It’s interesting to me that when I describe myself as a Doula who focuses on families experiencing perinatal loss, almost every person (if not every person) thinks to talk to me about the actual pregnancy and birth surrounding the loss. There is never any mention of what loss looks like in healthy pregnancies beyond that or the unique support and care that may be required.

“May your journey be filled with more hope and healing than you ever dreamed possible.” - Franchesca Cox

I certainly don’t feel that people intend to be neglectful or hurtful when it comes to the absence of acknowledging previous pregnancies and birth, rather it shows how far we have to go in supporting the full picture of perinatal loss. Celebrating Pregnancy Again offers a glance into one person’s story through her three pregnancies, focusing on her first child who passed away and how this affected her thoughts and emotions during the following pregnancies. This book not only offers insight for the expecting parent of their first rainbow baby but is a great introduction to supporting family and friends who may want to understand more of the emotions and thoughts of the pregnant person.   

When I first picked up Celebrating Pregnancy Again, I was a little surprised by how small/short the book was; however, with a book that covers such enormous, complex, individual topics of emotion, I can see how valuable it would be to a family beginning to expect their first rainbow baby by offering a gentle, general look at possible emotions (rather than an exact ‘This is what you will/should feel). I appreciated that the author, Franchesca Cox, not only discussed her personal thoughts and emotions around the pregnancy itself but the relationships she experienced surrounding it. The fact that she touches on her struggles with her faith may seem bold to some but I expect it to be comforting to others who may be experiencing the same struggles. At the end, there wasn’t a ‘conclusion’ when it came to this part of her journey, which is also going to relate to many and bring comfort that they are not alone. 

“Don’t be afraid to listen to your instincts and lean on your grief even after bringing a new child into the world.”

— Franchesca Cox, Author of Celebrating Pregnancy Again

I have personally had families reach out to me with the news that they are expecting again with the intention of sharing ‘only’ good news; however, I think because these families view me as a ‘safe’ person to be vulnerable with, we often talk about the complexity of what they are experiencing. On the one hand I am grateful to assure them that I am understanding of any range of emotion they may be feeling and what they are feeling is normal; on the other, it pains me to think they have felt so much weight and burden until we talk, thinking they should remain grateful, ‘over’ their last birth, and, worst of all, silent. 

I absolutely suggest this book as an initial look into the possibilities of pregnancy after loss, which are not widely discussed. Because the author is able to share her personal experiences without a great amount of detail, even if the reader hasn’t had the exact same experiences, I think they will at least be able to take comfort in the idea that they are not alone in their thoughts and feelings. At most, I hope this book offers a gentle push for others to be more confident expressing what they are going through and receive greater support because of it.

Restoring the lost joys of pregnancy after the loss of a child.

Have questions about birth?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Birth Worker to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture.

After volunteering for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep at the same hospital for several years, I developed fairly close relationships with several of the Labor and Delivery nurses - meaning, if they ask me to be somewhere, I’m there. Working closely with these woman in birth and death, side by side, connects them to me in a way that is precious, so I’m always happy to help when needed.

Since the crazy work schedule of nurses doesn’t allow for much time to chat, I’m used to quick text messages in order to communicate. So when my phone actually rang, I was sure to pick up. ‘I have a favor to ask…’

Baby Lily was scheduled to be born via cesarean section at a specific date and time, which wasn’t unusual; but after being diagnosed with a condition (Trisomy 18) that would likely mean she wouldn’t survive the actual birth - if she even survived that long - put much more on the line when it came to her birth. With so much uncertainty, her parents wanted to make sure that every moment of her life was celebrated and captured.

‘I know this falls outside of the typical Now I Lay Me Down the Sleep volunteer photography guidelines and I honestly have no idea what the outcome is going to be - but would you consider photographing the birth?’

With clearance from the medical team for me to be present in the room during the c-section (due to many medical factors, it’s rare for a Doula or Birth Photographer to be allowed in the room during this procedure), I was committed with no second guessing at all.

