Art & Life with Rebecca Turrigiano, CD(DONA)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Turrigiano, CD(DONA).

Rebecca, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
My journey as a DONA certified Birth Doula and Professional Birth Photographer started officially after my eldest grandchild was born in 2012. Being one of the most joy-filled days of our lives, it was also peppered with complications and potentially unknown health issues especially postpartum for them both. Because of a lack of communication between the providers and my son and his wife of medically unnecessary interventions and then medications potential side effects, decisions were made without fully being able to participate in their care. I decided then and there that because of how helpless and unempowered we all felt, and because of how much modern maternity had changed in the years since I had my four sons, that I would become as knowledgable and supportive for my children and for their future births as I could. I stumbled upon a DONA Birth Doula workshop only a few short weeks later and my adventure into becoming a Professional Birth Doula began….

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
As a Birth Doula, I endeavor to empower my clients with knowledge, communication skills and to provide a needed unbiased, continuity of care during their labor and delivery. It’s clearly communicated to the families who hire me that this is their birthing experience with my supporting all their decisions. Even when plans change due to unforeseen and unplanned events transpire during pregnancy you can still be satisfied and expect your provider to communicate with you.. Lots of people don’t know their options and choices and that is a huge part of what I educate people on as a Birth Doula.

My Birth Photography is another extension in what I hope to be another way to gain a sense of pride and admiration for themselves in such a very vulnerable time. Normalizing and celebrating Birth as a beautiful, raw and life-changing phenomena is what I hope to be a part of here in Phoenix. My birth photography is meant to inspire people to think differently than what the media portrays. Break down false ideas of how it needs to look and elevate women into a place that gives birth the reverence and respect I think it deserves.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your art been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
Art has always been in my opinion, a voice of the people and what is going on around them. Artists simply grab moments that stand out to them and interpret them in a way they hope to bring a different perspective too. I try to stay true to what is moving and inspiring me all the while celebrating and being inspired by other artists. I don’t know that other than bringing a particular issue to mind to explore or highlight that I am affected by events happening. I try to simply allow my interpretations of things that are in my heart show in my work and the way and I respond to situations.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
As a Doula, I have a desire to help participate in an ultimate outcome that is empowering for my Clients. Allowing them to have an experience during birth that elevates them for years to come. As a birth photographer, my dream is to one day have an exhibit in a local Phoenix gallery showcasing my (and other local professional birth photographers) work as a way to elevate and celebrate an event that many people are uncomfortable with. Keeping a woman’s dignity while celebrating her strengths… an insight into creation and the fruition of it. My hope and desire is that my photography captures those moments and rewires they viewers mind to rethink what they have believed the birthing experience to be.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.rebeccaturrigiano.com/ & https://lovingtouchdoulas.com/
• Email: rebeccaturrigianophotography@gmail.com & lovingtouchdoulas@gmail.com
• Instagram: rebeccaturrigianophotography & lovingtouchdoulas
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovingTouchDoulas/
• Twitter: LTdoulas

Image Credit:
Rebecca Turrigiano Photography 2019

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