Taryn Starkey, Certified Doula & Birth Photographer

Qualifications:

Doula Trainings: Certified Stillbirthday, DONA, ToLabor, and Your Birth Experience.

Photography: Bachelors of Arts from NSU, Tahlequah. Birth Becomes You Certified Birth Photographer. Everyday Films Course by Monet Moutrie. 

Additional Continuing Education: TENS Workshop, YBE Breastfeeding Workshop, Flock Yeah community building, Spinning Babies, Motherboard Birth,

Volunteer: Silas Program volunteer. Stillbirth and NICU photography volunteer. 

NOW, The Stuff You Really Want to Know

I believe that people deserve autonomy and true informed consent. My hope is for all of my clients to feel supported in making whatever decisions feel right for them and their family.

I live right outside of Broken Arrow with my husband, Brandon and our children Bradie, Foster, and Lena. Also in our family is Tip (Texas Heeler) , Gucci (Doodle Mix), Purrscilla (Kitty), Tatanka (tomcat) and Princess Fella (Beta). We enjoy listening to records, drinking home brew, playing in the yard, and the occasional camping trip. 

My favorite thing about birth work is connecting with families and watching them grow. Being able to help them overcome fears or hurdles fills my cup. When a client of mine feels more confident in their parenting role, I smile the whole way home. Seriously though, my cheeks hurt when I get home. 

I attended my first birth in October of 2014. A Scheduled cesarean that changed my life. Documenting the first breaths of a little human being was incredible and I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Since then, I've documented and supported over 240 births in the Tulsa and surrounding areas and photographed hundreds of babies as they grow. I continue to learn and connect with our wonderful birth community because I truly enjoy my profession. I love attending all births and documenting all birth stories. From scheduled cesareans to home births.

I think what really drives me to support families during their birth journeys is my own birth stories.

When my daughter was born, I didn't hold her for over two hours. I was alone, in a recovery room. All while my husband was with our baby while they checked, bathed, and performed routine procedures that could have waited. It took me a long time to really feel bonded with her and that hurt our breastfeeding relationship. I never want anyone to feel as alone as I felt on that day. 

When my son was born, I spoke up more and was able to have a better experience. Nursing was easier, and everything fell right into place. However, I still look back and think of information I wish I'd had and the support that I should have surrounded myself with. 

I did my third birth differently. I hired a doula and birth photographer. I saw a chiropractor regularly. I hired an OBGYN that I loved and trusted. I looked into all of my options with any decision I made. Most importantly, I had a team of friends and professionals who surrounded and supported me throughout my pregnancy and labor. My birth didn’t go the way I would have liked… More about that HERE. But I absolutely feel like I had the best experience possible because I was surrounded by love.

If I could give you any advice for your own journey into parenthood, I would tell you to protect your space fiercely. Be intentional about who you allow to influence your decisions and who you allow into your most vulnerable season of life. Document every little fleeting moment of this precious time and lastly, print your pictures!