Lily being born is one of the biggest miracles I’ve ever witnessed in my life. As we all prepped that morning for her arrival, the atmosphere was a familiar one to me: anticipation, confusion, vulnerability, cautious hope, sadness, fear, and encouragement for one another filled the room with barely a word spoken. On the one hand, hearing a sigh, the slightest whimper of a cry, would be an overwhelming moment to celebrate; but knowing even that may be too much to ask was cause for the room to feel collectively as though it were holding its breath.

When babies are born with a short life expectancy, moments to celebrate don’t come with the cheer that would normally take place. With each breath of air, blink of an eye, slight movement of a finger there is a long pause, trying to savor the moment, overcome with joy to witness more than you ever feared possible but also tracking whether or not this will be the last.

As baby Lily cried out during her birth (a small squeak that sounded like a roar) the room rushed with a brief moment of joy and waited for the next sound. The medical professionals moved quickly to allow Lily’s Mom a moment to see her but give her the immediate medical care needed. I kept up with the team and Lily’s Dad, staying close, but keeping my distance.

In the back of the operating room was a door that lead to a side room, where machines began testing Lily’s heart, oxygen, and other survival measures. We all stood around Lily as she began to decline, amazed at her strength and our ability to spend this much time with her but also acknowledging there wasn’t much left, as the numbers on the screen began to lower and her movements quickly slowed.

Enough information was gathered in a matter of moments to wrap Lily back up and take her back to her mother, who was in the final stages of being stitched. Lowering the neckline of her gown, she was able to be placed skin to skin on her mother’s chest. And we waited.

But that’s all we did.

Despite Lily declining when she was in the back room, she was now changing before our eyes as she lay skin to skin on her mothers chest. We watched and listened to her breaths, almost monitoring the depth and distance between each one, smiled with every attempted cry, and slowly - so slowly - began to realize we may have more time with her. Heart to heart with her mother, she began improving.

“Lily’s story has been far from what we expected.”

Shortly after, everyone was wheeled back to the recovery room where extended family had been nervously waiting to hear details about her arrival: grandparents, aunts, uncles, and big brother surrounded and quietly took turns meeting Lily. Several doctors and nurses came in to warmly assess her health, she was baptized, and it was clear there was no need for me to stay longer. Though it was early, it appeared Lily was going home.

Several months later, I received an email from Lily’s father. I don’t often hear from the families I volunteer for, so I was thrilled to hear his update:

“Hi Teresa,

I just wanted to give you an update on Lily. I’m sure there are many/most cases with your work with Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep that have very sad endings. As you know that is what we expected with Lily. But Lily’s story has been far from what we expected.

Lily will be 4 months old on Saturday. The first couple of months were rough. There were several times where she was just barely clinging on to life. But she is a fighter and has really pulled through. After several surgeries, she seems like she is here for the long haul. Her underlying condition is still there, and there will still be many challenges to come, but she seems like that is ok with her to keep going.

I am sending you this because you were there at such an important point of Lily’s and our lives. It meant so much to have the moments of her arrival captured, especially since we didn’t know how many moments we would have with her. Thank you so much for that.”

To bear witness to such a powerful story is something I will carry with me my entire life. I know the families I have served (over 50 at the time of this article) don’t realize how often I think of them or the impact their children have had on my life - but I mean from the depth of my soul when I say, ‘It’s been an honor to have met your child. Thank you.’

If you would like more information on how you can help families experiencing pregnancy and/or infant loss, please consider these organizations:

• The Dakota Lee Foundation

• Let Grace In

• Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture. Currently accepting new clients for Doula services and Birth Photography.

 The Birth Conversation Series is held on my Instagram account and allows people to talk about their own birth experiences, in addition to work they may do in the birth community. Below is a recap of my conversation with Stephani, a mother of four. You can find the entire interview here. 

