In Her Own Words : Beckham's Birth Story | Home Birth in Snohomish, WA with Cascade Midwives | Snohomish County Birth Photographer

I went to college with Alycia, and was so honored when she asked me to document the birth of her 5th child in February of 2019. A fellow friend and birth photographer had captured a previous birth story for Alycia and she told me, “Get ready. She doesn’t look like she’s in labor and then - Whammo - she has a baby!” I thought this must surely be an exaggeration, as most people display fairly predictable behaviors as they move through the labor process. But as you’ll see in the photos below, she was spot on. This was THE CALMEST birth I have ever attended. It was simply beautiful for a number of reasons. I’ll let Alycia take it from here:

It was so important to me to have this birth documented. After two miscarriages, infection, pain, an endometriosis diagnosis, and two surgeries, we weren’t sure if this day would ever come.

On the day of Beckham’s birth the snow slowed down enough so I could get to an appointment with my midwife. 12 days post-date. Another big storm was ready to hit that night. My midwife told me I was in a very slow moving labor, so we decided to set up a time that evening to have her come break my water. It was extremely important for me to have my photographer there. She was coming from an hour away so it needed to be before the snow.

My best friend and mom were both able to come to the birth which made it really special. I had my essential oils out ready to use if needed next to a quote that inspired me.

My husband made me tea and rubbed my shoulders through contractions while my mom, friend, and the midwife prepared the tub.

After only an hour or so I went into the tub, ready for the relief the water brings. I sat and read every affirmation of love given to me on the banner from my dear friends who came to my mother’s blessing. I listened to my hypnobirthing meditations. Henna was another relaxing thing for me during those last few weeks and the design I had drawn on my hand reminded me of that peaceful feeling.

This guy came out fast and furious. He was probably the angriest newborn I have ever seen, but with the sweetest face and dimples on his cheeks.

This. THIS is why birth photography is so important. I didn’t have to worry about my husband or my mom or even my best friend taking pictures for me. They were IN the photos too.

Quick interruption from me (the photographer). I think the above image is so fascinating because Alycia’s placenta was slow to detach completely. While most of it had been expelled, the tiniest bit of membrane stayed in place, so technically the birth was not over. Because there was no bleeding to speak of, her midwife was able to JUST WAIT. Something that midwives are especially good at. It finally came away and this beautiful heart-shaped placenta was declared intact with hardly any postpartum bleeding. Lovely.

OK - back to Alycia’s narration.

One of the things I loved about a home birth is that your care provider is with you 100% of the time. There aren’t any shift changes or worries about your doctor getting there on time. My midwife cared for both the baby and I from beginning to end.

After baby’s check we got him dressed in his “going home” outfit even though he wasn’t going anywhere. We actually didn’t leave this room for a week. I never thought I would have a baby at home. I had an epidural with my first two. This time it just felt right for us, even though I know it isn’t right for every family, mother, or baby.

I will always treasure these. The looks on my kids’ faces when they saw their brother for the first time. Especially our oldest! He know how much we went through to bring this guy in the world and his tender heart was just bursting.

Thank you for sharing your lovely birth story with us, Alycia. I am so happy for you and your family and I’ll always remember that cozy snowy evening when we welcomed Beckham to the world. And one of these days I’m going to need you to teach me about meditating. Because I used hypnobirthing for one of my births and it did NOT look like this. haha!

Midwifery care by : Brianna Curtis with Cascade Midwifery.

See Alycia’s soulful photography work at Story of Home Photography.

Jameson's Birth Story | Sprout Birth Center in Mountlake Terrace, WA | Seattle Birth Photographer

As a birth photographer, the sound I most hate to hear is that of a baby crying while I make my way quickly down the hall. If you’re a birth professional, you know. It’s happened only three times in my 8 year career, but it’s just the worst. Some babies come faster than expected and I hate not being there to capture the whole story for my clients.

The second worst sound upon arrival - total silence. By the time I join my clients, they are in active labor and moaning is like music to my ears. When pushing is happening, there tends to be long stretches of silence (contractions often space out) punctuated by primal grunts of someone working harder than they ever have before.

So when I walked in to a calm and quiet room and heard the midwife calmly say, “Good. She made it in time,” I knew there was not a moment to lose. Get the camera put together and take some breaths because adrenaline causes shaky hands and we have NO TIME for that!

