Welcome to my series about birth workers in Utah. If you’re new here, hi there, I’m Jessica and I’m a newborn portrait photographer based in Utah County. In this series it’s my goal to interview people that work with pregnant, birthing, and new mothers to learn about their services and how they help their clients right here in Utah County.
   For our next post I interviewed Sheali Forsyth of Forsyth Birth Services. Sheali is really passionate about educating her clients about birth as well as supporting pregnant people when they need it most. She teaches childbirth classes that "make you feel supported in your decisions, have full unbiased information, and the confidence that comes from understanding birth". She also is a great support person (as a birth doula) to have with you during your birth.

Tell me about yourself and your business:
I'm a Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator- I mentored under Trisha Baird, and have education in the Bradley Method. I teach "Mindfully Prepared Birth" and trained with Kelly Colvin to teach the class. 

What inspired you to start working in your field?
The human body has always fascinated me. With birth, all the puzzle pieces fit together. I first learned that a mom will adjust her body temperature to regulate babies temperature. That is what sparked my interest. Since then, it only gets more and more interesting. 
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What type of doula work do you do? How is that different from other types of doulas?
I am a typical birth doula. I like to think of myself as a big sister. I will support you in all your decisions, but I won't lie to you either. I believe births should be filled with feminine energy and that's what I bring to births. I bring a softness, so moms can focus on the birth itself. 

What is your philosophy on childbirth and how do you support the expectant parent during labor and delivery?
Childbirth is hard! It's hard and it's painful. All of that can have a beautiful meaning, and help us transform into the mothers we are meant to become. I believe we go into birth alone because there are many events in motherhood we have to do alone. The women that come out of that space is incredible. I allow women space for that transformation. I ensure they feel comfortable to speak for themselves and feel empowered to see it through. I also allow women to know they are safe.   

Do you have any resources you can offer or recommend to help the expectant parent?
Yes, I always include lots of options for resources. I also have packages available that include postpartum care, massage therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and even a spot at a birth center.

How can hiring a doula help a new parent?
Absolutely! All parents should have access to a doula. Sometimes first time parents don't understand how important birth is or how many people are needed for their support team. With my first birth, my doula made me feel safe. I was able to surrender to the experience. It also ensures mom is never alone. Sometimes the partner needs to be with the baby, and mom is left alone. A doula will always be with mom.

How can I prepare for childbirth before labor begins?
Birth is more of a mental battle than a physical. Get into a mental state of relaxation. Practice relaxing and softening the whole body. I go over this in a lot more detail in my class. Also learn to trust your partner, and take time for gentle movement everyday.

What are some common birthing challenges, and how can the expectant parent overcome them?
Transition! This is when it gets scary for even the most confident and prepared moms. This is why we need birth workers to remind moms they are safe. 

Can you describe a particularly challenging birth and how you supported the parent during the delivery?
There was a mom who needed to get induced early. She had a very long and exhausting labor. I was with her for 26 hours. She eventually got an epidural. I slept on the hospital floor next to her, and woke up every two hours to help her change positions. There was one point where she accidentally pulled a cord on her epidural. The anesthesiologist was busy, so she was scared about the pain coming back. I held her hand and talked her through her contractions. She eventual went in for a Cesarean Birth. I told her how proud I was of her!

What is your availability during the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period, and how do you handle unexpected changes in the birth plan?
I only take on clients if I am 100% available. I am always available for text/call and births. I am also flexible for prenatal and postpartum visits. I make sure I am available through the birth window (37-42 weeks) but make sure my ringer is on before then.

What are some common fears or concerns that pregnant people have during pregnancy, and how do you address these concerns?
It gets really hard at the end of pregnancy, especially with the uncertainty of when labor will start. I try to make it fun, and plan something for their EDD, and go on walks with them.

How do you work with medical professionals, such as obstetricians, midwives, or nurses, during the birth process?
I have been so fortunate to have worked with amazing nurses and providers. I work closest with nurses. They have helped me position moms with epidurals, and apply counter pressure for moms without. I have worked really well with them.

