It has been too long since I’ve had a chance to sit down and write out a birth story to share, and I could NOT be more excited to share this one. Before I get started - I just want to say that birth is crazy and SO unpredictable. This story went mostly according to plan and it is a lovely story. I also had a handful of births in the past few months that did not go according to plan. They’re no less special and beautiful and I can’t wait to write those stories out as well <3
Mwende (momma) and I connected in July as she inquired about maternity and birth photography. She was admittedly a bit late to the game, as she was due August 26th. Fortunately, we were still able to make it work! I could tell just through our email correspondence that Mwende was a beautiful, positive presence and I could not wait to meet her and her family. They were planning a home birth for their second child, a baby boy. I was so thrilled, at that point I had never documented a home birth.
We set up a maternity session for the end of July to document her gorgeous belly and her growing family. Side note —this is one of my favorite ways to get to know the families that book me for their birth photos. Mwende, her husband, Brandon and their sweet-as-can-be daughter met me at the picturesque Hampton National Historic Site. We celebrated the growing life inside of her and documented that special time in their lives as a family of three.
Being a birth photographer can be tough, and often very difficult to plan. When Mwende reached out to me, my family and I already had our summer vacation planned. Thank goodness for my backup photographer, as I was still able to book their birth and hope and pray she’d go into labor before the 19th or after the 25th.
On Friday, August 9th, Mwende sent me a text stating that she and her family were leaving vacation early because she was having contractions. They made the long drive home and by the time they got there, her contractions had subsided and we went back to the waiting game.
On Friday, the 16th at 9:57 p.m. I got a text stating that her contractions were 2.5-3 minutes apart — midwife is on her way — go time! I left immediately. I was greeted by a few of their family members, who were (judging by the smell) cooking something delicious in the kitchen, and watching and laughing at a television show. Their excitement was palpable. They directed me to head up the the third floor. Already, it was such a completely different birth experience than I was used to.
I reached the top and found the midwife, Deanna, sitting in the hallway — patiently waiting. In the room was Mwende and Brandon. There was a small light in the corner, no commotion other than the gentle sway of her hips — the only sounds: their playlist, Brandon’s soft voice of encouragement and Mwende’s strength . I stood transfixed for a few minutes before I got my gear together and started shooting. I’m often called an old soul, and perhaps that is why that moment spoke to me, but it all just felt well within my soul.
Mwende looked like a birthing goddess. The birth tub was filled and ready to go. She sat on her yoga ball and swayed her hips and spoke softly to her husband; there was an occasional snicker at something funny he’d said. He was always touching her, and for the most part, always singing to her. There was no one there but the two of them and it was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed.
But, we’re talking about birth here, people. It’s wild and messy and unpredictable. Mwende’s contractions stopped. Like totally stopped, so she’d decided to rest, and I took up a semi-permanent position in another room on the floor. I used their daughters stuffed animal as a pillow and closed my eyes for a bit. After a few hours, Brandon woke me and said I should just head home as it seems that labor has completely stalled.
Back to the waiting game. And I’m leaving for vacation in a day and a half.
The next day, Saturday August 18th, I got a few texts that nothing much was happening; she was going to try acupuncture and a few other things to try to get baby more engaged and into the pelvis. I thought for sure I would be missing this one as I was leaving the following morning.
The next morning, August 18th at 6:31 a.m. I got a text from Brandon. As soon as I saw his name I jumped out of bed. If he is texting and not Mwende, this is happening. “Contractions are intense. Mwende thinks you should start heading over to the house.” I made it to their house at 6:59 a.m.
Mwende was already in the tub and having very intense contractions, very close together. There was no mistaking it this time. She had her earphones in and rode the waves of her contractions with extraordinary strength. Brandon was as close to the tub as he could be without being in it, holding her hands and rubbing her back. Offering her a sip of water in between the surges. Her birth affirmations posted on the wall for reminder: You are strong. You can have a beautiful and safe delivery. You are loved. You are supported.
It wasn’t too long before it was obvious that Mwende was in transition. Her midwife took her position next to the tub and momma took her earphones out. The early morning sun was peeking in through the blinds, laying beautifully across the water in which Mwende would soon birth her baby.
Brandon never let go unless Mwende pulled away for a moment, and when she did he would put his hands on the tub or her back and wait for her to need him again. After two very intense contractions, I saw Mwende reach down, and we all knew then that baby boy was almost here. Within moments of this gesture I saw baby boy’s head and Mwende and her midwife pulled him from the water — all the while still holding tight onto her husband’s hand. Seamlessly, she laid back against the tub in a enormous moment of relief, and laid her baby on her chest.
Brandon’s reactions are some of my favorite ever captured. Shock and awe over the warrior that was his wife and also at what they’d created, overwhelming emotion, and finally, pure joy.
The next few hours that followed were blissful, perfect, extraordinarily beautiful. It doesn’t always work out this way, and that’s okay, but this one did and boy was it something to witness.
Meet this gorgeous baby boy, Malachi.
