Birth Photography | Raleigh NC | 2015 Favorites

Birth Photography | Raleigh NC | 2015 Favorites

 2015 was a busy year! I photographed 29 Births! Each birth stands out so uniquely in my mind and I will forever treasure the memories that I have made and captured for each of my clients. This was a year of many first and many tears. I wanted to share and write a little about each of the births I had the privilege of documenting so hang on tight and enjoy some of my favorite photos and memories.  

1. This was how I found Mom when I arrived at her home. She was laboring in the tub and the sunlight was shining down so brilliantly on her. It was one of the very first photos I took of her labor. Harsh lighting emphasized the beautiful contrast and birthing mood.

 

2. Birth is a right of passage, and anyone who has experienced it knows how truly hard you have to work; a true labor of love. So in moments when you see the contraction build, lending a soft hand to Mom’s shoulder gives her a sense of togetherness and strength and support. A simple touch can give a laboring mom encouragement and a sense of peace knowing she is not alone.

  

3. Dads are so proud – and when I get to capture that look of pure admiration in the moments shortly after their child has entered this world it brings me to tears. Take a second and just look at Dad’s face, he is so full of pride and love!

 

4. You know that nervous laugh… here is a perfect example! Mom was set for a repeat cesarean – with very little sleep, she was up early and about to undergo a ‘familiar’ procedure but it was so vastly different than her first and the nerves had set in. But she held her composure through smiles and laughs! I wasn’t allowed back into the operating room but Dad took some photos and video and I used them in her birth video.

 

5. I really enjoy watching a Mom navigate labor with her team. So much strength and support in this photo. Mom is surrounded by her husband, doula and midwife; each offering their own form of encouragement. At one point I whispered under my breath that she looked like a goddess and one of the midwives overheard me and softly agreed.

 

6. Homebirths are one-of-a-kind experiences. I really enjoy taking photos of their home and small details that make their birth so personal. This labor was long and hard! Baby was not in the best position and Mom was off in another universe as she tirelessly tried to keep her body from pushing too early. Once given the green light she mustered up every ounce of energy and on the floor of her bedroom she gave birth to her baby. I love seeing this photo of Mom’s face and reminded how joyous this birth was.

 

7. When I get the opportunity to take a shot of Dad at the time of birth it’s golden! Candid photos of a husband becoming a Dad in just mere seconds; a moment that is forever etched in his memory. It is no surprise that this photo is one of Mom’s favorites too. Mom is focused on her baby and unable to watch other reactions around her. I’m so passionate about Birth Photography because of THIS!

 

8. This family holds a very special place in my heart. I was contacted about doing their birth and I was told their daughter may not survive past birth. We all held out hope and prayed for Madeline. I was with them throughout their whole labor and birth. Once she was born they asked the NICU team to do everything in their power to help her live. After about 10 minutes the Doctors knew with certainty that nothing could be done and suggested they spend the time they had left with her in their arms. This photo was taken just moments after they laid Madeline onto Mom. It speaks so many words – their love for each other and their children glowed intensely and it still shines as they navigate life without their precious Daughter here on earth.

 

9. This birth was in the middle of a rainstorm! First time Mom and bariatric pressure was a perfect combination for me to MISS her arrival by THREE minutes! Mom went from 5-9cm in nearly 20 minutes and there was no way I could get there any faster than I did. But this is one of my favorites from her birth. I love the bow hat and how she is happily snuggled up on Mom. Quiet moments are so special and just minutes later all her family was there to meet her!

10. Elizabeth was my birth photographer for my 2^nd baby – so when she messaged me to tell me she was pregnant I couldn’t contain my excitement! Her husband called me the night of her birth saying I should probably head their way but not to rush. Who was he kidding – 5^th child – I was in a hurry just in case! As it turns out I walked in the room and TWO contractions later her son was born in the middle of her bedroom in her birth pool. I had a hard time choosing my favorite from her birth – but this one spoke to me. She is surrounded by her 4 oldest children and her husband. So much love in this perfect family of 7.

 

11. Sometimes an artistic shot really touches me… and this one makes me smile. Dad is putting on his daughter’s diaper and he is so careful and intentional. The love he has pours out in his first act as a father. The reflection in the white board to the right makes this one of my favorite artistic photos this year!

 

12. There were so many amazing photos from this birth but for me – there is no question that this one is my favorite. Mom was pushing and Dad was right there, every moment of the way. He was her rock and the two of them danced perfectly in step to each contraction and this photo captures the tender kiss and strong love between these two. Mom is turning to him for strength and he is right there willing to give everything he has.

 

13. When Mom wants a crowning photo – I do my best to deliver. With hospital rules and guidelines it can be difficult but in this birth, the Midwife had no issue and allowed me to document this little one’s entrance. An intense moment frozen in time. A baby between two worlds… half born.

 

14. A cesarean birth after hoping for a VBAC; no matter the reason this is a very humbling and disappointing moment. This photo speaks so much, the wonderment and longing in Mom’s eyes to hold her son. I know how this feels personally and it is hard to wait to hold your baby. Cesarean Mamas are strong!

 

15. Birth center births are great option!. It is even more fun when your Doula brings lights to help decorate your room and make it more festive! I adore this image of Mom and Dad enjoying their little girl amongst the glittery backdrop!

