Over the summer I received an email
with an unfamiliar request; I was asked to shoot the maternity, newborn and
BIRTH of a special couple’s first-born child. At first I was a bit nervous
about the idea, but later I convinced myself it was an opportunity that may
never present itself again, and a once in a lifetime experience that I would be
honored to be a part of.
Rebecca was glowing with joy when I
first met her and her husband Jonathan for her maternity shoot at 38 weeks prego.
This lovely Australian couple was beyond ready to meet their baby girl, and
every photo captured their delight in the little life growing inside of that
adorable little belly of hers. I was SO excited to get home and sift through
the photos from our session, and now I am even more excited to share them with
ya’ll! But wait, that’s not all. A few weeks later I got a call that Rebecca
was having mild contractions, so I prepared my things to be ready for the
official “active labor” call. Little did we know, we would be waiting a whole
lot longer than any of us had anticipated! That little peanut wanted to keep us
anxiously awaiting her debut as long as she could! I got the call around noon
the following day to head over, IT WAS TIME! I eagerly hopped in my car and
headed to their home with not a clue as to what I might be walking into. I had
witnessed the hospital births of my nieces and nephew, but never a home birth.
Much to my surprise, when they opened that door I felt as though I was walking
into a day spa! Candles lit, lights dim, curtains drawn, music playing; the
doulas were so peaceful and poise, along with Rebecca who was tranquilly lying
in the tub when I arrived.
Let me just start by saying that
Rebecca is one of the MOST patient, peaceful, brave, sweet, inspiring woman
that I have ever met. I had no idea a woman could go through 65 hours of labor
and still have the radiant, blissful, serene presence that she continued to
have through the entire experience. The process was long and difficult, but Rebecca
pushed through each contraction like a champ, barely making a peep! All I kept
thinking was how emotionally and physically spent I would be in her position. I
was exhausted just watching! I have so much respect for Rebecca, and other
women who chose to have the same birthing experience; drug free, sacrificing
physical and emotional trauma to make sure that her baby was delivered into a
sober and healthy environment.
After 10 long hours of intensive
labor, 55 minutes of pushing, and one last push, Rebecca pulled her perfect 7lb
7oz bundle of love out of the water. When I saw the tearful expression of
overwhelming joy on the face of these new parents at that life changing moment,
I wanted to jump in and give them a big hug! But obviously I refrained, it was
their moment and I was so extremely honored to be a part of it (in a little way
J). I have to admit; I ALMOST forgot that I was
there to take photos because I was in such awe, enjoying this beautiful moment
as this new life was brought into the world right in front of my own eyes.
Caprice was perfectly nestled onto her mommy’s chest as Rebecca sobbed with
tears of happiness. OFCOURSE I made sure to capture these moments; all of which
I am about to share with you! This was such an amazing experience for me, that
I could not pass up the opportunity to share this beautiful beginning, the
beauty of motherhood, and the LABOR of love J.
And then came the call....It was BABY TIME!
(Please excuse the blurriness of some of the birth photos, I was working in very low lighting and did not want to use the flash and disrupt the experience! Enjoy! :))
A week old, and beautiful as ever!
......
Kisses Kisses Kisses!!!
xoxo