How do you involve partners or other family members in the birth experience, and how do you support them in supporting the expectant parent?
I always ask what the partners are expecting out of the birth. They are transforming too! It's their experience as well (even though they have more say in their participation.) Some partner like to hang back, others just want to hold moms hand, and other want to jump right in! I will sometimes give direction, but it's better if the partner helps. It sets up trust for postpartum. For some births I support the partner, so he's at full capacity to support the mom.

   Thanks so much for sharing about your business with us Sheali! You can find her website here or on Instagram @forsyth_birth_services.
​   If you would like to be featured here or if you'd like to recommend one of your favorite birth workers in Utah County or Salt Lake County to be featured please send me a message with your email on Instagram @jesplinphoto.

  Welcome to my series about birth workers in Utah. If you’re new here, hi there, I’m Jessica and I’m a newborn portrait photographer based in Utah County. In this series it’s my goal to interview people that work with pregnant, birthing, and new mothers to learn about their services and how they help their clients right here in Utah County.
   For our next post I interviewed Stacey Green, owner of the Utah Birth Place located in Provo, Utah. The Utah Birth Place is your one stop shop when it comes to birth education, community birth support, and giving birth on your terms. They offer birth education classes, massage, lactation support, and more. Read to the end to learn about our collaborative event celebrating the upcoming one year anniversary of The Utah Birth Place.

Tell us about yourself and your business:
   My name is Stacey Green, I own The Utah Birth Place. It is a different kind of birth center where you can bring any home birth midwife you are comfortable with. We offer birth education classes, lactation support, essential oils, a lending library, massage, doulas, midwives, and resources for families before, during and after pregnancy. I have been a birth and postpartum doula for five years and love the birth community. I had clients that never knew of all of the resources that were available to them and saw there was a need for a one stop shop for birth. I just opened The Utah Birth Place in October of 2023, we are located in Provo just off of center street.

What inspired you to start working in your field?
   Having my oldest, that is now almost 15, made me realize that even though we had taken some classes through the hospital we were very unprepared for birth. I also was not aware of other services that would have been incredibly helpful after having her. I felt very alone in the process and could have used a village.

How can giving birth at a birth center benefit a new parent?
   Birth centers are great because you get to have the home birth feel without feeling the need to host. There is also space and extra benefits like fabric pulls, birth pools, and squat bars that you don't have or have room for at home or hospitals. Sometimes birth centers are closer to a hospital then your home in case of emergencies with the freedom to move the way your body is telling you to and an overall calmer environment.

What amenities and support services does your birthing center offer to ensure a comfortable and positive birthing experience?
   All the benefits of home without the clean up! Also, the fabric pull, squat bars, calming environment, and the ability to bring in the birth team you want and feel comfortable with.

What is your philosophy on natural vs. medicated childbirth? How do you support the laboring parent throughout labor and delivery?
   I support your choices! I don't care if that is natural or medicated. You can still have a beautiful experience with either. My goal is that you are educated on the choices you have and give consent before anything is done. I am there to support you and your partner.

Do you have any resources you can offer or recommend to help the expectant parent?
   Definitely take a birth education class, look into getting a doula (both birth and postpartum), know what options you have and how to advocate for yourself. Make sure you get support for postpartum and lactation. Postpartum is often overlooked because you are preparing for the birth. Make sure you not only are taking care of your body by getting rest and healthy meals, but also a plan for your mental health.

How can I prepare for a birth at your birthing center before my baby is born? Are there any specific classes or resources you recommend?
   When you reserve the birth suite at The Utah Birth Place, you also are given birth education classes. Here we teach the Mindfully Prepared Birth course that will prepare you for any type of birth you plan and even the one you might not have planned.

What are some common challenges parents face during labor and delivery at a birthing center, and how does the birthing center staff help overcome those challenges?
   Birth center birth is just like any other birth. No matter where it happens. We treat birth like the life event it is. Your birth team is well trained to handle anything that comes up and if they need more support, we are close to the hospital if needed.

Any further advice for an expectant or postpartum parent?
   Ask questions and know that you are allowed to say no and change providers at ANY time. That includes while pushing if necessary.

