Home birth in Philly - baby number 3 born with doulas, midwives, female strength - Philadelphia Photographer

From the beginning, I knew this home birth was going to be special. My dear friend, Jordyn, was expecting her third baby. I had the honor of documenting the birth of her second son in one of the most powerful labors I had ever witnessed. There was no doubt that I wanted to be there to support this strong mama in bringing her next little one into the world.

39 weeks to the day, Jordyn's water broke early in the morning. Even after a few hours of walking, climbing stairs, and pumping, with the support of friend and doula, Joy, the meager contractions she'd been having fizzled out. So Joy and I left to give Jordyn and Jonathan some space to rest and be together.

Night rolled in, and I got a text from Joy around 8pm that it was time to come back. I arrived to find Jordyn in good spirits and approaching active labor. Slowly her entire team assembled; her beloved midwife, Kathy Hindle, teacher and mentor Beth Goldberg, and Jordyn's fellow doulas Joy and Keli. Jordyn, Joy, Beth, and I all met years ago when we were teaching at a yoga studio in Philly, and we had all trained as doulas with Beth through Birth Arts International since then. To say it was incredible to be in the presence of such amazing female energy, and to see so many women I admire in action... there are not adequate words.

Labor began to pick up, contractions grew more intense, and during each wave, our energy focused on giving Jordyn strength. Jonathan was an amazing support, and the two of them moved through the intensity of labor together.

One of the beautiful things about home birth is the freedom to move and labor as you want. And so as Jordyn moved from the bedroom to the bathroom, back and forth, working with her body and receiving support from her team as she needed it.

Another beautiful part about home birth is the midwife who lets the laboring person go with their instincts, offering support and only really stepping in when needed. At one point, after feeling pressure for what felt to her like forever, Kathy let Jordyn know it was time to meet her baby. Back on the bed, Jordyn clutched tight to Jonathan as Kathy helped her push past the small lip of cervix left between her and her baby. With all of her power, surrounded by all of us, the room so full of love and support, Jordyn brought her baby out.

Having left the baby's sex a surprise during the pregnancy, we were all excited to see if the many guesses were correct. Jonathan had the honor of making the official announcement, their first girl. The look on Jordyn's face was absolutely classic.

And so, at 1131pm on October 11, which also just so happens to be International Day of the Girl, weighing in at "only" 9 lbs 4 ozs, with a head full of hair, still iced in vernix, and eyes locked right on her mama, sweet Shoshana had joined the family.

I can't say enough what a privilege it was to be part of such an incredible birth, and to be part of a cadre of women and birth workers who support and love each other and the work we do.

Jordyn and Jonathan, thank you for including me in the breathtakingly beautiful night your daughter was born.

And Shoshi, I can't wait to see you grow into a strong, passionate woman, just like your mama.