The Birth of Attis

{birth story}

Sometimes birth doesn't go as planned, like this mama's natural birth. Everything was perfect and normal through her pregnancy until the end when she learned that baby was not in the ideal position. Baby was bum down head up and legs by his head. But, hope wasn't lost, there was chiropractics, and acupuncture and of course there was still a chance he'd turn on his own and if he didn't they could do an ECV. 
Well, meet Attis. He was born at 36 weeks via c-section in frank breech position before being wheeled off to the NICU where he would he stayed for a few days. Luckily his mama got to go in to labour on her own which helps the body postpartum. Having the natural hormones in her body will help with milk production along with giving her a better chance of avoiding PPD which is more common in cesarean sections, especially when mom and baby are separated right away. She also had her placenta encapsulated which is another way to help your body postpartum. So when a natural birth was no longer an option for her, she took control of the situation by listening to her body and focusing on the things she did have control over instead of the things she didn't. 

And now after 3 weeks, Attis is doing very well and so is she! As of a couple days ago, he is exclusively breastfed! Perfect timing for his first growth spurt! All that pumping and determination paid off! Go mama!! 

***   now press play to watch this beautiful powerful birth story   ***

Sometimes birth doesn't go as we planned, like this mama's natural birth. Meet Attis. He was born at 36 weeks via c-section in frank breech position. Luckily his mama got to go in to labour on her own helping her body postpartum. Having the natural hormones in her body will help with milk production along with giving her a better chance against PPD. She also had her placenta encapsulated which in another way to help your body postpartum. So when her natural birth was no longer an option, she took control of the situation by listening to her body and focusing on the things she did have control over. So now after 3 weeks, Attis is doing very well and so is his mama! As of a couple days ago, he is now exclusively breastfed! All that pumping and determination paid off! Go mama!! Your child's birth day is the biggest day of your life. It's such an intimate time. To witness and photograph the birth of a baby is one of the most special things in the whole world. So magical. Such real raw tender emotional moments are captured. The images are breathtaking. And the first hours after birth are so euphoric. The most overwhelming amount of love. It's hard to have clear memories because it's a whirlwind of new life. To have these moments documented is unbelievably precious. The joy they will bring you every time you look at them! Very special photos for the new parents to have. And what an incredible thing for your child to see. Imagine being able to see images of the day you were born? So cool. Photography by Heather Bays Music by Sigor Ros

Hello Sweet Touba

More people are starting to understand birth photography because when I tell people about how I document births, I'm starting to hear them respond with "Hey, my friend had her birth photographed", or something along those lines! But one thing people often still look confused by is documenting a cesarean birth.

Well, last week baby Touba made her debut via elected cesarean section making this the first c-section I have documented!! What a beautiful birth surrounded by so much love. This little lady is so special. She is the first grandchild on both sides of the family. This family is so welcoming that I felt like part of the family! They shared some incredible life stories with me during the moments waiting in the waiting room. This family is clearly made of very strong women! Just watch as this family celebrates and bonds over the arrival of Touba. These grandmothers have such a beautiful relationship and watching them greet their granddaughter with such gratefulness is really emotional. I love how involved their family over seas could be too thanks to FaceTime!! I love the role technology plays! Seriously, just watch!! Be sure to have some tissue by your side. 

Every birth story is unique, but in some ways, they are all the same. The love that radiates off the family welcoming a new sweet baby in to their lives is something that you can feel by just looking at the pictures. It's all worth documenting because the birth of your baby, is and always will be, the most insane, beautiful, best, incredible day of your life. 

If you are considering having your birth documented, please check out my gallery and contact me if you would like package options and prices along with my FAQ's about birth photography.

Welcome Zen Everest

Born at 11:59pm on February 11th 2015 at the Toronto Birth Centre.

Now this Mama did her homework and took full control of her birth! It was empowering! She found her control, her focus, and held on to it. As she focused on climbing Everest she had no idea that her baby would soon wear that name! Her support team was just incredible. SO much love. Look at her partner holding her, caring for her and then skin to skin with baby Zen while mum showers. It was a very powerful birth to be present for. I love how many people were in the room for this special moment! And that the baby's Aunt caught him as he came out, being the first person to place their hands on Zen. It was at the Toronto Birth Centre, where you have more freedom and choices, which means, she could have her whole support team with her and birth as she wanted! And she did! 

Please watch the full slideshow at the end of this post.

This moment was amazing. After getting over a big hurdle, this was the very moment the midwife said, "I feel his hair! It's time to push"! And I think it must have been 15 or 20 minutes later and baby was here! 

THAT moment!! Just seconds after birth! THE BEST!!

Just finished his medical checkup with the midwives and now he's thinking it's time for milk!

All tuckered out and snuggled with Dad.

Sooooooooo much love! 

If you are considering having your birth documented, please check out my gallery and contact me if you would like package options and prices along with my FAQ's about birth photography.
www.heatherbays.com/birth

Update: Check out, Life at Nine Days Old to see photos of Zen and his family a week and a half after his birth!