When I arrived at the hospital, Allison and Joshua were working hard through contractions with the support of their doula, Cori. I remembered the first time we met in a coffee shop in Kirkland and their joy and anticipation in welcoming their son was just palpable. They also KNEW they wanted to document this important transition for their family - something a birth photographer always loves to hear.
Throughout Allison’s labor there were moments of peace, lots of laughter, some fear and anxiety, incredible support and a difficult change of plans. Birth is a RIDE. It takes us to surprising places in ways that are both empowering and sometimes terrifying. It’s at this intersection of life and love and pain and joy that the human experience lays itself bare. This is what makes birth work so sacred. I’m privileged each and every time a family invites me to walk this path with them - to document the journey for their remembrance and reflection.
Absolutely LOVE the details in the birth room - those little things that illustrate your story. Elements of faith and belief, the kindest batch of cookies to say thank you, the way we pass the time.
When your doula makes you a flower crown because she recognizes that you are a queen. Then the royal massage can begin! It matters that you feel cherished when giving birth. It matters that you have access to compassionate and healing touch if that’s what soothes you. Birth is intense - and you deserve to feel held, supported and beautiful the entire way through.
Did you know that even with an epidural, you can continue to labor and push in an upright position? This gives your body and your baby a chance to work with gravity in making the descent into the birth canal. Love all the nurses and doulas who do much of the physical work required to help families labor in positions that feel right for them.
As pushing continued with no sign of baby’s descent, it was time to make the difficult decision to move forward with a surgical birth. This was something Allison and Joshua had really not wanted for their son’s birth. It was a scary turn of events for them. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that you are given the time and space to mourn what you need to mourn about your birth. It is valid to feel any range of feelings when your birth goes in a direction you did not anticipate or want. It’s a complicated experience. You can feel grateful that you and your baby are safe AND feel really scared. You can love your baby AND feel sad or angry about the way their birth went. It’s all OK.
Mourning and grieving take time, and so does healing. My hope for every family is that they have people in their lives who can sit with them in the difficult feelings. Who can be patient and compassionate. Who can listen without judgement. However you feel about your birth is totally valid. It’s your experience to process in whatever way works best for you.
If you need help or more support (no matter how long it’s been since you gave birth) I am always happy to help you find someone who can assist you.
I saw her laying on the operation table, arms outstretched. I thought about the cross she wears around her neck. I thought about sacrifice - about giving your own body so that another may live. This mama’s story is one of strength and redemption. All that she went through to bring her sweet baby earthside - what a beautiful testament to a mother’s love.
Welcome home Elijah! We’re all so glad you’re here. Mama, Papa and doting grandparents too. May you always know love and safety and how very much you are cherished.
Place of Delivery : Evergreen Health Maternity Center
Doula Care by : Cori Hartunian
Connect with Allison on IG : @beingwifeandmama
I still have availability for births in King and Snohomish Counties for March and April 2020 and beyond. Reach out today to start the conversation about having your birth documented.