What I Packed in My Hospital Bag for my 2nd Baby’s Birth

After having my first daughter at the hospital in Boca Raton, (she was born at Boca Raton Regional Hospital), I realized there were a bunch of things that I wanted/needed with me during my hospital stay for before and after birth that I just didn’t have. And we really weren’t in the headspace to decide to send my hubby shopping or to pick things up from home as we wanted to soak up every single of those first moments following birth (AND SLEEP!)

So when I was pregnant for the second time, I almost instantly knew already in my first trimester what I would need to bring with me to the hospital the second time around with baby #2!

I want to share what I’ve learned with mamas expecting their first, or planning their second and wanting to be well prepared! Packing some of your essentials or musts will make for a more comfortable hospital experience.

For Labor

Packing

First things first. I learned this the hard way the first time. Duffel bags, diaper bags, back packs, anything that goes on your back is a big no for the hospital. When in labor, or even if you have to have a scheduled c-section, you don’t want to be going into labor and delivery like you’re going for a hike. And you don’t want your partner or spouse’s arms to be preoccupied with baggage. A rolling carry-on suitcase is 100% the way to go. You can neatly organize everything in zip compartments and it opens like a book and displays everything for you to quickly find.

Chapped-Lips

One of the things that I really ended up needing during labor that I didn’t have was chapstick / lipgloss. I know it sounds trivial and maybe vain? But during labor, I felt the air in my hospital labor room was incredibly dry, almost like on an airplane. I am sure hospitals must have dehumidifiers running on a commercial level to keep bacteria at bay. But it caused me to have painfully dry and breaking lips. So this was honestly one of the first things I bought and packed in my bag for labor. I kept it on the rolling table in the hospital room and part of my husbands duties for my labor was to keep reminding me to reapply it. This is one item I kept in my makeup bag in my purse (not the carry-on suitcase), along with waterproof mascara which is my #2 item

Waterproof Mascara

I know this is not a thing everyone wears or wants to wear during labor, but for me it was a must. I don’t really wear any makeup, but I have very light colored, thin and sparse eye lashes. In my personal life, I like to wear mascara often even on occasions and just regular weekday mom days. It gives me a tiny boost of confidence. It makes me feel more put together. It totally does make me feel a little more ‘with-it’ and in control of my life. When birth is so unpredictable, it is so nice to at least feel a little more confidence, or like you can at least control your face. I know it may seem trivial, but to me it was almost like my comfort zone.

Essential Oils + Diffuser

I tend to be a high anxiety mama. One of the things that calm me down are pleasant, calming, clean smells. I love the smell of lavender. For my labor I packed lavender essential oil for calming, a diffuser to make the entire room smell pleasant, relaxing and clean. Peppermint essential oil roller in case I got a headache or nauseous, and I splurged and bought clary sage essential oil for in case my labor stalled. I found out after I had my first child, there is such a thing as pressure points on your ankles and hands that can stimulate labor and if paired with a strong labor-inducing Clary Sage essential oil, if your contractions suddenly get very far apart and erratic, this strong combination can bring them closer together and make them far more productive in thinning out your cervix (called effacement by labor and delivery nurses) and dilating you to 10cm!

Music

I totally think this one is underrated. But I knew when I would be in labor with my second baby, labor would go slow and I wouldn’t want to be listening to all the sounds of the world buzzing about around me while I experienced slow labor. I wanted music to help me get through all the emotions of the day. So I made several play lists with various types of music depending on what I would be feeling. I had an uplifting motivating play list, a calming & ambient play list of music in case I started feeling nervous/anxious, I even made a cinematic inspirational playlist for the very end of labor if I needed it. I threw on my favorite Christmas album by Michael Buble because lord knows that makes me the happiest person in the world. So with music goes my iphone + iphone charger + a blue tooth speaker. All these accessories were a must.

Clothing

What I was going to wear during labor is honestly something that never crossed my mind when I was pregnant with my first baby. Maybe on some level I thought it was mandatory to wear the paper thin hospital labor gown? I’m really not sure.

But when I got pregnant with my second one, I immediately knew we were going to have to bring some changes of clothes with us. First off, I chose 3 t-shirts for my husband. One for him to wear when we were leaving for the hospital, one as a spare to change into if my labor was long and he needed a fresh shirt, and one for the following day if he didn’t go home to change. For my first birth he wore this orange shirt with a video game logo on it. And although the story is totally adorably sweet, I wear it as a sleep shirt these days, it was the worst most unflattering color tee for him to wear in the photos we took with our camera while we were in the hospital.

Secondly — my clothing. I am an artist and have kind of a hippie heart, and I am a photographer after all, so for birthing photos I had a vision of a dreamy, deep colored lace bralette similar to the one pictured here. I’ll link the one below here in case someone wants to get this one : Victoria’s Secret

Many of my clients actually also order a labor and delivery gown usually from the brand Pretty Pushers on amazon and I’ve actually had several clients who ordered this same halter one in black (and sometimes my clients order two sets just in case they feel a need to change their clothing during labor)

Snacks

I decided to pack many snacks that didn’t need a fridge (and brought a few for the fridge) so that my husband would have plenty to eat during labor and have enough energy to be supportive to me in the way I needed him present.

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Things I packed for the hospital stay after giving birth

— Post Partum —

The Sound of the Ocean

Literally the first thing I packed for my hospital stay after giving birth was my toddler’s white noise machine!

Perhaps the least comfortable aspect of having a two day hospital stay with my first baby was that I could hear alarms, beeps, footsteps, doors opening and closing all outside of my hospital room and it became impossible for me to sleep for more than 10 minutes at a time. I was already totally exhausted from the birth process itself so on top of it nurses waking me inadvertently made it impossible to rest. By the time I got home from the hospital I was so sleep deprived and then my baby started sleeping poorly. I was definitely going to nip it in the bud early the second time around by bringing my daughter’s sound machine from her room with the sound of ocean waves. It did the trick. It drowned out all the disruptful sounds and I was able to get much more rest the second time around.

Baby

Instead of packing a million things for the baby like I did the first time around, I only packed a handful:

Two sizes of a going home outfit (a footie pajama), a pretty swaddle for the day after lifestyle pictures, and two sizes of a beanie hat to go with the swaddle. I wasn’t sure what size my daughter would be when she was born, so I wanted to play it safe with options so I didn’t get stuck with dressing her in hospital baby clothing for going home. I used the hospital supplied diapers, wipes, everything to its fullest while we were at the hospital. Endless supplies that end when you leave the hospital, so take advantage! You are paying the hospital after all for your stay.

Post Partum Self-Care

For myself, there were certain clothing and cosmetic items I packed so I could feel myself again and quickly.

For myself for after birth I packed two non-fitted v-neck black tees that I could easily breastfeed in, two pairs of looser black yoga pants (I got them from motherhood maternity) and a black cotton robe. I wanted to be able to feel like more like my usual self (as much as that is possible) immediately after giving birth. I also wanted to be dressed more like myself for when my older daughter (who was then going to be 3 years old) would come to meet the baby.

Cosmetics: I packed body wash for the shower, a full size towel — I didn’t want to risk getting another tiny hospital towel, shampoo/conditioner in travel cases in case I would have sweaty hair after birth so I could wash my hair and have somewhat nice hair for the day after photos. I also packed light makeup (eyeshadow and tinted lipgloss), hair ties, deodorant (I use a natural brand called Primal Pit Paste in the scents Lavender and “Royal & Rogue” I just don’t want aluminum to be in my arm pit when breastfeeding the baby. I tend to want to wear glasses all the time but I did pack contact lenses in case I needed a break from glasses.

Breastfeeding

I had a really hard time with breastfeeding the first time around. I had what nurses call inverted nipples, my baby’s latch was extremely painful for me to tolerate, my milk came in less than 24 hours after birth and there was so much of it and I couldn’t get her to latch on at that point. I learned so much after having my first baby. So for my second baby here are the items I packed for the hospital:

Bamboo breatmilk pads. The first time around I used disposable nursing pads by Lansinoh, Nuk and Ameda. But then after I had my daughter I found out that they are so absorbent, they also absorb your skin’s natural oils, leaving nipples chapped and sore. So I switched to bamboo nursing pads (Bamboobies brand and another brand I found on amazon called M&Y Organic Bamboo Nursing pads that came in a 14 pack) and what I really ended up liking about the bamboo pads were that they are washable, so instead of buying many boxes of disposable ones that cost loads of money and are bad for the environment, you buy one and done.

Because I experienced so many hardships the first time around with breastfeeding, I knew how important it was to have a good start with breastfeeding. If I ever have a third baby, I will ask Sasha Lansing, the other of Mom’s Breast Friend and a Certified Lactation Counselor, to actually pay a visit to the hospital to make sure my baby is latching correctly and I can address any issues with supply and tongue ties before I even go home. I know typically Sasha likes to see her clients once they are home from the hospital, but knowing my serious issues started within a mere 8 hours of giving birth both times, that would be my preference.

