Home birth photography | A Beautiful Home Birth
It was the coldest day of the year so far, and exactly what one would expect from a frigid and clear New England night.
Baby was 6 days past her estimated due date and we were definitely all excited for what would be happening any day!
This birth was different for me, too – mama is a sweet friend whom I met at the beginning of these crazy pandemic days, and Marco Polo has been our friend. Back and forth, we have shared struggles and joys and gotten to know each other, talking especially about health and farms and all the stuff that makes life real.
Then came the text.
“Water just broke. It’s happening”
“She’s calling for you all”
If you’re looking for an adrenalin dump, that sort of text will do it for you! LOL! There’s so much to follow those few words! Making sure I have all my gear, anticipating how long it will take to get there, not wanting to get there too early or too late. And of course, knowing what is about to unfold.
Every birth is the same, and yet completely different.
After all, our bodies are fundamentally designed for this very purpose and they know what to do without any instruction or guidance. This reminder is a grounding force to every mama, whether it’s her first, or seventh baby, as in this case!
I walked in to a picture of support, peace, love and strength. It was just beginning.
1/15/22 11:41pm
Being home in a safe, warm, comfortable environment surrounded by midwives from Birth Matters Midwifery Care who know exactly what to do, a husband who knows exactly what you need, a wonderful doula to support and. care for you, and someone to tell your beautiful story is just the way to do it! Familiarity and the peace that. comes with being “home” is a gift.
11:52pm
11:58pm
12:01am
Careful monitoring just a few times with the doppler ultrasound assured that baby was doing well, and allowed Cass to labor unhindered by constant interruptions or unnecessary interventions, and with the gentle reassurance and guidance of her midwives and doula. As she whispered “I don’t remember what to do! I don’t know what…. I don’t know!” her midwives reassured her and grounded her in the fact – her body knew!
At 1:30am on Sunday January 16, 2022 sweet Rosalind Anneliese was born!
Her double chin and thigh rolls were testament to her 10lb-on-the-dot weight!
A roly poly healthy, beautiful, baby girl!
1:32am
1:54am: Cutting the cord is an unexpectedly tough job, but this experienced dad snipped away without hesitation!
3:17am. The midwives examine the placenta to determine integrity and health.
3:51am. The Newborn Exam
What a beautiful unfolding of astounding events! So much overcoming, enduring, and strength that results in so much joy, peace and of course, sleepless nights. These guys are seasoned parents and they’ve got this down!
Arriving home, I noticed the beautiful stars and moon in the frigid air. Just 2 days away from a full moon, it was hard to miss! But there’s something about witnessing birth that makes one contemplate important and big things and I couldn’t help but snap this cell phone picture to remind me of that sense of smallness I felt in the grand scheme of things. Definitely not small in a bad way. But perspective, and hope, knowing that a good and gracious God is giving hope and blessing in this crazy world.
I’m so looking forward to photographing this gorgeous chunker’s newborn photos in a couple of days, and journeying with this lovely family over the years!
See you soon, Cohn Family!