This is Breanne and she is a bad-ass. This first time mama let me know that she was laboring at home and then her husband Geoff called me to say they were heading to the birth center - the one 10 minutes from my house. Perfect.

So imagine everyone’s surprise when she started feeling pushy on the car ride over. This is what it looked like when I arrived.

I love these next few frames! Notice how pain changes to surprise, utter love and triumph in moments. Birth is incredible like that.

“Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers — strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength.”

— Barbara Katz Rothman

Auntie and Big Sis were there to witness the miracle. It’s such a neat thing for families to welcome the new baby together.

I love this moment so much. The intimacy. The normalcy of postpartum care. The sense of community and family. This is what birth can look like. And if this setting appeals to you - perhaps you should look into having your baby at home or in a birth center.

Always digging those birth details. Big Sister? Not so much. Check out her reaction to the placenta tour! haha!

Who knows what the olive oil is for? And what’s Midwife Maya teaching Geoff about diapering a baby boy? Hint: point it down or you WILL regret it.

After a car seat safety check it’s time for Jameson and his adoring fans to head home. Breanne and Geoff, thank you so much for allowing me the privilege to document your son’s entrance to the world. It was absolutely a pleasure and I’m sure I’ll be seeing you back in the birthing room before too long. Ha!

Midwifery Care : Sprout Birth Center and Natural Health

If you’d like more information about birth sessions, send me a message and we can chat.

Summer Maternity Session | Richmond Beach | Seattle Maternity Photographer

He spoke love to their baby boy, out there on the beach. He told him of all the reasons they were excited to welcome him to their family. Babies are born knowing the voices of their parents. Before they ever lay eyes on you, they know the cadence of your breathing and the sound of your words. As their child grew in her womb, he was surrounded by the sound of laughter and joy and the calming whoosh of amniotic fluid - like waves lapping at the shore.

If you’re expecting a baby in the greater Seattle area and want these memories preserved for a lifetime, please get in touch! I offer birth photography and newborn sessions as well. Your journey to parenthood matters and you deserve photos that capture the beauty of this time.

Luella's Birth with Northwest Hospital Midwives | Seattle Birth Photographer

This story has been featured on one of my favorite podcasts, The Birth Hour. Take a listen to hear Aleesha tell it in her own words!

Aleesha and Doug hired me to photograph the birth of their second child. Like many people who hire a birth photographer, they view birth as a transformative experience - something to be present with, something to celebrate. So they asked me along to document their journey, and what a journey it was!

Little Luella took her sweet time moving into just the right position for delivery. Early labor was a bit slow and drawn out, with Aleesha using the Miles Circuit to hopefully move things along. And then when active labor hit - BAM - it really took off.

I arrived at Northwest Hospital to find a cheerful, excited husband, a calm grandmother, a supportive midwife and a vomiting Aleesha. (transition anyone?) Between bouts of vomiting she said, “I hope they don’t send me home.” We all shared a smile over that - sensing this baby was indeed close to arrival and marveling at Aleesha’s strength and sense of focus.

Let’s have three cheers for an attentive husband, a cold wash cloth on the forehead, hydrotherapy (bath tubs are often called the midwife’s epidural) and counter pressure. This is what birth in the hospital can look like. It can be active, upright, and attended by the people who matter to you. The Northwest Hospital Midwives pride themselves on supporting physiological birth - and I’ve seen this level of care delivered by their practice again and again.

At the center of it all is a birthing person who knows what kind of delivery she wants to have, trusts the power of her own body and the powerful process that is birth. She rode the waves of a fast active labor and before long she was pushing.

Luella was limp and quiet at birth. When she didn’t respond to the stimulation of rubbing it was time for the newborn nurse to take her over to the warmer for a bit more support and a thorough assessment. This can be a very tense time for a family (and everyone at the birth), but as we’ve discussed before, 1 in 10 babies born requires SOME form of neonatal resuscitation. Sometimes they are stunned from the journey and they just need some time, some air, some help getting started in this strange new world.

Then there was big, lusty cry from the warming table and relieved laughter throughout the room. Welcome, little girl - we’re all so glad you’re here.

I love a newborn exam that takes place right there on the bed. No need to move baby from her mother’s arms. These first hours together are something you can never get back. They should be respected and revered.

