Why I've fallen in love with documenting birth | Olympia Birth Photographer

Bravery. Intimacy. Strength. Empowerment.

An invitation to document important life stories is always an honor. Birth stories are no exception. I've felt emotion in my work, but I've never felt the kind of bravery I do when I sit with my birth clients. The vulnerability and raw emotion is extraordinary. I've seen tears of uncertainty turn in the courage they needed in an instant.
Being the empath that I am, sometimes feeling so much feels like a curse.. other times it feels like a gift. I can't help it, I feel it deeply.
When I put myself in situations like documenting a birth, it takes me. Trying to stay out of the way, and thinking about everyone in the room, I try with everything in me to capture exactly what I'm seeing. In this scenario, exactly what I think Brittany is feeling. Then I combine the two.
When I walked into the bedroom where Brittany and Chris were timing contractions, I immediately noticed unconditional support. The way he spoke and the tone of his voice was calm and collected. The way he looked at his laboring wife was comforting. My eyes watered multiple times as I watched how beautiful they looked when they were taking each other in when it was getting tough.
Brittany's doula, was phenomenal. Her reminders, breathing advice, and  words of encouragement could probably get anyone through anything, I genuinely believe that. Then there was the rest of the birth team. The midwife, Rachael and her student, Terri were prepared and ready for action if it came calling. Honestly, it was a little intimidating, but in the absolute best way. These women knew EXACTLY what the were doing, and were extremely inspirational to be around.
The entire experience was peaceful. The lights were low. String lights were hung. Soothing music was playing in the background. Brittany made being in labor look incredibly easy. At one point she was giggling between contractions!
Then, it was happening. She was centering, putting herself in the best mind set she could. I respected that. The vibrations started to flow at a more rapid pace. Waves of emotions were getting intense. She was closer than ever, and everyone could feel it. Switching positions in the birthing tub a few times, her body finally found a spot to start pushing. Watching Brittany go from peace, to just a tiny bit of uncertainty was hard to watch. In that moment I wished I was able to do something for her.
Let me tell you how that vanished. Her body reminded her it was doing exactly what it was made to do, and she listened.
Chris stood up, as Brittany took complete control. She grabbed her knees and gathered all of her power. Breathing baby down, all of her courage took over. Only a few contractions later, Baby Adriel was in her arms.
 
Instant relief. Instant gratification.

I've completely fallen in love with documenting birth because it's the most raw and emotional part of life that I can think of. So many thoughts and hormones are fogging up all the beautiful details that are easily forgotten. I'm passionate about preserving memories with all of my being, and to be able to sit next to laboring mothers, laughing, talking, and bonding with the one thing we can all feel in the trenches of our souls. That's what I live for. Emotion. Vulnerability. Realness. I am beyond thankful for all of my first birth clients that have really given me the chance to do what I love doing, being there for you the best way I know how.  

If you're interested in a midwife such as Rachael herself, you can find her at  www.newdaymidwifery.com