On Birth

From February 28th to March 1st, I had the honour of photographing the birth of baby Amarys. It was such an honour to be invited to document such an intimate occasion and I am so thankful that I could be there. Usually I would just go the hospital when the momma was 9cm or so to document the parents meeting baby for the first time. In this case, Melissa (a friend of ours), is a self proclaimed `birth nut' and wanted the whole birthing journey captured. What an honour!

Some people have been very surprised that someone would want a birth documented with photos. I totally understand that it is not for everyone. However, it's a one time event, with the birth of each child, and in this case it is likely her last:) It is such a life changing journey and I don't think there is ever an event with such raw emotion. When baby Amyrus came out, I was openly sobbing like a baby while trying to focus my camera.

It was my first time being at a midwife attended birth and it was beautiful. Everything just happened like it was meant to happen if that makes sense. It was calm and quiet and just...natural. I will be sharing some photos on my photo blog later with more of the actual story. Melissa was super woman and her relaxation almost put me to sleep. Her support team was amazing. Her baby, a girl (after 3 boys!), is so gorgeous and latched on immediately and didn't ever want to stop.

This whole experience just puts me in awe of every woman who has ever given birth. With Kai, I had pushed for several hours and then it ended in an emergency C-section as he was coming out ear first (and stuck!). It has also made me appreciate our future birth mom even more.

What a beautiful experience. Yes, the whole thing was beautiful.