home birth

A couple of months ago, a friend asked me if I would be able to be the photographer for the birth of their second little girl. I was absolutely honored with the request and quickly penciled in her due date on my calendar. This past Saturday evening I received the call that she was in labor and excitedly grabbed my things and headed out.

I was worried I might miss it due to the travel time, but thankfully I arrived with plenty of time to spare. It was just after 8PM when I walked in and I was able to have the joy of meeting their beautiful little girl, miss E, and peek in on some sweet family moments as they put her to bed for the night.

This beautiful mama was up smiling and walking in between contractions and then laying and resting still and peaceful when one came. I was amazed to see her strength and control. Even as she sang her sweet girl to bed, you wouldn’t know she was in pain as she tried to hide it to help ease her young one’s anxiety.

Once little E was in bed, labor quickly picked up. Her husband was right there by her side, quick to fill any need and keep her smiling as much as possible. I found myself feeling moved by the love and partnership I saw between them one moment, and then laughing from their funny stories and jokes told between contractions the next.

Just before midnight, she was ready to push, and with amazing control she gave birth to their beautiful Althea and held her in her arms for the first time. I hope these images capture a glimpse of the love and warmth this sweet babe was welcomed into.

I think birth workers have the best jobs in the world.

– b.e.

Recently I had the immense honor of being at two births in the area. Two moms with due dates over 2 weeks apart, both went into active labor on the same day. I got the call from the doula and rushed out to the first, which was thankfully quick, because we were able to still make it back for the birth of the second. This was my first experience at a birth (other than my own), so I definitely got an immediate taste of (and greater appreciation for) the unpredictable life of a birth worker.

I have never met these women before, but they both had strength and beauty emanating from them as they labored their precious infants through their bodies. Both with no drugs and an amazing support team, I was reminded again about the capability our bodies have.

I left my house at 7:30PM on Wednesday evening, and finally crawled into my bed at 6:30AM on Thursday (to be awoken an hour later by my own babes), but the loss of sleep was so worth it to witness these births. I have so very much to learn about birth photography and so many ways to improve, but still, I am eager to share these few special moments.

Here are a few moments from both Sara’s and Rachel’s labor and birth of their beautiful babes.

(click images to enlarge)