For my husband

I also packed things my husband would need for the hospital stay since I knew he would be with me the whole time. I brought his tooth brush & tooth paste, a substantial blanket since the hospital ones suck. And all the essential clothing pieces for a change of clothing besides the t-shirt I mentioned above.

A Comprehensive Hospital Bag Checklist for Second-Time Moms at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Preparing for the arrival of your second baby is an exciting and joyous time. Many of my Birth Photography clients are gearing up for their labor and delivery / postpartum stays at West Boca Medical Center, Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Broward Health Coral Springs and HCA Florida Northwest ensuring that your hospital bag is well-packed can make the experience more comfortable and stress-free. Here's a comprehensive checklist tailored for second-time moms to cover both labor and delivery essentials as well as postpartum necessities.

Labor and Delivery Essentials:

Comfortable Clothing:

Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes for labor.

A cozy robe for walking around.

Snacks and Hydration:

Energy-boosting snacks for both you and your partner.

A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during labor.

Toiletries:

Toothbrush, toothpaste, and mouthwash.

Hair ties or clips.

Your preferred shampoo and conditioner.

Lip balm.

Entertainment:

Magazines, books, or an e-reader for downtime.

Your favorite calming music playlist.

Hospital Paperwork:

Identification, insurance information, and any required hospital paperwork.

Electronics:

Phone and charger.

Camera or smartphone for capturing those precious moments.

Comfort Items:

A favorite pillow or blanket for added comfort.

Birth Plan:

Copies of your birth plan to share with your medical team.

Postpartum Necessities:

Comfortable Nursing Bras and Tops:

Nursing bras and comfortable tops for breastfeeding.

Hygiene Products:

Maxi pads and disposable underwear.

Perineal spray or soothing wipes.

Toiletries:

Your favorite toiletries for post-birth showers.

Hairbrush and hair ties.

Comfortable Underwear:

High-waisted, comfortable underwear that won't irritate incisions.

Going-Home Outfit:

A comfortable and loose outfit for leaving the hospital.

Postpartum Care Items:

Nipple cream for breastfeeding moms.

Postpartum belly wrap for added support.

Snacks and Refreshments:

Healthy snacks to keep your energy up during those first few days.

A refillable water bottle.

Baby Essentials:

Baby clothes for going home.

A blanket and hat for the baby.

Comfortable Footwear:

Slippers or cozy socks for walking around the hospital.

Chargers and Electronics:

Chargers for your phone and any other electronic devices.

Contact List:

A list of phone numbers for friends and family to share the good news.

Remember, every birth experience is unique, so feel free to tailor this list to your specific needs and preferences. As a second-time mom, drawing on your previous experience can help you anticipate your needs and create a more personalized hospital bag. Best of luck on this incredible journey!

Yes C-Sections Even in Great Hospitals like Boca Regional Can Be Scary But There is Yet Hope!

Despite the fact that having a C-Section can lead you to feeling nervous, because surgery can be emotionally overwhelming especially for moms about to meet their baby, this moment can still be beautifully preserved via Birth Photography

Like the moment dad touches his son’s hand for the first time…

Dad Cutting baby’s umbilical cord

Baby’s Newborn Exam (done by the baby nurse in labor and delivery)

Baby’s first weight 7 pounds 4 ounces

Bringing Baby over to mom to finally see & meet her sweet baby boy while still in the operating room

First Kiss from Mommy

First Kiss from Daddy

First Cuddles from Mommy & Daddy

Daddy, still wearing his scrubs, proudly holding his baby boy

(still in the operating room)

Back in their labor and delivery room, mama gets to finally do some skin to skin with her baby boy

Daddy doing skin to skin with his son for the first time

Grandparents brought big sister to meet baby brother at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital in Margate, Florida

After years of hospital closures and limitations of visitors, it was so nice to see my birth photography client and her husband’s wishes respected by hospital staff to allow their family (with whom they are very close) to visit my client and meet the baby

School Bus Converted House Home Birth in Jupiter, FL

🚌 SCHOOL BUS CONVERTED HOUSE 🚌

HOME BIRTH

in Jupiter, Florida

I get asked OFTEN what my favorite birth ever was.

While I don't have a favorite, because I have attended a lot of births I really really loved for many different reasons, I am going to start sharing a few of my 'coolest' births that instantly come to mind starting with this one!

First time mama lives in a school bus converted home, when I arrived at her birth, I saw immediately how much heart and time they put into creating a loving home.

When she first hired me to photograph her baby's home birth, I said I would do whatever I could to make it, despite it being a drive for me.

Its really hard for me to choose only 10 of my favorite photos from Katie's home birth, but I did my best narrowing them down for instagram. While on this blog post, I included my favorite 70 birth photos from Katie’s home birth photo gallery of 229!

My Favorite things about this home birth as a Birth Photographer in South Florida:

1. I think this will always be my fav thing every time you ask, I was fed :) One of my love languages is when someone cooks or buys food for me, whether a meal or a snack or a coffee. One of the yummy things I had while at this birth were donuts from Jupiter Donuts. And while memory is escaping me, I am pretty sure I ate most of them lol

2. The Lighting during certain parts of Katie’s labor was the most beautiful lighting I have ever had the honor of capturing in all ten years of my career as a Birth Photographer, particularly because of the window coverings during the highest point of the sun filtered the most magical tones and shadows.

3. Katie didn’t have any off limits photos, and she also didn’t have any expectations. If you’re a photographer, you know there are clients who you try to meet their very specific expectations, and others who trust you 100% to capture their birth through your lens and Katie was the latter.

4. Katie’s labor ended up being one of the coolest births I had ever photographed. Between the location she lives in, her home being a school bus converted house, it being a home birth, her being a first time mom, it was truly an experience of a life time for me.

As with all things, every yin has a yang, and My Least Favorite things about this experience as a Birth Photographer in South Florida:

1. I don’t think I ever had to worry about mosquitoes at work before. Yes, I live in South Florida so we always have mosquitoes, and while I am use to it, I never thought I’d have to swat at mosquitoes for hours and hours and use endless amounts of bug repellant and I don’t think that was my cup of tea (while working).

2. I aim to typically arrive at births during the active labor stage. While if I had done this at Katie’s birth, I would have missed at least 30-40% of the beautiful photos at the beginning of this gallery, so I am glad I did not miss them, it was definitely rough being at this birth for 24 hours. Because it was so far, I did not want to leave. But there was no signal on my phone for most of the birth, and ask any birth photographer in the world, you are not photographing for 24 hours if you’re at a 24 hour long birth. Also, because we did a lot of waiting in between photographing new parts of Katie’s story, I also had to do a lot of sitting around, and my back was killing me for such a long time.

3. Because Katie and Kevin were still working on their house, their bathroom wasn’t complete. So the three times I did use their bathroom, people had to hold up a towel in front of me for privacy, and I did not enjoy that at all and would like to avoid that experience while at work in the future if at all possible, lol

I was asked if I would ever do a home birth in a school bus converted house again, and my answer is, “maybe”

A lot would depend on who the birthing mom is, if this is her first, probably not in order to avoid another long birth, though I have absolutely zero regrets for capturing the most magical and amazing birth for Katie and Kevin, and I would do their birth again and again if I went back in time. It was meant to be.

Other factors that would impact my decision would be: how far away am I going? I am not sure if I would go this far again for a first time mom due to the distance, after being awake for a very long time, I had to call my husband to be on the phone with me on the drive home, as I did not want to fall asleep behind the wheel and that is one thing that makes long births, regardless of where they are, dangerous for the birth workers attending them, and why I am fully behind only attending once my client is in active labor.

And you can’t really control if there is going to be wifi / signal in the area you are going whether its a home birth or a hospital birth, but if I knew ahead of time that I am going to a first time mom’s birth, where there is no signal and it is not a hospital where you can connect to wifi, and there isn’t quick access to a coffee shop, that may affect my decision as well

Do you have a favorite photo of the collection?

This is Your Sign to Hire a Birth Photographer for your Birth in Boca Raton, FL

Happy 4th Birthday Carter Hawk!

THIS IS YOUR SIGN to hire a Birth Photographer

Scroll to see Carter at birth, 2 months, 6 months, 8 months, 2 years, 4 years

Claire and I often look at her photos I photographed for her from Carter's birth when she was my Birth Photography client. Carter was born January 2020 just before the height of c0v!d at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, along side of his awesome daddy who got them from Delray Beach to the Boca Raton Hospital in record time, Birth Photographer and Doula Paulina Splechta, their awesome labor and delivery nurse Ryan who is now a Midwife at Boca Midwifery, and their OBGYN Doctor Konsker who thankfully was also able to make it in time, because baby boy Carter was in such a hurry when Claire’s labor started, that if her water had broken before Dr. Konsker made it, Midwife Polina Goldenberg would have been delivering him (thankfully she was there that night!)

We are both IN SHOCK as to how time could have just shot past us while we were busy raising our kids.

