemplated a cervical check…I was always used to cervical checks in the hospital and didn’t necessarily think I wanted to do that this time around. But, my eagerness got the best of me and I asked them check. They said I was dilated to 4 centimeters…In my previous labors 4 centimeters was the point when I got an epidural so I was excited to feel everything in its entirety moving forward.
12:15 PM we came up with a game plan on what I’d do next; eat lunch, maybe go walk around target, come back and rest. My sweet friend Betsy showed up with lunch for us and during that time I experienced a large contraction. Hoorayyyy!! Bets prayed with me which was such a burst of encouragement to get me started into my steady flow of contractions. We ditched the game plan of going to Target because I felt like I needed to head upstairs to get more comfortable.
12:30 PM By this point my contractions were lasting 1 min each and coming 4 mins apart. Technically this indicates active labor, but I was in denial. I was hunched over holding myself up on our bed mumbling “I think I’m fine, don’t call Jennie yet”. To which Daniel and Grace called BS and called the troops in 😂 (thankfully) Then they asked if I wanted them to set the birth pool up. We wanted to time it just right so the water would stay warm. I couldn’t get out a yes or no and just said “I don’t know” and Grace said “that’s our answer” so they proceeded to start filling up the pool. Now this part of our home birth was Daniel’s territory. He was going to handle the pool and filling it up. When we went to do a practice round of blowing up the pool and connecting the water hose to our shower head, the water wasn’t fully flowing through the hose and kind of leaking out. Daniel said it’d be fine and that we didn’t need an adapter but he’d use tape if needed 🫠 alas, the day comes and as im contracting on and off the toilet and swaying side to side on all fours on the ground, I see water splashing all up and down the wall. The water wasn’t filling the pool fully and we ran out of hot water. To which I then start to cry and express “I knew this was going to happen!! I just wanted the water to work out!” Grace explained in this moment her and Daniel shared a gaze of terror like we are about to figure this sh*t out if it’s the last thing we do, lol! So they snapped into action with a new plan.
1:50 PM So by this time my midwives were actively guiding and coaching me through contractions. Grace and Daniel, the king and queen that they are started heating up multiple pots and bowls of water on the stove and microwave to take up the stairs to fill the tub (by any means necessary 😂) I was so thankful I was able to get relief in the warm pool water. All while that was happening Sarah fuqua had me on the dilation station (toilet) with my feet up on a squatty potty (not my favorite thing in the world) but this was getting me more and more dilated, I could feel it.
2:30 PM My photographer Jennie rushes over and arrives right in perfect timing! Praise Jesus!! Another perfectly timed part of our story. I remember I asked for music to be put on. “what my fathers like” by Bridge Worship came on and the intro had me in tears. The songs lyrics always made me cry during my pregnancy and it gave me comfort during this part of my labor. “After all that I’d done, didn’t know what I’d find, but you ran out to me, and to my surprise put a robe on my back a ring on my hand a crown on my head and you welcomed me in” This was such a impactful moment for me to remind me how much I am loved by my Father and how he always takes care of me. I was so proud of my body and the decision I made to birth at home. I was trusting the process and trying to stay as limp as possible and just let my body do its thing rather than tense up. After this I got out of the pool and into our bed. Sarah and Daniel started massaging my hips and applying counter pressure which felt so good! She had me alter from side to side which did not feel so good lol. I remember feeling at this point like I couldn’t go on any longer to which I expressed to Sarah and her reply was “you were made to do this, just melt into the bed” those words pushed me through the mental wall I was facing. The next feeling I had was intense pressure to go to the bathroom 💩 I actually fully thought I 💩 on the bed and I was very embarrassed, but come to find out never did (so crazy how it feels like that!) I really wanted to birth in the pool so I made a quick move from the bed into the pool, where I started to feel the overwhelming urge to push. The contractions were very intense at this point and I knew baby was about to arrive. I was on my knees in the pool with my arms draped over the edge completely focused on my body and my baby. Daniel and Sarah were positioned behind me pouring the warm over me and getting ready to receive our bundle of joy. I summoned all the energy I had left and with two primal roars and two huge pushes our newborn baby was out at 3:15 PM!!
