This birth is such perfection in so many ways. Dustin & I went to high school together. We ran into each other a few years after graduation and we had both become photographers. After a few more years, I had the thought to look him up. Thank you Mark Zuckerburg for inventing Facebook. 🙂 Little did I know, the night before I found him on FB, Dustin’s wife had spent an hour on my blog! She was looking for a birth photographer. Fast forward a few weeks. While gathering all the necessary info, I ask who their midwife is. Desi responds with “We’ve decided to do a freebirth” (an birth unattended by a midwife or doctor) and I got goosebumps! Desi’s last birth was so fast her midwife didn’t make it, and I can totally relate to that! After all the “coincidences” and the way things had happened so perfectly, I knew this birth would be awesome and felt honored to be invited to be a part of it!
So Wednesday night I get a call. In the birth business, you know even before looking at the phone, that anyone who is calling that late is someone who is in labor! Just minutes before, I had been thinking about Dustin & Desi, thinking “I should make sure all my gear is together” etc, and then I got the phone call! I hopped in the car and prayed I didn’t get caught speeding on the way to their house. Desi’s last labor was only one hour, and I live 45 minutes from her house! Luckily I made it, and without a speeding ticket.
Upon arrival at their house, I noticed felt a beautiful feeling in the home. It was a feeling of simplicity and love and is summed up by this quote plaque: There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort, by Jane Austen. There are many people who think homebirthers are crazy, but this plaque says it all. While applicable to nearly all situations in life, it is especially appropriate for this birth. No hospital or birth center room in the world can compare to your own house and your own bed. I want one of these plaques for my house!!
A few lovely details. This star is taped to the bathroom door. Mom is a star!
Many women often find the most comfortable place to labor is on the toliet.
These hands would soon catch his newborn daughter.
I love how these two worked together. Dustin was such a rock and Desi was so cool & collected. My friends say I make it look easy, oh no, Desi makes it look easy! She birthed this baby without making a sound!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKfDwChOoHI?fs=1]
That is amazing!! 🙂 I never thought to do birth photography and you have inspired me! Way to go natural and at home for such a big baby!
Amazing Birth! Congrats to the family!
I had a freebirth, though I had seen a CNM for prenatal care. It kills me that I have no photos or video of the actual labor and birth, we had the tripod all set up but it was just forgotten in the moment.
Desi was seeing a doctor throughout her pregnancy, so she was receiving prenatal care.
thank you for sharing these gentle images, peace, Ruby's grandma Mansaray
These are awesome! I loved the toilet during both my home-births as well. I'll have to keep a birth photog in mind if we go for another… I want images of labor, and all I have is pics immediately after…
i have to say there is something to say about the intimacy here that doesnt happen with a room full of people. well done everyone
What a brave and beautiful birth. How wonderful that she had a supportive husband and everything turned out so well. Beautiful baby…and parents! (Let me know when you've learned that song in your all your "spare time," Jessica.) 🙂
Jessica your pictures always make me sigh, a big happy sigh.
What a beautiful, beautiful birth. I hope the parents were really happy with your photos.
Brydie
The photos are amazing as ever and the birth was beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing their story with us.
SOOOO Beautiful! I cried. Jessica- you capture birth as it truly is. What a gift! So nice to see you at Dustin and Desi's, and for all your wonderful help. You are much more than just a photographer! 🙂
Sooooo beautiful…I cried also!! Such a awesome experience and I agree there is no pplace like home…and I too LOVE that quote gonna get one for my home also!!! Those pictures are priceless Jessica!
Great photos! I hear the book is pretty good, too 😉
Holy cow! A free birth! That's amazing! If your baby comes flying out super fast, there's no reason to have an attendant anyway right! Go girl! Her hubby was enough!
Great shots.
[…] and to give life. We are built to give life to precious little newborns. If you remember Desi from a few years ago, she is truly built for life. […]