Just a blink of the eye ago he was tiny enough to fit in one arm, and now he is four!

And the ONLY THING we have left of the days when he was the tiniest little sweet pea are thankfully not just memories, but actual amazing photos and his birth video, and while over the years Claire and I have become besties, I am TRULY GLAD for her as a mother to be able to hold onto something that is not blurry, too dark, too bright, or entirely missing from her super short birth that her hubby definitely wasn't going to be able to photograph.

I am SO GLAD that Claire has actual photos and a beautiful birth video that she will be able to share and reshare with her boys as they get older and older, because all of my work for her is modest enough to share with them even as children, and not focused on all the messy, scary moments, not focused on the crowning shot, but focused on the love Claire and Craig had in their hearts and how hard they worked to bring their son into their lives.

#bocaratonmoms

First Baby Born in Boca Raton Hospital in 2024 - Welcome Baby Boy Lennox!

Congratulations to my client Brooklyn on the birth of her sweet boy Lennox!

Sweet baby boy Lennox was born at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 8, 2024 at 5:29pm.

While mama was not due until the following week Thursday February 15, 2024, she did have an induction scheduled for Saturday morning, February 10th, but as you can see, sweet baby boy Lennox had no desire to wait until his estimated due date as he was in a hurry to meet him parents and his big sister London!

I have had the pleasure of working with Brooklyn before for her daughter’s birth in September of 2022.

London, her daughter’s name, was mom’s very first baby and a little girl, also born at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital with her OBGYN Dr. Daif Parker (who’s partner is also an OBGYN Doctor for Gynecology and Obstetrics DR. MARIA FERNANDA MUÑOZ) at Delray OBGYN Associates.

As a first time mom, Brooklyn was due with her first baby (a little girl) on September 26, 2022 but just like baby brother, London also came early and was born on a Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at 1:21pm.

I love when my past Birth Photography clients love my work so much and enjoy having me as a member of their birth team along with their labor and delivery nurses, their doctors, and their doula.

Although I am happy to say that I had the honor of being Brooklyn’s Birth Photographer and Doula for both babies births.

A lot of people wonder if babies that come early all on their own are bigger and while that certainly is the case here, it’s not always the case.

My best friend’s baby was born on his own before 37 weeks and was tiny in size.

Mom’s first baby, baby girl London, born at 39 weeks, weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Baby boy Lennox (I love that they both have first names that start with the same letter, L) born at 39 weeks as well, weighed 8 pounds and 8 ounces, so even slightly bigger than his big sis. Though I find that boys always do weigh slightly more than newborn baby girls.

I cannot wait to do Baby Lennox’s newborn photo session this week together with big sister London! I loved capturing London’s maternity photo session in Boca Raton and newborn session in Delray Beach in 2022!

Maternity Shoot in Boca Raton for mom’s pregnancy with London

Maternity Shoot in the same spot in Boca Raton for mom’s pregnancy with second baby boy Lennox, you can see his little sneakers waiting for him and now big sister London is in the photo! So sweet!

Newborn Family Shoot in Delray Beach for baby girl London with her sweet doggy

Cannot wait to add the same photo from Lennox’s Newborn Family Shoot below in just a few short days!

Women Due to Give Birth in 2024 Should Consider Paulina Splechta for Their Birth Photography in Boca Raton

Boca Raton's Leading Birth Photographer for 9 years capturing 200+ births. From epidural-free to csections, giving birth at Boca Regional, local hospitals, home births, Newborn & Maternity. Recommended by Top OBGYNs, Midwives & Doulas in South Florida. Serving Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Beach.

Pregnancy is a remarkable journey, marked by anticipation, transformation, and profound emotions. It is a time of immense joy and wonder, as expectant mothers eagerly await the arrival of their little ones. Capturing the beauty and essence of this special time through professional photography is a wonderful way to preserve these precious moments for years to come. For women expecting to give birth in the months of July, August, September, and October 2024, selecting the right photographer is crucial to ensure that every moment is beautifully captured and immortalized.

Paulina Splechta is a highly acclaimed Boca Raton Birth Photographer renowned for her ability to capture the raw, emotional, and intimate moments of childbirth and early motherhood. With her unique artistic vision and unparalleled skill, Paulina has become a trusted name in the world of maternity and newborn photography. Here are several compelling reasons why women due to give birth in mid-2024 should consider hiring Paulina Splechta for their maternity and newborn photography needs:

1. Early Booking Advantage

Booking your Boca Raton Birth Photographer early in the pregnancy provides expectant mothers with several advantages. By securing a spot in Paulina's schedule during the first or second trimester, mothers-to-be can ensure that Paulina is available to capture their birth story and subsequent newborn moments. This early booking advantage also allows for greater flexibility in scheduling and ensures that there is ample time for consultations and planning.

2. Establishing a Connection

Building a relationship with your Boca Raton Birth Photographer is key to creating authentic and meaningful photographs. Booking Paulina early in the pregnancy allows expectant mothers to establish a rapport with her, ensuring that they feel comfortable and at ease during the photo shoots. This connection can result in more intimate and emotionally rich photographs that truly reflect the essence of this special time in their lives.

3. Comprehensive Services

Paulina Splechta offers a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of expectant mothers. Her maternity shoots beautifully capture the glow and excitement of pregnancy, while her Boca Raton Birth Photography preserves the intensity and beauty of childbirth. Additionally, her newborn shoots capture the delicate features and early moments of a newborn's life, creating a comprehensive collection of photographs that tell the complete story of this transformative time.

4. Professionalism and Experience

With years of experience in Boca Raton Birth Photography, Paulina Splechta brings a level of professionalism and expertise that is unmatched. Her ability to navigate the birthing environment with sensitivity and respect ensures that the focus remains on the mother and her journey, resulting in photographs that are both powerful and poignant. Paulina's experience also allows her to anticipate and capture those fleeting moments that make childbirth and early motherhood so special.

5. Artistic Vision

Paulina Splechta's artistic vision sets her apart in the world of Boca Raton Birth Photography. Her unique perspective and creative approach result in photographs that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. By hiring Paulina, expectant mothers can be assured that their photographs will be works of art that they will cherish for a lifetime.

6. Continuity of Care

By hiring Paulina for both their maternity and newborn photo shoots, expectant mothers can benefit from continuity of care. Paulina's familiarity with the family and their story allows her to capture the journey from pregnancy to motherhood seamlessly, resulting in a cohesive and comprehensive collection of photographs that tell a beautiful story. This continuity of care ensures that every moment of this special journey is documented with care and precision.

7. Personalized Approach

Paulina Splechta takes a personalized approach to each photo shoot, ensuring that the photographs reflect the unique personality and style of the expectant mother. Whether it's incorporating meaningful props or capturing candid moments, Paulina's attention to detail and commitment to her craft result in photographs that are truly one-of-a-kind.

8. Flexible Packages

Paulina Splechta offers flexible packages that can be tailored to meet the specific needs and budget of each client. Whether it's a simple maternity shoot or a comprehensive package that includes maternity, birth, and newborn photography, Paulina works closely with each client to create a package that meets their individual needs with their Boca Raton Birth Photographer.

9. Professional Editing

In addition to her exceptional photography skills, Paulina Splechta also offers professional editing services to ensure that every photograph is of the highest quality. From color correction to retouching, Paulina's editing skills enhance the beauty of each photograph, creating a stunning collection of images that truly capture the magic of this special time.

10. Long-lasting Memories

The photographs taken by Paulina Splechta are more than just images – they are lasting memories that will be cherished for generations to come. From the joy and excitement of pregnancy to the wonder and awe of childbirth, Paulina's Boca Raton Birth Photography capture the full range of emotions experienced during this transformative journey.

11. Prenatal Consultations

Paulina offers prenatal consultations to discuss the vision and expectations for the maternity and newborn photo shoots. These consultations allow expectant mothers to share their ideas and preferences, ensuring that the photo shoots are tailored to their individual tastes and preferences.

12. Safety and Comfort

During the birth and newborn photo shoots, Paulina prioritizes the safety and comfort of both the mother and the baby. She takes great care to create a calm and relaxing environment, ensuring that the mother feels supported and at ease throughout the process.

13. Digital and Physical Products

Paulina offers a range of digital and physical products, including prints, albums, and digital files, allowing clients to choose how they would like to preserve and share their photographs. These products are of the highest quality, ensuring that the photographs will be enjoyed for years to come.

14. Client Testimonials

Paulina has received numerous glowing testimonials from satisfied clients who have praised her professionalism, artistic vision, and ability to capture the essence of their birth stories and newborn moments. These testimonials are a testament to Paulina's dedication to her craft and her commitment to providing exceptional service to her clients.

In conclusion, for women due to give birth in the months of July, August, September, and October 2024, choosing Paulina Splechta as their Boca Raton Birth Photographer offers a range of benefits. From early booking advantages to her unique artistic vision, Paulina's expertise and professionalism ensure that every moment of this special journey is captured beautifully. By booking Paulina Boca Raton Birth Photographer early in their pregnancy, expectant mothers can secure her services and embark on a photography experience that will result in timeless and cherished memories.