In the midst of COVID-19, I talk with Stephani who has gone through four births. Like a lot of conversations I host, the details are different but they are more the result of two underlying factors in birth: community and conversation.

“I thought the hospital would help me with my birth plan.” Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co.

Stephani’s births all involved being at the hospital, having an epidural, and several family members close by. Despite having what some would consider a ‘routine’ hospital birth, she describes the unknowns, the confusion, and the lack of choices she felt she had. 

“It wasn’t until the end of my first pregnancy that I finally asked my doctor if we were ever going to discuss my birth plan. He sort of looked at me and said, ‘Why? Was there something you wanted?’ I thought the hospital was going to educate me on what my options were and it never happened.”

While every birth story contains its own unique details, the general outcome often comes from how much - or how little - we have been exposed to and what we are ‘allowed’ to choose when it comes to how our bodies labor and birth. While Stephani didn’t feel her births were ‘bad’, she recognizes that she may have made different choices and had a different perspective had she been encouraged and educated on what preferences were offered, long before her pregnancy even began. 

“I thought the hospital or my doctor would talk to me about how I wanted to birth.”

— Stephani F

Similar to being educated on pregnancy, we also talk about the lack of conversation surrounding postpartum: physically, mentally, and emotionally. After suffering a year with postpartum depression before being diagnosed, Stephani reflects on what could have helped before things felt out of control. 

For our full conversation, visit my youtube channel here and follow along on Instagram Live as we discuss pregnancy during COVID-19 and join our community chats whether you live in Hawaii or anywhere in the world.

Stephani talks about her thoughts on lack of education / communication in regards to pregnancy and birth. Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co.

Have questions about birth?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Birth Worker to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture.

 The Birth Conversation Series is held on my Instagram account and allows people to talk about their own birth experiences, in addition to work they may do in the birth community. Below is a recap of my conversation with Amber Elliott of Amber Elliott Couture Photography. You can find the entire interview on my here. 

After a misdiagnosed infection, a traumatic surgery left Amber bed ridden for 2 years with the instruction that becoming pregnant would not be physically possible. 10 years later, she became pregnant with her first son. 

“I was designated high risk and because of that, at least where I live (Canada), you essentially feel like your rights are taken. They dictate what type of doctor you see, which for me was high risk...and I felt bullied throughout the entire process, all the way up until my son was born. He was born healthy, I gave a vaginal delivery, and it was a horrible experience. It was a horrible experience through the Obstetrician appointments, through the labor and birthing process - just the entire system. The system put on more stress and pressure than anything else. I had a Birth Doula and a Postpartum Doula throughout that process and I believe that was probably the one thing that got me through it.”

“I didn’t want to be told and dictated how to have my pregnancy.” Amber shares her fight to take control of her own birth. Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co.

Four year later, Amber became pregnant again and insisted that this birth was going to be different. Trusting her instincts, advice from her sister (a nurse), consulting with her general practitioner, and discussing her intentions with her previous birth doula, a plan was formed: minimal doctors appointments, midwife, and water birth. 

What may seem like less ‘work’ turned into a mission to stay empowered and in control of her body during this birth: Amber eventually found a midwife that was willing to work with her; but not until she first prepared a presentation for the hospital board where she would give birth. Under the health care system Amber was under, midwives were not allowed to deliver high risk pregnancies. After a successful meeting, she was told she was the first high risk pregnancy allowed to include her midwife. 

“Is birth something we’re just supposed to survive?”

— Amber Elliott

Amber and I discussed her obstacles and how they may relate to the quickly changing world of birth today (this article is being written in the few several weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak). Though Amber had a plan for her birth and she had a healthy vaginal delivery, things didn’t go as planned for labor. I asked her for advice or guidance to others facing change in their delivery: 

“Don’t allow anything to distract you and don’t look at the big picture too much. Focus on the first thing in front of you - otherwise it can be really overwhelming. Write down the areas where those gaps are and start one by one in tiny little steps into resolving each one for yourself because you really do have the power.

