This birth was such a special one because it was out of state, and because the couple chose to wait until their baby was born to find out if they had a son or daughter! I love births when the parents don't know because it's so exciting to find out at the end if it's a boy or girl!
I got the call that mom was in labor, and drove 4 hours from Atlanta to Fort Mill, SC to a free standing birth center to photograph this birth. I arrived right after mom and dad did at around 2 PM, and mom was already in the tub laboring. She was in the zone managing her contractions, so I quietly set up and starting taking photos.
This was a Bradley couple and they had also hired a doula to assist them. Dad was super supportive of mom and was in and out of the tub holding her, putting cold washcloths on her head and neck, and just being a strong and silent supporter. I was so impressed with the love and dedication he showed to his wife as they worked hard to deliver their baby. In the births that I have attended, I would say this one was probably one of the most difficult labors I have seen, but this couple rocked it!
Women in labor are so, so, so beautiful to me. They are doing one of the most physically difficult yet most rewarding things a woman can do. They're bringing a new life into the world. As a birth photographer, to be present in the room documenting this process always humbles me. It's such an honor to be invited, and I don't take it for granted.
The contractions were very strong in mom's back, so it was not a comfortable labor for her. Since her water had not broken, baby was taking time to descend. Eventually, mom left the tub to labor outside of it for a while, and her water broke then, finally bringing the baby down. After 4 hours of pushing, mom delivered at 6:30 PM, and found out she had a SON! A beautiful 9 pound 11 ounce baby boy measuring at 21 inches long. The name they chose was Kaelen, which means "Warrior". He's too little to know if he'll live up to the meaning of his name, but his mama certainly was!
If you are considering reserving The Birth Session, contact me right away. I meet with all interested couples in my studio for a no obligation consultation for about an hour. Fill out this form here to get started. Birth photography is a personal experience and an investment: be confident in your choice!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.