Stephanie Shirley Photography

Stephanie Shirley Photography Birth Photographer | Birth Stories | Birth Photography. Serving Houston, TX and surrounding areas. i
(30)

Born, but still connected. Also, don't you love fresh postpartum bellies and baby wrinkles?!
01/20/2023

Born, but still connected.

Also, don't you love fresh postpartum bellies and baby wrinkles?!

All the feels. ❤️
01/19/2023

All the feels. ❤️

You never would have believed that this session was supposed to be centered around the baby. I love toddlers!
01/17/2023

You never would have believed that this session was supposed to be centered around the baby. I love toddlers!

My client’s are art. Their faces are too beautiful not to be on display. 🖤🤍
06/04/2022

My client’s are art. Their faces are too beautiful not to be on display. 🖤🤍

05/31/2022

Summer is here and it’s time for an availability update. I’m almost 100% booked for 2022 and am already booking into February 2023. Stay cool, Mamas, things are heating up in Houston!

This photo is among one of my many favorites from 2021. Not just because it’s a beautiful image, but because of the memo...
04/03/2022

This photo is among one of my many favorites from 2021. Not just because it’s a beautiful image, but because of the memories and emotions that it brings me back to when I see it. Watching this mom so determined to bring this babe into her arms and finally see him fit so perfectly on her lap. All. The. Feels. We wait for what seems like forever to be able to look at every piece of these babies that have grown inside of us. Once they’re here, we want to warm, protect and embrace them… but that quick moment when you pull them away briefly so you can finally lay eyes on their perfection. ❤️ It speaks world to me that this photo was chosen for awards in TWO image competitions. It tells me that I have been able to do what I work to do: invoke emotion into my families and audience. Thank you always for your support. ❤️

I’m still swooning over this gorgeous Fresh Session from a couple of weeks ago. I was originally hired to hold this swee...
12/13/2020

I’m still swooning over this gorgeous Fresh Session from a couple of weeks ago.
I was originally hired to hold this sweet family’s Just Born Session. However, due to COVID, when Mom’s birth plan required a change from birth center to a hospital, I was no longer able to hold that session for them. Instead we planned to do a Fresh Session once they were released from the hospital.
This year has been a year of patience and adaption. I believe that we are all be challenged to let go of what we think we are in control of and to let be. Not only has this year been that of tribulation for my family and my business, but also to those families that I am servicing or would have if not for this pandemic. It has been a year of hope.
Although, this family had to let go of what they had envisioned, as is the theme for me this year, instead I captured something beautiful... a glimpse of the newness in their home. You would never guess at first glimpse that this sweet mom was also dealing with a bout of Bell’s Palsey that was onset at the end of her pregnancy. As she told me this before I arrived, I encouraged her that it would in no way get in the way of the session, but also, it is a part of her story. Being a , it is important for me to capture what is. I have to say that she is remarkably beautiful and am proud of her bravery in not letting this stop her from capturing this sweet time in their life.

Delivering at TCH or Woman's Hospital?!??!⁠⠀⁠⠀I have great news!!! Both hospitals have recently changed their visitation...
10/03/2020

Delivering at TCH or Woman's Hospital?!??!⁠⠀⁠⠀
I have great news!!! Both hospitals have recently changed their visitation policies to allow for an additional support person (now allowing 2!) with moms into labor and delivery. ⁠⠀⁠⠀
Now is the time to get on the calendar!⁠⠀⁠⠀
Contact me to learn how my current policies are safeguarding my clients through their payments during this pandemic. I know we are filled with unknowns from day to day and these policies can change in an instant. ((link in bio))⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀⁠⠀

I got a gift today. After going through a long night beside an amazing mom as she worked to bring her son earth side, a ...
09/06/2020

I got a gift today. After going through a long night beside an amazing mom as she worked to bring her son earth side, a very dear person to me not only checked on me, but also sent me these rarities.
Being a lifestyle photographer, catching life as it unfolds is where my heart is. To have someone think to catch me in my element is such a gift. You’re seeing me far from fresh as I was 16 hours in at this point, but that’s where it’s at. Raw and real. Thank you for this gift. You may not have thought much of it, but it was huge for me!
Oh, and yes, I stand on all the things. All 👏🏼 the 👏🏼 time 👏🏼 .
-photographer

Lately I’ve had a slight obsession with hands. They can say so much when you let you heart listen.In babies, they often ...
09/06/2020

Lately I’ve had a slight obsession with hands. They can say so much when you let you heart listen.
In babies, they often give us cues on hunger by an open or closed fist.
They tell us what kind of life a person has lived by how weathered they are.
My favorite, they provide language. Connection. Reassurance. Strength. Love.

