Birth Photography has always made me feel privileged- to be witness to the first moments of person’s journey is powerful. Every once in a while I get a message asking if I would be willing to document a birth. Every single time, the location has been in a hospital. Not that hospitals are bad, but, see, the thing is, I didn’t have my youngest baby in a hospital. I had her at home, in my dining room in a swimming pool full of warm water. It was a beautiful experience.
So, Leslie contacted me and asked if I’d be willing to photograph her birth at her home.
Seriously? A home birth?! Please, yes, let me do this.
I found out I’d be working with an icon in our community, Pearl- a midwife, musician and mother. That was like sprinkles on the cupcake.
I could go on and on, but, I’m a photographer. I’ll show you the photos. (besides, that’s what captions are for 😉 )
Laboring and birthing in a pool filled with warm water really helps with pressure and pain. Don’t worry- the baby doesn’t breathe until it hits the cold air when it is raised out of the water.
You could hardly tell Leslie was in labor- she remained calm, quiet and focused.
Women are so beautiful.
Leslie’s husband, Tom, provides comfort and holds Leslie’s hand.
Transition. That’s all that needs to be said here.
Midwives Pearl and Andrea preparing for baby’s arrival. They let Leslie follow her own instincts and provided the suport she needed to birth in her own way.
Sister looks on, quietly and a little anxious.
Tom is ready to catch the baby.
Family watches in excitement.
and…..it’s a girl!
Okay……just……this is my new favorite image of the year. Strength, beauty, nourishment, protection, shock, comfort….
Did you know babies are blue when first born? Until they breathe enough oxygen from the air- then they start pinking up 🙂
…sigh…gorgeous…
Family wonder and excitement
<3
First nursing
Tom cuts the cord.
Holding her for the first time ever.
Pearl conducts a newborn exam.
Weight first.
A strong heart
Sister puts on the first diaper.
If she only knew how much that little baby is going to idolize her. Welcome to the world, Sierra Flo. (wrapped in a beautiful rebozo gifted by Kristi Norman who specializes in therapeutic massage for women in Dubuque, IA).