26 Questions to ask a Pediatrician in Boca Raton While Pregnant

26 Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Pediatrician during your pregnancy

When I am putting together my content for my Birth Photography clients, I am often focusing on pregnancy and birth, but the postpartum period of a new mother and father’s parenting journey is as as vital of a time to receive support and preparation for. Below, I have accumulated 26 questions that may benefit you when interviewing several Pediatricians during your pregnancy in Boca Raton and the surrounding areas (Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Parkland, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale and more) during your pregnancy.

Where to begin? I recommend to interview at least 2-3 pediatric practices during your pregnancy

Why 3 practices? It’s worth it to interview at least 2 pediatricians during your pregnancy, that way, if you have a questionable experience with one of them, but you’re not quiet sure if thats the “standard” at pediatricians offices in Boca Raton, or if you’re not quiet sure what exactly felt off, having a better experience with a second pediatricians office may help you identify what you did and did not like about each. Various experiences can also help you narrow down what exactly you are looking for in a pediatrician, since that can sometimes be difficult to identify if you’ve never raised a child before, you may not know what will become important to you during your baby’s first year of life and beyond, with regards to your baby’s pediatrician. If you interview three different pediatricians, you have a higher chance to finding someone you really like. But I recommend doing your research ahead of time, so you narrow all your choices down to about 3. Sometimes going out into the field and interviewing with 5 or 6 different offices can end up making you feel exhausted, overwhelmed and confused by all the experiences.

WHEN MAKING PHONE CALLS TO PEDIATRICIANS, WHAT DO I SAY?

TERMINOLOGY/VERBIAGE

When calling Pediatricians Practices, you may find it helpful to use some of the following terminology to schedule an interview:

I am currently pregnant and interested in meeting Dr. Anne Smith for an interview during my pregnancy. I have Aetna Insurance, do you accept that insurance? And do you offer meet and greets before we are a patient of Dr. Smith’s?

I encourage you to do research (read google reviews, pediatricians websites, zocdoc, healthgrades, yelp reviews) and do in-person interviews with the very least two to three pediatric practices that you are seriously considering for your newborn’s care in South Florida

The trouble with Mommy Facebook groups

• While mommy groups on Facebook are a good starting point to identify who the top recommended pediatrician practices in the Boca Raton and South Florida area are, keep in mind that the more moms and dads recommending a specific pediatrician practice, the longer the wait times may be. That is the downside of promoting your pediatrician practice if you love it, once enough people get wind of how awesome the doctors at your pediatrician practice are, more people will come to your pediatrician office and you may be left with longer wait times and less availability.

• Another issue I have personally found with moms in Facebook groups recommending their pediatrician’s practice is that every mom has different priorities and values.

  • LONG LOBBY WAITS For one mom, how long the wait in the lobby at the pediatrician’s office may be the priority as she has a tight schedule and little availability to be waiting an hour in the lobby.

  • AVAILABILITY WHEN MAKING APPOINTMENTS Another mom may not mind a long wait as long as her baby’s pediatric practice has a lot of availability whenever she makes an appointment.

  • SICK VISITS Another mom may prioritize how quickly she can make an appointment for sick visits with her pediatrician, while yet another mom’s priority is simply to make sure that sick children waiting on their appointments in the lobby are not in the same space when she comes in for a well visit.

So while tallying up how many moms commented with their pediatrician’s name in the local facebook groups such as Boca Raton Moms Connect (Dads and Non Parents welcome) or Moms of Coral Springs/Coconut Creek/Parkland, FL, can be helpful to know which pediatrics practices in Boca Raton are recommended and most popular that you may want to research and interview with, it is equally as important for you to remember when reaching out to locally recommended pediatrics practices that every mom who recommended her pediatrician or pediatrics practice may have recommended it for entirely different reasons than you would ever even consider when searching for a pediatrician for your soon to be born baby.

So while I recommend heeding caution when seeking recommendations, I definitely still recommend for you to…

Ask your family and friends who they take their kids to see, if they like the pediatrician, if their child likes the pediatrician, and what exactly it is they like about their pediatrician. Ask specifics.

As questions such as if the pediatrician’s office is clean and well air conditioned and not claustrophobic and cramped. If they can make well and sick visits easily, if its the pediatrician who is amazing and why, ask for examples, if the office is conveniently located, etc

26 Important questions you want to ask a pediatrician with whom you are entrusting the care of your new baby:

Pre-Question 1. Do you take my insurance?

Pre-Question- when calling local South Florida pediatricians offices you always want to start by asking if the practice accepts your insurance. Because if you need to see a doctor through your insurance (sick and well visits can end up adding up to an arm and a leg) you don’t want to waste anymore of your time interviewing a practice or asking to schedule a consultation or meet and greet if they don’t accept your insurance. A great Q to ask is if they’ve ever accepted your insurance and may come back to it in the future)

Pre-Question 2. How long is an interview?

When you are scheduling the initial consultation/interview/meet and greet, be sure to ask the person scheduling it how long is the most time you will get for this initial meeting. If they say 10 minutes, that may not necessarily be the case, you may end up getting more or less time, but its good to get an idea of what the front office staff is planning, how the practice sets their expectations for meeting prospective pediatric patients parents, and then you can compare how long you actually got to the original estimation.

1. How long have you been in practice? (A pediatrician in practice for 20 years may be appealing to some families who want a tried and true professional. But to other families it may be a red flag that their practice is outdated and not evidence based with the latest studies, where as a pediatrician who just opened their doors last year may be a little under-qualified for your liking)

2. Do you have areas of specialized training? Or special interests within the field of pediatrics? (I left this question from johnmuirhealth.com in here, because I know some of my Midwifery friends specialize in care for older women or are passionate about VBACs, so I am sure micro-specialities exist in pediatrics as well.

3. Are you board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics? (Board Certified means a lot to some people. Whereas for other people, it is not as much of a necessity)

4. Will your initial meeting with my baby be at the hospital or the first checkup and Which hospitals are you affiliated with? (This is good to know in case you need to take your baby or child to the emergency room due to covid, high fever, or any number of issues that affect young children and babies such as RSV, (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Young children and older adults, especially those with certain underlying health conditions, are at higher risk for severe illness from RSV.), pneumonia, etc and it’s good to know if your pediatrician can visit your child during their hospital stay. However, please note this is totally unnecessary. I’ve had numerous hospital stays with both of my kids, I always went to Broward Health Coral Springs and while yes we’ve had a pediatrician in the past who had privileges at that hospital, she never did see our kids there (though they were never kept overnight for any of their visits to the ER for which I am grateful) and the pediatricians and nurses on staff at Broward Health Coral Springs were always wonderful, compassionate, detail oriented and I couldn’t ask for more. I don’t have experience at other hospitals who serve pediatric patients, but I have a friend who is a nurse at Joe DiMaggios which is known to be a children’s hospital in Hollywood, in fact one of my past birth photography clients has a son who was treated for leukemia there, and it truly sounds like the world of pediatric care is another place, filled with patience, compassion and warmth. So if you had a baby or child staying as an inpatient for multiple days or weeks at the hospital, I do think there would be some benefit to have your pediatrician be able to stop by via having privileges there. It’s not a must for me, but for some families this may be a deal breaker (especially if you know you may be needing the NICU or having pediatric surgery immediately following birth).

5. What is the schedule for well-baby and well-child visits? This can help you visually plan out what the coming months will look like, and especially if you have a toddler at home who you may need to arrange care for in case you cannot manage to bring both a stroller, car seat and toddler into a pediatricians lobby / office appointment (I know this was one of the hardest experiences for me, was bringing both kids with me I wish I did not have to do that), but it can also be helpful to plan out in case you may need to have a c-section, because you cannot lift a stroller or car seat by yourself for the first 6 weeks at least (confirm the exact time frame with your OBGYN or Midwife) so if there are multiple baby visits in the first 6 weeks after birth, you’ll need someones help when going to pediatrician appointments.

6. What are your views on vaccinations? (Please note, most pediatricians in South Florida will not accept you as a patient if you are not vaccinating. And also some pediatricians will actually not accept you as a patient if you had a home birth, I was shocked to hear that. One of the pediatricians in Broward County who is known for taking patients who do not vaccinate happens to be a pediatrician I had past experiences with regards to one of my children - we were under this doctors care for about a month when my daughter was an infant- and those were not positive experiences, so I could not feel confident recommending that pediatrician to anyone seeking a doctor who will take you if you’re not vaccinating, just because everyone says they’re one of the only ones around who accept patients who don’t vaccinate) Please be sure to review only medical journals and medical studies (not non-medical material) when making your decisions about vaccinations.