During this pregnancy we decided to be surprised by the gender of our baby. So moments after the birth, I excitedly asked, is it a boy or girl!?! Daniel took a look and got to proclaim we had another precious baby girl!!! We were so happy! I had always heard the natural unmedicated post birth euphoria was unexplainable and transformative. I was so proud of my decision, I GOT to experience it this time! That was the most incredible thing I have ever been through. My body is incredible. I am incredible. My baby girl is incredible. My husband is incredible. My birth team is incredible. BIRTH is INCREDIBLE!!! Undisturbed, unmedicated, physiological birth. It is how God intended. It is whole. It is perfectly by design. It is not scary. It is transformative. It is powerful. It is sacred. It is the forging into motherhood. I have been made new, for the third time. In charge, confident, remarkable mama bear who accomplished her goal, my Everest. Thank you to my whole rockstar team and my incredible community of friends and family to help turn this into a reality. I wouldn’t have been able to take the steps needed to see this through, with out you. I will be forever grateful, I love you!!!
If you would like your birth videoed and photographed, you can contact me here!
Nashville Family Photographer | Full Circle: Maternity, Birth, Newborn Photography + Videography For The Lush Family
Any time a client hires me to photograph their family or create a video of their family, I am BEYOND honored. I know that's cliche, but its also HONEST. But when a family hires me more than once a year (I have several who do!) its just a compounded emotion. I bond with my clients, its the perk of my job. We become friends. We chat parenting and exchange wisdom. Anytime Malary has had a baby, she has hired me for maternity, newborn, baby and family photography. Once I added film, she began to get films too... for newborn/family sessions... But now I offer birth videography and photography, so she added that 😂😂😂 Which was AMAZING.
When I'm with The Lush Family, I feel their bond - these boys are SO closely bonded. I feel their love and passion for raising a close knit family. I feel the power of a mother who is determined to have the best damn life together. I feel her sentimental nature and love for things meaningful.
I think I did a great job of creating films that brought them back to this very moment in time. What it was like during her labor and delivery (film will not be posted) and what it was like to have a newborn baby boy, baby #5. I think the boys will rewatch it and remember what it was like, too. Im starting to get emotional when Im with them, because her oldest is starting to morph into a teenager and I can see it is around the corner. I tell her to hold on to him, he is changing. Little Wyatt is almost gone, and in his place will be a man looking child 😂 Its a sad and beautiful transition.
Let's walk through The Lush Family sessions from this year.
Here is a sneak peek from Malary's Birth:
Newborn Film:
The Lush Family | June 2023 | Short Version from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
Photos from their Newborn Family Photography and Film Session:
Nashville Birth Photographer + Videographer | The Birth of Josiah Shepherd
On Sunday, May 21st, I had the honor of filming and photographing the most gorgeous nighttime birth.
Malary was slightly passed due - which is her normal - She had gone to her son's baseball games that afternoon and contracted all the way through. That evening, her husband called me that things were moving fast. Given it's her fifth boy, I thought it could go very fast. I headed out around 8 pm and slightly sped the whole way. Her midwives - The Sara's - Sarah Fuqua and Sara Rosser - were there and ready.
When we got there, Malary was her usual self between contractions. Grabbing her kids for one last photo and managing everyone ?
After a bit, things got more and more intense. Between her husband and assisting midwife, she was managing pain well. Sarah rolled some oils on her back and helped her rock her hips which seemed to help a lot with her contractions. She got into the tub!
From there, things were frustrating for Malary. Baby wasn't coming out as quickly as we would expect. She had a lot of pain and was really expressing her frustration. They moved her to the bed and she was pushing VERY hard. Baby had shoulder dystocia and was kind of stuck, but thanks to amazing midwives, baby came out well! It was a hard delivery for Malary, but everything turned out beautifully.
Her Homebirth team rallied around her and helped her get comfortable and nursing right away. We all commented on this baby and how big he was. Malary said "ha! Michael's mom said he would be 10 lbs" and I said "we might wanna weigh him first!"
Sure enough, he was TEN POUNDS! her biggest baby yet!!!
You just never know how birth will go, even if you have had many babies!
Her birth film is remaining private, but is the BEST one I have ever created.
Here are a few images Malary was okay sharing.
I would LOVE to capture your home birth! Let's connect!
