I don’t even know where to start this post. I have so many thoughts running through my head and so many things I want to say that I’m finding it hard to know where to begin. I suppose I’ll just attempt to start at the beginning, the very beginning of my journey witnessing miraculous moments with a camera in hand. In 2008 my newly minted sister-in-law allowed me one of the greatest privileges someone can be granted: to be in the room while she gave birth to my nephew. At the time, I had absolutely no idea that I would decide to start my own photography business just 3 months later, but as per my usual routine, I had my point and shoot camera in hand. Because I knew it was those kinds of moments that just had to be documented. And this has been my MO for about as long as I can remember.
Fast forward to 3 1/2 years later. I’m now a wedding photographer and a few months ago, I started thinking about how I wanted the opportunity to photograph a birth professionally. It’s one thing to do it with a point and shoot camera, but quite different with professional equipment and experience using it. And because I’ve had the past 4 years to think about the time when I’ll decide to have children of my own, photographing births has taken on an entirely new meaning for me. So when a photographer friend of mine mentioned on FB that she was interested in having the birth of her first child photographed, I jumped at the chance.
Earlier this month a dream of mine came true. And even though it’s been 2 weeks since, my heart is feeling truly full right now. I had the amazing opportunity to professionally photograph the birth of a baby and I am changed. I feel connected somehow to sweet little baby Kaleb and to the amazing woman who allowed me to witness one of the most personal and beautiful moments in her life. I see motherhood in a totally new way and I feel like I’m only beginning to understand the love a mother has for her children. Witnessing such an occasion has caused me to do some deep thinking over the past few weeks. And although I’m not quite ready to take that leap in my own life yet, I know that when it’s time, it’s going to be an amazing adventure.
Paige and Blake, how can I even begin to thank you for the amazing gift you’ve given me? It was truly an honor for me to share such an incredible experience with you and I will forever be grateful for your kindness and trust. I somehow feel like I’m a pseudo auntie now so don’t be surprised if I ask to come visit in the near future. That’s just what happens when you make beautiful children who like to snuggle with childless women like myself. Thanks again for allowing me to document an experience that has forever changed me. Much love to you both! Oh and to Kaleb (:
Here is Paige and Blake’s birth story, as told from my perspective:
It was a Tuesday evening and I was just about to head out the door to go to my weekly yoga class. I quickly glanced at my phone as I was about to put it in my bag and I saw a voicemail notification. It was a voicemail from Paige letting me know that she was in labor and had been admitted to the hospital. I was shocked at how calm she sounded and my own calm immediately turned into excitement. I knew it would be a while before she was dilated to 5 cm, so as per j’s advice, I headed out to my yoga class. There was a sub and unlike my usual yoga instructor’s style, hers was slow. Really slow. And all I could think about as she reminded us that the day was coming to a close was how my day was just beginning. I wanted to announce to everyone in class that I would be photographing the birth of a baby in a few hours. No big deal.
I made it through the end of the slow class and somehow it made me feel even more refreshed for the upcoming task at hand. I was shocked I was able to concentrate at all. When I arrived home, I called Blake to get an update and he told me things were progressing slowly and that the doctor said the baby wouldn’t arrive until the next day. Whether it would be 2 am or dinnertime, they didn’t know. So I did what any normal girl would do. I decided to wash and style my hair and get to bed as soon as possible. I anticipated being woken up some time in the middle of the night and I wanted my hair to be fresh for such a momentous occasion. The hours passed by and each time I’d wake up during the middle of the night, I’d check my phone to make sure I didn’t miss anything. 6 am came and still no word. I got curious and text Blake for an update. An hour or so later he told me she was still at 3 cm and it would be a while. I attempted to sleep a while longer, knowing I’d need all the energy I could get, but it wasn’t very productive. So I decided to get up, get some work done and get ready in case the call came.
I got word around 11 am that she was at 5 cm and it was a good time to head over to the hospital. I arrived around noon, just a little while after Paige got an epidural, and started photographing details.
By this time, Paige had been in labor for 21 hours and had just started to get some relief. Her plan was to use the hypnobabies method and have a completely natural child birth, but because she had been laboring so long and was both mentally and physically exhausted, Blake thought it was best for her to get an epidural. She told me how much she didn’t want it and how she felt so defeated, but I told her she did what all mothers have to do. She put her baby’s needs above her own and made the best decision for herself and the baby. This was the first lesson I learned about what it really means to be a mother that day. This was the first of many.
Blake was so attentive to Paige’s need throughout the entire labor. When it was time for ice chips, he got the ice chips. When Paige felt rested enough to tell jokes, he laughed at hers and volunteered to tell his own. 
Even after being in labor for almost 24 hours, Paige had this glow about her. I hope I look half as beautiful when I’m in labor someday. 
See what I mean? Absolutely gorgeous.
Paige’s grandma and dad stopped by to visit as the labor progressed. Her family was so wonderful and welcoming and I felt like I was part of their family by the end of the day. 
Paige transitioned to one of Blake’s rings when her own wedding ring didn’t fit any longer. I thought it was a sweet little detail. 
Evening fell and it was finally time to start pushing. The pushing stage lasted almost 3 hours and Paige was an absolute fighter. She later told me she was so tired in between contractions because she had been awake so long that she would just fall asleep for a few minutes each time. 
One of my favorite moments during labor was when Blake sat down and said a silent prayer in between contractions. 
Blake was such a great labor coach. 
And the nurse that was there to deliver the baby was absolutely amazing. 
Just before 9 pm, after 31 hours of labor, baby Kaleb arrived.
Because Paige had a temperature during labor, baby Kaleb had to be sent to the NICU for antibiotics and other precautionary measures. The doctor allowed Paige to hold him for a quick minute before they took him over to the NICU. Watching her hold him for the first time was a special moment. 
Paige sent Blake to the NICU to make sure Kaleb was okay and I stayed with Paige as her family members each took turns visiting the baby. Then I got the opportunity to photograph Blake and baby Kaleb by themselves. Kaleb is one of the most peaceful newborns I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen quite a few. There was such a calming feeling when I walked into his little station. Birth is truly miraculous. 
Kaleb rarely cried and whenever he would start to cry, all Blake had to do was talk to him and he would calm down immediately. 
Then I got to photograph the entire family for the first time. It was so amazing watching Paige really get to hold her son for the first time. 
I got permission from Paige to post these next 2 images. Watching Paige and Blake with their brand new son in this moment is something I’ll never forget. 
After spending some time in the NICU, Paige left to go get checked in to her new room. So I took a few last images of Blake holding Kaleb. By the way, the name Kaleb comes from the letters in Blake’s name being rearranged. 
I got to visit Kaleb a week and half later and he is just the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. He slept the entire time and snuggling with a cute little baby definitely gave me baby fever. Mom, grandpa and everyone else who tells me they want me to have kids now, don’t get your hopes up. It’s going to be a while longer. But I promise, it will be worth the wait (:
8 comments