Hey there...
I'm Sydney - Certified Birth Doula, Birth Keeper, Certified Postpartum Lactation Specialist, Professional Photographer, and Childbirth Educator...
Serving the amazing mothers of Elizabeth City, NC and surrounding areas. I began my journey in the birth world as a newborn photographer, and then a birth photographer. I very quickly knew I wanted to offer even more to my clients. Since then, my passion has been pregnancy, birth, and babies! I feel so blessed to be given the opportunities I have to best serve my fellow local mothers in such a variety of ways. I've been a professional photographer for over a decade, I became a mother in 2020, and I am an obsessive researcher and resource hoarder for all things pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum, and more. Check out my blog post below for tons of resources!
A little about me
Everyone Has Their Own Journey
I dove into the world of Free Birth during my second pregnancy when finding a licensed home birth midwife in my small town in Northeast NC was proving impossible. I decided to educate myself as much as possible during my pregnancy to best prepare for an unassisted home birth with my incredible husband. Though I ended up WAY over-preparing, I certainly felt confident in our birth as we had all we could possibly need for any scenario.
I am a Christ follower who believes in the sanctity of growing and bringing new life into the world. I am a huge advocate for undisturbed birth, and understand its natural physiologic process. I have come to love supporting and educating women searching for answers and information on all things pregnancy and birth. Every single woman has the right to choose how she births. I am here every step of the way to help you in making the best decisions for you and your birth, as well as making sure your wishes are respected and followed by your entire birth team. While I am not your advocate during labor and birth as your doula, it is my pleasure to coach you and your partner and/or support person in advocating for you and your baby.
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If you want to read more about my birth experiences, head to my blog to find my stories (reader beware of some ranting on medical injustices).
RANDOM FACTS ABOUT ME
Get to Know Me A Little Better
FAVORITE PODCAST
Holy Wild Labor, Down To Birth Show, & Free Birth Society! I am totally addicted to the incredible birth stories and immense knowledge shared on these podcasts.
BIGGEST FEAR
I am absolutely terrified of the creatures in open waters. I may love the beach but you won't catch me swimming in the ocean! I'm also very scared of male kangaroos... Just google videos of them...
MY FIRST JOB
My first job was technically once I began charging for photos in high school as a professional photographer. My first "big girl job" that paid my bills was as a server at a Cracker Barrel!
WILDEST THING I'VE DONE
My father took me skydiving for my 18th birthday and it was the most fun I have ever had!
FAVORITE HOBBY
My two sisters and I played volleyball competitively year-round growing up. My favorite hobby is joining community adult leagues with my sister(s) every chance I get!
WEIRDEST CONSPIRACY BELIEF
I totally believe in mermaids. I once watched a live documentary on mermaids as a joke (had me believing in them by the end) and the next day that documentary couldn't be found anywhere online...like it never existed. *CUE CREEPY CONSPIRACY MUSIC*
WORK WITH ME
Let's Create Amazing Memories
BIRTH SUPPORT
Doula + Birth Keeper
For all mothers-to-be: I'm here for you. Whether it's your first baby or your fifth - every mother deserves labor and birth support!
PHOTOGRAPHY
Motherhood Bundles
I specialize in young families, maternity, birth, and newborns. Bundle any or all and get 10% off the entire cost, or 15% off if you're also a Doula or Birth Keeper Client!
EDUCATION + MENTORING
The Perinatal Experience
Personalized Sovereign Birth Mentorship and Childbirth Education Classes coming late 2025! Join the private facebook group to get exclusive offers.
CAMDEN, NC; ELIZABETH CITY, NC; MOYOCK, NC
Untamed Birth Education
Join the Untamed Birth private facebook group and be one of the firsts to attend the "Untamed Childbirth" Classes for 50% off!
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In these classes we will cover:​​​​
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The Physiological Process of Labor & Birth
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Gentle Interventions vs Forceful/Invasive Interventions, & Advocating For Yourself/Your Partner
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Navigating Trauma
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Comfort Measures & Partner Support
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Common Fears Surrounding Birth
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Golden Hour, The Breast Crawl, & Other Breastfeeding Basics
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Postpartum & Newborn Care
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
Answers to common queries you may have before starting our journey.
Do you attend hospital births?
While my focus is home birth, I will never leave you high and dry during a hospital transfer. I will also take on planned hospital births so long as we are a good fit! Meaning, those who are seeking an undisturbed birth. I have set this boundary for my business due to some unethical and harmful practices of medicalized birth professionals so as to avoid being complicit in birth trauma caused by intervention.
Do you offer payment plans?
Absolutely! I require a $250 non-refundable retainer to secure your date range. After that, I will work with you to create your personalized payment schedule. Final payment must be made by 37 weeks gestation for birth services once I become on call for your birth. For maternity, newborn, and family photography, final payment is due five business days before your session date.
When will you arrive for the birth?
As your doula, I'm there as soon as you need me! As just your photographer, I like to get there by the time active labor begins. I may pop in and out during early labor as well. Capturing the beautiful memories of labor is equally as important as the delivery.
Where are you located/How far will you travel?
My home base is in Elizabeth City, NC. While I like to stay within 80 miles of Elizabeth City, I may travel further depending on the individual circumstances. Areas I travel to include Virginia Beach/Chesapeake, VA and the Outer Banks of NC.
Will you post my birth images?
I will always respect the privacy of my clients and I ONLY share images and videos approved by you.
Are you insured?
Yes! I am insured for both my doula services as well as photography services, as any professional you hire should be.
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it."