KINGSLEY resident Louisa King is trying to give mums-to-be a better look at their babies.
Earlier this year she opened Beautiful Beginnings in Joondalup offering three-dimensional social scans.
“The difference between a social scan from a diagnostic scan is we are not looking for abnormalities, just enjoying seeing baby movements and activities like yawning, smiling and drinking,” the mother-of-two said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“It’s a non-clinical relaxed environment, with my studio designed to look like a large lounge room.
“The room is large so all family members and children are welcome; I try to get everyone involved and we have a lot of fun together.
“It also allows mums to get some keepsake pictures, with 3D pictures compared to the traditional 2D pictures so much more detailed and easier to interpret.”
She said having worked in obstetric ultrasound in the Joondalup area for the past 10 years, she saw a demand in the market for this type of clinic in the northern suburbs.
“Many of the ladies who came for diagnostic scans would request to see their baby in 3D,” Ms King said.
“However, most diagnostic clinics do not offer this service because they do not always have the specialised equipment.
“There was no other social ultrasound clinic north of the river and ladies who wanted this service were travelling some distance to see their babies.”
She said the machine she bought was only released this year.
“Its new technology and virtual light source allows truly photo-like quality pictures,” she said.
“I was amazed at the quality of the images and thought I could offer a fantastic service, allowing ladies to see their baby’s facial features before being born.
“Research agrees that bonding between mum and all family members is enhanced after seeing their baby in 3D.
“Seeing my clients’ faces light up when they see their baby’s facial features for the first time on my 60-inch TV is priceless.
“The room is filled with happiness and I feel so blessed to be able to bring more excitement.
“Often pregnancy can be challenging and it helps mums see it will definitely all be worth it.”
Ms King said the scans also allowed her to see the gender at 15 weeks rather than the usual 19 weeks.
“As a sonographer, I was able to scan myself during my pregnancies and I thoroughly loved seeing my babies grow and develop and knowing the gender early on,” she said.
“The connection I felt amazed me.
“I have a strong passion to show mums and loved ones their babies so they too can experience the strong bond and connection that I was lucky enough to have.”
More information here.