Mabel | Birth Story in Denver Colorado

One thing you learn about birth photography is births are 100% unpredictable.  I often get asked the question- "What happens if you miss my birth?" Well there isn't a one size fits all answer here. The most common answer I give is,  I will get there as fast as humanly possible and start documenting right when I walk in the door.  There is so much more to your baby's birth story than their actual birth and there are so many moments right after the baby is born that often get overlooked. I have never missed a birth because of reasons I could control, I have missed 2 births total and both times those babies didn't want to wait for anyone, let alone their photographer to show up. 

Mabel was born 5 minutes before I walked in the room and just minutes after her parents arrived at Baby & Co, she really didn't want to wait for anyone.  I normally write out my version of a baby's birth story but Kathryn has already written hers out, you can read it here.  

By the time I arrived, mom had already moved from her birthing tub and to the bed. Their midwife was going a quick check up on mabel and reminding mama to eat and replenish fluids. 

Dad also surprised Mom with a beautiful ring as her "push present"  she now has a series of beautiful unique bands signifying her family. 

A few hours after birth Mabel was born, Mom had her CranioSacral Therapist show up to do some gentle adjustments on her and Mabel. 

One thing I absolutely love about working with midwives is they usually do the baby's first check up on the foot of the bed or right next to mom and dad.  I love this approach because you can see how calm everyone is.

Mom was off taking a bath and relaxing in the tub, so Dad got some special 1 on 1 time with sweet mabel.  Skin to skin with dad benefits both Dad and baby!

After the sun came up, sweet big sister came to meet her new baby.  To say she was smitten with her would definitely be an understatement.

You can watch Mabel's birth story - including footage from before I arrived below!

Birth of Benjamin in Aurora Colorado

Back in May I had my first Colorado birth.  It was a cold rainy day and I was so glad I still had my big jacket still in my van.  This birth story is for some new friends I made right when we moved here, it had been months since I was able to document a birth story and it was so wonderful be allowed into her birthing space.  

Mama had such a beautiful birth at University of Colorado Hospital with the midwives from the Center for Midwifery.  It was such a dream working with this birth team.  They were so patient and compassionate with this family.  This was probably the most beautiful hospital birth I had ever attended.  

I am so excited to be booking births in the Denver Metro Area for the remainder of 2016 and the beginning of 2017.

Kathryn | Maternity Session in Denver Colorado

Kathryn was such a trooper.  She was my last model during our Maternity Shoot Out in February.  The sun was setting and it was definitely getting a little bit chilly out.  We even had the opportunity to use a smoke bomb.  The more I shoot maternity the more I fall in love with it.  I can't even put it into words how much I love photographing mothers.  I am currently booking births and maternity sessions for 2016.  I would be honored to speak with you about photographing your beautiful story!

Jamie L. | Maternity Session in Denver Colorado

A few weeks ago I was so excited to join several other photographers for a 'Maternity Shoot Out' We had several gorgeous pregnant mamas, and some families there for us to photograph. Each photographer styled their own maternity sessions and we all had about 30 minutes with each beautiful mama/family.  I have never participated in maternity session like this before and to say it was a BLAST would have been an understatement.  I had the opportunity to do a lot of experimenting with these fabulous ladies and I am thrilled with the results.  Here is one of my sessions from that day.. the BEAUTIFUL Jamie who is a fabulous Denver photographer and you can check out her stunning work right HERE

Theo B. | Birth in Tucson Arizona

I am honored to finally share the birth of Theodore B.  His birth story is actually one of my favorites because literally the day before he was born, his mama and I were joking around about me being able to attend.  Cierra never officially 'booked' me for her birth, it was more of a "if I can be there, I'll be there"  type situation.  Well Cierra messaged me the NEXT day saying she was heading to the birth center because she wasn't sure if she was in true labor or not.  I was on standby and I got a text not even 2 hours later saying to head on down.  Little did we all know.. Theo would be born shortly after the text.  I arrived right as he was crowning and was able to spend a few hours with them documenting his first few hours earth side. 

I am booking a small amount of births this year here in Denver and I have a few spots still available.  If you're interested in booking your birth story please email me. 

Theo. T. | NICU Session Tucson Arizona

I have known Ian for many years.  When he told me that he and his girlfriend Katie were expecting, I couldn't be more thrilled.  Ian and Katie found out when she was around 18 weeks and little did they know that they would be meeting little Theo just a few short weeks after finding out.  Theo is considered a Micro Preemie - Born before 26 weeks or weighing less than 1lb 12oz, Theo fit both of those criteria.  He was born at 24 weeks 4 days and weighed 1lb 10oz.  

I was able to visit Theo in the NICU with Ian when he was 2 days old.  Let me tell you.. it takes a special kind of person to be a NICU nurse.  I was in awe of everything that was going on around me. I spent about an hour with Ian and Theo before we headed out to visit Katie who was recovering from her emergency C-Section.  I am so honored that they let me into their very personal space during this crazy emotional time. 

Theodore James was born at 24 Weeks 4 days weighing 1lb 10oz.  Today he is 50 days old and weighs 2lbs 14oz.  From all of the updates I have been getting he is such a strong little fighter.  I can't wait to visit him again when I am back in Tucson in March. 

Photo: Art by Jessica offers free NICU sessions for those families currently in the NICU that would like this time in their lives to be documents.  Please email me for more details. 

The Birth of Jacob Allen

I have known Jessie and Jon for several years.  I have documented a lot of major milestones in their adult life together.  I was so honored and excited when Jessie asked me to be in the room to photograph the birth of their son Jacob.  Their birth was a wonderful reminder how it's so important to have someone at your birth that can be your advocate.  Someone that is familiar with your birth plan and your wishes, someone that can be your voice while you are in labor.  Although Jessie didn't have her picture perfect labor, she did get the beautiful unmedicated water birth that she so badly wanted.  