Birth is simply the most miraculous event that happens every single day. I drove home in the stillness of the night, carrying Luella’s bright eyes in my memory. Brought to earth with strength, trust and compassion, surrounded by love and joy – surely there is a beautiful life ahead for this wondrous girl.

Hudson's Birth Story | Seattle Birth Photographer

As I sat across from Chamari and Colt in a Starbucks somewhere between our two homes I noted immediately the deep affection they have for one another. Smiling glances across the table and easy laughter as we talked about their blended family and their excitement for the new baby that would be joining them. Colt expressed his admiration for his wife and his absolute faith that she would be equal to the task of an unmedicated birth if that’s what she wanted. (unwavering spousal support: check). Chamari talked about being excited to give birth - eagerly anticipating this event and doing her research on the physiological birth process. She had envisioned the way she’d like her birth to go and was willing to be flexible with whatever needed to happen on the day their son would be born. (positive birth associations, informed mother, willingness to go where birth would take her: check. check. check.)

These were all excellent signs that this birth would be a beautiful experience for everyone involved.

After being sent home from Labor and Delivery once with “false labor” and hardly getting any rest, we texted back and forth about the possibility that Chamari was experiencing prodomal labor and I encouraged her to keep resting, and to feel confident that her body was doing exactly what it needed to do to bring her baby here.

It wasn’t many hours later that I received a text that they were headed back to L&D. “Hopefully there’s some progress because I don’t know how much more of this I can handle.”

When I arrived to the hospital I found a woman laboring with focus, determination, and grace. It was clear that these contractions were asking the very most of her, and she gave herself to the process completely.

I’ll let the photos take it from here.

That love and support. Unwavering. He was present with her in the most challenging parts of this process. And in the moments of rest she cracked jokes and we all laughed. Birth is a wondrous unfolding.

I could not be more proud of this beautiful family. For loving each other so fiercely, for birthing so fearlessly, and for inviting me along to witness the miracle. If you’re interested in having your birth documented - let’s have a chat in a random coffee shop. It just could be the start of something beautiful.

Tessa's Birth Story | Seattle Birth Photographer

Baby Tessa kept everyone on their toes. Contractions started at 32 weeks gestation — the same time her older sister was born. So into the hospital went Katie for steroid shots, magnesium and a few days of monitoring. No one thought she’d stay in until her induction date. But she did! And the surprises did not end there.

Katie labored like an absolute champ. Contractions aren’t known for being pleasant, and pitocin contractions even less so. The sensations of labor are very intense, and every woman needs a solid birth partner. Someone to squeeze your hips, remind you to center your breath, and whisper words of encouragement. Katie worked hard and knew it was time to get an epidural going to help with pain management. A couple hours of rest (watching video messages from the kids back home) and then it was time to push.

After months of waiting, wondering what she will be like, the uncertainty of pregnancy, this baby is only moments away. Katie pushed their baby closer and closer to this world. A couple contractions after crowning it became apparent that Tessa was not moving any closer to delivery. The doctor called shoulder dystocia and an entire team flooded the room, prepped to help a baby in distress.

Katie cried out in fear. “No!” We all had so many fears and questions racing through our minds. How long will she be stuck? Will she be OK? The medical team was calm, professional, and knowledgeable — everything you need in a moment of crisis. The doctor attempted multiple maneuvers and Cam and I coached Katie to push with everything she had in her. She was so brave and strong and 90 seconds later, their baby was born.

Tessa. 10 lb 7.5 oz.

There was only time for a moment’s connection. Mama’s hands on that warm, damp head. She was whisked away to the warmer for the NICU team to assess. After this intense delivery, Tessa was a bit limp and there was palpable tension in the room as we waited to hear that reassuring cry.

The rate of shoulder dystocia is around 1 in every 100 births, but nearly 10% of all newborns require some form of neonatal resuscitation during that transition from womb to world. It is not terribly uncommon for a new baby to be administered positive pressure ventilation. Warming beds, drying and stimulating the infant, clearing the airway — these are all steps care providers take to ensure a baby begins to use those lungs to breathe outside of their once watery home.

“Good, strong heart rate,” they noted. “This is good news,” I told Katie. She replied, “I heard a pop. I heard a pop when she was born!” Her nurse and OB calmly reassured Katie that everyone was doing what they could, but for a few agonizing moments, there were no answers.

