Giggle Picks: Ana Paula Markel & The Bini Birth Loft

We at Shoots & Giggles have been wanting to start a new segment on our blog featuring our very favorite products and services so when Ana Paula asked me to join her class last weekend and once again document her at work we knew it was the perfect opportunity to finally start our latest adventure... Giggle Picks: a monthly featured spotlight of fool proof and totally awesome services, resources, and stores that we just adore!

Ana Paula is a doula, birth educator and mother here in Los Angeles and though she has many prestigious titles and certifications, she can now officially add "Giggle Picks Recipient" to the list. Ana Paula is the owner and founder of the Bini Birth Loft, an intimate space that provides support and education for both new families and birth professionals. I have been fortunate enough to have taken a few of her birth classes at Bini and accompany her on a birth and I can honestly say she is one of the most passionate, inspiring and compassionate people I have ever met.

One of my favorite and most telling moments with Ana came at a birth class last weekend. I was not only able to hear what Ana Paula had to share with the expecting moms, but what they had to share with her. After the class Ana Paula was approached by parents wishing to express their appreciation for her. A re-occurring compliment she received was on her ability to teach every side of the many decisions new parents have to face before, during and after the birthing process. It can be really difficult for expectant parents to navigate through the birthing process and Ana Paula's classes help guide them into making the decisions that are right for each on of them, individually. The last expectant mom to approach Ana Paula put it best when she simply said, "I wish I could give birth right now, I finally feel ready."

Here are a few of my favorite photos of Ana Paula in action... to learn more about her and Bini Birth you can visit her website.