“Why would you submit your body to someone who treats your body horribly?” After a traumatic surgery, followed by a traumatic birth, Amber shares her thoughts on taking control of her pregnancy. Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co.

There are many people on your team when you're pregnant: Your partner is on that team, your doula is on that team, your midwife or Obstetrician, General Practitioner, your parents, your children, all of them are on your team. And they all should be working in tandem.

I had a perfect vision of how I wanted to give birth and it didn’t go that way...but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day you should feel empowered, supported, loved, and you feel you have a right to voice a concern, request, anything to anybody and that you and your baby are safe.”

I would love for you to listen to my full interview with Amber here. Also, keep checking my Instagram page for more live interviews - I would love to have you on, as well! 

Have questions about birth?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Birth Worker to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture.

If you are ready to give birth, I know things may feel pretty scary right now. You may even feel like you have no control over what happens to your own labor and delivery - but I want to assure you that doesn’t need to necessarily be the case.

On my dedicated Instagram page for birth, I am going to be holding a series of conversations from people who are about to give - or have just recently given - birth. Today I really wanted to start things off by getting into the bare basics of what your birth may (or may not) look like. A starting point for trying to wrap your mind around what you are hoping to have take place and what you know your possible other options may be.

This template can help break down the basics of considering your birth options during uncertain times.

The video itself is best to listen to when you have some time to focus. So until then, above is a brief overview of what is discussed and how you can take what feels like an incredibly overwhelming situation and break it down.

Even if you don’t plan on giving birth in Hawaii or the island of Oahu, please know that I am a resource here for you to help in anyway I can.

Have questions about birth?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Birth Worker to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture.

As the world has been watching the last several weeks play out, I have personally been reacting to current events like breathing: Take everything in, get the bad stuff out, fluidly move on to the next experience, repeat. Every so often take a quiet, intentional moment to reassess how everything feels, appreciate that there is perfection happening in details so minuscule that I can’t even identify, and adjust my stance if I recognize I could be improving how things function.

It’s easy to look at others and wish we had the view as them; but sometimes, if we would just gift ourselves a moment or two, we would see we have access to the same things. (View of sunrise over the water.) Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co. in Hawaii.

Due to the world of social media, t’s been pretty incredible to almost be a fly on the wall for so many; suddenly, what people value has come to surface in unexpected ways. Having said that, things people don’t value has been just as eye opening. Watching so many intimate, unique details of lives play out, I’ve almost been appreciative to have the expanded insight to understand what is individually important to people, how they respond, what emotions require more support from others, and identify opportunities to step in to help in ways that may seem small to me but play a bigger, more important roles to another person. 

As I continue to put focus on the birth community in my career, I recognize and appreciate the similarities of how each day brings subtle changes with, at times, major consequences both negative and positive. The need to be open minded and understand when someone is feeling uncomfortable vs. in crisis mode. Acknowledging that there may not seem like much of a difference to others looking in. Recognizing that while a small shift may have contributed to feeling out of control, an equally small shift can reign comfort, confidence, and assurance back just as quickly. Finding an appropriate way to contribute to a positive outcome when it feels like there’s a road block at each turn. 

Consideration of these things make me realize what calls me to be a Birth Doula, the attention required in helping others with seemingly ‘routine’ tasks that may need a little unforeseen attention and care along the way. I keep thinking about these two (separate) phrases:

“Just stay home!”

“Just have a baby!”

Appreciating the details. Tree of Life from the series Mele Ma'i (Procreation Chants). Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co. in Hawaii.

The simplicity that surrounds the initial thought of each...until you begin to consider the intimate details that ultimately play a major factor in how pleasurable vs. traumatizing each can potentially play out. While some may leave it to happenstance, others will proactively work on a plan that allows more controlled, favorable outcomes to be experienced. Not that there won’t need to be some adjustments along the way but knowing that should things not go as planned, it will be easier to improvise and move to Plan B. 

