Awhile ago I found a photographers' website who does birth photography and it absolutely stopped me in my tracks. The images were stunning and the photographer has built the most beautiful memories for this family.
Since seeing this website I've been wanting to try my hand at it but didn't know where to begin or who to ask. Recently I held a maternity session for my friend, A, and after doing the session together she told me she was considering having me at the birth. After thinking about it a little more and talking over the possibility of it with her midwife, A sent me a message saying she'd made up her mind and wanted me at the birth.
I was thrilled and honored at the thought of what was to come but terrified that something would go wrong. Maybe my batteries would die? Maybe I'd miss it? What if I got in the way or didn't take good pictures?? AHHHHH!!!! A birth only happens once and re-shoots are impossible! So much to worry about but so much to look forward to as well!
We talked about what would happen, who was going to be at the birth (a home water birth), and what she was comfortable with me shooting. Nothing left to do but wait for her call...
Early yesterday morning I hopped onto Facebook and there it was. A status update saying her contractions had started and that it could be happening that day! YIPPEEE!
I began figuring out what to do with my three kids, as hubby had to work and one kid was waiting to be picked up in Knutsford from a sleepover. My phone rang and it was A. She said that labour had started that morning and the midwife was on her way over. We talked about how she was progressing and figured if I went over in an hour she'd still be labouring along.
I sped out to Knutsford the fastest I've ever driven (to be greeted by a herd of cattle in the middle of the road), came home, dropped said child off, grabbed my camera gear and sped off down the hill. The whole time I was driving I was chanting to myself; "don't have the baby yet, don't have the baby yet"!
When I finally arrived (one of the LONGEST 20 minutes of my life), I walked in the door and was greated by A's lovely voice saying hi to me. I proceeded up the stairs and was greated by a relaxed mom and dad and two very knowledgable midwives, the heat turned up in the house, the pool already in use and music playing quietly in the background.
Only a few minutes after I arrived and got my camera out and ready, it was time for A to began to push. This amazing momma pushed for a total of only 7 minutes and her amazing little boy arrived!!
He was born into a bath of warm water, hugged to his momma's warm skin and nursed as soon as he wanted to. They weren't rushed to take him away to bathe and weigh and measure him (although we were all curious as to how much he weighed!), and they took his vitals while momma held him close and cuddled.
After baby was dry, Mom was taken care of and Dad got his chance to snuggle his new bundle.
Baby finally got weighed and measured about 2 hours after his birth. At 9 lbs 5 1/2 oz and 21 inches long, he is a big, healthy baby boy!
I am so unbelievably blessed to have been a part of this beautiful experience, I have tears just writing about it!
Thank you so much A & T for letting me be a part of your day!