How does your birthing center handle emergency situations, and what protocols are in place to ensure the safety of both the parent and the baby?
   During emergency situations, your midwife is the one that calls the shots. We have a ramp in the parking lot in case a stretcher needs to be brought in. We also have signs with 911 and our address posted to make it easy for anyone to make that call.

Where can our readers find you?
  We are "The Utah Birth Place" on all of our socials (Tik Tok,  Facebook,  Instagram). Our website is theutahbirthplace.com

   As The Utah Birth Place approaches our first anniversary, we along with  Jessica Esplin Photo and Heather Lewin Photography want to share the joy with the families who make our work meaningful. For soon to be and new mothers, we are hosting maternity, newborn and baby mini photo sessions to allow you to honor this exciting time of your life. We can’t wait to have you come check out the space and learn about the comprehensive services we offer! This one time event will be Saturday August 10th, 2024. We will have 2 very talented photographers offering their services at a highly discounted rate for this special event. Pick the photographer’s style that you resonate with and book your session time by following the link to their individual booking sites. More details below!

If you would like to be featured here or if you'd like to recommend one of your favorite birth workers in Utah County or Salt Lake County to be featured please send me a message with your email on Instagram @jesplinphoto.

​  Welcome to a new series about birth workers in Utah. If you’re new here, hi there, I’m Jessica and I’m a traveling newborn portrait photographer based in Utah County. In this series it’s my goal to interview people that work with pregnant, birthing, and new mothers to learn about their services and how they help their clients.
   For our next post I interviewed Dr. Betty DeLass of Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness. Dr. DeLass has clinics in two locations: one in West Jordan and one in Lehi, Utah. The Physical Therapists at Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness help women take care of their pelvic health including healing bowel and bladder dysfunction, endometriosis, fertility, pelvic pain, and conditions experienced in pregnancy or postpartum including diastasis recti, prolapse, pubic symphysis dysfunction, and more.

Tell us about yourself and your business:
   I, Dr. Betty DeLass, PT, DPT, am the owner of Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness and we have been in Utah for 3 years. We are specialized pelvic floor physical therapists. We have 2 locations: West Jordan and Lehi with 9 pelvic floor physical therapists.
   At our practice, we specialize in pelvic floor physical therapy and helping you achieve lasting relief from pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, urinary and bowel conditions, orthopedic pelvic pain, and pre- and post-natal conditions.
   Our highly trained and licensed physical therapists are committed to providing personalized treatment plans and education to help you understand how to care for your body and prevent future injuries. We offer several treatment options and are here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you on your path to optimal health and wellness.

What inspired you to start working in your field?
   I have always been passionate about women’s health and then after having my first child realized how much of a disservice we have with care in the United States. I got what I like to call “righteously angry” and decided to take matters in my own hands to change the way we deliver care before, during, after pregnancy and beyond! I was already working in pelvic health and then decided to start my own company.

What is your philosophy on postpartum recovery and how do you support the new parent?
   We like to see people before pregnancy if they already have pelvic floor dysfunction. So if you have pain with tampon insertion, speculum exam, intercourse, painful periods, constipation, or low back/hip pain of any kind we like to see you before you get pregnant. Then during pregnancy we like to help out with the aches and pains that often present themselves, just because it is common doesn’t mean it is normal and often times we can alleviate and resolve unwanted symptoms that “pop-up” during pregnancy.
​   Additionally, we like to help you prep for birth to make sure your body is in good alignment for baby to get into a good position and also to help prep your pelvic floor to be mobile and get out of the way for delivery. Then we see our patients postpartum to help with recovery and rehab from delivering a beautiful baby. We love getting our Moms back to doing things they love and helping them live their life to the fullest without guilt, shame or embarrassment of their pelvic health. We are here throughout the lifespan of your pelvis. It is never too early and it is never too late to address any pelvic health issue you have.

How can hiring a physical therapist or physical therapist that focuses on your specialty help a new parent? What is the benefit of hiring someone with a specialty?
   Not all physical therapists are the same. You need specialized training for internal pelvic floor work to be a pelvic floor physical therapist. We also require to work at Reborn to have advanced course work in both pelvic health and dry needling. We often take students to train them and bring them up to speed with the advanced clinic work we are doing.

