Heyyy, I'm Kristen
I had a family as a graphic and web designer. But after attending a birth in 2016 as a birth photographer. I was hooked. When we moved back to Michigan, it was the right time to be a full-time birth photographer, doula and childbirth educator. I love what I do - it's my calling. I love supporting and empowering birthing families while reminding them of their strength, power, love and determination through birth photos.
I am a hot mess mother of two young kiddos and a wife to a fantastic human and co-parent, Dave. I enjoy gardening and doing pottery.
Photo Credit: Camillie Lydia Photography
Why is this my calling?
This was taken just minutes after my first son was born in a hospital. Photo credit: Jessie Renee Photography.
This was taken after my second son was born at home. Photo credit: Sprout and Blossom
My first kid was born in January 2018 (read his birth story here). I had an empowering yet challenging birth supported by my husband, sister, and a midwife from The Midwife Center (which by the way is amazing) at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh. My second kid was born in July 2020 at home in Michigan surrounded by another amazing birth team – homebirth midwives, doula, sister, husband and toddler (read that birth story here).
I had a birth photographer at both of my kids’ birth. AND I’m so glad that I did. I was in the zone during the laboring process so I don’t remember a lot that happened. Looking at the pictures remind me what happened and makes me think “oooohhh I AM a badass warrior” and I want every birthing person to experience that.
After I moved from Pittsburgh to Michigan, I decided to pursue birth photography full-time so that families can remember their children’s BIRTH day.
I remember when I asked my mom about the day I was born, she couldn’t remember much. I felt sad about that. My kids love to "read" their birth story photo book every year on their birthday.
Parenthood is HARD. During the dark days, when I question if what I am doing is right? What if I can’t do this? I look at the birth story book and remember. If I carried my baby for nine months and gave birth, I can do anything. I can get through this day. It gives me hope and reminds me that I have more strength within me than I realize AND that I have a support system that I can rely on when I need help or support.
Also, I realize after attending births and hearing birth stories… that not everyone has an empowering birth experience and I wanted to change that. So I trained to be a birth doula and got certified from DONA International. I want to support birthing person during the labor and birth process. I provide physical and emotional support. I also provide evidence-based information so that you feel empowered to make an informed decision in your birthing space. I want every woman and birthing person to feel supported and empowered in whatever decision they make.
In 2024, I took training to become a postpartum doula so that I can support families in that way as well.
Some facts about me...
It’s hard to pick one! I like a lot of different shows for different reasons. Here’s a sample of shows that I enjoy watching… Madam Secretary, Call the Midwife, Warehouse 13, Fringe, Legends of Tomorrow, SuperGirl, Raising Dion, One Day at a Time, The Great British Baking Show, The Legend of She-Ra, Timeless and so on.
Recently I just moved into a hundred year old house so I've watching more home improvement shows to get some ideas and inspiration!
I'm artisty - that jump around different art medium - I've done painting, calligraphy, embroidery, but so far for the past 2 years, it's been pottery. I really love creating with my hands and it's a great activity that I can do that I enjoy and just for me.
In the summers, you’ll find me swimming in Lake Michigan, going for walks or camping with my husband David and kiddos.
In the winters and fall, you’ll find me inside my house in a hoodie or a robe staying cozy with a cup of warm cider or hot chocolate and reading a book on my Kindle Paperwhite.
Two! My kids are 6 years old and 4 years old (as of Oct 2024). They are adorable. But gosh. Y’alllllll…Raising tiny humans is so exhausting. It’s an honor to be their mom. It’s a challenge to teach a tiny humans how to experience and navigate through their emotions as they explores this world that can be overwhelming to them sometimes.
I was born with blond hair. I see that as a blank canvas for something fun every now and then like purple, blue or pink hair. I also have tattoos. I have one on my arm that represent motherhood to me – a bird and baby bird snuggling. Awwww!
I am always learning! Birth continues to teach me even when I've been in it for years. I got training from Spinning Babies (to help you get your baby get into good position for birth), Body Ready Method (to help get your body ready for birth), TENS Unit (to over another non-medical pain relief option for my doula clients), Perinatal loss support and Lamaze Childbirth Educator training.
Certification/Membership
Interested?
I take the honor of being a part of a birthing space very seriously. Let’s chat virtually to get to know each other a bit to see if we’re a great fit!