Hi, I'm Sam
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Eastern Tennessee, I am a devoted wife and a full-time mom to my incredible kids. I'm a lover of scary movies, thunderstorms, and wildflowers, my heart finds its true passion in the awe-inspiring journey of pregnancy and birth.
After having my first baby in 2015, I have been living and breathing all things birth. This experience is what completely changed my views and beliefs on how birth should be treated, wholly and completely, and is what ultimately led me to becoming a doula.
I have a deep respect for true physiological birth and its process. From the blend of power and vulnerability inlabor to the delicate sensitivity of mothers and babies at birth, I am committed to fostering positive, empowering experiences. You have the right to choose how and where to bring your baby forth, and these choices are as intimate and individual as each and every person on this planet.
I stand firmly behind the philosophy that birth happens best when it is well supported. I believe in the innate strength of women, the power of choice, and the importance of informed decision-making. Every aspect of pregnancy and birth is approached with reverence, recognizing the beauty and uniqueness of each journey. I’ve always found fulfillment in serving others. There’s something profoundly special about contributing to someone’s well-being and making a positive impact on their journey.
As a birth worker, I hold space for parents during one of life’s most transformative moments. I nourish and care for them, ensuring they feel confident and empowered as they welcome their little ones into the world. Witnessing someone thrive, knowing that my support has made a difference, fills me with immense joy.
Together, we’re creating a ripple effect—one birth at a time.
Hi, I'm Haley
I've been surrounded by amazing, strong mothers my whole life, and my passion for birth work is inspired by them.
I believe that every mother is capable of achieving the birth of their dreams, and my sweet spot is supporting physiological, autonomous births.
As a birth keeper, my approach is holistic and intuitive. Essential oils are always in my bag, and I’ll be the first to recommend jumping in a warm shower or bath during your labor. I also support unassisted birth.
When I’m not plowing through books and resources about pregnancy and birth, you’ll probably find me baking, brewing French Press coffee, or rummaging around my garden with my three kids (the baby almost certainly in a carrier on my back).
I can’t wait to witness you bring your baby earthside in power and love!
Hi, I'm Shaina
Hi, I’m Shaina!
I live along the Nolichucky River, with my Fiancé’, Aussie Atlas, and our favorite Riverly girl.
When I’m not snapping photos, you can find me on long drives thru the mountains with my family, hiking the Appalachians, paddle boarding the lake, or fishing for Bass on the river. Anything outdoors calls my name, and I’m there as long as my family is along.
My birth story isn’t the sort I’d want for you. I felt alone, scared, anxious, unaware, and overwhelmed with choices I knew nothing about. Even at 35 years old.
My first documentation of my baby was taken by a nurse, and the second was a selfie in the hospital mirror.
These are two very big reasons I chose to collaborate my services with Beautiful Births Services.
I want every new and new again, mother, to know without any doubt how bad ass they are, how capable, how strong, and how resilient you’ll become.
As a birth photographer, I come carefully into your precious space to capture the absolute wonder that is unfolding before you. It is my job to capture Bold, emotive, & candid imagery that tells your unique experience unobtrusively as possible.
I want you to look back at these photos & see yourself as the powerful momma that roared your babies into this world. I come fiercely in your corner, no matter your birth looks like, or how your family comes to be. I’ll be there so you can hold onto the first memories that came in as just a blur.
Why Beautiful Births was Created
Beautiful Births had its humble beginnings in the transformative experience of my own first birth. As I navigated the beautiful yet challenging journey of bringing new life into the world, I realized the profound impact a knowledgeable and supportive presence could have on this sacred process. Inspired by the desire to enhance the birthing experience for others, I founded Beautiful Births eight years ago. This venture is not merely a business but a passion born out of a deep appreciation for the incredible strength of women and the awe-inspiring beauty of pregnancy and birth.
From that initial spark of insight during my own labor, Beautiful Births has evolved into a sanctuary of support, empowerment, and celebration for mothers-to-be in Eastern Tennessee. Each client's unique journey is met with reverence and dedication, reflecting the heartfelt origins of a service that strives to redefine and champion the art of natural, beautiful birthing experiences.
Beautiful Births
Philosophy
We are committed to defining and advocating for birth support guided by the following principles:
I firmly believe in the innate capacity of our bodies to undergo the incredible processes of growing, birthing, and nurturing our babies, and I advocate for trusting this ability wholeheartedly.
In seeing a woman in labor, I see a harmonious blend of power and vulnerability—an awe-inspiring and beautiful combination.
I hold the belief that women are inherently strong, a force to be reckoned with, especially during the transformative experience of labor.
Choice and comfort are paramount. I support a woman's right to labor and deliver where and how she feels most comfortable, be it at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital.
Pregnancy and birth, in my perspective, are natural, normal facets of life, not a problem to be solved.
I emphasize that a due date is an estimate, not an expiration date, acknowledging the uniqueness and variability of each birthing experience.
The active involvement of a present partner during labor is crucial and promotes a "shared experience" and greater sense of connection.
Encouraging movement during labor is essential, recognizing a woman's innate ability to adapt to her needs.
The awe-inspiring mind-body connection during labor is a testament to its astonishing and powerful nature.
Birth unfolds at its own pace and rhythm, sometimes swiftly and sometimes gradually, but always with purpose.
Recognizing the awareness and sensitivity of babies at birth, I advocate for their acknowledgment and considerate treatment.
My approach is to cooperate with the natural process of labor, which helps create a more enjoyable birth experience.
I caution against unnecessary medical interventions, understanding their potential snowball effect.
"If it's not broken, don't fix it" encapsulates my approach, emphasizing the importance of respecting the natural birthing process.
Pregnancy is not an illness, and I advocate against treating it as such.
Informed decision-making is crucial, empowering women to be knowledgeable about their options and supporting their choices.
i aim to protect the satisfaction and joy of the birthing experience
I believe that there is equal importance between the prenatal period, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period.
Support during labor is paramount, ensuring that no person, procedure, or habit impedes a woman's journey.
The postpartum period is a time for self-nurture, recognizing its significance in a woman's overall well-being.
A woman's confidence and ability to give birth and care for her baby are profoundly influenced by every caregiver and the birthing environment.