In Her Own Words : Stella's VBAC | Evergreen Hospital | Seattle Birth Doula and Photographer

My favorite text to receive: “Hi Whitney - we’re having another baby and we want you to be there with us again!” There is no greater honor than a family inviting you AGAIN to share in their birth experience.

Jenny’s first birth did not go exactly as planned and this time she was hoping to VBAC at Evergreen Medical Center, the very hospital where she catches babies for a living - so cool! Well, she absolutely rocked that VBAC - and she shares her story with us below:

Early in the morning of August 7th, after a full night of sleep (rare occurrence in my last few months) I woke to a feeling I had felt just under 4 yrs ago- my waters releasing. Caught off guard at just over 37 weeks and thoroughly relieved; an ultrasound just the day before suggested this little nugget had a great big belly and was swimming in a big pool (not a great data points when you have gestational diabetes and are part of the “hospital maternity system” and hoping for a vaginal birth). Over the next 5 hrs labor picked up. I was grateful for being able to bring my daughter to school prior to any intense contractions. We headed to my work - no scrubs or badge for this trip. Greeted by my colleagues and accompanied by my very nervous husband and wonderful photographer/doula I didn’t have any (well hardly any) time to worry Stella would cause the same trouble as her sister.

3cm to baby in arms in just over 2 hrs!

I am in awe of those with whom I have cared for throughout this very process over the last 10 yrs. Surreal to feel the emotion I have seen in their eyes and felt under my hands. Comforting to hear my own words through my midwife, who I happened to precept a few years back. Powerful to feel the shear force and strength of my body.

Thankful to my photographer for capturing this day. And for my midwives, for their presence and touch. Anthony’s version of this story will forever bring a smile to my face. Miss Stella June, you are a force.

Birth Film | Home Birth in Shoreline, WA with Lake Washington Midwives

Deep Breath.

I couldn’t have asked for a more lovely family to work with for my very first birth film. I was nervous, but they were oh-so gracious. There is always a learning curve with new skills, always things that could be better technically. But this story brings me to tears every time.

Happy birthing day Baby G. Your entrance was one I will always remember. Thank you Catherine and Carlos for sharing your remarkable story with the world — for allowing us to see the absolute power and majesty that is birth.

If you’d like a film to document your birth or postpartum period, send me a message — I’d love to talk with you about options!

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.

Elijah's Birth Story | C-Section Birth at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA | Seattle Birth Photographer

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.

Fresh 48 - what's all the fuss? | Fresh 48 Photography at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, WA | Seattle Birth Photographer

So, what exactly is a Fresh 48 Session?

It means capturing images of your darling baby when they are still fresh and brand new!

I love getting the text from my clients that their long-awaited child has finally arrived. These sessions are all about documenting the magic of that special bubble between labor and delivery and going home to your “real life.” You came to the hospital as two people and you are leaving as three. Or more! (I see you, parents of multiples)

When I walk into a postpartum room at Evergreen or Swedish or any other local hospital I am greeted by the hushed voices of parents clearly in love with this incredible being they created. The tiny cries and the flailing arms and the way his entire bum fits into your hand. It will AMAZE you how quickly your baby grows. It happens almost before your eyes at first. That’s what makes photographing Fresh48 Sessions so special. It’s a tiny glimpse into the most fleeting of moments.

For families considering booking a Fresh48 Session, please send me a message! I’d love to talk with you about what to expect, how it all works, and how excited I am to make art from your most meaningful moments.

Birth of Baby E | Swedish First Hill | Seattle Birth Photographer

The night I met Shawnte and Eric at the hospital for the birth of their second child was full of laughter and support. Shawnte’s preferred method to cope with contractions was to stay distracted. So Eric regaled us with funny stories, we cracked jokes about the film Castaway playing on TV, and through it all, their awesome doula Mercedes created a soft and supportive energy as this family navigated their birthing process.

An attentive partner, a tub of warm water, a doula soothingly pouring that water over your contracting belly - this is birth magic.

“Hi there Daddy, let me help you cut that cord.”

Celebrating Everett | Infant Loss Awareness | Seattle Maternity Photogapher

These photos are incredibly special to me because these people are so beloved by me. What started as a book club friendship turned quickly to a deeper bond. I was invited to photograph the birth of their first child. All the wonder and excitement of bringing a new life into the world - Michelle and Benjamin felt it keenly.

