The Birth Tattoo and ITS Birth Story

“A piece of art that will last a lifetime to represent my passion, my grief and my commitment to supporting families through Birth and Infertility. This tattoo couldn’t be more of a stronger representation of who I am as a person and as a Doula.”

Do you love Birth Art? Birth Stories? Do you have tattoos with deep meanings? How about married to an artist? If you've answered yes to any of these questions then you'll certainly appreciate the combination of art, birth and ink.

5 years ago, my Birth tattoo made its way into the world inspired by an image in The Birth Partner, by Penny Simpkin (Thank you, Penny!). I turned a page and saw a pregnant womans anatomy and thought, "Now this would be an amazing tattoo." An idea that my partner and I knew, without hesitation, that it belonged on my body. It was full of meaning, the placement was perfect and it was timeless. Within 48hrs the tattoo was drawn and tattooed on my arm. Was it painful? Yes. Did I ever imagine myself with a tattoo on my arm? No. I barely had time to process what I had committed to! The tattoo at the time, represented my newly discovered passion, becoming a Birth Doula, but later transformed into something very personal...my struggle and journey through the challenging world of infertility. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Infertility is not easy. In fact, some days it's just unbearable. My tattoo however, gave me and so many others a voice. I'm approached by people at grocery stores, Hospitals, Birth Centers, restaurants, gatherings, walking my dog...really any time that my arm is exposed, someone is commenting or asking questions. I began answering these questions and telling pieces of my story and to my surprise, they would tell me theirs. It's such an honor to hear these stories and when I meet other Infertility survivors, I feel supported and not alone. I treasure these moments and I am grateful that it starts a dialogue about Birth, Infertility and Doulas. A piece of art that will last a lifetime to represent my passion, my grief and my commitment to supporting families through Birth and Infertility. This tattoo couldn’t be more of a stronger representation of who I am as a person and as a Doula.

My partner and I gave life to this beautiful piece of art and until we're able to conceive, I think it's fair to say that it's our birth story. Corny? Yes. But hey! After 9 years of this journey, I'm entitled.

​“Tattoos have a power and magic all their own. They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul” -Michelle Delio













Photo of tattoo by Jennifer Mason Photography 
Tattoo by Sal Tino at Ritual Tattoo and Gallery

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