A Birth Story- Baby Ryleigh

I do not think it is possible to put in to words how much I love shooting births.  I love the emotion of the day, the ups and downs, and of course, the moment when you get the big pay off and hold your baby for the first time.  

I will never forget the first time I held my baby boy... the moment is seared in my mind.  But I do wish I had some photos of that moment too.  That is what I find so rewarding about this work.  I KNOW how important this day is-- for me, it was the first day of me, the new me, the person I am now that I have someone else to care about.  It taught me what is important, focused me, and mellowed me out.  

The other part of this birth that was soooooo amazing, was Amber had the same doctor and delivered in the same room that I delivered my first born. It was almost eerie to be back there, almost exactly five years since I had my baby boy.  It was a 'full circle' moment, for sure. 

Amber was amazing.  She had a natural birth, but she was so calm and collected the nurses thought she had had an epidural.  They had already had a very long night before I arrived at 5:30AM, but she was so mellow, she was even able to take some naps between contractions. Way to go, Mama! I am in awe of you.