Kathleen had previous fast births and I knew this one would be no exception. When she texted me that she was having more intense contractions ‘here and there, but with no pattern’ I thought we might have a baby that night. She has a history of fast births and I was ready!

It wasn’t that night, but two days later when I heard from Kathleen again: 8:14pm - “Hey, just letting you know I’ve been having decently intense contractions for the past hour. Still about 8-10 minutes apart.”

I asked if her midwife was coming over and she said, “not yet. “

My bags were packed and I was ready to leave. My drive was 45 minutes long and I ask that all of my clients keep me really well updated so that I can leave in time.

At 11:16pm I received another text: “Contractions are between 3-5 minutes apart and my midwife is coming soon.” My response was, Ok, I’ll drive over. I got up, got dressed, turned on my speedy hot water and poured a cup of hot tea and got into the car. My ETA was 12:15am.

Driving to births at night, especially when the client has had previous fast labors, can be really stressful. I’ll usually try to calm myself down and focus on my job and making the best photos for my clients. But I’m always worried about going to the wrong house, or not finding the house. It did take me a few minutes to find their apartment, and I was so relieved when I walked in to see Kathleen laboring on the birth ball. When I got settled, I could see the contractions picking up. I was glad that I’d made it! Her midwife, Rebecca from Allomother Midwifery, was listening to baby. They decided to take a walk, it was a hot summer night and I followed them downstairs and outside…because night photos during births might be some of my favorites ever!

Things intensified quickly and Kathleen got in the tub. She was in the tub about a half an hour and she started to feel pushy. Her daughter was born very swiftly into her midwife’s hands! She came so quickly her head was perfectly round and had very little molding at all!

Afterward, the family cuddled in bed as their caring midwives did the newborn exam and took care of Kathleen. Home births really are so magical. What better place to rest and heal than that of your own home.

Here is Kathleen’s story in photos.