This precious little boy just celebrated his first birthday so it seems like a good time to finally share his birth story! And I’m going to share most of his gallery because it was really that beautiful and because its helpful to see what a (mostly) full gallery looks like!
Caleb is Marissa and Samuel’s third baby. Their first was a planned home birth that became a cesarean since baby was breech and would not turn head down. For their second, they again planned a VBAC at home, and I was there as their doula and birth photographer for a successful HBAC (Read their story here: ) And when they got pregnant again, I was more than excited to document their birth again.
When Marissa’s contractions started getting intense they gave me a call and I came right away, knowing it would probably go fast. Indeed, I found Marissa was already deep in labor, and since I knew she wanted a water birth again, I suggested they start filling up the pool. Her midwife arrived shortly after.
When the pool was full, she continued to labor in there an Samuel loving supported her. Her mother was also there this time and was a loving presence for her daughter.
When Caleb’s heart tones started to get low, the midwives encouraged Marissa to start pushing in order to expedite delivery. She was also given oxygen.
A change of position is needed to deliver the shoulders.
The baby is born but needs help breathing. If you look in the right bottom corner, you can see mom is holding her baby’s hand and the look of relief when she hears him cry.
The grandmothers who were waiting in the wings come to meet the new baby, and dad get’s some skin-to-skin time.
A little love for this beautiful placenta that nourished baby for nine months.
And it’s time to bring Jonathan and Elliana to meet their new little brother.
Aren’t they so cute?
And now time for the newborn exam! I love how at home births this can be an all-family affair.
Cutting the cord and weighing, always an important rite of passage
The new family!
The grandmothers get some baby time, while mom gets breakfast
Thank you, Marissa and Samuel for the honor to support you in your birth and document your birth story these two times! You work so well as a team and I can see the depth of love you have for each other. Samuel, you are a wonderful and caring support for Marissa during labor, never leaving her side. Marissa, I love seeing how beautifully you labor, trusting in your body, and surrendering to the process. You both are great parents to your three babies, and its been a joy to be part of the process and watching your family grow.
The whole birth team, celebrating a job well done!