New Life!

Just recently I have been a part of something I never knew I'd ever be a part of, let alone photographing....

A home water birth! 

It was the most amazing experience ever and hopefully not the last. This family allowed me to become a part of welcoming their third daughter/sister into this world. All in the comfort of their own home.
Approximately one week prior to her birth, I had the opportunity to photograph my first maternity session with her. She was an absolute sweetheart to work with. There were no limits to this session. We even ended up climbing a fence to get in with hundreds of sheep! And she ended up submersing herself in the beautiful waters of the St.Lawrence ~ Made for a pretty nice picture.

When I received the call that she was in labor I felt like a "Daddy-to-be", scrambling around to get stuff packed together as quickly as possible!!! I was there in less than 10 minutes, I even beat the MIDWIFE!!!

So, this was the beginning of a wonderful birth. The mother was completely in control of her breathing & contractions and totally tuned into her body. Not to mention the wonderful husband who had the birth pool filled up to the perfect temperature, food on the table and both his girls well taken care of. The most impressive part of this whole experience was their two beautiful daughters who were there to capture the moment with Mommy & Daddy. If anyone ever says that this is a bad idea.........you are wrong! The oldest daughter was 4 and the youngest 2.5 years old and they were well prepared for what they were to expect. The youngest daughter had a lot of empathy & love for her mother and always had a hand on her. The oldest daughter was a brilliant cheerleader! She never stopped telling her mommy how great she was doing and she loved her mommy very much! It was so heartwarming to see all this.

She, (we) welcomed a beautiful healthy 7lb 12oz baby girl into the world. The whole roomed softened when this girl was brought up out of the water. The midwives, doulas, mommy & daddy & both sisters were 100% focused in on that baby. And myself......well...........I was trying so hard to focus through the viewfinder of my camera with my eyes filled with tears.

It's weeks later and I am still in awe!
I'm hoping that I have many more births to photograph after this. I couldn't think of doing anything else more rewarding and heartwarming.

P.S. If you are expecting, please consider having a Midwife and Doula at your birth. They are so helpful & comforting.

Youngest sister keeping a close eye on mommy