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.

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.

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.”

Tessa's Home Birth | Seattle Birth Photographer

So many things to say about the beautiful home birth of Miss Tessa. Her mama, Katie is a Seattle doula and her papa is a pastor at a local church. I arrived in the early morning hours to a home filled with warmth, the soothing sounds of worship music, and the gentle buzz of excitement as we all prepared to welcome this sweet soul to earth.

On the morning Tessa was born I witnessed the confluence of laughter, focus, power and surrender. Birth calls us to deep places within ourselves. It shows us our strength and our vulnerability like nothing else can. Katie and Tessa labored with the gentle support and confidence of all those present in their home - and they truly experienced a sacred birthing day.

The sweet voices of her little boys calling to check in. “You can do it, Mama. We love you.”

Then it was time to push. A mighty endeavor for this mama who was pregnant two whole weeks longer than she had been with her previous children. She fell into a rhythm of push and rest, push and rest. Giving her all and then floating in the support of the water and the loving hands around her. She’s almost there.

A hushed reverence descended in the room as Katie and Tessa entered the last leg of their birthing journey together. The stillness broken only by the roar of a mother who finally reached down to deliver her long awaited daughter.

I love this moment. When you look down in awe, amazed that you made something so perfect - something so miraculous. As a birth photographer in Seattle, it brings me such joy to create art that bottles this feeling for a birthing person. YOU did this! YOU are incredible. Congratulations my dear friend - and thank you for allowing me the great honor to be there.

Follow Katie @mothervoyage for all things pregnancy, birth, fertility, postpartum and mothering.

Midwives : Sprout Birth Center

Doula: Selah Birth Support