Finally, a cry from across the room.

The best sound in the entire world.

Our collective relief. But none so relieved as the mother who heard her baby’s first wail — a signal that she was here to stay.

When they finally brought that smushy babe over, Katie’s worries melted into tears of relieved joy. Anyone who has birthed a baby knows that nothing compares to the reassuring weight of your child against your chest. They had their first hellos, minutes of snuggling and whispering and admiring this newest miracle. Then it was off to the NICU for Tessa for some X rays and observation.

As a side note, did you see the size of that placenta?! One of the most impressive I’ve laid eyes on. Baby Tessa fractured her humerus at birth, but she has recovered splendidly with just a little splinting. Our bodies are so incredible, and Tessa’s birth reminded me once again why I count myself lucky to be invited to document the birth stories of Seattle families. Birth is sometimes peaceful, sometimes dramatic. But always miraculous.

5 Reasons to Hire a Birth Photographer | Seattle Birth Photographer

There is so much to consider when having a baby. Where to deliver? Which care provider? Epidural or no? Doula? Birth Photographer? It can feel overwhelming, to be sure. And this is all before the baby comes and you are responsible for a new life! In my daily conversations with couples considering birth photography, there are certain themes that come up again and again.

1. Birth is a once in a lifetime event. We photograph important events—it's just what we do. It's one way we show that this moment meant something to us. Our parents posed us with prom dates, we hired photographers for our weddings, we plan to snapshot each milestone of our baby's life. What could be more important than the day of their birth? My daughter's birthing day was far more exciting and emotional than my wedding day. What I wouldn't give to have professional photographs of the first time she took a breath, the first time I kissed her face—those first moments I became a mother and my husband a father.

2. Birth photography is for you. You grew this baby inside you, you dreamed of this baby, and now you will birth this baby. There is a lot you will miss on the day you give birth. You're kind of busy having a baby! But those small details are so meaningful. I love sitting with women as they look over their birth photos. They see their own strength and fortitude in a brand new way. Many of my clients have found birth photos useful in helping them process their labor and delivery. Whether it was a whirlwind birth or long and slow, dramatic things happen during the birth process—things we don't always anticipate. My photographs illustrate beauty and provide context—often a needed healing balm for new parents. They also give you the chance to just reflect on your own incredible power. You brought a life into the world! It's an amazing feat.

3. Birth photography is for your partner. My husband was my rock during three very different labors. I've never felt so loved and so held as I did in those hours as we worked together to bring our children to earth. I still remember his steady gaze as I centered myself through each contraction. It's a look I see again and again as devoted partners prepare to become parents. When your baby is born, it's such a gift to give your partner the opportunity to be completely present and engrossed in that moment. Let me photograph your first precious minutes as a family—so you can just live them together.

4. A birth photographer brings reassurance and support. You may not know which doctor delivers your baby. Will the provider on call be the one you really like? And chances are you've never met the labor and delivery nurse who will be with you during the bulk of your birthing experience. Bringing someone along with you, someone you know and trust, someone who has spoken with you at length about your birthing desires, your fears, your hopes—it really helps you feel supported and safe. As your birth photographer I have a connection with your family and also a familiarity with the process of labor and delivery. Nothing makes my heart soar like hearing my clients say what my presence in their birthing room meant to them.

“Whitney was amazing at capturing every moment, seemingly unnoticed. She has an uncanny ability of being in the space while not being distracting, and creating a soft and supportive energy wherever she is.”

— Averry

5. Birth photography is about telling your family's story. I love to tell stories—whether gathered in the living room with friends, tucking my kids into bed, even on stage in front of strangers. But the stories I tell with my camera—those are honest and real and incredibly meaningful. Hiring a birth photographer is about inviting a storyteller to make art from your most intimate moments. The transition into motherhood—it's a doozy. You experience the highest highs and lowest lows. This is why I fell in love with documenting birth. There's no primping or posing or faking it. It's raw and emotional and I've never seen a more compelling story than the day a child is born.