How can I prepare for positive postpartum pelvic health before my baby is born?
​   Making sure you have your “village” around you for support. Having an amazing pelvic floor physical therapist (like a provider at Reborn) will significantly help prep and prepare you for a positive postpartum experience.

What are some common physical challenges postpartum mothers face, and how can they overcome them?
   Common things we help with in our clinic: Back pain, hip pain, SI joint pain, tailbone pain, painful periods, endometriosis, incontinence, prolapse, painful intercourse, diastasis recti, constipation, birth prep, postpartum recovery and return to activity as well as many more! We help you understand your body and become the expert of your own body so that you can live your life to the fullest without thinking about your pelvic floor. It is our honor and privilege to be able to help you along your journey!

Can you provide guidance on exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor during pregnancy? What is a good resource for a beginner?
   We are big fans of functional movements like squats, lunges and deadlifts. Reason being, is that the pelvic floor doesn’t work in isolation, so we like to include it into other exercises that you can get the best bang for your buck. We recommend our online membership/app or coming in for an appointment for individualized care so that you can get as specific as possible in what you need for your unique body.

Do you have any resources you can offer or recommend to help the expectant or postpartum parent?
   We have a ton of freebies on our website. Click here for a PDF with a screening protocol and $50 off an evaluation with us, or scan the QR code below for $50 off an evaluation with us.

Any further advice for an expectant parent?
   Give yourself grace during this beautiful transformation, it is hard and beautiful at the same time. Your body is resilient and it has the ability to heal far greater than anyone has permitted you to believe!

Where can our readers find you?
Our website: www.rebornphw.com
Social media: @rebornpelvichealthandwellness
Our offices: 
West Jordan: 7611 S Jordan Landing Blvd. #130, West Jordan 84084 and
Lehi: 310 N 850 E, Unit D, Lehi UT, 84043

If you would like to be featured here or if you'd like to recommend one of your favorite birth workers in Utah County or Salt Lake County to be featured please send me a message on Instagram @jesplinphoto.

Thank you for taking the time to explore my blog and sharing in the wonderful world of maternity, newborn, and birth photography with me. I hope you've found inspiration, valuable insights, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of these special moments. If you're ready to capture your own unique story or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's transform your moments into lasting memories together. Feel free to Contact Me for inquiries or simply share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories, tips, and photography adventures, and remember, each click of the camera is a chance to cherish a moment forever.

When planning what to wear for your newborn portrait session, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Coordinating colors: It's best to choose coordinating colors for the family members that will be in the photos. The colors should complement each other and the background of the photos. Avoid bold patterns or logos as they can be distracting.

Simple and classic: Simple and classic clothing styles are best for newborn portraits. Avoid trendy or overly fashionable clothing, as they may look dated in a few years. Stick to neutral and solid colors, and avoid bright neon colors or loud prints.

Comfort: Comfort is important, especially for the newborn. Dress the baby in comfortable and soft clothing, and make sure that the clothing is not too tight or restrictive. If you're wearing something uncomfortable, it shows in your photos.

Textures: Textures can add interest and depth to the photographs. Consider incorporating different textures in your clothing, such as knit sweaters or denim jeans.

Accessories: Accessories such as jewelry, scarves, or hats can add a personal touch to the photos. Be mindful that they don't overpower the photos. Don't overdo it, less is more.

Layers: Layers can add dimension and interest to the photos. Consider incorporating layers in your clothing, such as a cardigan or a scarf.

It's a good idea to have a few options of clothing ready for the session, so the photographer can help you decide what will look best in the photographs. Remember, the focus should be on the baby and family, so don't go for anything too flashy or distracting.

Hi there Mama! I'm Jessica, a Utah based new born baby photographer. ​Thank you for taking the time to explore my blog and sharing in the wonderful world of maternity, newborn, and birth photography with me. I hope you've found inspiration, valuable insights, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of these special moments. If you're ready to capture your own unique story or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's transform your moments into lasting memories together. Feel free to Contact Me for inquiries or simply share your thoughts in the comments below. Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories, tips, and photography adventures, and remember, each click of the camera is a chance to cherish a moment forever.