Hey!I’ve been really quiet. Like achingly quiet. Not that I was ever that great about regularly posting my gorgeous clie...
09/05/2020

Hey!

I’ve been really quiet. Like achingly quiet. Not that I was ever that great about regularly posting my gorgeous clients and their families because you know... life, but the silence has lasted too long.
I’m still here. This year has looked a lot different for my business, much like a lot of other Americans. If you know me personally on a business relationship, you know that I always say, when things get slow, there’s usually a reason for it. I’ll be sharing more on that soon.
For now, rest your eyes on this gorgeous moment. Often we get caught up in the planning of an event or a session that we get stuck on how everything is going to go. What the session will look like. We become stressed when the kids aren’t in the best moods or are reacting the way we thought they would. I always try and tell my clients that my work is about being a documentarian. I feel so much and have always wanted to capture the beauty that I see in people. Especially when they don’t see it in themselves. Once I break the barriers and my clients let go...
Magic happens.
More on this story soon...

Yes. Yes. Yes!!! I’m hoping that this gets great feedback and that other hospitals in the Houston area offer this. The p...
02/03/2020

Yes. Yes. Yes!!!

I’m hoping that this gets great feedback and that other hospitals in the Houston area offer this. The piece of mind of delivering at a hospital, but with the comfort of being treated as low-risk. Pregnancy does not always equal high-risk.

AND there are midwives that deliver here.

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼Where are my c-section mamas at?? Would you have liked to be given the option to have a clear drape at your birth?...
02/02/2020
These birth photos prove how beautiful clear drape C-sections can be

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Where are my c-section mamas at?? Would you have liked to be given the option to have a clear drape at your birth?

Modern medicine is great when medically necessary!!! Family-centered (Gentle) cesareans are a thing and should be made available to moms should they want it! So many benefits for mom.

It's important for mamas to know that this is an option you can ask for.

01/30/2020
Coleman

**If birth isn’t your thing, kindly keep scrolling ❤️**

A beautiful home birth story of a 3rd time mom with older brothers assisting her labor and birth. 💙

You won’t want to miss what big brother says around the 9 minute mark. 😭

I'm all about family-centered birth, especially in the OR.Did you know that you have options, even if a c-section is nec...
01/23/2020

I'm all about family-centered birth, especially in the OR.

Did you know that you have options, even if a c-section is necessary.

Read all about this mom's beautiful story and how with the help of her doula, she was able to do skin to skin with her twins shortly after delivery. (link in comments)

As I take some much needed time off from the on-call lifestyle that I live for the next month, I still can’t help but mi...
01/21/2020

As I take some much needed time off from the on-call lifestyle that I live for the next month, I still can’t help but miss being behind the lens. It is a truly remarkable thing to witness life over and over again.

Today I am honoring the BIRTHday of sweet Mia. It was such a quiet, calming birth for this first time mom. To be able to sleep her way through active labor... her body knew just what it needed to prepare for the work to push and bring her baby down.

Make sure you read her full birth story on the blog. (Link in comments)

Midwife: Jaymee Jamison Boughton with In Bloom Midwifery & Home Birth Services

Doula: Chelsey Hernandez with Doulightful Beginnings Birth Care

What an absolute amazing year!!!Here are my stats for 2019:35 births (178 overall 😍)23 boys13 girls1 set of boy/girl twi...
01/09/2020

What an absolute amazing year!!!

