Finley Harper - Birth

Finley's story starts a little earlier than most births. She wasn't growing well so the decision was made to induce mama at 35 weeks and 3 days. She was measuring very small and it was decided that she needed to be delivered to ensure a healthy baby and mama. Mama went in the evening before and things really got started at 7:00 am on April 6, 2017. The pitocin was started and mama was 1cm and 60% effaced. Finley was born at 9:54 am. It was fast and furious! In fact, it was so fast that the nurse wasn't even in the room as she crowned. Grandma was holding her head as a nurse ran in and finished the delivery. She didn't even have time to put gloves on! She started crying immediately and it was the best sound. She is a strong little girl. She weighed 3 lbs 6 oz and was 16 inches in length. She is tiny but is most definitely a fighter. It was such a privilege to be asked to document this day. 

IAPBP Contest

This year I was eligible to submit photos to the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers Image of the Year Competition. There were 4 categories: Labor, Delivery, Postpartum, and Details. I chose to enter 2 photos. One in the labor category and one in the delivery category. I knew there was no way I would win. I'm very proud of the work I've done in the last year but I also see the work of the other birth photographers that were going to be entering images and they are all so incredible. I entered not to win but to push myself to be better. To get out of my shell and put my work "out there". 

The coolest aspect of this contest took place in the days leading up to the entry deadline. Each photographer was posting images that they were considering and asking their "competition" for help deciding which one to enter! The community of birth photographers across the world is incredibly supportive and instead of acting like competition, they are encouraging and helpful. Even though this is a "competition" the idea is NOT to put one birth against another but instead to show the beauty in every birth and the strength in every family that is welcoming a new baby. You should take a few minutes and look at not only the winners but every entry. (There are only 600, shouldn't take too long right?) You can check them out here: 2017 Image of the Year Competition, IAPBP.  

Below are the 2 images I submitted. I'm already looking forward to next year!

From the home birth of Lola Mae

From the hospital birth of Luken Paul Bradley

Luken Paul Bradley - Birth

What an exciting day this was! Mama was sent from her 40 week appointment straight to the hospital with a high leak in her water. They started her on pitocin and 2.5 hours later he was born! After two girls, mama was hoping for a boy and it was so exciting to hear dad announce "We got our boy!".  What a sweet day this was.

Lola Mae - Birth

August 1, 2016 was a day that I won't ever forget. I attended my first home birth. It was the most incredible experience. Kalynn sent me a text at 12:30 am, I was up and out the door in 15 minutes. I made it to Siloam by 2:45. Sweet miss Lola made her appearance at 5:37 am. Watching Kalynn labor was inspiring. I know that sounds crazy but she handled it so well. It was fun to get to watch a midwife in action as well. She was a great support. I feel like I learned so much about birth just by being there. Kalynn and Shawn had chosen to not find out what they were having before so it was so fun to watch Shawn deliver Lola and then announce that she was "another girl!" This is their 3rd girl and it was evident that he was head over heels for the newest Hansen lady. I can't thank them enough for letting me be the one to document this day! 

Hank Warren - Birth Story

Hank was born via a repeat c-section just 18 months after his big brother Wyatt's exciting birth! The morning was very relaxed and mama was on cloud nine with her boys. I love when the baby being born is part of my family. Not only do I get to document the day but then I get to snuggle with the new baby as well!

Wyatt Raymond - Birth Story

Wyatt was my first birth story to document. That alone should be enough to ensure that I won't ever forget it. There is another reason I won't forget it. His mama is my cousin! She took a chance and let me be there for her birth. I will be forever grateful. 

Wyatt's birth was full of surprise and emotion. After laboring for quite a while, it was determined that for him to arrive safely he would need to be delivered via c-section. Mama was so very brave and before she knew it, she was holding her sweet boy.