7. What is your health philosophy on important topics:

   • Vaccinations

   • Strategies to support breastfeeding

   • Age when to introduce solids and what kinds of solids

   • Use of antibiotics

   • If you are having a boy, you want to ask the pediatrician if they do circumcisions (and if you are unsure about circumcisions, this is a great time to ask about pros/cons as well as to discuss 100% of your concerns about circumcisizing vs not circumcisizing but you also want to ask how many circumcisions the pediatrician does per month, as well as how many they’ve done in all, if the monthly amount does not answer your questions/concerns). And when it comes to circumcisions, your OBGYN or Midwife likely also does circumcisions, so you may want to ask them those questions during your next prenatal visit.

   • Complementary medicine (such as chiropractic care for babies and children (it is different from the scary looking adult chiropractic care) physical therapy, speech therapy, homeopathics, organics

   • Sleep training

   • Approaches to challenging behavior

Understanding How the Office is Run

8. How does your group practice work together? Some practices have 4 doctors working under the same practice name but they have their own patients, whereas other practices rotate the doctor you are seeing so everyone is up to date with the happenings of each individual patient. Other practices may have different structures so its important to ask.

9. Will another pediatrician sometimes see my child? (They may have a partner who you will definitely want to meet, or they may have completely other practitioners routinely see only sick patients, such as a nurse practitioner or a pediatrician who does not work in their office and I would want to know that because after 8 and 11 years of having two kids, I absolutely do not want to see anyone except for my kids pediatrician when they are sick, as I find that the management of illness varies drastically depending who is in charge of it and I don’t want to administer antibiotics unnecessarily just because my pediatrician wasn’t available to see my sick child and another doctor or NP decided to overprescribe them - just as an example

10. What if my baby gets sick when the office is closed? How are off-hour emergencies handled? (You definitely want to know if their philosophy is that they have a plan in place for after hour illnesses such as leave a message and they call you back within an hour or if they recommend going to a 24 hour hospital or emergency clinic if after hours, we’ve had to keep those magnets with contact info for clinics before depending who are pediatricians were in the past)

11. Do you have separate sick and well waiting rooms? (If you are going with a bigger group, this is a really important question. The practice we currently use for pediatrics has a wait in the car until we call you that your room is available policy and it works for us.

12. What tests are handled in the office, and what is done elsewhere? Where? (Some pediatricians offices do bloodwork and other tests in office. But many do not. You want to ask where they recommend going if you can’t do bloodwork in the office. Many will recommend Quest and I absolutely do not enjoy going to Quest as an adult I cannot imagine bringing my children there as most of the people waiting in the lobby are waiting on drug testing and it is such an uncomfortable atmosphere)

13. Make sure you make note of the office hours and how their office handles holidays such as Christmas, New years, as well as less big holidays like Martin Luther King Jr Day.

14. Does the practice offer video visits? (We’ve done a few of these for when it was something I didn’t need to urgently see the doctor for, including for my big kids when we were discussing anxiety diagnoses and going to school to get a 504 started, our pediatrician didn’t need to see my kids for this in person. I did not use virtual visits much at all when they were babies because I wanted the pediatrician to 100% be in person for those)

15. Does your office offer same day sick appointments?

16. Does the practice use electronic medical records?

Questions to Ask Yourself

17. Did you feel comfortable with the doctor? Did you like his or her communication style and bedside manner?

18. Was the interview rushed? Did the doctor take the time to clearly address all of your questions? A lot of Pediatricians who have TOO many patients will be able to show it here by only providing a rushed interview.

19. If you brought an older child to the consultation, or already did a pediatrician visit with your older child, did your child respond well to the doctor? Did the doctor seem compassionate and patient? (If you read my personal story with my children at the end of this post, you will see that some negative experiences from my own pediatrician visits have stayed with me my whole life, so make sure you keep that in mind when making decisions for your children that they may remember negative experiences when they are older)
20. Was the office clean?

21. Was the waiting room kid-friendly, with toys and books?

22. How long did you wait before seeing the doctor? (This may be very different once you are already an established patient)

23. How easy was it to schedule the interview? (Is the front office staff very polite, patient, compassionate and competent? I have noticed that not only in pediatrics but many other disciplines of medicine, the front office staff reflects your experience down the road with your doctor.)

24. Was the office staff helpful? Were the nurses friendly?

25. Was the office conveniently located? Did it offer adequate parking? (You will not believe how important this will become down the road!!!)

26. Ask to tour the office and meet the doctor(s) and staff. As an introverted person, I don’t think I would have ever asked this question. But now, having an 8 year old and 11 year old, I am a bit more extroverted, and knowing how much time you will be spending at well and sick visits alike, you definitely want to get a tour of the office and get introduced to all the pediatricians and office staff, write down their names (I have to do this in the notes section on my phone) because you will be getting to know everyone super well when calling with questions or follow up visits, and it is a great idea to get a head start and know you love the office and every one in it.

FEELING DISMISSED BY A PEDIATRICIAN in Boca Raton, FL

Before we finish off this important content about interviewing pediatricians, as always, I like to share my own experiences to better your future experiences as a new parent.

As a mother’s advocate, I would be remiss if I posted this content without sharing our own experiences with Pediatricians in Boca Raton at the very start of our parenting journey when our oldest daughter came down with a cold that led to bronchitis and ended up with pneumonia after a string of pediatric visits where our concerns were systematically dismissed by multiple pediatricians.

We have changed pediatrics offices 5 times in 11 years of parenting.

We started out with a West Boca female-only pediatrics practice when my first child was born 11 years ago. 11 years ago, our 3 month old came down with a what started out as a basic cold, and though it was just a small cold at the very start, she immediately started sleeping terribly and it was scary and vulnerable having an infant with a cold for the very first time in our lives, we didn’t know what to do so we scheduled a sick visit with our pediatricians office, so our infant could be seen and the doctor could make recommendations for her care.

However, the very first sick visit at the Boca Raton office at 3 months old started out with the pediatrician saying its a “wait and see” approach due to her being so young there were no medication options. We went home hopeful that this guidance from our doctor would be all we needed.

But over the course of that week, her cold got worse. She became more congested, she had more of a runny nose, a cough was developing, and the wait and see approach seemed to not be working, so we returned for another sick visit where we were told the same, to continue to wait and see.

Fast forward 3 weeks, we had multiple sick visits with our first ever pediatrician’s practice (we were seen by her and her partner at the time - both female doctors in West Boca) who repeatedly with each visit told me there are no solutions at 3 months old.

At the third sick visit when I really pressed them with desperation, this was now three weeks in, they told me that I can let her sit with me in the bathroom outside of the shower, while running the shower with hot water while she breathes as there is hot steam coming from the shower, they also said I could continue to breastfeed, but there is nothing else else I can do at 3 months old.

At the fourth visit, because nothing helped, I insisted on doing an XRAY. She wasn’t sleeping, her cold symptoms were way worse four weeks in, and because pneumonia runs in our family, my brother had pneumonia when he was an infant, I started to suspect that this is where this cold was headed, considering how bad she sounded and now she was over 4 months old. But I was met with a “no, her lungs sound clear, no need to do an XRAY.”

After half a dozen sick visits in a month, and being told like a broken record through every visit that all we can do is wait and see, while we watched our infant progressively get sicker and we expressed increasing concern during these sick visits but neither of the female pediatricians in this West Boca pediatricians office took our concerns seriously.

Thats when I turned to Facebook and asked advice, searching for a better pediatrician who would take our concerns more seriously.

Many mothers recommended a holistic pediatrician practice in Coral Springs.

I was so sleep deprived at this point, my infant was now sick for about 6 weeks, and out of desperation I made an appointment to this new pediatrician in Coral Springs who so many mothers were boasting they loved and was the best pediatrician in South Florida.

I absolutely did not experience this very recommended holistic pediatrician in the same positive light like all the moms who recommend her on Facebook did.

My very first impression was an over an hour long wait in a stuffy, sweaty, tiny, outdated, claustrophobic lobby.

The female pediatrician was glued to her laptop screen for 95% of the visit.

She recommend Benadryl for my daughters prolonged illness (6 weeks at this point).

I was so desperate, I followed this new Coral Springs pediatrician’s instructions to a T.

But to my frustration the holistic pediatrician’s instructions did not help and I was soon back in her Coral Springs office for a second and third sick visit, while my infant’s illness kept moving in a declining direction. My infant was now 5 months old, she was getting so much worse, this illness had lasted two months, but I found myself met with the plaguing words yet again: “wait and see”.

When I asked if we could do an XRAY because pneumonia runs in our family, my brother had pneumonia when he was an infant, I was met with another “no, her lungs sound clear, no need to do an XRAY.”

in 2024, I am more adamant as a parent, but I am also clear headed and not sleep deprived these days. I really really wish I could go back in time and tell myself to take my infant to the Broward Health Coral Springs Emergency room and demand an XRAY.

But back then, after 8 weeks of this, but my husband and I were so sleep deprived we were not thinking lets go to the emergency room. And to be fair to us, nobody around us (who wasn’t sleep deprived) recommended we go to the ER either.