Here are my stats for 2019:

35 births (178 overall 😍)
23 boys
13 girls
1 set of boy/girl twins

26 hospital births
8 home births
1 birth center birth

31 vaginal deliveries
4 cesarean

1 birth attended due to backing up another photographer

2 births required back-ups due to my needing to attend funerals :(

Busiest month: September with SIX births (4 within 5 days of each other)
Runner up: January with FIVE births

Most frequented hospital: Texas Children's Pavilion for Women

2 Babies named Hudson this year

Most fun fact of the year... My very first ever birth was on February 17, 2010 and his name is Luke. On February 17, 2019, another sweet Luke was born. 9 years to the day.

Thank you to all of my clients for an outstanding year!!

Check out each month's groupings of babies for those that granted sharing.

My 2020 calendar is filling... contact me about pricing and payment plans.

Anyone else dragging their feet to be productive this new year? Just me? Well, I'm coming out of the holiday fog and so ...
01/07/2020

Anyone else dragging their feet to be productive this new year? Just me?

Well, I'm coming out of the holiday fog and so ready to get back to work. Excited to share last year's stats in the coming days and share some new birth stories.

In the meantime, here is my availability for birth sessions from now through the summer. They are booking quickly!

Tomorrow is the last day to get in on this deal!!If you’re expecting and looking for a Fresh session, don’t wait!
11/30/2019

Tomorrow is the last day to get in on this deal!!

If you’re expecting and looking for a Fresh session, don’t wait!

Black Friday Sale goes live NOW!!!!

Choose from either an image box or session sale!!! Checkout all the details get in on the deal by clicking the link. :)

https://www.stephanieshirley.com/black-friday-sale

Black Friday Sale going live soon!!!Two great sales, you won't want to miss this one!
11/27/2019

Black Friday Sale going live soon!!!

Two great sales, you won't want to miss this one!

I did a thing a couple of weeks ago. Out of the 170 births that I have experienced over the years, not many times have I...
11/21/2019

I did a thing a couple of weeks ago.

Out of the 170 births that I have experienced over the years, not many times have I been pressed with a situation in where a baby needed help after delivery. In those few instances, I was mostly in a hospital setting and there is enough staff that floods the room to help support baby if needed.

However, the couple times where we weren't in the hospital and baby did need help, I felt totally helpless. Although I was able to be the calm presence in the room and take charge of calling the necessary help, I still feel like with more knowledge I could have done more. Even if it meant to simply know what materials the provider needed and place them in her reach without her having to take her attention away from baby. Or as everyone in the room is holding their breath watching as baby tries to take theirs, I can remind everyone to be grounded and breathe.

I am proud to say that I am now certified as a Neonatal Resuscitation Program Provider. This is something that I hope that I never have a reason to put to practice, but am happy that I am more prepared should that time arise.

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness. My heart is with those whose babies have been born sleeping... the babies ...
10/15/2019

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness.

My heart is with those whose babies have been born sleeping... the babies that were held but never went home... the babies that went home, but couldn't stay... and for the ones we carried but never held.

Happy Midwife Week!!!Cheers to all of the midwives I've been Blessed to work with over the years. Make sure you click th...
10/02/2019

Happy Midwife Week!!!

Cheers to all of the midwives I've been Blessed to work with over the years. Make sure you click the link in comments to see some of my fave images of midwives doing what they do best from the last couple of years.

Mom was determined to deliver her third baby without an epidural and with little assistance the moment that he was born....
09/30/2019

Mom was determined to deliver her third baby without an epidural and with little assistance the moment that he was born.

I just love the look she gives her mom and husband when she realizes that she accomplished just that.

Check out their full birth story in the comments.

As mom stopped to nurse babe during our session, that's when the older two decided it was the best time for a wrestling ...
09/20/2019

As mom stopped to nurse babe during our session, that's when the older two decided it was the best time for a wrestling match. Worried about whether that would interfere with the session, Mom asked them to stop. I encouraged her to let them be. One day she'll want to remember this. Remember the crazy. It brought me straight back to the days when my boys were little and wild.

Fresh Sessions are for all the cuddles, all the bonding, all the nursing and just capturing life in those early moments after baby is born.

