Carmen, Sully and Baby Zeke

I was deeply honored when Carmen asked me to photograph the home birth of her second child. I had several trips planned for August, so I hoped and prayed that the baby wouldn't arrive while I was away. Thankfully, the day after returning from a trip, Carmen messaged me to say she was having contractions. I was thrilled!

Carmen informed me that the hospital had no midwives available, so she would need to go in when her labour progressed. For now, she was labouring in her birthing pool. I offered to come over and capture as much as I could since I had a newborn session scheduled for noon. Timing was everything!

I arrived at Carmen's home around 9:30am. Her husband, Sully, and her lovely friend Louise, who is also a doula, were there. Carmen was in the pool, remarkably calm, using a comb for pain relief - a technique where gripping the comb tightly distracts the brain and encourages the release of endorphins. It's fascinating how well it works.

I took some beautiful, natural shots of Carmen as her labour began. Then came the exciting part. Carmen started feeling intense pressure, and her sounds changed - a sign I recognised from my own experiences, that deep groan, oh how I remember that urge to push! The baby was coming. Sully called for an ambulance. We noticed the baby's head starting to crown; we could see his beautiful long dark hair gently swaying with the water. It was incredible! Carmen remained so calm and composed, unlike my own screaming experiences!

Before we knew it, the baby's head was out and resting in Sully's hand. Can you believe it? Right in his hand! Just then, the paramedics arrived and took over. Two ambulances, two crews, the room was filled with people, all there to witness the incredible moment. Within minutes, a beautiful baby boy was delivered and placed into Carmen's arms. The moment was indescribable - no words could capture its essence.

After the birth, Carmen moved carefully from the pool to the floor to deliver the placenta, which Carmen requested to remain attached to the baby for as long as possible, delaying clamping to improve the infant's iron status for up to six months. The baby was wrapped up and cuddled by both Carmen and Sully, their joy palpable. The first feeding began, and the baby boy latched beautifully, nursing for several minutes. What an incredible couple of hours!

The love in the room was overwhelming, and I felt incredibly lucky to be part of such a special moment. It was soon time for them to go to the hospital for a check-up since no midwife had been present. We exchanged hugs, and I left on a high, amazed at how smoothly everything had gone.

And, believe it or not, I made it home in time for my 12 o'clock newborn session! What a day!