Ansel's Birth

I got a phone call at 2:30 am on January 6 and I don’t know how I heard my phone ring, because I forgot to turn the ringtone back on and it was just vibrating, but I’m so glad I did. A supportive second time dad was on the phone telling me his wife was at 6cm and I was like okay I guess text when it’s closer. He’s like, Jenn she’s 6cm. Midwife said to call. My brain wasn’t quite turned on and I hadn’t done a birth in a while, then I remembered 6 is the magic number because it could be minutes or second (or hours) until transition hits and then baby is out! 6cm dilated is the best time to get the photographer on their way - I live down the streets so I got in my car after brushing my teeth and grabbing a snack. I showed up to mama to be answering the door, fetal heart tones in the kitchen, and some fresh coffee brewed and waiting. I snapped a few images then took a nap on the couch. I woke up about an hour later refreshed and ready to start my day around 4 am. I observed mama being powerful, scared, strong, overwhelmed, exhausted, supported, introspective, empowered and loved. I sat on the floor, tucked into hallways, behind dressers, peeked behind doors, and kneeled on beds. I always love my home birth photographic essays because they show the realness of human experience, they’re messy (birth is bloody y’all), honest, vulnerable, intimate and intriguing. I had heard of cord burning but this was my first time witnessing it. It’s always an honor to see these sacred moments with families and I’m forever grateful for this experience. Thank you for allowing me into your birth space Gretchen.