Still have availability for a Fresh or Just Born Session in 2019!

http://www.stephanieshirley.com/blog-list/an-in-home-fresh-session-of-a-family-with-three-boys

Was there something that your babes did when they were little that you hope to always keep close to your heart?My younge...
09/18/2019

Was there something that your babes did when they were little that you hope to always keep close to your heart?

My youngest could not keep his hands out of my hair if he was anywhere next to me. Literally would tangle his tiny hands in my hair. If he came down in the middle of the night to climb into bed with us, our routine would be for him to climb over me and in between us. I’d turn my back to him and he would grab onto my hair and fall back to sleep.

I thought he would never grow out of it. Then one day, he just stopped. I wish I had taken the time to capture the moments. For now I just keep the memories close to my heart. ❤️

As I sit here watching the rain trickle down the window and listen to the soft beats of a baby as a laboring mom rests, ...
09/17/2019

As I sit here watching the rain trickle down the window and listen to the soft beats of a baby as a laboring mom rests, I can’t help but be eternally grateful for the beauty that I get to capture time and time again.

One of my favorite moments that I get to witness is when mom reaches transition. The whole room feels it. A peacefulness hangs in the air. We all feel the emotions deep in our gut. We all know that the end is near.

❤️

Let’s talk Gentle C-Sections, or Family Centered C-Sections... sometimes it is medically necessary to perform cesarean s...
09/10/2019

Let’s talk Gentle C-Sections, or Family Centered C-Sections... sometimes it is medically necessary to perform cesarean sections for the safety of Mom and Baby.

If it is decided that a cesarean section is necessary, parents can either have options built into their birth plan or request them before heading to the OR. Gentle C-Sections offer the parents the ability to be more a part of their birth experience.

Gentle C-Sections can include:
- Clear plastic drape or for the drape to be lowered to see your baby born or see them immediately after delivery.
- Babies can be delivered slowly to allow time for the chest to be squeezed to clear fluid
- Skin to skin contact while in the OR either immediately after delivery or after Baby has been checked for a few minutes by the neonatal team
- Help with latching baby as Mom is being sutured

To some moms, having a C-Section can lead to them feeling powerless or disconnected from their birth. Gentle C-Sections, if possible allow them to feel more a part of their birth story. Do your research and create a birth plan. Ask questions and voice your wishes. The options are ultimately up to you providers, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. ❤️

Did you know that the benefits of skin to skin are so much than just bonding in those first moments after baby is born?-...
09/05/2019

Did you know that the benefits of skin to skin are so much than just bonding in those first moments after baby is born?

- Helps baby adapt and regulate their temperature
- Stabilizes baby’s heart rate and respirations, which is therefore said to improve baby’s mental development
- By regulating baby’s temperature, they use less energy to stay warm and use that energy to grow, hence promoting healthy weight
- Reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increases oxytocin, which in turn helps baby’s feel calm and safe
- Less stress for baby = better sleep
- Improves Mom’s milk supply
- Makes breastfeeding easier
- Helps regulate Mom’s hormones, therefore also relieving stress
- Among many other things

Even more exciting is that if Mom isn’t available to offer skin to skin care right after delivery, Dad or other family members can do it. ❤️

Did your other children get to meet their new sibling right after you delivered?Just before I left this sweet family, Bi...
08/24/2019

Did your other children get to meet their new sibling right after you delivered?

Just before I left this sweet family, Big Brother came in to meet his new brother. He was curious about all the things... his mommy's smaller belly, the baby's belly and umbilical cord, how the baby eats, etc. It was so sweet to hear him whisper the whole time as to not disturb his brother.

I still just can't get over this birth, this family.
08/23/2019

I still just can't get over this birth, this family.

I love watching the balance that midwives give just after a baby is born. They do all of the necessary checks on mom and...
08/23/2019

I love watching the balance that midwives give just after a baby is born. They do all of the necessary checks on mom and baby periodically, but for the most part the parents are given their space to revel in their new baby.

It was such and experience to see how calm Candice and Traci were with baby. Always keeping him within reach of mom or dad as they did their assessments and newborn exam.

