Let’s be honest. Throughout your pregnancy, your Google searches are probably getting pretty unhinged. It starts innocently enough with pregnancy-safe heartburn cures and the size of the baby at 14 weeks. Then, it gets a little weirder. Does your nose get bigger with pregnancy? Casual outfits with crocs. Dressy outfits with crocs. And suddenly, you’re at 36 weeks, Googling gnarly pictures in hopes that you can determine whether labor is about to start. If you’re looking for a way to prepare for labor without panic-searching, I would love to tell you all about Empowered Beginnings. This center helps every expecting mother have all the answers they need.

3074 Whitney Avenue
1st floor, Suite 211
Hamden, Connecticut 06418
Empowered Beginnings is a woman-owned center started by Ashley Minihan. For over 20 years, Ashley has worked with families, allowing them to connect to build their village. Before she received any certification, she was helping parents feel empowered to make the best decisions for their families.
Now, she’s a certified DONA Doula, Spinning Babies Parent Educator, Lactation Consultant, Passenger Seat Technician, Childbirth Educator, and Circle of Security Facilitator. While she wears many hats, she’s still devoted to working with parents to understand all their options in parenthood. Ashley is now joined by a team of qualified women ready to help you on your journey.
Empowered Beginnings offers a team of birth doulas so you can find one for your labor. You’ll work with her before your delivery to create a birth plan. She’ll walk you through all your choices and ensure you feel knowledgeable about each. On top of your two prenatal appointments, you’ll have unlimited calls and texts. Once your birth begins, your doula will be your fiercest advocate! She’ll ensure you stay in control of your delivery while helping you with relaxation methods. You’ll have a follow-up appointment shortly after your baby is born.
The center offers postpartum doulas who can work day or night. Your doula will help you with light housekeeping, provide unlimited support, and watch your baby for a bit so you can rest.

Empowered Beginnings offers classes that will prepare you for every aspect of parenthood. You can find courses on childbirth, breastfeeding, mindful birth, infant safety, and CPR. The center offers baby music classes as well as parent coaching. You can also check out a support group where you’ll get the chance to connect with parents facing the same stage in life.
At Empowered Beginnings, you’ll have a team of experts ready to offer you both an education and unconditional support. Check out the team today to feel ready to take on parenthood!
As you build your birth plan, make sure to schedule some pictures! I’m a Connecticut photographer as well as a mom myself. I know from experience how frenzied these early months can feel, and I want to allow you to slow them down! If you’ve been considering booking a session to celebrate your growing family, I would love to connect so you can decide if I’m the photographer for you. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
Hi! Im Deborah, and I would love to guide you through this process. From your precious baby bump, to the sweet initial days of your newborn, and all of the milestones that follow- I will make sure that you remember all of it.


Deborah, the heart behind Oak & Lore Studios, is a Connecticut-based photographer specializing in maternity, newborn, and family portraiture with over three years of experience crafting luxury, meaningful sessions. She serves families throughout Westport, Stamford, Fairfield, and all of Connecticut with a simple mission: to make her clients feel seen, cherished, and celebrated while documenting the soft, delicate moments of motherhood that become treasured heirlooms.
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