When I say: birth photographer in Derby, this time, it was a near birth experience. I tell all my clients that I cannot guarantee to be with them since I can’t always free myself from the rest of my life, even though I’m on call for 5 weeks. But this time I was free and labour was just very slow so Amy said that last time it had taken two days and not to rush, except that this little one came out suddenly in the bath, with no medical personnel . It was a surprise for all involved! it’s impossible to predict. I knew Amy wanted a home birth and a birth photographer to capture all the details as well as the reactions of her boys, but we also had plans in case it had to be a hospital birth.  Baby has no calendar, no way of telling us how slow, fast, when and how they will arrive.

If you’ve read the other births blogs you know that once I stayed for 21 hours- missing 2 nights sleep really so I try not to repeat that. The last labour I witnessed also had a very slow phase one, and then phase two was very fast. Next time I booked to photograh a birth, I’ll go at first signs, especially if it’s not the first baby!

Having said all that I got there, Amy was as fresh as a rose, baby Saffron was happy, chilled, trying to feed but not desperately. It reminded me how hard I found breastfeeding. The first time it took about 12 weeks to get good at it- the longer I tried the more determined I was to crack it. It was the NCT ladies who taught me how to position the bay’s head so my breast fell into their mouth with no pulling, pushing, twisting. Building a pile of cushions to raise baby to my breast. With my second one, it came sooner but it still took a little time to get established. and to start with the best position was.. upside down- I mean on a bed, with his feet away from my body. Hard to explain. But as long as it worked. and then when it really works, I could do it standing up, in trains, planes, crowds.

Amy was keen for the boys to be involved in the birth, but it happened so fast that they missed it. The older one was interested in the arrival but the younger one lost interest fast. They have a lifetime to get to know and love each other.  Besides, their little sister had ” given” them a present for being such great brothers. I can’t wait to see them as they grow up and bond.

Both Amy and Paul were super relaxed. and Saffron settled very happily oh her dad too. Skin to skin is so precious.

A newborn changes so fast and has so many expressions that I just have to share a few more photos of that beautiful baby girl.  I love all her expressions, the little fingers, toes, the way she holds her hand, makes a fist, her long nails and peeling skin, her head full of hair, the tempest of hunger or distress that comes over her and how she calmed down when I gave her her mum’s shirt to smell. I’t so moving, even writing this, my heart melts.  

If you want to know how a newborn experiences life, do read Diary of a Baby by  Daniel Stern . He wrote a much more complete book about infant development, which is fascinating too, but this book is like the baby speaking her/his experience, hence the words storm of hunger I borrowed from the book. And if you’re looking for a birth photographer in derby or in the Midlands, I’d love to talk to you and hopefully be with you at that amazing time.