There is just something about a home birth that makes me giddy.  Going into a home that is about to welcome a brand new life is amazing.  Everyone seems comfortable in their space, the mom is laboring comfortably, the other siblings are excited (or sleeping)  and there is an electric vibe in the air.  It's part of what makes birth photography amazing, capturing that vibe and the moments caught within it.  This family welcomed baby girl #2 at home a few years earlier and now were welcoming baby #3 at home too.  The gender was a surprise. When I met Anne, I was excited to see her birthing space.  A gorgeous bathroom with a giant bathtub, and she wanted to be surrounded by family, including her mother and oldest daughter who were going to catch baby.   Her mother flew in a few days prior to be with the family during this time, and it was fitting that gramma opened the front door when I rang the bell on that late in the evening in October.  She smiled at me, welcomed me and pointed me up the stairs to the bedroom where Anne was laboring in total darkness.  Completely in her zone.

Birth Attended by Midwife Jen Tarver, New Leaf Midwifery

Welcomed by loving parents and two older sisters, baby Juno was born October 25th, late in the evening, under the crescent moon.

It was peaceful and dark in Anne's bedroom, their midwife, Jen Tarver was there through each contraction.  She offered support and guidance, she monitored Anne and her baby.

Dad was putting their other two daughters to bed, and I was able to snap a few shots of their evening as mom labored.

When bedtime routine started, Anne's mom joined us in the laboring space.  The whole time Anne was laboring, she was only uttering a small moan during contractions.  It was amazing to watch.  Peace, calm and zen are the words that would describe this birth.

After laboring peacefully in the dark, she decided it was time to get into the tub.  Her birth space.  This bright bathroom was about to welcome another baby with the same midwife .     

She was so peaceful during labor.  Anne checked herself and then asked to be checked by Jen, who gave her 'a number' of 6cm dilated.  Then quickly told Anne to not think about that, she has seen 'moms go from 6cm to pushing out baby 20 minutes later'.   Anne was pretty sure baby was coming sooner than later, and baby Juno decided to make her way into this world pretty quickly. 

This mama looked like a birthing goddess throughout labor and birth.  She was calm, listening to her body and trusting those around her.   There was definitely some transition contractions and then midwife Jen told gramma to get big sister up if she wanted to be part of the birth!  Big sis was tired at first, but it only took a minute for her to wake up and ready to welcome her newest sibling! Gramma got right in and helped catch baby, it was my first 'gramma catch' to photograph, and it was awesome!  Dad supported mom the entire time while big sis also watched in awe.   As a birth photographer, I've seen several children attend births and all of them were excited and in awe at the miracle transpiring.

Suddenly baby was coming, now, and after a big push, baby was here!

These two photos above and the one below make my heart skip a beat each time I see them.  Such love, relief, excitement, and some more love.  

After getting out of the water, the family had a little bit of time to gush at this little person, before having the big GENDER reveal.  I love surprises, so I love that they waited quite a while after birth before announcing.  Big sister got to announce the gender...midwife Jen had to help a little.  And, surprise, it was girl #3!

Look at the smiles all around!

Anne and family, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your birthing day.  It was amazing and inspiriting.

If you'd like to chat about your own birth story, please contact me here.