All of this to say, we are each going through some decisions we didn’t anticipate, inconveniences to our ideal day to day, and  circumstances beyond our control. Especially if you are able to give birth, your world may be feeling like it’s completely flipped over. If this applies to you and you are nervous about where you had originally planned to give birth, not having the support around you that had been anticipated, or just what life is going to look like with a newborn in general when ‘normal’ has already gone out the window - please reach out to me.

You have my promise that I will not 

1. Attempt to make decisions for you.

2. Pretend to have all of the answers.

What I will do is listen - and, should you want help researching information or considering different labor and birthing options, suggest some pretty incredible people in the birth community that may be able to make some possible choices feel less scary. 

If you aren’t pregnant but happen to resonate with this article in a different way, still reach out. Life can be really complicated and overwhelming; starting with a conversation may not be the instant resolve to everything but it’s a step in the right direction. Just know you don’t have to ‘push through’ - and certainly not alone.

Have questions about birth?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Birth Worker to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture.

Photographing Your Birth story

One of the top three questions I receive in regards to Birth Photography (especially from soon to be Dads) is, ‘Who in the world would want to see these photos?! I’m certainly not posting these on our Holiday Cards!’

If you promise to keep reading and allow me to explain, I’ll tell you a little secret: Maybe you will post a few photos for family and friends to see.

But let’s back up a bit.

Whether you are having a hospital birth, home birth, c-section, a skilled Birth Photographer can capture your birth story in ways that you will cherish forever. Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co. in Hawaii.

For some, Birth Photography may seem like a fad, or something new that is being offered when, it has actually been around for a number of years.

It was almost a decade ago when I was preparing to give birth to my second child. Another Photographer friend of mine (B. Billick Photography of Kentucky) mentioned the possibility of photographing my daughter’s arrival. I had never heard of the concept before but I knew I was in, always willing to try something new in the name of art.

The concept was fresh to both of us and with her living 6 hours away we weren’t quite sure how to iron out the logistics (my husband was in the Army at the time, deployed through the pregnancy, and we were nowhere near family or friends). I adored my OBGYN at the time and had no qualms bringing it up to him: “Would there be any issue with my friend coming in to photograph the birth?”

It was almost an instant, “Sure.” Then, “Wait...is this a friend you want in the room who will happen to take photos? Or are you actually hiring a Photographer? This definitely isn’t the time for that - you aren’t going to want to document what is going on down there.”

Oh.

Looking back, it’s certainly not as though I think his reaction is odd; this is a common first reaction to people who are introduced to Birth Photography. Having said that, do I regret not going through with it? 110% . In addition, I wish he had a little more confidence in me, my body, and how awesome the birth process was.

How I birthed my three children is another story for another time (hint: one of the reasons I began looking into becoming a Doula) and what I wouldn’t do to have that moment documented when my daughter and I saw one another for the first time. The expression of joy on my husbands face. How we smiled at one another when it was confirmed that everyone was healthy.

Birth Photography isn’t just labor and delivery - it’s also about capturing that moment when Mom meets baby for the very first time. Oahu, Hawaii Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co. in Hawaii.

Things to Consider Before Hiring a Birth Photographer in Hawaii

Do some of my clients want every single detail - and I mean, ALLLLLLLL the details - of their birth story documented? Yes; and they are beautiful. But do I also have clients who simply want the labor and immediate post delivery photographed? Absolutely; and they are beautiful. The bottom line is, everyone’s birth journey is just as important and special.

Because there are so many choices, feelings, and ‘backup plans’ involved in birth, is one of the reasons I spend so much time talking with my clients before hand. We discuss comfort levels, birth plans, expectations, and boundaries. I also make sure your birth team - especially your partner - is supportive of my being there.

Whether you are new to the idea of Birth Photography, considering if it is right for you, or simply curious to know more, I encourage you to reach out to multiple people in the birth world, on your birth team, or myself.

