Boulder Birth Photography: the Birth of Odin

Maureen and I connected over email. I enjoyed hearing about her previous birth stories (they were quick, beautiful labors), as well as her hopes and vision for her third birth. She was planning on delivering at the Birth Center of Boulder, one of my FAVORITE birthing spaces in Colorado. 

She and her sweet husband, Brian, wanted to arrive at the Birth Center with a bit more time to spare than they had with their son and daughter's births (and after visiting the Birth Center of Boulder, you'll understand why.) Each birthing room is peaceful and beautiful, and the midwives and staff treat their mamas with such respect, honor, and care. 

I got the call on a rainy May evening, and I drove as fast as I could (which was no small feat considering how unused to rain us Coloradans are!) When I arrived, I first met Maureen's two beautiful older children. They were both in pajamas and happily entertaining themselves in the birth center's living room space. Such joy could be found in their bright eyes! 

Maureen was in the tub, working through a contraction with a beauty and grace. Brian sat beside her, and the connection between the two of them was strong and instantly apparent. When the contraction subsided, she came out of the intensity, and we laughed and talked. Her midwife sat next to Brian, and we let labor unfold. Surprisingly, Maureen's contractions grew in intensity but didn't exhibit the typical closeness you find near completion. 

But then, suddenly, she had two contractions back to back, and we all sensed that baby was near. Within a few pushes, they had their sweet boy in their arms. What a beautiful birth! What a beautiful family!