Detroit Homebirth with Savannah Stone of Magpie Midwifery

As a birth photographer, doula, and birth filmmaker, I live by the motto "Babies come when they come. and they come when they are ready.” This birth embodied both of those statements. My clients rely on my preparedness and readiness at any given moment. One such instance was when Rachel called me to her birth in December, contracting regularly at just 37 weeks. After several hours at her house, the contractions had not progressed, and Rachel could finally get some well-needed sleep. We all rested and waited, but the contractions slowed way down.

We made the collective decision to return home, keeping an eye on the situation to see if labor would resume or if it was prodromal labor. As it turned out, Rachel remained pregnant for almost another month before it was finally 'baby time.' When she contacted us once more as contractions started, there was a hint of hesitation, fearing it might not be the right time again. However, as the contractions intensified an hour later, I decided to head to their house.

Upon my arrival, the urgent scream of a person in the throes of childbirth filled the air. Racing up the stairs, I was met with the sight of Rachel in the bathroom on the toilet, smiling through the intensity and Savannah their midwife, poised to catch the baby who was arriving with surprising speed. Savannah, their midwife, was the embodiment of calm and positivity, exuding the perfect presence for my client as she navigated the intensity of birth. Her reassuring demeanor and unwavering support created a grounding effect and everyone in the space felt it.

With a fierce roar, Rachel pushed her baby earthside.

The powerful scene unfolded with dad offering support to his wife with their daughter cradled in his arms. Their sweet toddler adamantly refused to leave the comforting embrace of her dad, choosing to witness the birth with wide-eyed awe. Later, her little face broke into a big smile when I asked her about the birth of her sister. In allowing children to witness the miracle of birth, we equip them with a profound understanding and fearlessness for the future. This little girl's experience will shape her perception of birth, nurturing a positive and accepting outlook. Her presence during her sister's arrival will forever remain a cherished and formative moment in her life. And even if she is too little to remember it fully, this is a day that will be told as a story in their lives for years to come.

After the birth, the team got Rachel situated in the nearest bed and she rested her body while she greeted her newborn and her birth team supported Rachel, the baby and the family as a whole.

Absolutely, the privilege of being present for such profound and intimate moments never fails to move me.. Each birth holds its own unique story of strength, love, and resilience, and I feel honored to bear witness to the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world.

In the unpredictable world of birth, being on call means embracing the uncertainty and being prepared for any eventuality - whether it's a false alarm or a lightning-fast delivery. It's a testament to the spontaneous and awe-inspiring nature of childbirth that keeps me dedicated and ready for the next call.

If you are interested in birth photography, video or doula support, please reach out to me by email or through my contact page.