Having a Birth Photographer in addition to the rest of your birth team allows you and your partner to focus on each other while laboring. Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co. in Hawaii.

Have more Birth Photography questions?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Photographer to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Simply fill out this form and I will be in touch (and I will NEVER pass along your info - pinky swear).

Teresa Robertson received her Bachelor’s of Fine Art degree in Photography and Fine Art Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. After serving as a volunteer for several years with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, she became interested in Birth Photography and Birth Doula (DONA) work as well. She soulfully resides on the island of Oahu, is passionate about preserving the land and culture.

It was my absolute joy to recently be asked to photograph a pregnancy announcement for a woman in Hawaii who has chosen to be a Surrogate. From the initial conversation to actually photographing the IVF needles that were used for her to go through the process (which she assures me is actually not that many) I am in complete awe and amazement to have a sneak peek into this birth story. 

When it came time to photograph this image, I was a little selfishly excited; commercial photography was my first love when I was in photography school and I was looking forward to taking my time in the set up and perfecting each detail. Combining that with the subject of birth made it all the better. 

Image of IVF needles in heart shape taken to announce pregnancy for Hawaii surrogate mother. Photograph by Teresa Robertson of Robertson & co. in Hawaii.

But as I focused on each detail, carefully removed, delicately placed, and positioned each IVF needle I felt the important role each item played: How each carried hope, each signified loss, each triumphantly came together to create a life already loved beyond words. When working as a Doula or photographing birth, I often (and sincerely) comment on the honor I have playing a small role in new life. This project brought me even more appreciation, seeing a completely new perspective on the many, many details, consideration, and love that were planned - long before this pregnancy was real. 

I’m slowly learning more about the world of surrogacy, reading stories, even finding out that it is not even legal in every state. If you have gone through this journey, I would love to hear more about your experience. If you live in Hawai’i (where surrogacy is legal), please visit the Hawai’i Surrogacy Center website. General information in regards to Surrogacy in other states can be found here. 

HAVE MORE BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY or Doula QUESTIONS?

I would love to answer them! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out and simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Simply fill out this form and I will be in touch (and I will NEVER pass along your info - pinky swear).

Teresa Robertson is a Studio Photographer, Family Photographer, and Birth Photographer located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. After years of volunteering for families whose children did not survive pregnancy or childbirth, she has also worked as a Birth Doula (DONA trained). 

When my family moved to Hawai’i (O’ahu to be exact) I knew that really determining what would stay and what would come with us was pretty important to our new way of living. What was a little harder to figure out was what to do with my photography studio and everything that went with it.

Having a private studio to photograph in was a life dream of mine; so much that when we started seriously discussing the potential move to Oahu, my husband wasn’t sure it would be something I’d be able to leave behind. But if anything was going to complete with my love of photography, it would be Hawai’i.

After we settled into our permanent home, everything fell into place; with the exception of my photography studio wall art display. Not just photographs, these were canvases and prints I had personally hand stretched, matted, framed and painted myself. Stuffed in closets. Leaning against walls. Strategically placed under beds. It stung, knowing years and years of work, time, dedication, and money on these portraits weren’t being properly cared for but it was the best I could do.

Shortly after we arrived, I had the privilege of attending a meeting with Jen Dombroski, founder of the Dakota Lee Foundation and Sunny Chen, Executive Director of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai’i. As we talked about the birth community and how we each wanted to play a helpful role locally, Sunny mentioned, ‘Just a small thing I wish we could do for our Mother’s would be to spruce up our space. I wish it felt a little more welcoming - we need help.’

And just like that - my photographic art of breastfeeding moms, newborns with their families, and kids playing found a space to call home.

As the recipient of several non-profit outreach and government assistant programs when I was a young mother, I love opportunities to encourage any new or young mom to feel a little more at ease and comfortable. For me, this couldn’t have been a more perfect arrangement: rather than keep everything hidden and in storage, I was able to find purpose in where they stayed and, maybe in some way, encourage another woman to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Because while it’s a different story for a different day, the time between receiving help from agencies to creating these images were many, many years. But I’d like to hope in a small way it will resonate with someone that, even if it takes one decade at a time, a lot of life lies ahead.