Then there was a diagnosis. Trisomy 13. There were questions and prayers, tears and decisions to be made. Looming over it all - the complete inability to ever really know what would happen. Truly these are the experiences that stretch the limits of human existence.

How can you feel so broken yet so held all at once?

I watched from the outside as these two parents navigated waters that none of us wish to face. They swam the oceans of heartache and peace. Swirling, rolling, suspended - like their baby inside.

Their story is not mine to tell. I will say that I have been changed by the life of Everett.

We met in the studio to document just how loved their little boy was before he ever arrived on earth. The safety of the womb and the hands that stroked that growing belly with reverence and care. Truly Everett knew love every moment of his life.

Thank you, Michelle and Benjamin - for allowing me the honor to capture the love and joy Everett brought to your life. We will celebrate him always.

Meeting Baby Brother: Fresh 48 Session at Swedish First Hill Hospital | Seattle Birth Photographer

I don’t remember meeting my little brother. He’s just been there in my memory as far back as it goes. But the story in my family is that I was thrilled to greet him at the hospital and then announced as it was time to leave as a family, “Baby no go home. Baby stay here!” Apparently, my 18 month old self knew that as adorable as this infant was, it wouldn’t be a great idea to bring him home and mess up the good thing I had going.

Many families opt for a Fresh48 Session specifically to capture that precious first meeting of siblings. I always try to temper expectations. It’s a lot for a toddler to take in and is completely normal for them to not show a lot of interest in the baby at first. They need time to warm up and adjust. Some siblings, though, are READY to hold that baby. And these moments are so powerful! These photos offer a peek into the moment their bond first began - a bond they will share throughout their lives. I’m so fortunate to document these priceless memories for my clients.

Get a load of those adorable peely feet. Newborn toes get me every time!

I love documenting what life FEELS like for a family at the various stages of their life together. And soothing a little one while slightly bigger one crawls all over you with snacks - there’s not much that’s more “mother of 2 kids” than that.

If you’d like to schedule a Fresh48 session for your upcoming birth, send me a message and let’s make it happen!

In Her Own Words : Homebirth in Shoreline, WA with Rainy City Midwifery | Seattle Birth Photographer

Note : This birth story contains uncensored birth imagery. If that’s not your cup of tea, then skip this story. For more information about why I’ve chosen to share the complete raw version of this story - see this excellent blog post by Kayla Grey on Imperative Nudity.

And now I turn the post over to Jessie - telling the story of Asher’s birth.

Asher grew, and grew and soon we were approaching his due date. As my birthday came around (January 6) we arrived at a New Moon and Solar Eclipse. I spent the day receiving a prenatal massage, eating delicious food and vegan chocolate cake from PCC. I made a wish to bring balance into my life and to embrace Motherhood full-heartedly. I also created an intention to breathe deeper than ever before. I view this as the beginning of the birth portal. I continued serving tables at No Bones Beach Club for another week, and then shifted into an intense nesting urge to cleanse our home + space. The week before Ash arrived I sorted through every drawer and closet, organizing and clearing them. Releasing a lot and opening up space to receive.

As the week went on, I could feel the birth drawing closer but throughout my pregnancy really imagined Asher coming on or very close to his due date so I didn’t carry much anticipation of an “early” birth. As I grew more ripe, I continued to go to yoga classes, connecting with friends and keeping my body well nourished. I enjoyed my large collection of aromatherapy, especially favoring Lavender, Clary Sage, Ylang ylang and Frankincense. Once Saturday (January 19) arrived, I began to feel my stomach tightening. It was hard to tell if it was uterine toning or if I was just reaching my body’s capacity of space. The next day, on my due date, I awoke at 5 AM with a calm yet vibrant energy. I rolled out my yoga mat in front of the fireplace and initiated movement. Each stretch felt necessary and healing. I deepened my breath and filled myself with peace, contentment.

After the yoga session, I climbed back into bed and snuggled up next to Ava and Aro. I relaxed, awake, appreciating these moments on the brink of change. I imagined all three of my children meeting each other soon. Feeling blessed. Abundant.