My infant would drift off to sleep and 15 minutes later wake up screaming, and it went on this way for weeks while the pediatricians dismissed me.

Out of desperation I reached out to my sister, remembering she had a friend from Medical School who was a local pediatrician, Dr. Edna Tello, at Personalized Pediatrics, and when I called Dr. Tello for the first time, she immediately told me that she will make an appointment to see my daughter but to first take my daughter to the clinic where they would do an XRAY and test for RSV. The clinic saw us immediately, did all of our testing, called Dr. Tello with the results and we were immediately told its pneumonia. After I knew it and asked for XRAYs from doctors from two different practices who all dismissed me.

The treatment came with a nebulizer that we have owned now for 11 years and still works top notch as if we bought it today, along with medications. Within 2 weeks of treatment our daughter was at 100%. And to this day I recall this story as Dr. Tello was our super hero and she saved my daughter’s life for while I will be grateful to her forever.

While we did not stay with Dr. Tello longer than after my second child became a toddler, because we could not keep up with the fees financially of working with a concierge pediatricians practice, there were many advantages to being with a concierge pediatrician while my children were babies and toddlers.

A pro of working with a concierge pediatrician

One major pro of working with a concierge pediatrician for our family was, we were under the care of a concierge pediatrician largely during the years when our children were babies, infants or toddlers who could not communicate with us what was wrong. These were the hardest years for us, being unable to know what pain or illnesses were affecting our babies, and so my recommendation is that if you’re unsure of whether to spend the money on a concierge pediatrician, during the baby/infant/toddler stage is when you will get your money’s worth the most (from our experience — obviously every family has different circumstances).

But one disadvantage of using a concierge pediatrician for us was a small practice did not allow for us to be seen instantly any time we wanted our child to be seen for a sick visit. At times, we’d have to wait longer for callbacks and often we had to wait a few days (3 or so) for sick visits.

During the baby/infant/toddler stage is when you will get your money’s worth the most with a Concierge Pediatrician, during the ages when your baby cannot tell you what is hurting them or why they are feeling sick

Our experience with a concierge pediatrician in Boca Raton was that she was only one pediatrician working alone, which is not the case for every concierge pediatrician practice in South Florida.

We often had to wait 3 or more days to be seen for a sick visit, and

I prefer to be seen day of — or immediately the next day for a sick visit,

I am the kind of mom who doesn’t do a lot of pediatrician appointments unless its really necessary such as the annual visit, so when I want to see the doctor for my kids, its warranted and urgent.

When we left Dr. Tello’s practice, we ended up with Pediatric Associates for a long time, and I loved that this practice is open every day of the year, I like that they have many offices and they offer later office hours, as well as virtual care visits.

We absolutely loved our Nurse Practitioner at Pediatric Associates who we trusted so much (at the Coconut Creek Pediatric Associates office) for a long time.

However, we ultimately had to leave this pediatric office as well, because the lobby was always filled with 15-20 patients, sick and well patients mixed between their sick and well waiting areas, (parents were not being entirely fair/honest) and the wait times became insane and excessive. We got to the point where we were never able to see our Nurse Practitioner anymore due to lack of availability and every time we went for a well or sick visit, we saw a different pediatrician, some who when I asked when they joined the practice told me they were just working per diem or something to that effect, so not even a full time employee of the practice.

So I felt like I never could truly trust that these random part time doctors who would never see us again had my children’s best interests at heart when there was literally no way to bond with them as we were just a number in a sea of pediatric patients, and while it sounded like a big plus that they did their own blood draws in the office, the office had a second waiting room in the interior of the office for the blood draws and any other tests they did in office, and shockingly that carried with it another excessive wait time, which made appointments last 2-3+ hours for us every single time, with driving there and back it turned into half a day excursions. I feel like just you reading about our experiences sounds like a nightmare - and it was!

So at this point, this was the 4th pediatric office we had been to over the years.

The last straw with this pediatric practice was when one of my kids had a sick visit with a male pediatrician and I realized it was literally the same creepy doctor who was my pediatrician when I was a child, and I was so insanely uncomfortable with him already when I was a child, which had been 20 years ago, and now he was providing care for my child (my child who also felt like he was a totally creepy old man) and I just snapped and said thats it I am done. I left the practice and I never looked back.

I am thrilled to say that we have been in a cozy small pediatric female owned practice for the last 4 or so years now. I won’t share the name though I love it, because its grown so much by word of mouth over the last few years that wait times are increasing and I am seeing our pediatrician getting a tad bit worn out, and its becoming a little harder to see just her and not be recommended for an appointment with the NP or the partner pediatrician. So I am going to take my word of mouth recommendations out of the mix so as to not draw more attention their way. But it is getting much easier to have two pediatric patients that I need a pediatrician for at these ages. 5 practices and 11 years later, we are finally content.

Top Midwifery Care in Pregnancy, Birth & Gynecology with Adrienne Bradley Certified Nurse Midwife in Boca Raton, FL

When you are seeking out a great and experienced gynecologist, or a doctor to be their OBGYN for their pregnancy and delivery, often women think of hiring an MD (a Doctor) yet they don’t realize the amazing benefit to hiring an experienced, top provider Certified Nurse Midwife, Adrienne Bradley at Women’s Health Partners in Boca Raton.

As a Professional who has worked in birth in South Florida for nearly 10 years, I personally see a Certified Nurse Midwife in place of a Doctor for my own gynecological care for years now.

Before I had kids, I never had an amazing gynecologist.

I saw a few doctors for women’s care in Broward County and in Boca Raton, all recommended by coworkers, friends and family, but the problems with these gynecologist for me every single time were: I had no connection with them, felt awkward getting cervical exams, it was a “cold” experience, meaning the doctor made me feel like I was just another number when I came in for my gynecology visits.

Every time I went to my annual gynecologist visit during the first ten years of my adult life, I felt like it was like going to the dentist or pumping gas, two things I hate doing. I found most gynecologists abrasive and dismissive. At the time, it was not an experience I wanted to ever think about. But doesn’t that sound a bit miserable? To have to do a “chore” that I just “want to get it over with” kind of mentality. Life is too short for experiences like that, when so much better experiences await you and are really not impossible to find!

After having kids, and being a birth photographer for three years at the time my second child was born, a Midwife I attended many births alongside asked if I was sure I did not want to be under the care of an OBGYN (Obstetrician Gynecologist). I was like yeah that’s fine, absolutely not the route I want to go with my gynecological care, given my past experiences. And from that point on, a Certified Nurse Midwife became my primary gynecologist and I have never looked back.

Adrienne Bradley is an amazing Certified Nurse Midwife for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, and a Top Provider for Women’s Health and Gynecology in Boca Raton, FL.

Think about the last time you went to your gynecologist’s office, did you feel your experience was compassionate?

Would you have described having a comfortable and respectful experience during your gynecological exam?

Or has your experience at the gynecologist been limited to “efficient” or “fine”?

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife?

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) backed by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (source) To become a CNM, registered nurses must graduate from a master’s or higher-level nurse-midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME) and pass the national Certified Nurse-Midwife Examination through the American Midwifery Certification Board. All CNMs must hold state licensure.

In my own words, Certified Nurse Midwives were first part of a hospital’s medical staff of nurses.

Nurses are patient advocates.

Nurse Midwives started their educations, training, and careers by being passionate advocates for patients, and you see this shining through to Midwifery care and Womens Health when your gynecologist is a Certified Nurse Midwife.

A Midwife will spend more time with you during your visits.

A slower gynecological cervical exam can also mean less rush/less pain. A lot of care providers think if they are quick, its over quicker. But I have found that when a cervical exam is being performed, if the provider is patient and slow and careful, the pain is minimal. I find this is far more common with midwives than doctors. More time spent together during your visits, whether gynecological visits, prenatal visits or postpartum visits, means you will feel more comfortable, more relaxed, and you may feel at peace discussing concerns you have, instead of bracing yourself for being criticized or dismissed, your concerns will be addressed and you will be respected as a woman who’s forward thinking and involved in her own reproductive care.

Midwife Adrienne Bradley has privileges to see her patients at both Boca Raton Hospitals:

• Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital

• West Boca Medical Center’s Labor and Delivery Maternity unit

I met Midwife Adrienne years ago when she was an RN (Registered Nurse) working in Labor and Delivery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. I remember from those earlier days, that I was really taken aback as to the amazing patient care I saw from her with my Birth Photography clients.

I remember a specific birth I had where my Birth Photography client had a Doula from Orchid Nest and her Labor and Delivery Nurse was Adrienne, and I remember being over the moon about the photos I captured, because my client was freely moving around, while her baby was still being safely monitored, and my client was even able to labor in the shower and only ended up getting in the labor bed of her room once baby started crowning.

This was at Boca Regional as I mentioned, and I am not sure that I have ever seen a birth like this at West Boca Medical (off of 441 and just north of Palmetto Park Blvd) though I have certainly heard many stories from Midwife friends of similar deliveries, I just have not witnessed them firsthand as a majority of my clients all choose to give birth at Boca Regional.

