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All 2017 Birth Stories booked this weekend will receive an additional $200 print credit! This gives you the opportunity to create a beautiful birth album for less. All Wrapped Canvases are 20% off this weekend only. Deal ends Sunday, at 10pm PST (image + size must be chosen by this time as well). 
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HBAC (Home Birth after Cesarean) No. 2 - Spokane, Washington Birth Photographer & Birth Doula11/11/2016 This woman is an absolutely incredible human. She is kind, selfless & giving, easy to talk to, and an amazing friend. When I miscarried 3 years ago, she was simply a woman that cared, that knew what I was going through, and sent me a beautiful card and bouquet of flowers to know that she was thinking of me in this time. I dried those flowers and still have them to this day, look at them fondly, and often. It was an honor to be asked to not only document her story through pregnancy, but to doula for her upcoming home birth as well. I truly don't know how to express, with the proper words, how happy it makes me feel to be asked into someone's birth space. I came into her room quietly, as she was laboring so well by herself. Swaying her hips through each surge so naturally. She then took turns bouncing on the labor ball, walking around, and the double hip squeeze, which I and the midwife assistant provided for her. When the contractions came harder, she got into her own bed with a peanut ball, held her husband close, and eased through the transition phase like a total champ. Before we knew it, she was feeling that urge to push, and letting her body take over...      James came into this world already so incredibly loved and adored, especially by his proud big sister, who had stayed for the delivery and was in complete awe the entire time...she couldn't wipe a smile off her face after he was born (but let's be honest: neither could mama & papa, and I don't blame them)! The admiration stage...the moments right after the baby is born when they are cozy on mom's chest, looking up and connecting with their family...seemed to last a lifetime, which was heartwarming to watch. Mom was able to latch him right away, the placenta delivered, and sutures administered (all while listening to Jim Gaffigan's Mr. Universe '4 Kids' skit. If you have a minutes for some laughs, check it out!). The midwife checked the baby's vitals on mom while she nursed him, quickly got his weight & footprint, and gave him to dad so that mama could take a nice warm shower. By the time she was out of her shower, everything was as it was before the birth, clean & tidy, plus she had a fresh, healthy meal prepared for her. Another successful home birth, and another gorgeous addition to their already-beautiful family. Watching this family grow & become outnumbered was such a pleasure, and many tears were shed during this birth...I just hid it well behind my big camera. Congratulations 'P' family!! Much love to you all.         17 days post-due date, in the quiet of the wee-morning hours (1:30am), I received a text saying, "we are filling up the pool, contractions are getting closer together". I packed my things immediately, and arrived to this beautifully serene moment not quite 30 minutes later. I could say a million things about this amazing couple, they really are each other's anchors. The way they soothed each other's souls during a time of great adversity brought tears to my eyes multiple times through this birth. I wish every woman had a partner as attentive and loving as this mama has. THIS is why birth documentation is so important...to look back on these intimate moments together, working as a team to bring your baby Earthside. 
  
 Birth is unpredictable. Birth is HARD. I witnessed this mama fiercely birth their baby girl in water nearly 2 years ago, and let me tell you...she is beyond strong. Strong doesn't cover the amount of strength she has, both physically, and emotionally...so, when this family and midwife agreed to transfer to the hospital this time around, it was to be taken very seriously. Baby was in an awkward position, contractions were hard but irregular, mom was not only in a great deal of pain, but not dilating regularly. The choice was hers, and although her story was different than she had originally planned, she was still empowered by the support she received when they arrived at the hospital at nearly 10:30 that morning. It didn't take long for her body to take over, dilate to where it needed to be, and feel the urge to push her baby boy out. With the most amazing support from her midwife, who advocated so fervently for this couple, she pushed while at the support bar and quickly realized this wasn't the position she was meant to be in. They switched her to hands-and-knees, and, although nothing seemed to lessen her discomfort in that moment, baby seemed to enjoy that position much better. Let me tell you...that baby corkscrewed right out, with his cord wrapped around his legs! Instant relief for both mom (and dad). There really is nothing better than hearing those first gurgled cries, and seeing that cord thick, full with healthy blood. He had arrived, all 9lbs + 22 inches of him, naturally, and safe.         Can I just shout from the rooftops right now, "TRANSFERS ARE NOT FAILURES!!!!"? Because they most definitely are not. It's true, this family's story is different than they anticipated, but it is just as beautiful, if not more than what they originally planned for. They were educated, empowered, and took it upon themselves to do what they felt was best for both mom and baby. Through these images, I feel like I captured this couple's love for one another just perfectly. Selfless, encouraging, bonded. The room may have been filled to the brim with extra bodies due to the nature of transfer, but it were as if it was just them in the room together, nothing else mattered in this moment. Before sneaking out, the midwife gently hugged mom, and silently let her know how proud she was of her. Tears fell from many eyes this day, as they welcomed their 3rd baby into the world. Congratulations to this now-family of 5! I want to thank this family so much for choosing me to capture another birth story for them, it makes me beyond happy to follow families through these milestones, especially families as sweet as this.     This gorgeous all-white setup will be hosted in my home studio, located in Spokane Valley. Sessions are 20 minutes long, plenty of time to get those adorable smiles and candid moments of your child. You will receive 3 digital high-resolution images of your choice within 3 weeks after the session, perfect time to use for Christmas cards to friends & family! I do offer a few adorable designs myself, if you are interested in the +$50 upgrade for a custom set of 24 beautiful holiday cards with your session. Once booked, I will send a few links to everyone on a few great vendors to get some Pajamas online. ...Looking forward to working with you! - Saturday, November 19th - Email for time availability: [email protected] *Session fee is due in full at time of booking to save your time, session is children only*  |
AuthorNatalie Bee is a Spokane, WA Maternity, Birth & Newborn Photographer, certified Birth Doula + mother of four. Archives
April 2024
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