Born in the Shower - A Birth Photographer First

Even though I've photographed almost 300 births here in Denver and across the front range, I haven't had a shower birth until baby Barrett's arrival into the world. But I'm not quite sure why...because I think showers are a great place to have a baby! You have all the benefits of warm water PLUS you get the benefits of gravity! Not to mention that most women and animals like to give birth somewhere that evokes safety and comfort. 

Jane and Brendan are a beautiful couple with a deep and powerful connection. I think you'll see what I'm talking about in these photos. They were so passionate and so kind to each other during Jane's birth. Like many moms in Colorado, Jane decided she wanted to give birth at home. Her space was so warm and welcoming, filled with beautiful images and gifts for their baby boy. I loved being in there space, but I loved seeing Jane's strength and determination even more. Her contractions were strong and powerful. She didn't get one of those labors that gradually builds up. Rather, contraction after contraction came. She rode each of them beautifully, with Brendan at her side. 

We got to ten centimeters and then we began pushing. And pushing some more. After over an hour of pushing, baby just wasn't descending. We weren't sure what was holding him up, but we began to consider transferring because no progress was being made. Jane asked if she could get in the shower for a few minutes, and we all agreed that this was a good plan. But what we didn't know is that baby Barrett thought this was a GREAT plan and would finally decide to budge. After a few contractions in the shower, we all heard that tell-tale deep and guttural sound of a mama about to birth her baby. With the next contraction, Barrett was out and in his mother's arm. The shower water turned off just in the nick of time. I hope you love these images as much as I do. Certainly one of my favorite births I've attended! 

Midwife: To Each Her Own Midwifery  

Edited with: BBH Film Presets (use code FALL10 for $10 off)