You can see a couple of the birth photos from that birth below:

My Birth Photography client kneeled and squatted at the labor bed, her doula supporting her lower back with counter-pressure mid-contraction as Midwife Adrienne got down to mom’s level for as uninterrupted laboring experience as possible for the mom’s epidural-free labor

Midwife Adrienne kneeled to monitor my Birth Photography client’s baby during contractions while my client was able to freely labor in the shower at Boca Regional during active labor

I loved getting to know Midwife Adrienne in this special way. I loved watching her years ago as she supported patients and their dedicated Labor and Delivery nurse, then as the Charge Nurse at Boca Regional. I was so ecstatic when I learned she was in Midwifery School, and these days, she is an incredible and dedicated midwife, who’s passion shines through every day in the office seeing patients for their visits as well as in the hospital setting. I am so glad my Birth Photography clients along with countless other women in our South Florida community are in the best of care with this outstanding professional.

Want to learn more about why you should hire a Midwife for your Birth & Gynecological Care? Here is a clickable link where you will find more information about Midwives in Boca Raton, a gorgeous first time mom and dad Birth Photography gallery from a birth at Boca Regional Hospital and a list of questions to ask an OBGYN/Midwife, whether you are just interviewing Midwives or are already in Midwifery or Obstetrical care, whether in your first, second or third trimester, these are great to ask your care provider to ensure your expectations align with the level of prenatal care they can offer you.

How a Midwife is different from an OBGYN for Prenatal Care (clickable link)

Capturing Miracles in Boca Raton: A Birth Photo Story of Twin Delivery by OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey in Boca Regional Hospital

Step into the heartwarming world of twin deliveries!

This beautiful Twin Delivery story captured by Boca Raton's Birth Photographer, Paulina Splechta shares 48 images (out of the 107 image Birth Photo gallery sent to mom and dad) chronicling the extraordinary moments when OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey brought joy and life into the operating room at Boca Raton Regional Hospital to one of my families I have had the honor and pleasure of working with multiple times since capturing their daughter Chloe’s birth July 2016.

Follow the incredible journey of one of my cherished repeat Birth Photography clients as they welcomed not one but two bundles of joy into the world. Dr. Dana Schey's expertise and compassionate care shine through each photograph.

Celebrating the miracle of life, the art of twin deliveries, and the exceptional collaboration between my Birth Photography client’s birth team including Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital and Dr. Dana Schey OBGYN and Boca Raton’s Birth Photographer Paulina Splechta.

OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey, MD is an obstetrics & gynecology specialist in Boca Raton, FL and has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2003. She is affiliated with medical facilities Boca Raton Regional Hospital and West Boca Medical Center. Her office accepts new patients.

If you’d like to learn more about the difference between a spinal used during this c-section delivery vs. an epidural typically administered during a non-surgical vaginal delivery in labor and delivery, you can read more information at this clickable link:

What is the Difference between an Epidural and a Spinal?

Remember, the most important source of support and information during your pregnancy should always be your OBGYN or Midwife. This link will take you to a list of questions you can ask your OBGYN or Midwife during your prenatal visits, whether you are in your first, second or third trimester.

List of Questions to Ask your OBGYN/Midwife during pregnancy

Be sure to ask your Doctor or Midwife any and all questions you may have so you can make informed decisions about your and your baby’s medical care during pregnancy, labor, birth and post partum. I like to bring in a printed paper or keep a list of questions in my notes on my iphone when going in for prenatal visits, that way I don’t have to remember everything I want to ask my OBGYN that week.

Charlie & Collin’s Birth Story

The night before we texted around 6pm. I tried to get to bed early, but you know how easily that goes when you are over the moon ecstatic that one of your Birth Photography clients is so excited to meet her babies the next morning! I am sure I got at least a couple of hours of sleep.

We agreed to meet in front of Labor and Delivery of Boca Regional Hospital at 4:45am the morning of July 19th.

We texted each other at 3:59AM on the morning of July 19th. Her sweet babies were going to be born on a Wednesday. We met up in front of the hospital at 4:36am knowing that the hospital instructed her with pre-op instructions to be at the hospital by 430am for her scheduled c-section delivery with her twins. 3 Hours Prior (which is excessive in my opinion as I have seen many of my c-section clients arrive 2 hours prior to their c-section and still have so much down time, while 3 hours ends up causing a lot of waiting, which builds a lot more anxiety).

I think it is typical upon arrival to feel a combination of things, a spectrum of emotions. We were all tired having started our days around 3AM in the morning and been up on our feet already two hours and the sun still hadn’t risen, but we were all really really excited.

Unfortunately, despite me arriving just before my Birth Photography client, I was not allowed to go upstairs at the same time as my client, as she was going to labor and delivery on the third floor. I understand initially they bring up patients to make sure they give them the opportunity to report any abuse (in relationships, I know this is shocking but its more common than you think and often this is a mom’s only opportunity) so I know I always have to wait for that. But shortly after she went upstairs to the third floor, her husband was able to come up, though I was kept waiting downstairs.

“They have me in the same little triage area” she texted me.

“There’s no available rooms, just FYI” she texted me.

A few weeks back, we had talked about what this c-section would mean to her. She experienced a previously traumatic delivery with her older daughter when she was in a car accident during her pregnancy and that kind of trauma tends to stay with you a long time. She didn’t feel great this pregnancy, as you can imagine how it goes with twins. She had some lower back period like cramping and tightening in the weeks leading up to her scheduled c-section, which is pretty typical.

Unfortunately despite her history, there weren’t any rooms available, so the pre-op area with the drawn curtains it is. Thankfully, it was not a busy morning, so her space was somewhat more on the private and quiet side.

After 30 minutes I started to get a bit worried. I knew how important it was to her to have my support and also how important it was to her that I capture every waking moment leading up to her babies being born.

Everyone thinks they know what Birth Photography is and they try to define it.

Some people think you start taking photos once the babies are delivered. Other people assume its a Newborn Shoot, you know, swaddled, posed babies. I myself have my own definition of what it is that I do as a Birth Photographer, and I know that at this point I should have already been with my client, but

the fact is, Birth Photography is what an expecting mom wants it to be.

It celebrates her love for her baby (or in this case babies) in the way a mother feels is true. If that starts before she sets foot into the hospital, that is when my job begins. In this case, it was causing me stress that I could not do my job because in this moment, no one had prioritized what the mom needed and planned for from the arrival at the hospital, which was to have me with her and her husband. She grasped her stress-ball tightly in her hand while she waited for me to finally be able to come upstairs.

I texted her “Does your nurse know your doula is here? Security told me they won’t let me up while you’re in triage, but I am not sure what’s going on. I also have your birth plan”

I sent that text to her at 552am.

Luckily, despite that scare, I was headed upstairs shortly after I was reunited with my client and she was relieved to see me.

Preparing to head into the Operating Room.

Mom was in a greenish traditional hospital gown that ties in the back, which she opted over a custom gown, (some of my families choose to not buy their own labor gown from amazon, though a majority enjoy the softer and more flattering fabric of the labor gowns on amazon), and dad was putting on the disposable scrub top, scrub pants and scrub booties prior to heading to the operating room at Boca Regional Hospital.

My Birth Photography client’s OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey arrived shortly after I did to chat and prep for her c-section surgery with her twins.

It was so comforting for my client to have her whole team there.

Walking to the Operating Room

Often, the scariest part of giving birth is the entire anticipation leading up to the actual delivery. This is often true for many moms, especially with regards to c-sections. Sure, there are exceptions and I have attended births where the scariest part isn’t always the anticipation. But for many moms, that is really the scariest part. Not knowing how things will go. Lots of medical stuff happening (noises, people, lots of blue everywhere), but thankfully, once they see and hear their baby, everything feels so much better!

But delivering twins can be a bit scarier sometimes. You’re worried two fold about two little babies! Will they be super small? How small will the twins really be? I’m not 40 weeks, but I am told 37 weeks is full term with twins. But still its two babies in there and my belly is still not that huge, how tiny will they be? Will baby B have a harder time than baby A? The list goes on indefinitely! The worries never end!

The clock on the wall above the scrub in station showed that it was 7:29am.

We had gotten there at 4:37am, it felt like a long day already and we hadn’t even met the babies yet!

Dad putting on his mask by the scrub station outside of the operating room

Dad watching through a window to the operating room as mom gets her spinal tap administered, her nurse is with her in the OR along with the anesthesiologist.

Dr. Dana Schey speaking with dad outside of the operating room at Boca Regional Hospital, going over the twin delivery, what he can expect to happen, including the Neonatologist checking on the babies and the possible involvement of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), before heading in for the c-section.

What does a Neonatologist do?

