Hello Sage

{birth story}

Even though birth, in general, is predictable, it's very unpredictable on an individual level. As a birth photographer I never know how long I will be when I head to a labouring mama. On average, I'm gone 14 hours. Sometimes 6, and sometimes 26! When I arrived at the birth of Sage it was 10pm. These two were calm yet eager yet patiently going through the motions as baby was slowly making her way down. Things were moving along nicely. This totally supported Mama laboured at home for a while before we made the move to the hospital. She wanted to make the transition before she got further along because as many mama's know, the car ride isn't so pleasant when you're in labour. It's very normal for things to slow down or even stall after a transfer, but she was deep in labour that things really didn't slow down too much. Things were going so well and she was embracing every contraction as they came. She was doing everything in her power to help baby down. But after the sun came up, exhaustion hit. Things slowed down. Rest is very helpful and can become quite vital at this point, and sometimes that's when epidural is recommended. After she was connected, she napped. Her partner napped. I napped. The midwives napped. We met back in the room a few hours later and found there wasn't much progress. But this mama was determined. She wasn't done. Her baby wasn't done. Her partner was the best supporter. So they sailed on. She laboured through a whole other day. Sometimes, you can do everything in your power and things just won't progress. Baby just gets stuck. And when heart rates start dropping, baby needs to come. So they made the very emotional decision to have a c-section before it turned in to an emergency. Their midwives stayed by their side and helped them with a gentle c-section so when Sage was born she was passed to her mama from under the surgical curtain! It was unbelievably emotional. My words don't really do this birth story justice. It was definitely a birth I will never forget. And I am so grateful to be sharing their story with you today. Just look at these images below and of course watch the birth documentary at the bottom of this post. You'll probably cry.

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

Welcome Home Jasper

{birth story}

It was a blustery cold late-autumn night. But inside was cozy and warm. A baby was being born. It was my last birth of 2017. A beautiful home birth. Everything went perfect. It was their first baby. Being present for first babies is pretty miraculous. I love watching the parents because everything is a surprise. Every moment of this journey is a first for them. It's such a beautiful thing to witness and document. You can see for your self by scrolling down through these pictures to the bottom of this post where you can watch the whole birth story! I have documented 43 births (as of last night) and it will never get old, or dull, or boring. And I am so extremely humbled and grateful for all of you lovely families that have welcomed me in to the most memorable, surreal, amazing days of your lives. Know that your experiences have a huge impact in my life too. So thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am very much looking forward to 2018 when I already know I will be seeing some of you again. 

***   now press play to watch this tearful birth story   ***

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More of Jasper here: Jasper's in-home newborn session.
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Good Morning Baby J

{birth story} 

Before I book birth clients I meet with them first. I want to make sure we're a good fit before we agree to anything because having the birth of your baby documented is a very intimate time in your life so you want to make sure the right person is there to capture this epic day for you. We usually spend a couple hours together, chatting over a coffee (or in this case, a hot chocolate), and we snap a few photos around wherever we meet this way you can see yourself in my work through my eyes, and can get a feel for being in front of the camera.

So after I met this couple and did their mini maternity session, I felt that we were a great fit and I hoped that they felt the same way! They did! There was just one hiccup...I was to be out of town for 3 days for a wedding in and around their due date making it a little risky. So I called on my back ups! And one of them agreed to be on call for that weekend just in case. Of course I understand that when you hire a photographer, an artist, you are hiring them for their work, their eye, so having a backup come instead is a little disappointing, but sometimes, it's worth the risk. (And in this case it was!!) 
We were 48 hours away from my departure and still no sign of Baby J. However, another one of my birth clients called and they were going in for a c-section. So, off to Sunnybrook hospital I went. While gearing up in my beautiful OR scrubs, I got a text from this couple saying they are being induced at St Mike's and to stand by because Baby J was coming! I went in to a bit of a panic, but contacted my girls (the other registered Canadian Birth Photographers because we are such a supportive group) and they eased my stress and one of them had my back in case things moved fast. The c-section birth I was at went much much longer than usual due to the hospital being so busy, so I didn't leave Sunnybrook until 4pm. But unfortunately still no sign of Baby J. The doctors decided to send these mama's home and told them it would likely happen in about 48 hours, which means I would miss it. We were all sad. We just crossed our fingers and toes for something to happen in the next 12 hours, but regardless of me being there, a sweet beautiful baby was coming in to the world, and luckily another professional would still be there to capture the unforgettable moments. As we were accepting this fate something shifted! The doctors decided to keep them in and monitor them. Baby J knew it was time! So at 10pm, I headed to the hospital. I walked in to a room that was filled with so much love and excitement. I watched as this mama laboured like a pro! Her body and her baby knew exactly what to do. And in the early hours of the morning, we were looking at the most precious bright eyed little lady who had such a calm presence about her. If this old soul thing really does exist, then I am certain she is an old soul. I stayed to photograph the joy until the sun started to rise and then I headed home, jumped in a car, and drove 4 hours north. Good timing Baby J!
Here is a collection of some of my favourite images, and if you scroll down, you can watch the whole birth story. You'll need tissue for your tears first. ;) 

I love what I do so so much. And I love all of you for supporting me by reading and watching my posts. Of course I will always be forever grateful to these families for hiring me and trusting me to capture their family through my lens so honestly. And I especially thank the families who allow me to share their experiences here with you. Sharing helps tremendously in the birthing world. It helps other women with their birthing experience, and it helps educate people so they have a better understanding of birth. Sharing life experiences in general helps expand that range we call "normal". 

***   now press play to watch this tearful birth story   ***

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Thanks for stopping by!
To see more blog posts, head to the Blog Archives.

Contact me for more information about sessions and collections.