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Pregnant? Trying to conceive? Looking for Support? Kathleen Wilson of Labor Enabler Doula Services, Rebel Birth Education and Resource Haven and TLC Doula Group has availability for due dates in June,September, October, November and December! Schedule an interview now!

Phot Courtesy of: Stephanie Shirley Photography
Pregnant? Trying to conceive? Looking for Support? Kathleen Wilson of Labor Enabler Doula Services, Rebel Birth Education and Resource Haven and TLC Doula Group has availability for due dates in June,September, October, November and December! Schedule an interview now!

Phot Courtesy of: Stephanie Shirley Photography
Better Late than never.....

2021 Labor Enabler Statistics

Total Births Attended: 43
Total Babies Welcomed: 45

Vaginal Births: 31
unmedicated: 27
with epidural: 4
Unscheduled Cesarean Births: 5
Scheduled Cesarean Births: 7

Hospital Births: 35
Out of Hospital Births: 8

Twins: 2 Sets
Singletons: 41
Labor Enabler Doula Services welcomed 20 boys and 25 Girls in 2021!
Four beautiful babies with Heart Defects that are all doing extremely well.
1 Big Boy with Shoulder Dystocia
2 Babies welcomed with Severe Malpresentations
2 Complete Previas
2 Gifts of Surrogacy
3 transfers - all resulting in vaginal births
Our Largest baby weighed in at 11lb 4oz and was delivered Vaginally by midwives in the hospital.

Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Shirley Photography
Better Late than never.....

2021 Labor Enabler Statistics

Total Births Attended: 43
Total Babies Welcomed: 45

Vaginal Births: 31
unmedicated: 27
with epidural: 4
Unscheduled Cesarean Births: 5
Scheduled Cesarean Births: 7

Hospital Births: 35
Out of Hospital Births: 8

Twins: 2 Sets
Singletons: 41
Labor Enabler Doula Services welcomed 20 boys and 25 Girls in 2021!
Four beautiful babies with Heart Defects that are all doing extremely well.
1 Big Boy with Shoulder Dystocia
2 Babies welcomed with Severe Malpresentations
2 Complete Previas
2 Gifts of Surrogacy
3 transfers - all resulting in vaginal births
Our Largest baby weighed in at 11lb 4oz and was delivered Vaginally by midwives in the hospital.

Photo Courtesy of Stephanie Shirley Photography
It's World Doula Week and I am so honored to be featured in Heart of Houston Birth & Wellness Center's newsletter!!! I love the whole family at Heart of Houston! They offer families amazing options! Thanks a ton! Photo credit: Stephanie Shirley Photography

https://www.heartofhoustonbirth.com/post/the-bumpdate-3-21
It's World Doula Week and I am so honored to be featured in Heart of Houston Birth & Wellness Center's newsletter!!! I love the whole family at Heart of Houston! They offer families amazing options! Thanks a ton! Photo credit: Stephanie Shirley Photography

https://www.heartofhoustonbirth.com/post/the-bumpdate-3-21
We’re now a family of four! 😍 Lily Belle may not have been in a rush to arrive on her due date, but when she was ready she wasted no time. Contractions started at 8am and she was born at home at 10:58am. 💕 We are overjoyed and her big brother is already in love with her. Welcome to the world, baby girl! 🥰

7lbs 2oz
20 inches

📷: Stephanie Shirley Photography
We’re now a family of four! 😍 Lily Belle may not have been in a rush to arrive on her due date, but when she was ready she wasted no time. Contractions started at 8am and she was born at home at 10:58am. 💕 We are overjoyed and her big brother is already in love with her. Welcome to the world, baby girl! 🥰

7lbs 2oz
20 inches

📷: Stephanie Shirley Photography
“The moment of becoming a mother is a feeling that really can't be described. So many emotions rush to you and before you know it, you have this beautiful baby in your arms."