“A neonatologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in premature babies or newborns with high-risk or complex health conditions. If your baby is born premature or with an illness or congenital disability, a neonatologist will be the provider managing your baby's care.” [source: Cleveland Clinic]

For families investigating the best NICU facility in South Florida for their baby’s birth, it is important to research and ask questions, specifically by contacting the Director of labor and delivery at your preferred South Florida Labor and Delivery units and ask what level NICU their L&D has and what is the difference between an Level I and Level II NICU. According to the Boca Regional Hospital website, “The care given to our patients is exactly the same in both units and is provided by staff who are trained to the same standard and using the same equipment. The level III nursery provides some specialized technology and cares for babies born at fewer than 28 weeks gestation.” [source: Boca Regional Hospital website]

What is also really important to know about Boca Regional Hospital’s Labor and Delivery, that often I hear moms saying they will choose West Boca Medical Center because they have a Level III NICU and Boca Regional doesn’t is that

Nurses and Respiratory Therapists in the NICU at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital NICU is trained to level III NICU.

[source: Boca Regional NICU link]

Additionally, other services provided in the Boca Regional Hospital NICU are:

SERVICES PROVIDED IN OUR NICU

• Care of critically ill babies at or around 28 weeks or greater

• Nurses and respiratory therapist trained to level III NICU

• Doubled board-certified neonatologist in house 24 hours a day

• Pharmacy, social work, physical and occupational therapy as well as nutritional services

• Support groups and classes for parents

• Breastfeeding support and equipment for sale or rental

• Local sub-specialty support as needed

• Participation in national research projects

  [source: Boca Regional NICU link]

I love the two bassinets waiting on the babies outside of the operating room! One for baby brother, one for baby sister.

Though I have always wanted to capture a photo of twins together in one bassinet, but many people don’t realize that a majority of time, one if not both babies may need to go into the NICU, even if for a short time, to receive extra medical support immediately following delivery, so it’s not often that I see both bassinets wheeled back into postpartum after the c-section delivery of twins.

The first thing dad did when he walked into the operating room was hold mom’s hand and that was just so heart warming to see & capture a photo of!

No matter how many babies you’ve given birth to, even if this isn’t your first or second c-section delivery, birth is intense! It’s not so easy to be calm & cheery in this moment as the surgery begins as one would think.

I captured the clock inside the operating room as well, but I am in disbelief that it was already 8:04am once dad and I joined mom in the operating room, before babies were even delivered! If you scroll up, you’ll see it was 7:29am when we were just waiting outside of the OR.

I was curious however, why there are always two clocks on the wall of the operating room in labor and delivery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, so I had to do some research and found:

“Synchronized clocks and Elapsed Timers are commonly used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. A synchronized clock system will assure accurate and uniform time throughout the facility. This allows all staff members to record time of events based on one accurate time source. These situations consist of (but are not limited to): Patient admission time, dispensing medicine, formal time of birth, length of an operation, a medical procedure and more. In addition to having a synchronized clock in places such as operating rooms, emergency rooms and medical procedure rooms, there is also a need for an elapsed timer. The elapsed timer can perform a count-up or countdown depending on the procedure. In order to provide a solution for monitoring or recording the accurate time as well as using an elapsed timer, Sapling recommends adopting the dual display solution. This solution includes one clock that will be dedicated to present the accurate time and a second clock that will be dedicated to act as the elapsed timer that would interface with the elapsed timer control panel. One way to implement this solution is to choose one analog clock dedicated to show the accurate time and the second display is a digital clock dedicated to act as the elapsed timer.” [source: sapling-inc.com]

A lot of nerves and anxiety leading up to the babies deliveries. As you can see, it’s not only affecting mom, but also dad. Which is why other hospitals must do better. Doula support is not only for the birthing parent — the other parent often needs just as much support through this process, yet there is rarely anyone who is able to fill this role.

The sooner every hospital recognizes that cesarean birth is the only awake major surgery that should allow for experienced support people to attend, the better the birthing community & their patients will be served.

Baby A - Feet First

As seen here, Baby A - often referred to as the first twin being delivered, is being delivered feet first. I’ve seen this referred to as “footling breech” at previous deliveries. Though to be frank, I am not sure if this was baby’s gestational position leading up to delivery - I hadn’t asked my client before. I’ll have to check in with her and update.

“Twins are labeled as A or B according to their location relative to the birth canal. Antenatal labeling is usually established by prenatal ultrasound. Most often, fetuses known in utero as twin A are also first born and thus retain their label. [source]”

Sometimes with twins, they are scooped off to be seen by the Neonatologist before mom and dad get to have a good look at them at the moment of delivery

Baby B - Feet First

If you look closely, you can see a pair of teeny tiny feet of Baby B also emerging first.

Scooped away by Neonatology to ensure babies are safe

Baby B is weighed - 5 pounds 4 ounces

Baby A is weighed

Baby A weighed 5 pounds and 1 oz — really good weights for both twins!

Dad being guided over to the baby warmer to meet the babies — first Baby A! (the closest baby warmer in the operating room to mama)

Dad went back to mom to express his excitement for being able to see Baby A up close!

You can also see OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey peeking over the blue drape in the above image, she was so excited for her patient and her patient’s husband!

At this moment, a lot of the nerves and anxiety of “will they be okay” have passed, and the parents are able to catch a breath knowing their babies are both safe & in good hands

We were caught off guard when the nurse suddenly brought Baby A over to meet mommy! I love that the nurse left the “A” on the baby’s swaddle so we would know exactly who mama is meeting in the photos later!

Though the babies both have their unique identifying features and it is easy to tell that this is Baby A - baby girl Charlie!

Baby’s First Kiss

Just the sweetest moment. C-section deliveries indeed are a medical procedure, but they also are the powerful process & journey of birth, and I am so thankful for the medical staff that understand how very important to the parents mental health and to mommy-baby bonding it is to have this brief meeting moment happen IN the operating room

Mama still had her stress ball, and this is such a good idea — I have not seen this done before and highly recommend it. It is so nice to feel that comfort through this whole process

In the background of this image, across the operating room, you can see the nurse doing Baby B’s footprints

Meeting Twin B

Showing Mommy all that hair!!

Smooches for Baby B!!!

“It's important to know that multiples have a much higher rate of prematurity than singletons. And with premature labor comes the risk that your babies won't be fully developed – which means they will need special care in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) before they can go home.” [source:thebump]

“How long they stay in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) will depend on a number of factors, including gestation at delivery, weight, any complications that have occurred, and the overall health of the babies. But try not to be too overwhelmed by the NICU – it’s just a place for your babies to receive extra special care. The best thing you can do is plan ahead to find the highest level NICU in your region, in the event that your babies do need to spend time there.” [source: thebump]

Immediately following delivery, the hospital medical staff guided dad to the NICU to see and be near his babies, while mom recovered (as obviously unable to walk or be in a wheelchair immediately following the surgery)

Baby A (girl) “Charlie” was given a pink blanket with froggies

Baby B (boy) “Collin” was given a blanket with puppies

I think it is so sweet & cute that the patches on the baby’s skin have little blue hearts on them.

These patches are used to continuously record baby’s vitals (“through electrodes placed on the skin with wires attached to monitoring platforms. Researchers are working to replace the wires with a patch that would allow parents to hold their little one while [he or she is] being monitored.” [source: medicaldesignbriefs]

You can see just how small baby is next to daddy’s hand!

I love the fact that this hospital does a keepsake blue baby footprint book for every baby — I had my daughter over a decade ago at this same hospital and have my own blue book.

Updates on babies & mama after delivery:

Already later that afternoon, mama updated me that both of the twins went to oxygen level 2, then down to 1, and by evening were completely off oxygen all together.

Charlie (Baby A - girl) was already practicing with a bottle that same night of her birth.

By three days after birth, all IVs and feeding tubes were out for both babies and mom and dad were able to feed both babies without all the wires and tubes.

Big sisters were able to come to the hospital on day 3 to look at the twins through the nursery window (still no touching or holding but so nice for them to finally see their baby siblings).

Baby A (Charlie - girl) had increasing jaundice levels on day 3 so she had to go under special lights after her 11am feed, though the hospital said it was looking good for the babies to both go home on day 4, as the medical staff inspected mom and dad’s car to ensure their car seats were according to regulations.

Mama was discharged from the hospital 4 days after her delivery.

Another update 11 days after birth came in from mama that her pain and discomfort from the surgery continued about 9 days after birth, and came back on day 11.

Babies were still not sucking as well as they were hoping for and so mama was pumping as much as possible to keep up with them once they are able to suck, though both have a great latch and the family’s pediatrician said it can take them until past 37 weeks to really acquire that skill.

Overall sleepless nights, but they are giving mom and dad 3 hours of good sleep in between feedings and they were able to keep up with the NICU schedule.

It has now been 6 months since the babies were born, I hope to be able to see them and their big sisters hopefully sometime this year in 2024! I love my Birth Photography families!! I am so grateful for Dr. Dana Schey taking such good care of my clients and trusting me to be part of my clients birth teams in the delivery room and operating room. Thank you so much Dr. Dana Schey!