In celebration of World Doula Week, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite photos of doulas serving families, right here in our local homes and hospitals! I'll even include a RARE photo of ME!!! *Amanda Poteet Woolen of The Grateful Moms Doula and Mary Duke LCCE of My Sunshine Birth Services *Me with The Grateful Moms Doula *Jennifer West of Bowling Green Doula & Childbirth Services *Mary Duke LCCE of My Sunshine Birth Services Sorry Jennifer! I had to include this on

When I entered my work (your beautiful moments of strength, determination and love) into the international image contest at Birth Becomes Her, I didn't enter with the thought that I would win the contest (although that would have been AWESOME and a HUGE honor) but what was really important to me was to share the breathtaking beauty of birth, with the world. The beauty that happens in homes and hospitals (and hopefully one day, birth centers) right here in Kentucky. I did that

These are my hands Through these hands I have come to see the world. These hands have measured the growth of life and documented the stalling of time. They guide my ears to places where I hear The watch-like beat of tiny hearts. My hands have felt the hard bony framework of passages and the softness of muscles Which will bulge like petals of a rose. My hands have opened windows to the energy Of the souls of those I have touched. They have felt the frigid rigidity Of steel ins

Yesterday, I introduced you to two of my favorite doulas that I had attended births with. Today, I'd like to introduce you to another super special doula, that I've not had the opportunity to attend a birth with yet. Well, let me take that back ... I have ... I attended and photographed HER birth!!!! Meet Jennifer West! Jennifer is a labor and birth doula specializing in VBAC and HBAC. Jennifer's birth, over 5 years ago, was the very first home birth, water birth and HBAC tha

Here's a few pictures from the showing of Why Not Home? here in Bowling Green, KY with the proceeds benefiting the Kentucky Home Birth Coalition! We had a great turn out and a great time! Thank you to the event sponsors who helped make this night possible! My Sunshine Birth Services Think Little CSA and ME! :) #whynothome #KHBC #Kentuckyhomebirthcoalition #homebirth #homebirthphotographer #doula #midwife #CSA

#homebirthphotographer #homebirth #waterbirth #midwife #doula #bowlinggreen #kentucky #farmbaby #footprints #newborn

Announcements are so much fun!! Especially when you get the opportunity to plan an announcement with sweet, funny folks like Holly, Kevin and Brycen. It was hard to keep this one a secret as I was SOOO excited. But I always am :) What about Brycen rocking that Tula? He's going to be an amazing big brother! I can't wait to follow through this pregnancy with you guys and watch your family grow. Thank you for choosing me to tell your birth story! #pregnancyannouncement #tula #br

Congratulations to Pharann and Brian!!! They are expecting a new little one in March 2017! I'm super excited to follow their journey and even more excited to be photographing their home birth! I'd love to help you announce your pregnancy in a fun, unique way! Get in touch with me today! samanthasteenphotography@gmail.com 931.247.5725 Text or call! #pregnancyannouncement #fountainsquare #maternityphotographer #siblings #homebirth #bowlinggreen

I've been dying to share a few images from the beautiful home birth of Krystalin and Keith. Everett was welcomed earthside in the most peaceful labor surrounded by so much love, support and an amazing group of birth professionals. It was such an honor to be present for such a beautiful experience. If you have an interest in birth photography services, give me a shout. I'd love to talk with you about your birth plan and what SSP has to offer! If you are looking for a talented

When Krystalin contacted me to ask if I would like to attend and photograph her Blessingway, I of course said yes ... THEN .. I googled Blessingway :) According to Google .. and various websites, A blessingway is an old Navajo (native American) ceremony, which celebrates a woman's rite of passage into motherhood. According to Sam .. it was a beautiful gathering of amazing women offering their love, prayers and positive affirmations for the mother to be in preparation for her