This is the story of baby Quinn, who was born at home to her parents and two big sisters.  Quinn's mama, Jennifer, is another birth photographer in the Denver area.  The first time I had ever heard about Jennifer and her photography (JBenkerPhotography), was in April, when a doula said that Jennifer was awesome and we should connect.  But being reserved myself, I never reached out to her...little did I know that I'd be photographing Jennifer giving birth just 6 months later. Jennifer and I connected in a facebook group; and mentioned she didn't have a birth photographer for her own birth.  I suggested we trade services and we decided to meet up to see if we'd be a good fit.  I'm so glad we did.   Take a minute to read more about her homebirth story and see my favorite images from the day.

Homebirth Midwife - Joyful Midwife,  Nichole Calagias Didelot, CPM, RM, CLC, Serving Boulder county and beyond

Baby Quinn was born Sept 15, 2014 at 1:10am, under the half moon

With amazing support from her husband Steve and sister

Jennifer went into labor on Sunday and texted me a few times to let me know how things were progressing, but she seemed calm and didn't tell me to come yet, so I had my bags packed and I was ready to go.  Around 11pm that evening, she said it was time to come, midwife Nicole was on the way, so I got up and within a few minutes I was out the door.   When I arrived, I took a few shots outside and went in, just as Nicole was arriving.   When we got inside, I could hear Jennifer's birth sounds and thought that it sounded like baby was coming pretty soon.  The birth tub was all set up in their bedroom, but Jennifer and Steve were in the bathtub and Steve was telling her how strong she was, while rubbing her back.   Her birth space was perfect, decorated and all ready for baby Quinn.

How perfect is this birth space.  Jennifer kept picturing herself laboring here and this is also where she ended up birthing her daughter.  Perfect.

I love these images above, total support on husband, total trust in midwife and body.  You can see her letting go and just letting her body do what it was meant to.  Amazing!

It was just 30 minutes after we arrived that baby Q came into the world; Nicole did an amazing job of catching baby in the tub and baby arrived before the backup midwife could even make it.   Birth always amazes me, but women amaze me even more; Jennifer was no exception. I love this photo so much; strength, power, and letting go while trusting in your body and those around you.  This little girl made her entrance into the world, with me crying into the camera (that isn't new, I cry a little at each birth and a lot while editing).  All I could think was, Jennifer is sooo strong.

Little baby Q is here!  She was alert, aware, and stared right at her mama, and then looked at her dad.  It was intentional, she heard these voices that she recognized and looked right at them.  Those moments after baby is born are total bliss!  The look on moms face of joy, exhilaration, and relief.

The two shots below make my heart melt with joy!  I truly am so very happy when mothers get the birth they had hoped for and the amazing Colorado homebirth midwifes that I've had the privilege to meet all are amazing in creating a safe environment and positive birth space.

 

 She is so stinkin' cute!  That hair!

Thank you so much Jennifer and Steve, for letting me be a part of Quinn's birth story and I hope you love these images as much as I do.

If you love this homebirth story and would like to chat more about your birth photography needs, please contact me to set up a time to meet!

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