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The Birth of Beckham Ryan
I received Joy's call around 5 AM that it was time to head her way. She lives about 1 hour and 15 mins away from me. Im on the west side of Nashville and she lives east of nashville, so I had worried about traffic... but she went into labor at the most perfect time. No traffic at all. I drove during sunrise to meet her and her birth team at her home. This would be her 2nd home birth and 2nd newborn baby boy. Her country home is truly way out of town. Her beautiful farm house was so peaceful when I arrived, that I decided to include it in her birth film. The sun was coming up and the birds were chirping. It was such a peaceful morning - which ended up being a predictor of exactly how her birth atmosphere would be.Joy was laboring and her doula, Chelsey Fischer, was at her side when I arrived. Occasionally, her husband would swap places. Joy made little noise during this part of her laboring. She just has a quiet nature. You could feel the trust and knowing in the room. That things would be good and beautiful. The word I have used to describe Joy's birth has been PEACE. and I knew I had to find a song that really reflected that and helped you - the reader or viewer - feel that sense of peace we all felt in that room.Her midwives, Nova Birth Services, were there but giving her plenty of space to labor peacefully. They would check the baby's heart rate occasionally but mainly watched from a distance. I love midwives that just let birth do its thing. This was my first birth with Nova, and I really loved their vibe!During Joy's home birth, her older son was being fed and entertained by a sweet neighbor. But he did come into the room a few times and once to get a shower. I love capturing the entirety of the story. Capturing where he was during that time, him coming in to hug his momma between contractions. As well as him coming out of the shower. And then of course, we filmed him meeting his baby brother! He had the sweetest reaction.Joy began making some small noises and I knew something shifted. She delivered her new baby boy in just a few pushes and she had the most peaceful reaction to his birth. (I'm telling you - the word peace was there the entire time!)Afterwards, the midwives let her and baby just be for a while. Another beautiful part of home birth. They sat in the warm birth tub together and had their first nursing session while letting his cord pulse for a while. A first for me with this birth was the "floating placenta" where the placenta is placed in a little device and just floats in the tub with mom and baby.After some time, they cut the cord and daddy was able to hold Beckham for the first time. I love capturing this moment. He has been patiently watching and waiting and now he gets his moment of REALLY meeting his son for the first time! Such a magical moment.Then they transitioned Joy to the bed and she ate. They all hung out there for a while. And the midwives communicated that she could do that as long as she wanted. and then whenever she was ready, they would weigh baby and do the newborn exam. We all just kind of hung out together for a long time talking and laughing. I love home birth so much.If you are thinking about having your birth filmed and photographed, I would love to chat with you!
The Birth of Beckham Ryan | June 9, 2023 from Jennie Pyfferoen on Vimeo.
4 Tips for Creating a Cozy and Relaxing Birth Space | Nashville Birth Photographer + Videographer
How a mother decorates her birth space matters for a few reasons. For one, She is going to want to feel good in her environment during her labor and birth. The decor should feel inspiring and encouraging. But also, if she is hiring a photographer or videographer, the lighting may impact how the film and photos turns out.
Keep reading for 4 Tips to make your home birth space look cozy and relaxing!
If you are thinking about having a birth videographer/photographer at your birth, my calendar books up fast! Contact me here!
#1 Get the WHITE Birth Tub.
This makes a huge difference in the way your birth photos and video turn out. As you can see below, the blue tub creates a blue color cast onto baby's face. In the white, tub it not only does not do that but it also reflects light onto baby's face, even though the window is not facing baby, which is SO helpful for brighter photos and video! Not to mention the aesthetic of the room changes entirely! This tub is beautiful and many local doulas and midwives have them to rent.
#2 Get some twinkly lights
(and put them behind a sheer white curtain)
If your birth is at night, this helps light the room beautifully. You want to avoid orangey things like salt lamps and battery powered candles and add in things that bring a more neutral color of light into the room. I also tell my clients to use table side lamps in addition to help really create a brighter birth space. If the room is not lit well, the photos and video will be dark and grainy. Not only that, but if it's too dark, I have issues focusing. My camera can't see to focus and you can end up with blurry photos and video. No one wants to pay all that money to hire a birth videographer and photographer to end up with low quality photos and video!
#3 Create a space for affirmations.
You can use an affirmation banner (they sell these on Etsy, or you can create your own). Or you can just tape beautiful bible verses and affirmations to the wall. This not only encourages you during labor but also provides a beautiful and calm setting to birth in. I tend to video this so that I can tell the story in a more clear way as well.
#4 You can hang a tapestry.
This can serve two purposes... You decorate your space AND encourage yourself with words! You can shop this tapestry below on Amazon.
(contains affiliate links)
