If there is anything predictable about birth, its that it is unpredictable.  

Bethany had been having some contractions for awhile, but they weren't seeming to progress to the real deal.  And then they stopped all together.  And then they started...and stopped.  So when they started again, Bethany called and said they were going to head into the birth center, but she wasn't sure where she was or if she was ready for me to come.  It might still be awhile.  I volunteered to meet her there and leave again if she wanted me to because it sure sounded to me like she was going to have a baby.  

Sure enough, just a couple hours after arriving at the birth center, her baby girl was born--it was such a beautiful delivery!  Laboring women are simply stunning, and Bethany was every bit of gorgeous as she brought her little girl out of the water and to her chest.  Congratulations, Sams family!!  Thank you for letting me be a part of your little girl's birth day.  

Make sure you watch the slideshow at the end to see more from this beautiful girl's big debut!  

I can't tell you how amazing it was to be with this couple as they welcomed their first little baby into the world!  They were so incredible throughout the labor--the teamwork these two have is out of this world!  And this mama listened to her body and moved and found the right positions to help her baby come out like she had done it before or something.  I asked her after the delivery what she thought had been the biggest help to her and she said the childbirth classes she'd taken (she had taken both a Bradley Childbirth class and a Hypnobirthing Childbirth class).   Her birth affirmations were hand-created by her and kept her focused throughout the labor.  Her husband was by her side and was THE BEST daddy doula I've ever seen, whispering words of encouragement and giving her both the physical support and the space she needed to bring their baby into the world.  I'm telling you guys---It was a BEAUTIFUL thing to watch!!!  So welcome, sweet Garnet!!  It was so inspiring to be a part of your {birth} day! 

This is mostly a photography slideshow with little bits of video added in, so I'm not going to post as many pictures as usual.  I'll let you watch the slideshow to see them!  :)

What a privilege is was to be with this lady as she welcomed her two little girls into the world.  I was fortunate enough to be a part of her last pregnancy when I was working as a student midwife, so to see her again was a real treat!  Unfortunately, a cesarean birth was not what she had been hoping for throughout her pregnancy, but due to health complications and the babies positions it was determined to be the best course of action for everyone's safety.  These little girls came out a-screaming!  They were feisty and ready to meet their mommy!  It was such an honor to get to be a part of this exciting day and to document this family welcoming TWO new sisters into their loving home.  Happy {birth} day, Moriah and Eden!   

I am so excited to share this birth sneak peek with you this morning! This mama was amazingly strong, powerful, and kept working her way through the unpredictability of birth with the support and encouragement of a rock star birth team! This is just a sneak peek of that day!

I completely love photographing births!  It is one of my favorite things to do and I LOVE hearing the new mommy's reactions when they see the images and films from their delivery.  There are no words to express how rewarding of a job it is! 

But in case you aren't so familiar with it, I made this little "magazine" to tell you more about what I do and the options that are available with Growing Wings Birth Films.  I hope you enjoy it and please  contact me with any questions you have!

I can't believe I'm so behind on blogging!  This family welcomed a little sister to their crew back in December.  It was a fast, hold-on-for-dear-life, kind of delivery.  The midwives arrived just a few minutes before baby!  Despite the quick arrival, the welcoming of this new soul was slow, sweet, and peaceful.   But I'll let you see that for yourself.  :)    Congratulations to Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister!  Thank you for letting be be a part of such a special day.  

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Birth is such an incredible event.  I am so thankful that I was asked to capture the day this family met their little girl for the first time because the dad and mom are the ones who caught their daughter!  It was so sweet and so emotional.  This woman's face when she holds her little girl for the first time gets me everytime I watch their video.  It was such a beautiful moment for their family and it was an honor to be a part of it. 

There's something about getting to be with your best friend when she delivers her baby--I'm not sure I've been more excited about a birth since I had my own babies!  The lady was with me, supporting me with my babies and I'm so glad I was able to be there with her while she labored to bring her little one earthside.  Labor is hard work, but when we are surrounded by those who love us, encourage us, and support us, it makes the work less overwhelming.  This is a birth story that I will treasure always because this family means so much to me, so I hope you enjoy watching this incredible woman on the day she welcomed her little man into their family!  

I'm guessing you've heard this before, but labor is unpredictable.  

During a prenatal visit, our doulas always go over a worksheet with our clients that is titled, "Birth Options and Preferences."  We do our best to help these awesome moms achieve the birth they have been thinking about, planning for, and waiting on for so long, but since so much can't be planned ahead of time, we just have to see what hand we are dealt when labor begins.  And that is exactly why I think that having a doula is such a wonderful thing!  She can help guide you along this unfamiliar, unpredictable path and hopefully help you be thrilled with where it takes you.

One such story recently happened here in Knoxville, TN.  There was a mama who was planning to deliver at the birth center and had chosen Stephanie as her doula.  Unfortunately, when labor called, Stephanie was sick with a stomach bug and in no condition to be with a mama through labor.  So this mama got me (not that I'm too shabby of a replacement, but it's just not what this mama had planned!).

This woman wanted a water birth, but when it came time to push the pool was not so comfortable and it was difficult for her to really feel what she was doing.  The most comfortable position for her was actually sitting on the toilet.  Thankfully, she had chosen her provider well and was attended by a kind and supportive midwife who acted like it was no big deal for a mama to push a baby out while sitting on the toilet.  So she did!  It was really awesome and so powerful to watch this mama go with the flow, use what she had, and bring her baby into the world.  I'm so thankful that I got to be part of their beautiful day.  

Congratulations, Mommy and Daddy!  You rocked that delivery and I'm so proud of how you handled everything that labor threw at you.  You are so strong and your little girl is so precious.  Thank you for letting me be there with you!  

Once upon a time, somewhere around 4 in the morning, my phone starting ringing on the table next to my bed.  I fumbled with the cord and the screen to answer--my brain wasn't fully awake yet. 

"I'm not sure if this is really it, but something is going on.  SOMETHING is definitely happening." 

I jumped in my car and got to their house while most of the world was still sleeping (or at least most of Knoxville).  It was dark outside and the stars were shining.  Something was definitely happening.  Mama labored and rested and relaxed until the sun peeked over the horizon.  As she stood on her back porch swaying and rocking, the day began around her; neighbors were getting in their cars and going to work, while she prepared to meet her baby. 

Settled at the hospital with wonderful nurses to care for her, her labor continued to progress, though perhaps it was slower than she wanted it to go.  But mama was a rockstar and kept on rocking, swaying, and moaning her way to complete.  The strength in her pushes moved baby every time and around 1:15 in the afternoon, mama held her baby in her arms. 

Mama was amazing.  She listened to her body, she moved to the rhythm of the contractions, she took one contraction at a time and even when the going got rough and it seemed like the end would never come, she kept going.  She rocked that birthing thing!  It was truly a beautiful birth. 

And now somewhere across town, a new family of three is settling in for the night with hugs and kisses and sweet baby's breath.   I would wish them sweet dreams, but I'm pretty sure that precious little boy will want to eat around 2 AM.  :)

Thank you, thank you for letting me be part of the story of your baby's birth day.  I loved every minute and think you are an incredible team.  Watching you work together to welcome your baby was the best part of my day.  Congratulations to you both!  And welcome earthside, little man!

~Rebekah