"Pieces of me"
I get asked a lot why I photograph birth. Why do I share birth photographs? This photograph has brought so much love, awareness and emotion from people all over social media. Now I want to give you a little insight to the amazing story that is behind it.
Written by the mom-
"This momma wanted a natural birth at home, but due to medical reasons had to have baby at the hospital. She was in early labor for two days, then was induced naturally at the hospital. Unfortunately they had to give pitocin to the mom, after 16 hours of active labor she only progressed to a 6. She kept telling them something was wrong, she was right. She knew her body needed rest, she reluctantly opted for an epidural. She was heart broken over it, she felt defeated. She was given the epidural, less than an hour later the baby was born. She was crowning, her body just needed to relax. After three contractions, she delivered a healthy rainbow baby. We discovered the water broke during pushing, the baby was born sunny side up and looking at us when he was delivered. The placenta had detached inside the momma before the baby was born making it a great risk, but everyone did amazing. Not the birth the mom planned out, but it was a healing one. She brought her son home with her this time. She didn't die giving birth this time, she got to see her placenta in all its glory this time, she labored peacefully and gracefully, she was supported and she was able to trust the midwives and birth team. For once she wasn't scared, for once they listened to her, they acknowledged her knowledge of her own body and trusted her, for once she could heal from traumas of the past, from the losses of her 5 angels in heaven and cry tears of joy instead of sorrow. This momma went through a lot, that placenta meant more to her than anyone will ever know, seeing her son alert on her body looking at her broke her to her very core reminding her how beautiful birth is. She was freed from the pain of the traumas."
This is my WHY. This is why I do what I do.
