Jackson's debut at the Birth Center, Philadelphia PA Birth Photographer

Birth

May 14

Written By

This birth story actually starts the afternoon before when I happened to run into Emily and Christopher out with their two older boys getting ice cream. We chatted for a bit, joking about how her due date had just passed. And with the thunderstorms rolling through Philly they were surprised she hadn't gone into labor yet. Well, sure enough, 11pm that night I got a message that Emily's water had broken, and an hour later I got word that they were on their way to the birth center in Bryn Mawr. With their second baby, they only just barely made it to the birth center, so none of us wanted to risk not making it there in time. I hopped in my car and was there by 1am as Emily was just getting into the tub. The midwives at the birth center, Lifecycle Womancare, were absolutely lovely. They gave Emily the space to move as she needed, stepping in occasionally to check on the baby, but mostly letting her do what her body needed. She moved around the room as she needed and we all just followed along. Christopher was a wonderful partner, always there with support and love, and the two of them made an amazing team.When it was time to push she became totally calm. In between contractions we were all cracking up as she ribbed Christopher about forgetting her homemade popsicles. But with each push she was completely focused and slowly, slowly, brought their third little boy, Jackson, the rest of the way into her arms. Baby boy needed a little extra help getting some deep breaths, but once the midwives helped clear him out he showed us just how strong his lungs were with some mighty cries. Right away Emily and Christopher started marveling at their new son, his ears, his mouth, who he resembled most, and how wonderfully hairy he was. Once Jackson was finished letting us know his lungs were strong, he latched on to nurse, and then Emily got to have her "best shower of her life" while Christopher and Jackson got some skin to skin snuggling time. Weighed, measured and footprint-ed, Jackson was all wrapped up and ready to settle in with mom and dad for a well earned rest. Pregnant mom labors in a birthing tub at the birth center while midwife checks baby's heartbeat, Philadelphia PA birth photographer Pregnant mother labors at the birth center in the tub and is supported by her husband, Philadelphia PA Birth Photographer Proud mom delivers new baby on birthing stool and welcomes him into her arms after daddy and midwife caught him, Philadelphia PA birth photography Mom and dad smile and kiss each other after delivering brand new baby boy at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer Mom and dad comfort and blow on new baby boy after delivering him at the birth center with midwives, Philadelphia PA birth photographer New mommy and daddy in bed with minutes old newborn baby boy after delivering him at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographs Mother admires her newborn son while he latches on to nurse for the first time after being born at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer New mom and dad in bed with minutes old newborn baby boy while he latches on to nurse for the first time and daddy gives him a kiss on the head at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer New mommy and daddy in bed with minutes old newborn baby boy while he latches on to nurse for the first time and they admire his tiny feet and hairy ears at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer Father admires and gives kisses to newborn baby boy skin to skin after being born at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer Newborn baby boy looks at the camera while getting skin to skin with his daddy, Philadelphia PA birth photographer Newborn baby boy gets weighed and footprints taken after being born at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer Proud papa holds his newborn son while mom smiles and looks at them from the bed, and Mom, dad and newborn son pose for their first family photo at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photograph Dad holds newborn son's tiny fingers in his hand and admires his tiny feet after he is born at the birth center, Philadelphia PA birth photographer I was so inspired witnessing this incredibly strong mama birth her baby. What an honor to be in the room as Emily and Christopher brought their new little boy into the world.Keep an eye out for their newborn session to see the rest of their amazing family and how perfectly baby Jackson fits right in =)Rachel Utain-Evans is a Philadelphia Lifestyle and Documentary Maternity, Birth, Newborn and Family Photographer. If you’re interested in capturing your story, please be in touch!