The birth of my youngest daughter was an experience I needed to go through to be able to heal. Although it ended up being a VERY precipitous (ONE HOUR!) accidental unassisted homebirth, it felt right. It was empowering knowing that I birthed on my own terms. I was able to move freely, it was stress-free, and my immediate postpartum was completely undisturbed. What I experienced that day was a beautiful physiological birth. I knew from then on that I would strive to make sure that I could help as many families as possible have the birth of their dreams by educating them about their birthing options, which allows them to be in control. I also realized that birth photography is extremely effective in helping to process your birth, which further facilitates healing.

I had a traumatic first birth. What I experienced during my hospital birth with my oldest daughter was something that would shape me for the rest of my life, both as a mother, and as a birth worker. I realized that being forced to lay in bed, strapped down with contraction monitors and told I “wasn’t allowed” to get up even though I repeatedly told staff that it was excruciatingly painful to lay on my back was considered obstetric violence, and I certainly wasn’t the only person to experience a traumatic birth in a hospital setting. Obstetric violence/assault is an epidemic all in itself, and it’s leaving mothers with painful scars, whether physical or emotional. Our birth experiences stay with us for the rest of our lives and they truly change us, which is why I have made a commitment to fight against the system run on policies that are convenient to the provider but ignore the needs and desires of the families. We need to do better.

Above images by Karen Leuch Photography 

get to know me

I have far more photos of my husband with our kids than myself with our kids.

I’m imperfect and I will always be the first to admit it, but I struggle to let go of my desire to be a perfectionist.

I finally woke up in May 2021 and am shifting towards a holistic lifestyle. I believe that sticking to our roots and allowing nature to nourish and heal us keeps us connected with the Earth and healthier.

I have a deep love for Jesus.

My kids’ names are Skylar and Luna. They are represented in my logo with the moon and the stars.

I didn’t realize it at first, but my children transformed me and helped me grow as a person and a mother, and that is reflected in my work.

I struggle with severe postpartum depression and anxiety, as well as issues with my body image. I try to challenge myself to be vulnerable in front of the camera to help me love and respect my body, and to inspire others to do the same. I find that being honest and authentic helps ward off the imposter syndrome.

credentials

I am a Certified Professional Birth Photographer through the Birth Becomes You “Essence Of Birth” training course (2021)

I am a Professional Member of Evidence Based Birth® (present)

I studied photography at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (2013 - 2016)