Welcome Helen Adria!

I had the honor of attending the birth of Keris and Stuart's first born, an adorable boy named Aston Davis, so I was thrilled when Keris was pregnant again and asked for me to be their doula and photographer for the birth of their little girl, Helen Adria.  Keris was induced for her first birth, but she decided to wait a little longer this time and let Helen pick her birth day, and she did!  Labor started gradually and Keris did a great job of distracting herself during those early contractions, and when they started getting more intense but we still spaced out a little, they waited a little longer and labored at home.  They told me to wait too, but I knew things might pick up and go pretty quickly.  Sure enough, her contractions were soon under five minutes, and they headed to the hospital, and I left to join them, but on the way there they just kept coming on faster and faster.  When they got checked in she was already 9 cm!  I arrived shortly after and Keris was laboring on the bed on all fours, but doing a great job and still laughing with Stuart in between contractions.

laughing during labor; austin birth photographer

Just a few contractions later, she felt like she needed to push, and Helen pretty much came flying out! Aston was 9.5lbs (and Keris is very petite) so she pushed for a few hours with him, but Helen was much smaller, and even though she had a nuchal hand, she came out much quicker.

Between two worlds: austin birth photographer

One of the special things about this birth was being able to witness the birth pause, in which the birthing mother takes a brief pause to gather herself and make the great transition from birthing her baby to the first step of mothering, picking up her baby on her own terms.  Since Keris was still on all fours, she requested a minute to breathe and rest before she turned over to pick up her daughter and bring her to her chest.

The birth pause: austin birth photographer

The birth had happened so quickly, that there was still so much shock and surprise mingled with the relief and great joy as she welcomed Helen in her arms.

the relief and joy as baby is finally her: austin birth photographer
Let me get a look at you: austin birth photographer
so much surprise and joy!: austin birth photographer

It was such a joy to see the love between Keris and Stuart flow over as they both began to bond with their precious new daughter.

the new family snuggling in
hands of support and love: austin birth photographer
holding daddy's finger: austin birth photographer
the first kiss after the birth: austin birth photographer
Daddy gets skin to skin too: austin birth photographer

And before long, Keris's mom brought Aston came to meet his new little sister.  He wasn't quite sure what to think of this new addition.

little brother pats baby's head: austin pictures of birth
little brother checking out his new sister: austin birth photography
the new family: austin birth pictures

A little later, Keris had some quiet time to start breastfeeding Helen, and she was a champion nurser!

new little baby rolls: austin baby photographer
such a great latch! birth photographer in Austin

And then it was time to transition to their postpartum room and try to get some rest and settle in with their new baby.

Daddy can't get enough of this cutie: austin birth photography
Mom and Dad gazing at their baby: austin birth photos
mom and dad hold baby's hands: austin birth pictures

Congratulations Keris and Stuart!  It was such an honor to serve you at the birth of both your babies, and see your beautiful family grow.  You have so much love for each other and for your children, and it is a blessing to share in your joy!

Welcome Baby Isaac!

Congratulations Allegra and Shaune on the birth of Issac Henry, their second son! He weighed in at 7lb 14oz and 21 1/4 inches long. This was such a beautiful, triumphant VBAC as Allegra pressed through her doubts and fears with so much strength and courage and birthed her baby just as the doctor was saying that he needed to be born soon. It was so amazing to see this mama do everything she needed to for her baby! Not a dry eye in the room! It was such a pleasure to work with this sweet couple!

The Homebirth of Elianna Grace

Congratulations to Marissa and Samuel on the birth of their daughter, Elianna Grace! This beautiful homebirth was a triumphant end to a long story. After a loss, Marissa and Samuel planned a homebirth for their first, who was breech and had to be delivered by cesarean, so determined, they decided to try again for the birth they dreamed of. But after Marissa's water broke, and several days of prodromal labor, that dream seemed to be slipping away. With lots of prayer, careful monitoring, and trust in the birth process from her midwife, Elianna finally decided to make her appearance. And she was born at home, in the water, and caught by her dad. Here is a slideshow that captures the beauty, hard work, loving support, and joyful birth of Elianna Grace.

Welcome Baby Micah!

Congratulations to Iradis and Kyle on the birth of their son, Micah!  Micah is their third child, and second son.  He weighed in at 7lb 9 oz, a healthy beautiful little boy!

The joy of birth-Austin Doula

This is the look of pure joy as mama reaches down to touch her baby for the first time.  This was Iradis's second VBAC, which she rocked without pain medication, as was her desire.  Kyle is a pretty proud papa too!

proud papa-Austin Doula

Thanks Iradis and Kyle for the privilege to serve you and witness the birth of Micah!

first snuggles-Austin Doula

I just love those first blissful snuggles!

Jamie and Iradis-Austin Doula

Welcoming Katherine Prairie Sky

I am pleased to announce the birth of Katherine Prairie Sky to proud parents Dave and Hilary.  Katherine was born on November 23 at  2:29 am at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, and weighed a mere 5 lbs 11 ounces.  Although Hilary needed to be induced a little sooner than baby wanted, she continued with her plan for as natural a birth as possible and labored without pain medication for the whole time.  She showed exceptional strength and determination and did a great job of advocating for herself each time a decision about her care needed to be made.  Dave was a great support throughout and coached her through her contractions and had unwavering faith in his wife's ability to give birth naturally.  Congratulations Hilary and Dave! You did a great job and you have a beautiful baby girl!

Hilary and Dave with Katherine Prairie Sky

Hilary and Dave with Katherine Prairie Sky


Welcoming Gideon

We would like to announce the birth of baby Gideon, born to Chris and Sondra on October 28, 7:48 pm at St. David's North Austin Medical Center.  He weighed in at 8 lbs 14 ounces and 21 inches long.  Sondra began her labor at home throughout the night and then moved on to Austin Area Birthing Center where she continued to labor naturally she had planned and did a great job with the support of her husband Chris.  Eventually it became necessary to transfer to the hospital and to have a cesarean birth, but she was still able to walk into the operating room on her own two feet.  What an empowered mama! I am so proud of her strength, courage, and resilience throughout the whole labor and birth.

Sondra working through labor with the support of her husband Chris

Sondra working through labor with the support of her husband Chris

Sondra and Gideon, bonding during recovery

Sondra and Gideon, bonding during recovery