Letter written to Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai’i from Photographer and Birth Doula Teresa Robertson

Are you considering hiring a birth Photographer or Doula?

I would love to talk to you more! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Photographer to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.

Simply fill out this form and I will be in touch (and I will NEVER pass along your info - pinky swear).

When it comes to ‘what I do for a living’, it’s not uncommon for people to think of me with a camera or paintbrush in hand. Maybe a power tool here and there, you get the idea. From photography to framing, painting to…any other project that comes my way…It’s dawned on me recently how easy it is to portray the physical work I do on a day to day basis - and how challenging it’s been to allow people to view the completely other side of what I do in the world of Birth.

My journey of being a Birth Worker (Photographer and Doula) actually goes back a little over 7 years. Birth Photography was finally catching on as an art and appropriate way to reflect and heal; I also was introduced to the non profit organization, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, where I volunteered my time and skill set to photograph newborns who did not survive pregnancy or the actual birth itself.

In the studio, I was beginning to photograph more and more newborns. Wanting to make sure I proved myself as more than just wanting to ‘take a pretty picture of a baby’, I was also pushing myself to make sure I was armed with some sort of new information to care for both newborn and parents; It was important to me that I actually care for my clients, not just rush them in and get them out.

One of many doula related books required to complete the DONA certification program in Hawaii.

Birth Photography came as naturally and welcomed as it possibly could; while I loved caring for the families I served behind the camera who had to mourn their children throughout the process of birth, catapulting myself into the other world of expectantly healthy births felt like a perfect balance. Looking back on my ‘first birth’, I remember chatting with the midwife I worked alongside of who said, ‘It rare you can find someone who can serve as a Doula and a Birth Photographer at the same time.’ When I explained that I wasn’t a Doula, she looked back at me, paused, and said, ‘You may want to consider that.’

“‘Teresa, I see people in this line of work come and go, pretending they are looking out for the best interest of these families, whether it’s nurses, doulas, midwives, OBGYNs, volunteers; but there’s something different about you - you actually deeply care for these people. You can see it all over you. That’s not the norm and families need that.’”

— A.O.

To be honest, I didn’t completely understand what exactly was expected of a Doula. Enter my dear friend, Heather of Maryland State Doulas, who I would sprinkle in questions to during our get togethers. While birth doesn’t need to be quite as complicated as we make it these days, it also goes without saying that this is a life changing event that I didn’t want to take lightly and just jump into. I also spoke with another friend (who is the the Head of Bereavement at the hospital I primarily served for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep) about considering Doula work. I expected her to sort of brush off the role of Doulas altogether, so I was surprised when she said, ‘Teresa, I see people in this line of work come and go, pretending they are looking out for the best interest of these families, whether it’s nurses, doulas, midwives, OBGYNs, volunteers; but there’s something different about you - you actually deeply care for these people. You can see it all over you. That’s not the norm and families need that.’

Another beautiful baby born on the island of Oahu, Kapiolani Medical Center.

As I continued to intentionally consider and learn more about what my role could be in the Birth World, I simultaneously realized how invested I had actually already become; what some people saw as a ‘surprising’ addition to my photography, others took as an unnecessary declaration of sorts. It was the later group that I took to heart, since they were the professionals and experts in birth that already had confidence in me and what I had to offer.

Having said this, it is one thing to gain the trust from people I’ve worked with throughout the years - it’s another to ‘announce’ to the public my experience, passion, education, and how I look to be a positive asset to a parents birth team. But not talking about it also does nothing; so I’ve decided to begin here:

Aloha, my name is Teresa. I am a Photographer and Birth Doula.

ARe you considering a Doula - or just curious to learn more?

I would love to answer any questions you have! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Doula to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.