I first met Amanda in November when I photographed her for a maternity session in her home in Winooksi, Vermont. Visiting again, it was amazing to meet her happy, sleepy, hungry little newborn in the same space!

I was curious to talk to Amanda about her birth experience, especially because she is a doula (better known as Shanti Mama Wellness) and this is her first baby. I heard all about a strange and terrible sounding smoothie to help induce labor, the animal intensity of the birth process, how happy she was to have her birth team, and the importance of being at home with your newborn for as long as possible! To sum up our conversation: wow, women are amazing.

You also might have recently seen Amanda on WCAX where she did a segment on how you can give your baby a massage.