For the past six years, I’ve documented birth stories. Almost 500 now. And in each birth story, I witness incredible moments of connection. Tender moments. Moments of love and support. Doulas and partners holding hands, applying counter-pressure, offering words of encouragement.

And it breaks my heart that many of you are worried about not having your special people with you on the day you give birth. I wish I could change it. I wish it it didn’t have to be this way.

But in all the births I’ve seen, I also know this: you are strong. You are stronger than you know. And the path of birth always requires you to go somewhere deep and mysterious. It’s a journey that the birthing person takes by themselves each and every time. Even with all the support surrounding…you must walk that road alone.

And I’ve seen you do it. And I know you’ll do it in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

I wanted to share a collection of birth photos that highlighted this journey and perhaps offered inspiration for the birthing people who are summoning that inner strength right now.

You can do this. We are here for you in spirit. We are loving you from afar, and we can’t wait to hear about just how strong you are…YOU CAN DO THIS.

These images show how much love and joy was in the room when baby Eleanor was born. She came out with a lusty cry and a completely bald head (how adorable, right?) They depict a story of family, of courage, of birth. And each time I attend a cesarean birth, I’m so grateful I’m invited back into these operating rooms to tell these stories. They are so worth capturing and remember and celebrating.