Today we’d like to introduce you to Micah Bower
Hi Micah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey to birth work and photography started after the births of my own two daughters. I know first hand what it looks like to have a birth that is supported and what it feels like to have my wants and wishes understood and respected. Because of that, I want to ensure that as many families as possible are able to have that same experience. Feeling so confident during childbirth, both physically and emotionally, set the tone for my and my husband’s parenting journey.
I started my doula work in Iwakuni, Japan while my husband was stationed there with the US Navy. For 3 years, I had the opportunity to support service members, contractors, and their partners during what is arguably one of the most transformative experiences a person can have! I was able to work alongside Japanese doctors and nurses and learned so much from them about how calm and empowering and caring a birth experience can be.
I brought that knowledge with me to Whidbey Island, Washington, where my husband was stationed after Japan, for his final tour before he deployed. So much of what I learned in Japan was easily translated to my work in Washington, where I once again was able to support service members and their families, as well as island locals.
In 2023, my husband retired from the military and we decided to make our home in the McKinney area of Texas! It’s been really interesting moving to such a large metropolitan area after having been in fairly small towns and cities for the last 10+ years! Having to rebuild my business – for the fourth time! – after a move was (and sometimes is) a challenge, but it’s also allowed me to really. invest in the birthing community we now call home!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Birth work is a challenge in and of itself. Late nights, being on call for weeks on end, loooooong labors (the longest labor I’ve supported was 80+ hours long), subsisting on gas station coffee and vending machines…it can get intense!
Beyond that, being a solo business owner means all the marketing, web design, CRM, financials, legal stuff is all up to me. I’m trying to stay away from a “hustle” mindset so I don’t wear myself out. Having to constantly hustle, for anything, typically ends up making me hate the thing and I don’t want to get to that point with birth work. It’s far too important to me. It’s a struggle to stay sane and stay busy, all at the same time.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a birth doula and birth/lifestyle photographer.
As a doula, I believe that birth is more than just a biological process. It is a deeply transformative journey that shapes individuals in profound ways. With each new birth, a mother – a new person – emerges, reborn into a new chapter of their life. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, each birth marks a significant milestone, ushering in personal growth and evolution. My work as a doula is heavily informed by my yoga training and experience. I believe that preparing your mind and soul for the hard work of childbirth is just as important and preparing your body. My hope is that you’ll begin to listen to your intuition, knowing she can be trusted to guide you. Whether it’s telling you how to move your body during labor or telling you something doesn’t feel right, I want you to be able to connect with, honor, and hone your inner wisdom. I come into every birth with the idea that birth is the most ordinary miracle to ever take place. You may be one of a million people giving birth today, but you’re the only YOU giving birth today. So let’s honor that and work with that.
As a photographer, I love working with people and families in their most natural elements…at home or out in nature, whatever your personal vibe is, that’s what I want to capture. I’ll often offer styling advice to my photography clients, but I really want them to feel their best, most comfortable selves. That’s when the magic really happens! Photographing a birth is a whole different ball game. With constant lighting changes and movement and the general unpredictability of birth, I try to stay in the background so I don’t disturb the person giving birth or their birth team. But, man…getting that “I did it!” shot the second the baby is born or watching the birth partner see their baby for the first time? There’s nothing quite like it!
How do you think about happiness?
Summertime! I may be the only person I know who absolutely LOVES the heat of the Texas summer! It’s a huge part of why we decided to move here. I love being outside, being barefoot, camping with my family (we love overloading!), meals on the back porch…if I can be outside, I probably am outside.
I’m also an avid reader. There’s always at least two books going in my brain…usually a physical book and an audiobook. I try to ready 50-60 books every years, of all subjects and styles. I recently joined a bookclub hosted by a local bookstore and it’s been awesome to talk lit with people who also love reading!
When I’m not at a birth, outside, or reading, I’m probably volunteering at my kids’ school or baking. I love a good cookie (brown butter chocolate chip? Yes please)!
Pricing:
- Birth Support starts at $500
- Lifestyle Photography starts at $200
- Birth Photography $1000 (discounted if combined with birth support)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thepinkhaireddoula.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepinkhaireddoula
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepinkhaireddoula
- Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uLqD754uMctyNL3b9
Image Credits
Micah the Pink Haired Doula
