Birth Photographer Derby
I’m tempted to say it was another little miracle, but actually everything about this birth felt like a miracle. I’ve never seen- or had – such an easy birth! Everything went just perfectly. I was even slightly jealous- but obviously happy for mum. One thing she’d done was have hypnobirthing with Lauren, she said it really helped her.
Phase one was long, very long, over 24 hours, so contractions on and off, but nothing serious despite mum going for walks and trying everything, so this was tiring. But then I got a message around 11:30 on the Friday saying she was 4 cm and it was starting to happen. I tried to have one hour sleep and drove up.
When I arrived mum was in a birthing pool, asleep! she looked so serene, so relaxed. The room itself was a positive haven, the lights, the music, the messages from her friends all around her, it was really beautiful and peaceful. Dad and mum’s mum were there, very chilled too, and the midwives were so relaxed it was a pleasure. They let it all happen, monitoring everything to make sure all was well, but they didn’t intervene.
At some point, the contractions became more intense and we all felt for mum. But afterwards, she said she hadn’t been in pain, just felt the urge to push.
When the midwives saw the baby come out, they asked Dad to catch him and he put him on mum’s belly.
After that, they stayed in the water a while, just resting and enjoying the moment. Then they went to bed and carried on resting until it felt right to stand up and get rid of the placenta- yes it just slid out- I was amazed! The cord was short and baby started to want to feed so he needed to be separated from the placenta.
And he latched on straight away! it took me weeks with my first one to get the breastfeeding going! I’m so glad it was easier for them!
Mum had not torn, she said she could feel how much she was stretching and didn’t push too hard so didn’t tear. What a beautiful self awareness! so no need for stitches, yay!
Baby needed to be cleaned, weighed, and meet his daddy.
Babies recognise the sound and smell of people around mum, as well as feel love for them since they can feel mum’s oxytocin levels rise when she’s around people she loves.
First family photo!
And grandma fell in love too 🙂
I just melt when I see his photos, it’s such a privilege to witness this, I am so lucky to be a birth photographer!