R. Family | Maternity Session in Denver CO

Sweet Cyrus is a big brother now, but in August we had a little fun at the lake before his little brother joined their family!  There is something so magical about maternity sessions.  There is seriously nothing I love more than an expecting mother.  Those last few weeks of waiting and anticipation can be extremely magical. 

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!

Lily and Craig | Expecting in Denver Colorado

One night Lily and Craig were at our house, it was about 7pm and she could barely keep her eyes open.  I flat out told her she was pregnant.  She didn't believe me at all, but first thing the next day I got a text from her with a positive pregnancy test!   Not only are they expecting their little one next February, but this is their "Rainbow Baby" !!  A rainbow baby is a baby that is following a miscarriage, or loss.  I am so excited to not only help announce their pregnancy but I am thrilled that they want me to photograph their birth also!  Congratulations you two!  I am so excited for this journey you are on!!

Monet, Ryan + Lucy | Maternity Session in Denver Colorado |

Because of the difference in images in the adorable family's gallery they are getting two blogs.  Monet is an amazing birth photographer here in Denver and I was a tiny bit (a lot-a-bit) nervous to have her and her family in front of my camera.  They couldn't have been more natural though and they made my job so easy.  I really love maternity photography, more so than any other type of photography.  There is something so beautiful with a mom going through this beautiful transition into a mother, even if it's for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time.  Pregnancy is such a personally life changing time and no pregnancy is the same.  I really believe that every mom should have this chapter documented with every child.  

There is seriously nothing more beautiful than seeing your family expand. 

I truly love to fill my photos with light and love.  

There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation.
– Pamela S. Nadav

I love this quote so much.  You can see the sweetness just radiating from this family.  I can't wait to share the rest of their maternity session with the world!

If you would like to book your own maternity session send me an email at Hello@photoartbyjessica.com

Randall Family | Family Session in Tucson Arizona

Last year I was able to document the birth story of Ireland.  I always love when families continue to return to me for other sessions.  I currently only offer a small number of family sessions here in Denver, and those will be announced here in the next few weeks.  I wold love to photograph your family this fall in Colorado!

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.

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