Jessie and Jon | Maternity Session on Mount Lemmon Arizona

Wow!  It feels like forever since I have blogged!  I have had so many sessions recently I need to get caught up so I don't get too behind and just give up!!!  Here is a beautiful maternity session with Jon and Jessie.  I have been so lucky to document so many of their life events!  I had the honor to document their engagement session, their wedding and we've had a couple other sessions here and there.  WELL NOW THEY ARE HAVING A BABY!!!  I am so excited for their little guy to join the world!  Fingers crossed everything falls into place so I can sneak in one last birth story before we move to Denver.  

Jessie and Jon have always been troopers with me. I am so honored that they have always trusted my artistic eye!  Congratulations you two!!  You are going to be amazing parents!!!!

Rowan Elizabeth | Birth Story in Tucson Arizona

I have a very small preview of Rowan's beautiful birthday.  She was born covered in amazing birthday frosting and was the sweetest, quietest, most serene baby I have seen in a long time.  I can't wait until I am able to share her whole birth story with the world!  She was born with a True Knot in her Umbilical cord!  Thank you so much Jonea and Josh for letting me be there with you for this amazing night!  

Jonea | Maternity in Tucson Arizona

This is actually the first of two maternity sessions with this amazing woman!  Her husband was out of town for her first session and her second session will be just them without their adorable son!  I can't lie, I was extremely nervous to photograph Jonea..  this girl is literally famous. She was photographed by the AMAZING Jade Beall for The Beautiful Body Project and several of her images have gone viral.  it did take me a while to get over my nervousness and when I finally got comfortable we hit an amazing groove and created some because art together.  I am SO HONORED she asked me to photograph her!  

I have finally decided I am just obsessed with anything about birth and mothering/nurturing.  I love being able to photograph these amazing women who are caring for and nurturing their children.  Now we wait Jonea and Josh's beautiful little girl to grace us with her presence, I can't wait to share their images from their next maternity session with the world!

Ireland Jean | Birth Story in Tucson Arizona

You might remember my GORGEOUS Maternity session from a few weeks ago.. Well Ireland decided to make her debut in the weeeee hours of August 11th, weighing a perfect 7lbs 2oz.  Mom had a pretty intense labor but worked through each and every contraction with the help of her amazing husband and wonderful Doula.  Ashlee worked so hard during her labor, probably walked a mile back and forth at the birth center.  She moved into and out of the birth tub before settling into the bed.  Lynn her doula (https://www.facebook.com/loveandlabor) was with her every second.  When Ashlee was doubting she could do it, Lynn was there to give her positive affirmations, rub her back and hold her when she needed it.  In the end Ashlee had the birth she imagined and had an amazingly supportive birth team,  I can't wait to share her entire birth story with the world!  For now enjoy this preview.  <3

Norah | Birth Story

I normally try to write my birth stories out within a few hours of the birth.. usually no later than 24... It's been over a week since little miss Norah Jean was born and I am just now starting to write it all out.  I've been going back and forth with what to say about this amazing family.  Madison and Tremayne moved to Tucson at the beginning of Madison's pregnancy with Norah, I remember her messaging me when she was just a few weeks along, she hadn't even announced her pregnancy yet.  We chatted for a while and she gave me the honor of photographing her birth.  Months passed by and we started planning her Maternity shoot, everything was planned and set for May 17th. Just a few weeks before Madison was diagnosed with Polyhydramnios (Excessive Amniotic Fluid). The Wednesday before, I had gotten a message that she thought she was in labor and was heading to L&D to be checked out.. false alarm. Days passed like normal and on Saturday for some reason I woke up around 4:45am, for no particular reason, my daughter was still snoring, our phones were on silent and all was dark in the room, but for some reason I was wide awake. I laid in bed for a few minutes then I decided to get up and get moving.  

When I had gotten to my phone around 5:20am, I notice I had missed a text message from Madison, she was in Labor and was at the hospital.  I shoveled some breakfast into my mouth, grabbed my gear and out the door I flew.  Things were quiet at the hospital, Madison was at 5cm when I arrived but because of the amount of fluid she had, she could barely feel her contractions.  Because she was still several weeks away from her due date the hospital staff tried to slow her labor.

 Things were progressing, and because the amount of fluid, Norah's head was still floating and because of that Madison and Norah were at risk for cord prolapse when her waters broke (where the umbilical cord drops through the open cervix in front of the babies head, the cord can then become trapped against the babies body).  A high risk OB came in and assessed the situation, although the chances were very slim of the cord prolapsing it was still a risk, and if it happened Madison would be headed to an emergency C-section and would have to be unconscious for the procedure unless she opted for an epidural.  Madison had planned on having an unmedicated delivery but with the risks she did opt for an epidural.  The OB then broke Madison's bag of water and as we all had hoped for Norah's head dropped nicely into place. 

After Madison had taken a short nap with the epidural she asked for it to be turned off so it would be worn off or nearly worn off by the time of delivery. Things began to pick up speed around 5:30pm and Madison slowly started having the urge to push.  After a half an hour of small pushes, the real pushing began.  Sweet little Norah Jean was born shortly before 6:30pm.  Because of her prematurity, she was having some issues breathing and keeping her oxygen levels up.  Madison only got to spend a few short minutes with her before she was whisked away to the NICU to receive further treatment.  Norah came home 6 days later and is thriving.  She has this amazing red hair just like her mama, and is super sassy just like her big brother Owen.  

Please note: there are graphic birthing images below