Image by TH Peterson Photography
Birth is raw. It’s powerful. It’s sacred. I’ve had the honor of capturing these moments through the lens of my camera—witnessing the sheer strength of women, the unbreakable bond between mother and child, and the triumph of life entering the world. But birth photography has become more than just a calling for me—it’s been an awakening. A front-row seat to the realities of childbirth has ignited something deep within me: a passion for advocacy, for education, and for ensuring that every birthing person receives the respect, autonomy, compassion, and support they deserve.
My own birth experiences shaped this fire inside me. When I delivered my first daughter at the peak of COVID, I felt unheard, unprepared, and powerless. With my son, I had an incredible birth team, yet still faced resistance over simple choices—like my right to labor without an epidural or to nourish my body with a protein shake. And then, with my twins, everything changed. At 36 weeks, I developed severe preeclampsia. Twin A was breech. In a whirlwind, I was rushed into an emergency cesarean, forced to surrender every plan I had carefully laid.
These moments, both my own and those I’ve witnessed through my lens, have taught me one undeniable truth: every mother deserves unwavering support. Someone to stand beside her, advocate for her, and ensure she is informed, respected, and cared for.
For the past several months, I have been deep in study—expanding my knowledge, sharpening my skills, and preparing to step into an even greater role in birth work. I’m not just training to be a doula. I’m equipping myself to be an advocate, an educator, and a force for change in the birth space. I’m studying Birth and Postpartum Doula work, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Counseling, Prenatal Yoga, and Prenatal Nutrition. I’m also pursuing my Birth Photographer Certification through Essence of Birth—not because it's required, but because excellence matters to me.
This journey isn’t just about me. It’s about every mother who deserves better. Too many women are dismissed, coerced, and left without the support they need. I refuse to stand by and watch. I want to be there—before, during, and after birth—to ensure that women have the resources, education, and unwavering support they deserve.
As a small business owner and mother, I pour my heart into this work. I document births not just as a luxury service, but as an act of empowerment—because every mother’s story deserves to be told. I offer pro bono work because I believe that birth documentation and support should not be a privilege reserved for the few, but a right for all.
But growing in this role comes with a financial commitment. The certifications, courses, and training required to step into birth activism in a meaningful way come at a cost. That’s where I need your help.
I’m raising funds to cover the cost of my education, so I can continue advocating, supporting, and uplifting the women in our community. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to providing the informed, compassionate, and skilled care that every mother deserves. Whether it's a donation, tip, or a session booked toward my education, I'm grateful for every step of help toward paying for my education.
Your support doesn’t just help me—it helps the countless families I will continue to serve. With your help, I can transition from behind the lens to the heart of birth, standing beside mothers in their most powerful, vulnerable moments and ensuring they are never alone.
Thank you for believing in this mission. Together, we can make birth better.
With gratitude and determination, Hanna