We all rolled out of bed at an easy hour, maybe 8 or 9 AM. I awoke (again) to my due date ready to initiate the waves of labor. I made a large smoothie filled with berries, greens, bananas, mint, probiotic juice and a tablespoon of castor oil. Then, I opened up my birth tincture: blue and black cohosh, dong quai and ginger root. Two dropper fulls every 2 hours. My belly was still hard and tight, but no waves of contractions. I could feel it preparing, but not actively ebbing and flowing. So, in true Pitta fashion- I sat in front of the fire on my yoga ball gently bouncing up and down, my feet in a shiatsu foot massager (that I got for Kelly for Christmas 😏) I breathed deeply and tapped in. I drank jar after jar of Nettle/Raspberry leaf tea and plenty of coconut water with a good serving of lactation cookies + chia pudding as well. Soon, I felt as though my body was shifting toward an active labor. I decided to go back into my room and lay down to rest, realizing that I may have a long evening ahead of me. I also reached out to my dear friend and doula, Amana, at this time to let her know that my intuition felt like this baby would arrive within the next 24 hours. After connecting, she booked a flight for that evening.

I closed my eyes and after about 20 minutes began to notice that the tightness in my belly had began to ebb and flow in contractions. I smiled with satisfaction and opened the contraction timing app on my phone. They were about 5 minutes apart, and very manageable. I stayed in bed for another half an hour or so, and then felt called to get up and move with them. It was about 5 PM at this time.

I got into the shower and I grabbed my Frankincense soap created by my doula/dear friend Amana and lathered it up in my hands praying for Love to cleanse and fill me. I rubbed the soap on my belly and heart, then turned to face the water and stood so that the water poured directly on the center of my chest. It felt calming, nurturing...Ma water vibes.

I then grabbed my toothbrush and scrubbed my mouth, praying that this cleansing would open the pathway of my breath and allow me to deliver vital oxygen to myself and Asher as we progressed. Simple hygiene rituals felt nourishing, through pregnancy and now in labor. Power in cleansing. Tapping into that.

After getting out of the shower, I lathered up with coconut oil and put on my labor garments: a nursing bra, Calvin Klein briefs and a flowy floor length kimono. The contractions were regular now, but still the pain was very light...I felt in the flow with them. At 6 PM I asked Kelly to call the midwives and let them know that I was in active labor as I reached out to Whitney, our birth photographer.

Whitney lives just a few blocks away so she arrived in what felt like 15 minutes, and I was still very talkative + excited so we were able to socialize about how sweet it was to be near the birthing portal during the Full Moon Eclipse. I set up some tea + snacks for the birth team, and continued to move with the flow of my contractions.

Just before 7 PM the midwives arrived and the birth started to feel tangible.

I lit a charcoal and set up my incense burner outside the back door. I chose to keep it outside to send the smoke all the way up the the sky, and to avoid filling the house with too much smoke for when Ash arrived to protect his precious lungs. I loaded the coal with Frankincense, Myrrh and Copal resin. I kept the back door cracked and the smoke would blow in with the breeze. Across the living room our fireplace was burning, and the temperature in the house was kept around 76-78 degrees. Through my contractions I was pacing from the fire to the cool breeze of incense. When the pressure would arrive, I would breath deeply + slowly + audibly. As I walked back and forth from the fire to the breeze, I intentionally drew my awareness to the soles of my feet and imagined drawing up strength from our wood floors. I could feel each step touching and connecting to the ground. Earth energy. Ma energy. Rootsy. Connecting to the breath, Spirit energy.

Just before 9 PM, Amana arrived. I was so happy to see her- even amidst my intense contractions, I beckoned her in for a hug as soon as she walked in. I spent a few more rounds on my yoga mat, now on hands and knees and pressing my yoni down onto the Earth with each contraction, grateful for my open hips. The pressure of the Earth on my perineum felt relieving. At about 9:30 I decided to go back to my bedroom and start bearing down/pushing.

I worked with a few contractions standing up in a squat (like Aro was born) but was not feeling progress. Then, I transitioned to the birthing throne (stool) and with Amana’s support behind me, I pushed for nearly 45 minutes there.