 

16. This image may not scream ‘best/favorite’ photo – but let me tell you a little about this birth. Mom had a plan; she desired an out of hospital birth. After many hours and a stall she was transferred to the hospital. She kept her head high and kept a positive outlook. Mom had a birth plan and although she was disappointed she held onto the hope that her birth would still follow the plan as closely as possible. As time went on more and more kept getting crossed off her list of possibility. It was heartbreaking to watch Mom’s desires slip from her fingers. There are things that come up throughout labor that require us to alter the plan. As you can see from this photo - delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin did not become a reality due to the presence of meconium. So much of birth can transform into an experience that Mom and Dad did not intend. It may mean that more processing is needed to accept how your birth went. Birth is something you remember for the rest of your life and how you process the event plays a huge role in healing and moving forward. I am thankful I was allowed to share this photo – it is a reminder that birth rarely goes as planned and it can be messy, not only during but the days/weeks/months/years following.

 

17. The quiet peacefulness of birthing in a tub. The still water wrapping her in warmth and the support of her husband. No words needed, just his quiet calming presence bringing her comfort. One of my favorite birth tub photos I took last year.

 

18. Change is coming to North Carolina! This mama PUSHED to be a part of her daughter’s birth. She knew she would be required to have a cesarean (her 4^th) and this was her last baby and she wanted to have a different experience! Armed with a ton of information she approached UNC to use a Clear Drape and with some discussion they agreed! This photo so beautifully depicts the moment her daughter entered the world. Although hidden, you can see the smiles on everyone’s face! UNC has since announced that they NOW offer a clear drape option for cesarean births!

 

19. This year I took on my very first out-of-town birth. This was for a repeat client and they lived in Philadelphia! I knew it was going to be a stretch to make it – and the second I got the ‘it’s go time’ call I hopped in the car. I drove into the wee hours of the morning and then I got the call that she had had the baby. I missed it by nearly 2 hours. I knew it was a long shot but I did give it my all! I showed up that morning to document their oldest meeting her new sister and she was in love! Big sister giggles are the best – hiccups are the funniest!

 

20. I photographed my very first Adoption Birth Story. The birth Mom approached me and wanted to have photos of her and her daughter before she placed her up for adoption. She had her whole family there in attendance for the birth (some were in the waiting room). Her sister brought a polaroid camera which was so fitting. She was taking photos of her sister and niece and laid them on the ledge. I snapped a quick photo – representing what Mom will have to hold onto; photos. Memories fade, but having these photos will allow her to feel close to her daughter and remember the day she was born.

 

21. Take a moment and really look at this photo. Mom was on day 3 of an induction and her baby was not budging. In fact, the baby had an ear presentation and would not descend due to positioning. This photo was taken just moments after Mom and Dad made an unbelievably difficult decision and agreed to a repeat cesarean. Dreams of her VBAC had slipped through her fingertips and there is an undeniably unique mood in this photo. My heart aches when I look at this photo but I can’t take my eyes off of it. Many times I wish I could trade places with Mom if only for a moment to help carry the heavy load and breathe new light into a moment that feels so dark.

 

22. Water births are truly spectacular. Baby is gently brought up to Mom’s chest and laid skin-to-skin for what seems like eternity. I love how Dad is hovered down over Mom’s shoulder so that their son can gaze up to see both adorning parents. It is clear, he is so loved.

 

23. After years of health issues, countless surgeries and failed fertility treatments – here is Mom holding her newborn son for the very first time – a child she never thought was a possibility. This emotion is real, raw and it’s a moment that will forever be remembered and admired.

 

24. I can’t tell you how amazing it was for me to watch these two wonderful women bring their daughter into the world. They were a flawless team. They joked a little and laughed. They held each other when things grew more intense. And with gentle coaching and soft affirmations they welcomed their daughter into loving arms. This photo portrays so much joy, a tender connection between these three has been formed and you can see it emanate from this image.

 

25. Perspective can play such a huge role in capturing a birth. The viewpoint of this photo makes this one of my top favorite photos for the year. I love how you can view everyone in attendance and you can feel the intensity of the contraction right along with Mom. This was my very first true VBAC and it was an amazingly powerful birth!

 

26. Flawless beautiful skin. This little girl came so fast that I had to call in a backup for the very first time this year! Thankfully I had someone able to go in for me and she covered about an hour of the labor and birth. She was born via emergency cesarean and was waiting patiently for Mom to come back from the operating room. This photo is a great representation of tranquil and calm; a vast difference from the flurry of events that lead to the cesarean.

 

27. Birth no doubt can take hours, sometimes days. In most cases you don’t know when it will start or how long it will take. You go into the start of early labor excited and energized and many times the length sets in and the exhaustion soon follows. I LOVE this photo – her husband sat only for a minute and this was the result. Now, to his defense, it was at like 6 or 7am so he had been up all night. And he did make a great weight for the chair so it wouldn’t go flying when Mom leaned on it during her contractions.

 

28. There is nothing more special then the after birth cuddles. Babies love to snuggle in on Mom sin-to-skin and then I caught dad gazing from a distance and it was so perfect. This was Daddy’s first little girl and it took mere seconds before she had him wrapped around her finger!

 

29. The year ended with this beautiful and amazing birth. I met with Mom and Dad to discuss the birth of their daughter. She had been diagnosed with Anencephaly. The doctors did not expect her to live much past birth. Mom had said they may have just minutes with her and they wanted to be sure and capture it all. Mom, Dad, and a ton of friends family and strangers prayed hard! When it came time for the birth they chose not to have her heart monitored. Instead they chose to trust Jesus. Adalyn Grace was born alive and was immediately placed on Mom’s chest. It was an intense and beautiful moment to watch as Adalyn took a tiny little breath, Mom and Dad cried out so grateful to have time with her. She laid in Mom’s arms for nearly 2 hours. Dad later took his time dressing her in the many outfits they had brought with. This photo is of Mama and her Daughter; tiny fingers intertwined. Their family and birth will forever be in my heart. I wouldn’t have wanted to end my 2015 year any other way.