Every single birth story I capture as a St. George Home Birth photographer, I have a memorable experience. This was no exception. Seeing Families grow right before my eyes, and their love for each other be strengthened, is something I never get tired of seeing. Support from family comes in many different ways. The time with this family further rooted that belief.

Sabrina who was soon to be mom of baby number 4 contacted me. She had 2 other successful pregnancies. One being a set of twins. However this time she decided she wanted to have a home birth. Her husband was hesitant. At this point she had only had hospital births. It is understandable for him to feel this way, the unknown can be scary. Sabrina did a lot of research. She took the birth classes from Trisha Baird. These classes helped him feel a lot more at ease.

Because this was a job as a St. George Home Birth Photographer, I went to Sabrina’s house for our 3rd trimester visit and she was very excited about the birth. Mostly for her oldest daughter to meet the new bundle of joy. She would either be at the birth, in the home, or extremely close. It was a beautiful reminder of how much a birth can change so many things for everyone in the family. Asking them to be a part of the birth in some way allows that support to be felt not only by Mom but by everyone involved. She also spoke about how hopeful she was that this baby would have red hair like her eldest daughter!

Sabrina texted me about 40 minutes before she wanted me to come over. Which actually was just the amount of time needed for a heads up. However I needed to drive about 35 minutes to her house. I arrived at 5:35. The midwife and her assistant had arrived just a few minutes before me. They were still setting up. Sabrina was still in the tub working through contractions. Her husband was also in the tub helping with counterpressure. During her breaks Sabrina would drink water, and he would reassure her about how great she was doing. It is really a favorite thing of mine to watch any husband be so supportive during labor.

There came a point in labor when Sabrina felt like she couldn’t do it anymore. This stage is called the “Self Doubt Stage” . It is a sign during labor that generally you are pretty close to meeting your baby. Her midwife was keeping a check on her heart tones, and water temperature. I continued taking photos and video. Shortly after she felt the need to push. Cindy, her midwife kept helping her. The plan was for dad to catch the baby, so he was in the tub with Sabrina and Cindy the midwife was nearby. Sabrina pushed for quite awhile. There was a point in her labor when the head was out, and Cindy needed her to push really hard. She did it!

While CJ, Dad, was holding the baby he said, “Sabrina our baby.” She replied “I just need a minute.” She took a moment, which was well deserved after pushing an adorably chunky baby. Sabrina gazed at her new baby and said, “I was right, she does have red hair”! They placed the baby on her chest. At this moment her husband put one hand on her neck and the other on her face and said, “you did it”! Her reply was powerful and gentle. She began to thank him. To thank him for supporting & trusting her in something she wanted. Even when he was uncertain about it at first.

Baby Hollis ended up needing some attention from the midwife. After just a few short minutes, the baby looked great! We got mom out of the tub and into the bed. Then delivered the placenta. They got her cleaned up and comfortable. While CJ went to get the eldest sister, Sabrina and baby worked on latching. She did great! When the eldest sister arrived she was able to cut the cord. Soon Dad, CJ, was able to have some skin to skin time with the newest member of the family.

We all knew that baby was was big, and we all took our guesses. Cindy, the midwife, weighed her and She weighed 10 pounds 5 oz. It was the biggest baby I have seen born. Before I left I was able to have a wonderful talk with Sabrina. I wanted her to know how much I loved that she thanked her husband. In my mind it was more like a thank you for trusting me that this was the best thing for us and baby. I will interpret that as him showing her support. I loved that her post delivery meal of choice was bruschetta and her husband made that for her.

There were moments in this birth story that reminded me of how precious this process is. This beautiful family had already had babies in the hospital. They had done this before, and yet they decided to try something new. To support each other in that process. I think that is so beautiful! As we journey through parenthood, we CAN try new things! We don’t have to do it exactly the same every time and as long as we educate ourselves, we can proceed with whatever choice we feel is best!

There are a few things I wished I had known before I had kids, and learning is probably right at the top! Remembering that we can continue to learn, grow, and try new things is something I hope we can all take from this family.
Check out this beautiful video to see this birth story for yourself!

St. George Home Birth Photographer