HOME-BIRTH AFTER HOSPITAL BIRTH - rebecca + cory
SACRED. POWERFUL. AUTHENTIC LOVE. RAW EMOTIONS. INTIMACY. BEAUTY.
These are the first words that came to me when describing this beautiful birth story.
On July 17, 2021, at 6:10 am, I received a text from Rebecca stating, "Didn't sleep well most of the night. Contractions are staying consistent and getting more painful. I think there's a good chance this baby is coming this weekend." Rebecca and I chatted briefly via texts, asking all my questions to give me an idea of how soon we would welcome their new baby girl to earth. I also expected it would be quick because Rebecca was at 41 weeks. We had left it off that she would contact me if contractions picked up or got more vigorous.
I was texting to tell her I had a wedding I was getting ready for, but if needed, I would find an associate photographer to cover me if things picked up throughout the day. Before I knew it or even finished my text, Rebecca called at 7:10 am, and that's how I knew it was "TIME."
I reached out to one of my photographer friends who had agreed to cover my wedding, contacted my bride to reassure her everything would run just as smoothly, and I started to get all my stuff together to head to Rebecca and Cory's house.
I arrived at 8:18 am, and Rebecca was already in her birth pool. Her husband, Cory, was right by her side, giving her water, and gently placing his hands on her arm.
I started shooting as soon as I arrived because I felt Momma's birth was scurrying.
Since the birth was scurrying, the room was silent, with soft music playing in the background.
I documented the sacred and intimate moments between Momma and dad. The closeness between them was such a beautiful experience to witness. From how gently dad placed his hands on Momma, reassuring Momma and listening to her needs. The love that filled their living room was such a powerful force.
At this point, Momma started feeling defeated and made statements such as, "I can't do this, I am tired, Come on baby, come on." Her midwives let her know that she is doing it and honestly was doing it so beautifully-but there was this moment I could feel that Momma needed to hear something different.
I said very quietly, "You are powerful."
Momma was powerful--the way she was trusted in her body and endured the sacred moments of labor. It was so beautiful to see. Dad gave Momma some fruit, which gave Mommaher the extra energy she needed before their sweet baby's arrival.
Momma transitioned from the birth pool to the couch, where Momma gave birth.
At 10:03 am, Dad could catch his baby girl as she arrived earth the side.
SACRED. POWERFUL. AUTHENTIC LOVE. RAW EMOTIONS. INTIMACY. BEAUTY.
All these words describe these images because you can not just relieve them but feel them.
This home birth after hospital birth left Momma empowered, transformative, and POWERFUL!
