The reward

They say that your second baby's labor is the reward for the first.  Let me just say how true that was for my dear friend, MJ.  Most of her labor was all about this little dude, right here. MJ refused to have the baby until he was asleep in bed. :O)

 

 

MJ was absolutely radiant in labor. You would not believe her baby was born just two hours after this!

This image is everything I love about home births - laboring in a quiet, comfortable, dark space in the company of those you love.

After her little man finally fell asleep, this mama wasted no time at all! Hopped in the tub, kicked into gear, set her mind to it, and pushed that baby right out.

I think no matter how many times you do it, the moment when you meet your child just never gets old.

Hello, baby!

Enjoying the new view.

Welcome, Silvia Elise! It was an honor to be there for your first few moments.

**Watch the full slideshow below, or click here for the full screen version!**

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Tidbit #9

Editing a most beautiful, rewarding (pitch dark) birth tonight. The genuine strength, energy, and love at a birth are amazing to witness.  Births are truly my favorite thing to photograph.

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The sweetest thing

While planning my East Coast trip, I timed it around my dear friend Meg's due date. I was staying three hours from her, and spent half the time nervous that I wouldn't make it in time when her labor started. It was so important to me that I be there for her. Indeed, I made it with plenty of time to spare and was there to witness her intense and beautiful labor.

Of the whole day, this has to be my favorite image. It's victory, peace, happiness, relief, and love all rolled up into one little moment.

I'm so glad I could be there for Lily's first moments on earth. Thank you so much, Meg.

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A beautiful home labor

Whew, this post is a long time in coming - but I figured I'd better post it before I post this family's holiday session!

Just a few weeks after my own daughter was born, a friend of mine went into labor with her daughter. We had arranged for me too be there for her home birth, so I headed over in the evening when things started picking up.

Ronnie was beautiful in labor!

Unfortunately, not fifteen minutes after I got there the midwives decided this baby needed more attention than they could give. Ronnie just rolled with the punches. I've never seen someone so relaxed in labor.

Ronnie labored a bit longer as the midwives got everything ready, and then it was off to the hospital. I had my own two week old with me and wasn't allowed in to help her labor, but she was in great company. Just a few hours later little Haydee made her dramatic entrance into the world. Let me tell you, she is cute as a button!

Stay tuned for their awesome family session in Georgetown!

P.S. I can't recommend birth photography enough. It's an amazing moment to have captured forever.

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Happy Birthday Thomas!

One year ago, this is how I spent my morning.

...and my evening. I was lucky enough to witness the labor of my amazing friend MJ and the birth of her son, Thomas.

It was a cool break in one of the craziest heat waves we've had here in a long time - very opposite this year.

MJ labored all day and into the night and stayed strong through hours of pushing.

I'm sure she'd agree now that every bit of it was well worth it. There is nothing like the moment a mother meets her child. It is beyond moving, and to have it captured forever is something precious.

Birth is one of the most amazing miracles on earth, and no matter how you labor, it is definitely worth documenting - for your own sake (if you think you can't remember your wedding day, try your labor day!) and for your child's. No one loves to hear the story of their birth more than kids, trust me! Happy birthday, Thomas, this one's for you!

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