Nature in Action.
UNINTERRUPTED. UNDISTURBED. UNDERSTATED.
I had just entered the birth suite when I ended Pt. 1 of Amanda's birth story. Her doula was about to arrive and contractions were picking up in intensity and the midwives were just coming in to check on baby and Amanda. Someone on the birth team had suggested Amanda try getting in the shower to work through some contractions with the heat and water. She headed to the shower and her doula got there just in time to help apply some counter pressure and use the other shower head to add some heat and relief. The shower was some of the most beautiful, intense moments I've captured. Something about the lighting and the steam that was pouring out, matched up with Amanda's strength--standing solid through the surges. Dang, it was beautiful. Amanda's doula Alanna was timing her contractions, encouraging Amanda, applying pressure and checking in on her breathing. Amanda's husband, Phil, was bringing her water, checking in and finding ways to support her.
During the time that Amanda was in the shower, it seemed like some substantial progress was being made. I will add here that midwives don't generally "check your progress" throughout labor unless you ask...and even then, they generally won't call out a number of centimeters. I think we could all tell that Amanda was making progress when we heard her voice and tone change a little. She called out for help at one point because she felt like there was a lot of pressure and baby was moving down farther. I also specifically remember her saying "I want to go home." And I felt that sentence in my bones. That feeling of wanting it to be over, feeling like there is no way you can keep doing this or make it through. The doubt starting to creep in--this is usually nearing the stage of labor called "transition." At this point, the midwives did another check on baby's heartbeat and on mom's overall wellbeing. Asking Amanda things like "what feels different?" and telling her how amazing she is doing. Then, they switched up labor positions and moved on to the toilet with a "squatty potty" or footstool underneath to lift the feet and open the hips (personally, my least favorite place to labor). Amanda spent time here working through contractions, supported by her doula and husband.
The room was silent other than the whispers between us, and Amanda's breathing. I took some time out of the room to capture the little details of the birth center. The encouraging statements on decor, the cozy Christmas tree, and the birth equipment. After some time, the midwives did their thing--checking in on Amanda & baby, encouraging her, supporting her through a contraction or two, and then offering a new spot and position to labor in. I really believe this encouragement to continue to change positions (and Amanda's willingness to!) is a key part of Amanda's fairly quick labor. As much as Amanda wanted to get in the nice, warm tub, the midwives encouraged her to move to the bed for a bit. Amanda was supported over to the bed, wrapped up in towels and blankets to stay warm, given a peanut ball (basically a big yoga/birth ball just shaped like a peanut!) to rest on, and space to breathe and labor. The doula applied counter pressure on her hips, encouraged her, and stayed right by her side. Phil was holding Amanda's hand and even pulled up some pictures of their dog Austin to try and bring some lightness and comfort into their labor. It was so sweet and definitely loosened up the room. (Austin is featured, many times, in the newborn photos if you want to check him out!)
It seemed like mama was getting really close to meeting baby. The midwives dimmed the lights even more (and so sweetly told me I could turn them up before baby was born if I needed to!), and we left the room to give Amanda some space and time with just her husband and her doula. An hour after getting set up in the bed, it was time to get set up in the tub! This was it, it was almost baby time. At 8:30pm, the entire birth team came in to get Amanda set up in the tub and prepare for baby to be here! Phil sat right next to the tub with his hand on Amanda in anticipation. The midwives and her doula were right next to Amanda cheering her on and advising her through each contraction. Reminding her to take deep breaths in through her nose. Letting her know where to guide her energy and breath during contractions. Suggesting different positions in the tub--I remember one midwife suggesting squatting instead of sitting/reclining, and Amanda said "I can do that?" and the midwife responded "yup, you can do that here! Whatever you want!" Once Amanda got into a squat, it was moments, really only a few contractions...and suddenly I could feel all the midwives buzzing, calm but hyper aware and "on". This was it, THE moment. That instinct and urge to push clearly came over Amanda. They told her that baby was crowning, and before we knew it, before anyone could take another breath or remind Amanda how amazing she was...baby was here! One of the midwives quickly pointed and scooted out of the way as baby was being born so I could photograph it.
I can't even begin to explain the rush or the joy that filled the room in that moment. Goosebumps all over, and yup I 100% cried! It was a combination of sweet relief and all of us women in the room knowing exactly how Amanda felt in that moment. All overcome with pride and happiness for her. Baby was brought right to Amanda's chest. Dad noticed how baby changed color after a few moments, he had his hand on Amanda's shoulder, just beaming with pride. Baby had just a few first cries, and then seemed pretty content. Once baby was born and on mom's chest, a midwife confirmed all is well and then...EVERYONE STOOD BACK. Everyone just literally took a few steps back and let Amanda and Phil soak in the moment, their baby was here. I have such a sweet photo of the midwives and doula looking on to the new family of three. (Midwives and Doulas are literal angels you guys.) Shortly after, Mom and Dad announced baby's gender to the room! Waiting until baby is born to find out the gender is one of the most magical surprises we have left in the world, I swear. Once the cord was done pulsing and white, Dad got to cut the cord and shortly after he got some skin to skin time with his son for the first time.
Everyone was doing so well. Mom was being watched over by the midwives closely. Baby was being watched over by the midwives closely. Everyone's vitals were checked. Everything was going exactly as it should. AND THEN......that's it...no scary twist or moment of suspense. No fear. No rushed or loud voices. No alarms. No beeping. No startling words or gestures. THIS is how birth is meant to be. As I reflect on Amanda's birth, and being a witness to this uninterrupted magic, I can't stop thinking about how calm and natural and peaceful it was. How Amanda was virtually laboring and birthing completely on her own--no monitors, no invasive checks without her permission or request, no measuring her progress with numbers or times, no one ever mentioned how much time had passed, no one ever said "you're this many centimeters dilated," the midwives weren't really even in the room unless we called them in or they could sense they were needed. And once baby was born they were guardians of Amanda and Baby's health and were there to support her and make sure she was comfortable and answer any questions. They didn't bombard with information. They didn't even turn the lights up at all. These women and birth centers like this one, are protectors of how birth is meant to be. I truly believe every woman should be able to experience birth in this way. Uninterrupted, undisturbed, zero fear, peaceful, calm, protected and supported. The magic of birth is understated as fuck.
There is SO much more I could say about Amanda's birth. About the birth center. About birthing with a team of midwives. If there was anything about this birth story that you would love to talk more about please send me an email or DM and let's chat about it! I will add a small disclaimer, that I understand that not every birth can be this type of experience, that there are the rare cases when a woman needs a different type of birth. Although, I believe that that should be rare--more, in fact MOST, women should be able to experience birth unbothered, empowered, and in peace.
My birth packages currently (2022) start at $650! I am available for TWO more births this year! If that is you (or someone you know!) click the button below.