“Whitney and I connected instantly and her warm and calming presence put me at ease. All my concerns were addressed and as promised, she was an absolute ninja. I barely even noticed she was in the delivery room. And the final images? They still make me emotional. I love being able to re-live this once in a lifetime event. And seeing your birth from someone else’s perspective is quite amazing - like an out-of-body experience. We’re so happy to have had these memories preserved. I only wish Whitney was with us for Bowie’s birth as well! ”

— Shannon

If you're looking for a Seattle birth photographer to tell the amazing story of your child's birth, reach out and let's schedule a consultation! I look forward to capturing the beauty of your story— however it unfolds.

Kade Birth -- Seattle Birth Photographer

She birthed her prince right there in her own living room - in the home they will share together. Her grandmother, her sister, her doula, a photographer and three midwives in attendance. She swayed on the waves of labor, breathed her way through. And when it came time to surrender to the utter intensity of it all she did so with the support of the many women around her. She worked and she pushed and when he arrived, she held the greatest miracle in her arms. She is his whole world. She brought him here. And with the same fortitude and courage she called upon in birth, she will guide him through this life. Together for always - mother and son.

Wren's Birth Story | Seattle Birth Photographer

A birth story - annotated.

When I walk in and a second time mama looks like this - I know things are going to happen FAST. I steady my breathing, steady my camera and start to shoot.

Shannon continues to work through intense contractions and I wonder aloud, "Where's Hal?" A  nurse informs me that he's in the waiting room with their 2 year old son. Everything is happening so fast that the grandparents have yet to arrive. They're on toddler duty and it's not clear they'll get here in time.

The midwife lets Shannon know that her baby will be born with the next couple of pushes. Does she want someone to go get Hal? No one is here to watch Bowie yet. It wasn't in the plans to have him in the delivery room. What will we do? "I'll watch him!" I call out at the last minute. Not really sure where that came from or what I was planning to do, but I just couldn't stand the thought of Dad missing the birth of his son.

Suddenly he's there and all is right. Grandparents arrived just as a nurse was coming to get him. We're having a baby - RIGHT NOW!

The midwife passes her baby between her legs and lays him gently on the bed. He's finally here. The one they've been dreaming of. The next few images show what's known as "the birth pause." I had never seen it before as many providers place the child directly on mom's chest. But when undisturbed, many women take a moment, take some breaths and look over their baby before bringing him in close.

Tears and hugs all around. There's a new soul in the world.

The placenta really doesn't get enough credit. Sure, the baby is the real star. But stop to consider for a moment - in addition to growing an entire being, a birthing woman also grew an extra organ. It kind of blows my mind.

I always love to capture the first time a new baby locks eyes with with camera. Welcome to the world, Little One.

I will always remember this moment. We were making small talk and oohing over the baby as I photographed little details and they all got acquainted. Shannon and Hal knew that it was my daughter's birthday this morning - I had just left a pancake breakfast to meet them at the hospital. "What's her name?" Hal asked. "Wren," I said, smiling.

Suddenly he burst into tears. "That's HIS name!" This perfect tiny boy, shares a name and a birthday with my own daughter. The world is at times a very small and wondrously connected place.

Finally it was time to meet big brother. Those first reactions to a new baby are so priceless!

The wrinkly fingers and dried blood behind the ear. Shoulder fuzz and perfect neck creases. Fresh new babies are magic.

It was a truly beautiful day. Shannon shared the most beautiful thoughts about her birth experience and her experience having a photographer present. Head to her blog to hear the story from her perspective.

Evangeline's Birth Story | Seattle Birth Photographer

Evangeline's mama knew she could do it. She knew that the women who came before her had done it and she knew the same power they exercised lived within her. LeAnna knew how to listen to her body, and to let it guide her through the contractions. Russell also knew she could do it and continued cooking Christmas dinner while she labored in their apartment. Upon arrival to the hospital LeAnna heard that she was completely effaced but not yet dilated. Still, she knew. She knew her baby was coming. It was less than two hours later that I got the call to come to the hospital. I could hear all the hustle and bustle in the background as Russell told me they were checked into their room and I just KNEW delivery was imminent. I was going to miss it.

No one could have guessed that a first time mama would dilate so quickly. That her baby would be born 35 minutes after my phone rang, 10 minutes before I arrived in the delivery room. But LeAnna knew she could do it and Evangeline knew exactly when and how she wanted to be born. This little Christmas miracle - this speeding bullet of a baby. She was welcomed by her parents, a breathless doula and smiling midwife. The strength of her mama (and the mothers before) brought her earthside. We all knew she could do it. And she did.