A Birth Day to Celebrate
- ashleyspears
- Oct 25, 2019
- 3 min read
I started this photography business with the hope of eventually photographing weddings. I've been drawn to the excitement of the day, the details that help tell the story, and of course the love that so effortlessly seems to float through the air. Recently, though, I felt an overwhelming desire to hone in on my skills as a lifestyle photographer and pursue births. I love taking a step back and capturing moments as they happen right in front of me, unplanned and unfiltered. And after witnessing the birth of sweet baby Casey, all I can say is that there is pure magic in seeing new life being brought into this world before your very eyes.
Kelly came to me with a strong desire to document her home birth experience. We instantly connected over our shared love for birth photography. The powerful presence of raw emotion in the photos we've seen is both empowering and inspiring on so many levels, and I'm in awe of her for wanting to showcase her vulnerability and strength in her most exposed state. #birthwithoutfear #birthphotography
I arrived in the middle of the night, shortly after Kelly started having contractions. I sat in the driveway for several minutes before going inside, really seeing their home from the outside. To a passerby it would appear to be just another night. Perhaps they would see the lights on and imagine a couple enjoying a warm cup of tea or coffee in the quiet early hours as they waited for the sun to rise up. Having only experienced a hospital birth and not realizing how common home births are, I probably would have entertained the same thought. I'm always in great wonder of the possibilities that might be happening all around me. We never know when something awe-inspiring is about to happen, as it is natural to just assume everyone is living the same day as you. The air around me felt thick with anticipation, and I had butterflies in my stomach knowing something beautiful was about to take place.
They were upstairs in their bedroom, and the atmosphere was so calm and relaxing. The heat from the birthing pool raised the temperature in the room to a cozy warm, the salt lamps provided a beautiful glow and made the space feel more intimate, and the essential oils really enhanced the feeling that you were at a spa; these elements appealed to all of the senses, and I immediately felt at home. I labored with Kelly, her husband Tyler, her mother, and the doula for two hours before everyone decided to rest up until active labor ensued. I'm so thankful for those quiet hours with them, as we were able to form a bond and I was able to capture these first moments of labor when the mood was still light and happy.
Fun Fact: It was Kelly's mother's birthday the day Casey was born! A memorable day for sure.
Active labor is no joke. For me, this is the raw and unfiltered part of the process; the pain, fear, and overwhelming need to give up. Kelly is such an incredibly strong woman, for she had been laboring for twenty hours at this point. With each contraction she reached deeper inside herself, grasping on to her inner strength; her courage. Tyler was amazing. He was the only voice she could hear, pushing her forward and away from feeling like she couldn't do this for one more second. His unwavering faith and support in Kelly definitely tugged at my heartstrings; to see such a strong connection between husband and wife was moving beyond words.
I also want to give a shoutout to Kelly's doula and midwife. I loved how they both encouraged Kelly to take control of her birth experience. They offered words of encouragement, assisted with easing her comfort as needed, and monitored baby's heartrate, but overall it was a very hands-off approach. How satisfying it must feel knowing you were made to do this all on your own, and these women helped to instill that.
Funny story. It was time for baby Casey's first exam, and there wasn't a scale. Tyler sent Kelly's brother to the tackle shop to get one! Tyler is an avid fisherman and boat captain, so it was the perfect personal touch. #catchoftheday
I get all of the feels when I look at these images. Being part of this day, as their storyteller, was so fulfilling. Kelly and Tyler, thank you for this opportunity. Wishing you all the happiness in the world.
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