In this birth film, captured by Stephanie Shirley Photography, a first-time mama has an unmedicated hospital birth with her supportive husband and doula by her side. 💜💪

In honor of Mother's Day, we are celebrating the moment when a baby (and, often, a mom) is born. Stay tuned to our "This is: birth" series all week for more exceptional birth films that move and inspire us.
“The moment of becoming a mother is a feeling that really can't be described. So many emotions rush to you and before you know it, you have this beautiful baby in your arms."

In this birth film, captured by Stephanie Shirley Photography, a first-time mama has an unmedicated hospital birth with her supportive husband and doula by her side. 💜💪

In honor of Mother's Day, we are celebrating the moment when a baby (and, often, a mom) is born. Stay tuned to our "This is: birth" series all week for more exceptional birth films that move and inspire us.
Sanfordhealth.org says:

The first few minutes after a baby’s birth are a magical time.

After nine months of waiting, a new mother gets her first chance to hold her baby in her arms, to count the tiny fingers and toes and gaze into the eyes of her newborn.

While everyone knows infants need bonding with their mothers early on, research has shown that what happens during the first 60 minutes of a baby’s life can maximize that bonding experience between mother and child. That uninterrupted contact between mother and baby during the “golden hour” after birth is critical to the child’s growth and development.

In the past, mother-child bonding often took a back seat to medical procedures immediately following a baby’s birth. A new mom would watch her baby be handed to a nurse who would examine and weigh the child, clean him up, give him his Vitamin K shot, put on a diaper and swaddle him in a blanket. After all the waiting, the new parents would finally get to hold their new baby.

Health care providers now know that immediate skin-to-skin contact is the best way for a newborn and mother to bond. The sooner after birth this can happen, the better experience the family will have.

In fact, the American Association of Pediatricians now recommends the following guidelines:

-Healthy newborns should be placed in “skin-to-skin” contact with the mother until the first round of breastfeeding is established.

-The medical caregiver and the nurses can conduct the first physical assessment of the baby while it is on the mother’s chest.

-Conventional procedures such as weighing, measuring, bathing, injections or blood test should wait until after the first feeding.

-Baby and mother should remain together throughout the recovery period.

Many hospitals and birthing centers now encourage families to wait at least an hour before introducing their new baby to family and friends. Instead, they encourage mother and baby to stay together and if desired, focus on giving the newborn a chance to breastfeed.

At The Addice, for all of the reasons this article states and more, skin to skin with mom for at least the first hour is always encouraged!

Photo thanks to: Stephanie Shirley Photography

Sanfordhealth.org says:

The first few minutes after a baby’s birth are a magical time.

After nine months of waiting, a new mother gets her first chance to hold her baby in her arms, to count the tiny fingers and toes and gaze into the eyes of her newborn.

While everyone knows infants need bonding with their mothers early on, research has shown that what happens during the first 60 minutes of a baby’s life can maximize that bonding experience between mother and child. That uninterrupted contact between mother and baby during the “golden hour” after birth is critical to the child’s growth and development.

In the past, mother-child bonding often took a back seat to medical procedures immediately following a baby’s birth. A new mom would watch her baby be handed to a nurse who would examine and weigh the child, clean him up, give him his Vitamin K shot, put on a diaper and swaddle him in a blanket. After all the waiting, the new parents would finally get to hold their new baby.

Health care providers now know that immediate skin-to-skin contact is the best way for a newborn and mother to bond. The sooner after birth this can happen, the better experience the family will have.

In fact, the American Association of Pediatricians now recommends the following guidelines:

-Healthy newborns should be placed in “skin-to-skin” contact with the mother until the first round of breastfeeding is established.

-The medical caregiver and the nurses can conduct the first physical assessment of the baby while it is on the mother’s chest.

-Conventional procedures such as weighing, measuring, bathing, injections or blood test should wait until after the first feeding.

-Baby and mother should remain together throughout the recovery period.

Many hospitals and birthing centers now encourage families to wait at least an hour before introducing their new baby to family and friends. Instead, they encourage mother and baby to stay together and if desired, focus on giving the newborn a chance to breastfeed.

At The Addice, for all of the reasons this article states and more, skin to skin with mom for at least the first hour is always encouraged!

Photo thanks to: Stephanie Shirley Photography

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