Love Notes

Love notes

a few wonderful things my clients have shared with me that make me blush, humble me and inspire me to do what i love 

 
payal maternity final-167.jpg

“Stephanie was a divine gift for me, that’s how I can put into words the fact that I wasn’t expecting to have such a beautiful company in my birth. But I did! I made the choice to have a home birth because that was the way I dreamed that day. Nevertheless, I had no support from my husband or his family on that decision. It wasn’t easy but I managed to find the ways to make that dream come true. It was a hard year for many people due to the pandemic, but for me it was a blessing to be able to have time for myself and really enjoy my pregnancy. I spent most of my time meditating and visualizing how I wanted to experience my birth. And Stephanie was a clear manifestation of those meditations  because I couldn’t have had a better person to support my power. Stephanie was the first person who came to my house, she stayed with me every minute of those 21 hours! She held my hand, she gave me the best massages, put on cold compresses, kept me hydrated and reminded me of my strength when I was feeling weak. And as if that wasn’t enough, Stephanie took the most incredible pictures and made a very special video. Every time I watch it, I feel the same love that was around me that day. 

Thank you Stephanie for being sweet, understanding and supportive in so many ways!”- Julieth

"When Stephanie arrived at our birth, I was on the floor in a tiny hallway - clearly not the best place for great photography. But she worked magic in that tiny hall, capturing all the beauty and anguish of the experience. Many people asked me if I thought having a photographer during my birth would take away from the intimacy of it. Absolutely not, because Stephanie has an amazing gift! Though I never felt the camera lens upon me, I felt lovingly witnessed and fully supported by her. She was truly amazing and I am so grateful. Our birth photos are one of my most cherished possessions."-Janelle M.

“We were so lucky to find Stephanie and will always be grateful that she was able to be with us for our pregnancy and birth. We first fell in love with Stephanie's gorgeous photography -- after talking to her, we knew we wanted to hire her as our doula too. We couldn't imagine finding someone more knowledgeable, warm and supportive to be with us during such an intense and important time of our lives. When the day came, Stephanie was amazing - and all of the photos (maternity, birth, newborn) were beautiful beyond anything we expected. Stephanie is an incredibly talented photographer, but she is also super patient, working with us until we had all of the photos we wanted (and even waiting while we changed clothes and locations several times!)”- Lindsay B.

“I was first drawn to the documentary feel of Stephanie’s birth photography and started following her instagram page before I was even pregnant. Then, when I started looking into birth photography for myself, I joyfully discovered that she was actually LA-based! I met Stephanie for coffee and we bonded instantly like I’d known her for years. I knew immediately that this was a woman we would feel wonderfully safe and uplifted by during the birthing experience. Prior to my daughter’s birth we also met for a maternity shoot — which resulted in some of the most stunning photographs I’ve ever had taken and which captured some truly beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moments with my partner. As with many women, my birthing experience turned out quite differently than I had planned but Stephanie found a way to turn every moment into something special. She also contributed to the powerful female energy that emerged in the room that day alongside my female OB, doula, nurse, and student doctor. As a doula herself, she even brainstormed birthing positions with my OB when it became apparent that my little girl was stuck in a skewed angle in my pelvis. Even my partner remarked afterwards that, as much as the photos would be incredible, he was just so grateful for Stephanie’s energy as part of our birthing team. Our photos were, of course, absolutely incredible and we’re so happy that we chose Stephanie to document this very special moment in our lives with her gifted eye.”- Belinda G.

“Stephanie is one of a kind! She was such an essential part of our birth story not only as our doula but as our photographer as well. Her calm and comforting spirt not only helped me but helped guide my husband into being able to best assist me. She has a true talent for being able to capture the intimate and raw beauty of child birth. Her personality is the kind that makes you feel like you have known her forever after just meeting her. My husband and I can not say enough good things about her. I was actually sad when she did her final postpartum visit knowing I would not being seeing her again ( well at least not till we have another baby!)”- Chelsea R.

"Stephanie Entin showed up in our lives towards the end of my second pregnancy like an angel and protector. As soon as she appeared, our birthing team finally felt complete. In our first meeting, I could tell she was a warrior who would help make our delivery dreams come true. She was very thorough in our meetings, asking many questions, and genuinely caring. Stephanie is very knowledgeable about pregnancy, delivery, and gave me tips on how to smoothly ride my last few weeks as comfortable as possible. Being a successful VBAC mama herself, she gave me the courage and strength to keep pursuing the natural birth we always wanted; and when the time came for my labor, she was incredibly supportive and assured me and my husband that everything was ok, as many times as we needed to hear it. As my labor at home lingered, she was most resourceful to find a chiropractor to come to my home and give me the adjustment I needed to get past it, coached me thru every contraction, every breath and crazy position I needed to be in, and held me tight as my time for pushing the baby out came at the birth center. She is incredibly strong, caring, and it just feels right to have her around. I wish every mama would have someone like her for their births, because Stephanie truly is an angel, and we are forever grateful.

P.S.- Through all of that, she also managed to take amazing photos! she is just that incredible.

Forever grateful for her help and support"—Gabriela, Daniel, Lucas & baby Marcelo.

 “Stephanie Entin was the most wonderful doula we could have ever hoped for. She guided, supported, and reassured us over the most important journey of our entire lives. Her wisdom, compassion, and insight helped us prepare over the months leading up to the big day. And when that day came Stephanie was a pillar of strength and love. Over many hours of labor Stephanie calmed my fears and helped me realize my dreams of a natural spiritual birth. With her photography she captured the emotion and magnitude of our son's arrival. I never imagined birth photography could be so beautiful! Thank you, Stephanie, for all you have done for our family.” -Liza and Patrick

“Stephanie is clearly passionate about capturing the beautiful reality of babies and parenthood.  When coming to our home following the birth of our first baby the documentary style of her photos show all of the excitement and love felt in those first days.  It's wonderful to be able to see our candid interactions in our own space.”- Andrea

"Stephanie was an essential part of our birth. Not only is she comforting to have around but she is educated in the birth experience and helped us navigate a birth plan, what we should understand before birth, and was always available for questions or meeting. Also, my entire birth being over 40 hrs long, she was there for nearly all of it to support me as well as give my husband much needed breaks and support! We always be grateful for having her support us in this life changing experience!"- Daniella P.

 “I was fortunate to have had Stephanie as my doula for my second birth. The first ended with an emergency cesarean and I wanted to do everything within my power to avoid that. Stephanie was with me and my husband through the entire labor and delivery. She was such a wonderful advocate and spokesperson for the decisions that I had made for the birth. I wanted to have a VBAC and wanted to avoid an epidural. She was so wonderful with both my husband and me. She was supportive and assisted with Hypnobirthing methods that I had studied prior to the birth. She was a calming voice and presence during times of stress and anxiety. After a successful and medication free birth my husband and I were both so grateful and honored to have had Stephanie as by our side. Thank you Stephanie. We were blessed to have you.”- Kendra H.

 “I really liked Stephanie.  She was very kind and gentle and I was happy she was there.  Her foot rub was one of the best I think I ever had!!  I will never forget that moment when you and Stephanie and Chris and Lianne were around me during the “Cedars Spa” moment.  It was pure bliss.  The smell of lavender in the air, the foot massage, the back rub, and your calming voice guiding me through my happy places.  It was incredibly special.”- Stephanie W. 

amanda birth images final-83.jpg