A Few Things I've Learned About Myself with Regard to Births...

At every birth, I learn something new. Some of it is even about myself. Here are a couple things that I have learned that might be helpful for any potential clients or any doulas who might read this... :-D

1. I feel like I'm dis-servicing the couple unless I'm with them the whole time. This is actually a really common feeling in the birth world. However, it's better to nap than to feel groggy and awful when my clients need me. 
2. I need to snack often while at births. It's rare to get the chance to eat a whole meal, so I always make sure to have small snacks in my bag (speaking of that, I need to refill my snack supply...)
3. I am sleepiest between 11pm and 2am. For some people, this time is different, but 11-2 is my hard time. However, if the mom is pushing or just had the baby, I'm normally fine. 
4. After the baby's born, all the adrenaline mixed with a usually-empty stomach makes me feel like I'm going to puke or pass out. This happens at almost every birth, but it quickly passes. It's just a quickly unpleasant feeling.
5. Drive home before the adrenaline is totally out of your system! Otherwise you will crash (literally!). No, I don't know this from experience, but it is relatively important to remember... :-D
6. If I'm tired while driving home (usually the case, despite the adrenaline dregs), roll down the window and blare the radio (for me, it's K-Love). If I'm especially tired (like after being awake for 24 hours and driving home at 6am), I dance in my seat to keep myself moving.
7. Green tea doesn't contain enough caffeine to keep me awake. It might work for some people, but I need regular coffee. Thankfully, some hospitals have free "kitchens" for the birth team stocked with food and drink. 
8. If you're told to arrive at the hospital/home/birthing center at a specific time, leave 10-15 minutes earlier than you usually would. I have found that either parking is impossible, your client gets there early, or you're stuck in traffic. Give yourself a buffer!

Anyway, I hope my "pearls of wisdom" (haha...) are helpful for anyone interested in "this sorta stuff!" :-D

Quick Portfolio

Since my different photos are spread throughout this blog, I thought it would be good to make a quick post with a sample of the different shoots I've done. That way, you can get a quick snapshot (pardon the pun :-D) of my style.

Maternity Photos:
Not yet! However, if you are pregnant, I'd love to do your photos for you!

Newborn Photos:

Birth Photos:

Family Photos:

Senior Photos:

Engagement Photos:
I have my first engagement photo session in 2 weeks! Stay tuned... :-D

Wedding Photos:

Photography Changes

Hi Everyone!

As many of you know, I'm going to the Philippines this summer as a missionary midwife for five months. The only problem with that is I need to raise a lot of money (like $6600...) to support this venture. So I'm no longer offering free photography services. My photography sessions are now $50 for a one hour session (which is really cheap compared to most professional photographers). After the session, I will edit the photos then give them to you on a CD. You can develop them yourself. I will use the money toward my missions expenses.

If you are interested in supporting me as I go volunteer at Shiphrah Birthing Home, please contact me about a photography session!

Thank you!

Satisfied in Christ,
Danielle
danielle_wilson_hm@hotmail.com
(919) 303-6220

Doula Certification Application!

I just sent in my doula certification application!!!!! The only downside is that it can take up to 2 months for DONA to process it, but still, I'm very excited!

That means sometime in the next two months I can write my name as: Danielle Wilson, CD(DONA)!

Thanks to everyone who has supported/helped me in my certification process. I finished it in just less than a year. :-D

Thanks!
Danielle Wilson, soon-to-be CD(DONA)