C-section birth story - Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia

Pregnant woman looks at her husband while waiting in triage for her c-section, Philadelphia Birth Photographer

Grace had a c-section with her first delivery, and had really negative memories of it. It had been decided quickly, she didn't feel like she had been included in that decision, and she had no memory of the first time she saw her son right after he was born. She didn't remember what her husband's face looked like during those intense moments. It was not what she wanted for herself this time.

Now, she was at a different hospital, with a provider who really respected her and what she needed from this birth to feel good about it. They had agreed another c-section was the way to go, but this time she wanted photos. When we spoke for the first time, I warned her how tricky it can be to get a birth photographer or doula into the OR for a c-section, but she assured me that her obstetrician was on board and would help them get the rest of the team to agree. I knew either way that I would do my best to tell her birth story, but had all my fingers crossed that I would be able to capture those moments for her that she so badly wanted.

The morning of her scheduled c-section arrived, and I met them at the hospital bright (or not so bright since the sun wasn't up yet) and early. Dad was parking and getting breakfast, so I got to hang out with mom in the PETU for a bit. I got one quick shot of the anxious parents reunited before I had to leave for the waiting room, since triage has a one support person policy. I kept my eyes peeled on the PETU doors, and finally was able to rejoin them to get ready the surgery.

While Grace was brought in to get prepped, Erik and I were given scrubs to suit up for the OR. The doctor first attempted an external version to turn baby from side lying breech position, but baby didn't enjoy that so they moved on to a c-section. This OB has an amazing reputation, and it was an absolute honor to get to document this birth with him at the helm. His respect for the parents was so clear, and he made a point to give mom a nice long look at baby once she was out.

I hopped back and forth, capturing baby's first moments, and mom watching it all unfold. She even got to see her placenta, which was another thing on her list of wishes. The rest of the morning was full of so many sweet skin to skin moments, first with dad in the OR, and then with mom once she was ready. Baby latched right away and had her first breastfeed in the recovery room. Grace's mom and grandma were both in town for the birth, and she really wanted photos to document them meeting their grand and great granddaughter for the first time. And of course we couldn't wait for Erik to run home to bring big brother back to meet his new baby sister. Once he arrived the whole family cuddled up together, and it was all pretty perfect.

A few days later, a friend asked me how it was documenting a c-section, knowing how passionate I am about birth options. Wonderful, I told her! This mama was supported and respected, her wishes were taken seriously, she was included in the decisions about her delivery, her health, and her baby's health, and her c-section was still treated like her birth. That is the minimum I would wish for any birthing person. Whether their birth turns out to be at home, in a birthing center, at a hospital, in a c-section... for them to feel respected, cared for, and supported is the very least anyone should expect from their birth experience.

I am so incredibly happy for Grace and her family that they had this wonderful experience welcoming their daughter to the world. And so incredibly honored that I got to be there with them to document it all.