As a birth photographer documenting families in Colorado Springs and Denver, I’ve had my work published in many magazines and newspapers, on book covers, blogs and social media accounts. I grew up hearing only horror stories about birth and messages from media and culture about labor as something to be feared, that the pain is more immense than anything imaginable. I am glad that these publications are starting to tell a different story because I’ve seen first hand that birth can be peaceful, empowering, and inspiring. Those positive stories about birth need to be shared more often and I’m happy to bring light to the aw and wonder of all birth experiences.
Whenever there is a shift in culture, there is always push back.
I’m sure you’ve heard someone say it, “a healthy mom and baby is what’s important.”
True. That is important. But how often do we use those words to only describe the physical health…
After a swift labor, a baby girl named Finley was born at home in the water surrounded by her mom, dad, older sister, and grandmother.
An intense labor, this strong mama dreamed of a home birth to her second daughter and after laboring in the water, she delivered her baby in the bedroom of their home.
This midwife-in-training gave birth to their fifth baby in a hospital with three other pregnant women supporting her in her labor.