Sunset and Sunrise with Maria Robins
Maria is a birth doula, herbalist and mother. She contacted me to do some photos to document a shift in her life, and also to have some images to promote a new branch in her work in healing. She sent me the most beautiful voice message about the photos and how much they revealed the essence she was hoping to convey. I had asked her a few questions about her work and will try and give you a little information about this incredible woman, in case you are interested in working with her.
Maria has been a doula for 7 years. She became interested in becoming a doula during her travels in Africa and the Middle East. She visited many small villages and found herself orientated to the company of women. As she went through the days with them, as they did their daily tasks, she was deeply moved by the women, and perceived their power as ‘the unseen force behind it all’, Before traveling she was already interested in health, and was in pre-med at university. She had originally intended to become a doctor, but she set out to see what other modalities of healing were available. As she traveled she heard the words midwife and doula a lot. She met many of these women who were healing and supporting their families, and she recognized something in them that let her see herself in a new way. She realized midwifery, “from womb to tomb”, was her path. She found a doula training program in Turkey and started her studies there.
In the last 7 years she has continued to deepen into her practice of supporting women as a doula. She continues to add to her skills, especially by adding more traditional approaches, to facilitate undisturbed and natural birth, where the power of the woman is supported. She also believes in continued support after the birth so mothers can relax, and take care of their bodies. She has started to embark on a new set of trainings to hold space for women after giving birth, which has led her to pelvic care work. Many women experience pelvic floor issues, which often remain undiagnosed and untreated. She looks forward to developing this new part of her practice which continues to support women in their embodiment, strength and power to shine.
I wish you could hear Maria’s beautiful voice message to me as she explained all these things. Her voice is so soothing!
Please press a photo to see them full size!
Thank you for visiting this portfolio which shares the images I made with Maria in a combined sunset & sunrise session!
To keep updated on Maria’s work, you can visit her website at https://www.imasalchemy.com/