I reached down to feel the sack emerging with each push but could not feel his head and was beginning to feel tired. I looked up at my cozy bed, with a mountain of pillows and after pushing for nearly an hour said, “I think I’d like to move to the bed.” 😂 So, I climbed up and reclined back on a throne of pillows, grabbing behind each of my legs I continued to push with each contraction. Soon, I could feel his head draw nearer. I was so relieved. If I’m being honest, I was exhausted from pushing at this point and I wanted the intense final chapter of labor to be over so that I could meet our son.

When I pushed and saw his little crown come out I felt a wave a ecstatic joy wash over me. I started laughing. And in between that contraction and the next, I did not relaxed- I stayed engaged so that his head would not retreat. And then, with the next surge of pressure I pushed his head out, with my waters still intact. One more contraction and the rest of his body emerged, his left hand up by his face just as he had been in the 37 week ultrasound and as he continues to be as a newborn, hands up— breaking the waters as his shoulders passed through. It was 10:43 PM when he emerged.

We did it.

The midwife unwrapped the cord from his neck and peeled back the veil from his face, then handed him to me. I gazed lovingly at his face and we made solid eye contact. After his first cry, I immediately drew him to my breast to offer him milk- but he was not ready for it. So, I held him close and soaked in the glory of making it to this moment.

Editor’s note: to assist in the delivery of the placenta, Jessie moved back to the birth stool for a few minutes. I love the helping hands and the reverence of this moment as the birthing process is brought to a close. Also, how incredible was her second child - right THERE with the gloves - ready to midwife his little brother into the world!

The midwives and photographer stayed around for an hour or so, delighting in the mystical experience we had all just shared and taking in Asher in all of his beauty. They measured and weighed him, checked his vitals and mine. After all was checked, they congratulated me and headed home. It was now the middle of the night and I was buzzing with adrenaline. I relaxed in bed, which now held a precious memory, and gazed at Asher wholeheartedly. My dear Amana stayed in bed with us that night, and like school girls we stayed up for hours chatting about it all.

At one point, I said, “Alright, we should get some rest...good night.” And then almost instantly began reminiscing with her again...unable to control my excitement. We finally dozed off, only to awaken in the morning still filled with birth energy.

Thank you to Jessie and her entire family for sharing this incredibly beautiful birth with us. It truly was a magical experience. My first time witnessing an en caul birth (when the baby emerges still enclosed in the amniotic sac) and my first birth during a lunar eclipse. Every family should birth in the manner that feels right for them. And when you hire me to document your birth story - it should look like YOUR STORY. For this family that looked like yoga and essential oils and very active participation by the older siblings. In your birth, it may look a lot different. There is no “right way” to birth. As long as you are birthing in your power - whatever that looks like - it is all beautiful.

Much love and blessings,

Whitney

Oakley's Birth Story | Seattle Birth Photographer

I’m always excited for my clients who are expecting babies. But when they’ve struggled with infertility - well, it feels like an especially great honor to be invited to capture their story. Samantha and Brandon had been hoping and praying and waiting for their little girl and now it was finally time to meet her!

Though there was a scheduled C-Section date, Oakley decided she didn’t want to wait that long and we were all surprised when Sam’s water broke. Brandon was called home from work, I was called and we met up at the hospital for the completely surreal experience of waiting to welcome earth’s newest little human.

There was time for a phone call with grandma-to-be to share laughter and tears - all the anticipation of the great moments just head. And then it was off to the operating room!

This is four generations of women in one image - thanks to modern technology. I may have cried just teensy bit. And look at that little squish face! I just can’t handle it.

Welcome, sweet Oakley. You are absolutely the best gift your parents could have ever received. xoxo

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**NOTE**

You’ll notice I took no images of the actual C-section this time around. This hospital had a policy of absolutely no photographers in the OR (not for Sam’s lack of trying or advocacy), but I was there to capture every moment before and after and to coach Brandon on what he should photograph in the OR.

Clients who book me realize that birth is a STORY and that I am artful storyteller. However your child arrives and whatever policies and practices are in place at your hospital, it’s important to remember that birth is so much more than the moment a baby emerges. It’s really the birth of a family. The birth of parents. The hours leading up to welcoming your child and the ones spent getting acquainted. However your birth unfolds - your story is worth documenting.

Message me with your questions - check my availability, and let’s have a conversation about capturing this priceless moment for your family.