Birth Photography: Peaceful & Powerful Home Birth

I recently had the honor of photographing my friend, Zarria Carson's, home birth. This is her second home birth delivery and they went completely natural from start to finish. They are avid natural health advocates, they even refused ultrasounds & had limited doppler readings  Their desire was to have as little to no interventions as possible during this pregnancy. Zarria and her family are plant based and she maintained this diet throughout her pregnancies. See her post on Plant Based Pregnancy for recipes & ideas. We connected pretty quickly as we share many lifestyle choices & are kindred spirits. (We actually met on "Crunchy Moms" Facebook page) :)

I was honored to photograph her birth not only as a friend but also as a birth instructor you obsess over birth. You study it professionally, receiving education to help prepare your students. You experience it personally as a mother and it completely rocks your world. You walk alongside your students through the unexpected variations, highs and lows and eventual victory of a newborn child. It is an emotional rollercoaster but so rewarding. But to be present for a beautiful, prepared home birth is like entering another world. There isn't the bright lights, hustle and chaos of a hospital setting. It's like going over to a friend's house for a cup of coffee but realize quickly there is something sacred about the space.

Zarria's contractions had been on and off for about a week. She was experiencing prodomal labor which can be very frustrating. It is common and she did just the right thing- relax and prepare for her baby's birth. When I arrived the environment was already peaceful. Zarria was in active labor and her husband Nick was fully focused on his wife.

The environment was calm, even serene. Zarria and Nick moved in unison as partners. She changed positions several times in the birth tub and he was always available to massage her back, whisper encouragement or keep her head cool with a towel. They kept the lights low with twinkle lights and there was always essential oils diffusing. After a couple hours of laboring the midwife showed up and assessed mom. The midwife seamlessly adapted to the environment, bringing her own sense of calm and confidence in mom laboring efficiently. She was a supportive presence but allowed mom & dad to continue in their peaceful rhythm.  Zarria did not like the vaginal exams (who does??) but the midwife only did them at mom's consent. This midwife also was super helpful in working with me and photographing the birth, often apologizing saying "let me get out of your way, I don't want to ruin the shot!" She was humorous, friendly and helpful in every way. It's always a delight to work alongside an experienced and supportive midwife. One of the perks of home birth is that there are no mandatory  checks or routine exams- you have a voice in how you want your labor to go.

After a few hours of laboring with some intense contractions and then a few long breaks, the midwife suggested breaking Zarria's water (amniotic sac). This isn't a typical practice of midwifes as they tend to favor the least amount of interventions but since Zarria wasn't dilating and felt she hadn't lost her waters yet that it might be helpful in getting labor to progress. Many OB's favor this technique but many babies have been born with their amniotic sac still in tact so it's not always necessary. The midwife and Nick were able to coax Zarria out of the tub (she did not want to get out) and she was able to successfully break her waters. After this, the contractions became very heavy, close together and super intense. The midwife even called them "animalistic"!

As a birth instructor you teach your students about the different stages of labor: what to expect, how your body changes and how to work through each stage. It was neat to observe as an outsider and see her work through each stage and it was pretty clear. Initially mom was calm, cool and focused. Then she became restless, changing positions, breathing more intensely. After her water broke her contractions went into high gear and baby began its quick descent. This is when the primal urge to push begins and baby was pushed out rather quickly. Mom was able to guide baby out and with the support of her partner, pull her baby into her arms. It was so beautiful to witness a family member being welcomed into open arms & just how quickly Zarria recovered & was in awe of her child. Her husband surrounded her and both were trying to figure out baby's sex. Dad at first exclaimed "its a boy!" and then quickly, "no, wait! It's a girl!" They were elated at their second girl and for a healthy, home birth delivery.

For the rest of the story in more detail please visit Zarria's blog here.

_{His eyes were always on his wife, anticipating her needs.}

_{Cool towel for comfort}

_{Back massage to help ease the tension}

_{Praying together}

_{Bracing for strong contractions}

_{After all the hard work, baby is here!}

_{A beautiful family}