The Birth Of Laila Kay: By Night & Water

I knew Laila's arrival would be much more flexible than any given date, but I held onto her due date in an extra special kind of way throughout all of my pregnancy; November 15 was the date of my beloved Grandpa's passing, and I loved the thought of him ushering my baby from his realm to mine. But as the day went on, I really didn't think labor was going to set in on Laila's due date. I began thinking I should pick out a new "due date" to help get through the sludge of waiting (I waited 9 days past 40 weeks with Evie!)…

Black History Month 2022: Featured Black Birth Workers/Businesses

Representation matters, especially in birth. Black maternal and fetal health matters, especially because the American healthcare system is rooted in white supremacy. Empowered birth and the option to birth at home matters, especially for women of color. In honor of BHM 2022, we’re featuring Black birth workers & businesses who are dedicated to providing equitable care & inspiring necessary change in the birth work field.

Midwife or Birth Doula?

While there is some overlap among their goals in serving the birthing person, midwives and doulas each have their own set of qualifications and duties to fulfill. We clear up some of the differences here, in the form of a fun quiz!

Emily's Homebirth Story

“It was so calming to be in my own home, and be surrounded by people with positive birth energy who believed in my ability to birth my baby myself.” - Emily

An Outdoor VBAC Waterbirth at Home | The Birth Story of Scout Jolie | Grand Rapids Birth Photography

Annica jokingly suggested that Hayley have her baby in the backyard when she arrived on a beautiful day for their homebirth. Hayley said, “sure” and the rest is history. Hayley tells the story of her second baby’s birth - a VBAC, at home, in water, en caul.

Your Birth Team Matters | Grand Rapids Doula + Birth Photographer

Don’t get me wrong, I do think that the process of making a birth plan is valuable. But your birth team matters more.

Find a doula who you trust…and then trust her knowledge of local providers.

With a doula and a clinical provider that you are really confident will support you, you will be set up the best you can be for the unknowns of your individual birth experience. Your birth team matters more than your birth plan.

A Quick Home Birth | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer

Home birth is my favorite. The birth work niche that fits me best.

An utterly normal, yet truly transformative process. Enjoy these beautiful images.

welcome to the blog

SPROUT AND BLOSSOM, LLC