The Birth of Diana – Homebirth Waterbirth Photographer , Nashville Tennessee
Homebirth is amazing. Well, ALL births are a miracle… but there is just “something” about homebirths that is just so warm and cozy and comfortable. Maybe it’s because mama and daddy are in their own personal comfort zone. Maybe it’s because when labor starts, they don’t have to pack up the car or the hospital bag. Maybe it’s because their birth support team comes to THEM, instead of the other way around. I don’t know for sure… but there is something special about homebirthing.
As the preferred birth story photographer in Nashville, I was on call for a homebirth / waterbirth. I had met with this mama and daddy, along with their adorable toddler, during a number of pre-birth consults, just like I do with all of my clients.
We had discussed pretty much everything: who would be a part of their support team; what their labor & delivery plans were; what type of photos they wanted (some images can be more *ahem* intimate or graphic than others); how to contact me when labor started; etc. We covered EVERYTHING! (I always feel it is better to be over-prepared than under-prepared when it comes to birth… since birth is already SO unpredictable, I like to be ready for everything I possibly CAN be, and at the same time, fully expect that not everything will go according to plan (and sometimes NOTHING does!). Labor and childbirth are an amazing combined experience, no matter what happens. I love every moment!
So anyway, the “birth day” was upon us. Or the “birth night”, I should say! 
I received a text from mama, letting me know things were picking up. We had talked a few days prior, when a couple of contractions were just barely getting started. This night, around 8:30p… it was the real deal.
Baby on the way!
(to see this amazing home waterbirth, check out the GORGEOUS video at the bottom of this post!)
I gathered my gear (which was already charged and ready to roll), and settled in waiting for “the call”. Mama and I texted back and forth a few more times, and when things were still moving gradually, I told her I was going to get some shut-eye (as it was now nearing midnight), but to be sure to give me a shout when things got moving. She worked hard laboring for those next few hours, and called me again at about 3:30am. It was TIME!! I jumped out of bed and got in the car, already dressed. (For birth story photography, we have to be ready for “the call” at any moment, day or night!) With everything that had already transpired and based on the progress mama had made during labor, I knew I would have to be quick if I was going to make it to the birth in time.
I arrived at their home at about 4:15am. Mama was in the front bedroom, working through her contractions, with daddy timing them and physically helping her through each one. They made a beautiful team.
After awhile, mama got into the tub to labor in the water. Waterbirth is so surreal… it’s almost as if time hangs suspended between heaven and earth, as baby is born out of the water of the amniotic sac, into the water of the birthing tub, and then pulled up by mama’s loving hands.
There aren’t words to describe the beauty of this moment…
Homebirth Waterbirth Photographer , Nashville Tennessee
Just 15 minutes fresh and all snuggled up with mama for their first nursing session together. Love.
Daddy was sooooo excited to share their awesome news!!!
Congratulations, mama and daddy (& big sister)! Welcome earthside, little Diana. We’re so glad you’re here!
Are you interested in having your baby’s birth memories captured? Wondering what this is all about? We are more than happy to answer all of your questions about birth story photography in middle Tennessee. Just head on over to the Contact page of our website, www.NashvilleBirthPhotographer.com and give us a shout! We offer birth story photography in Nashville, Franklin, Clarksville, Cookeville, and Summertown, TN, and we have collections to suit all of your needs.
You can also check out more birth moments on our Facebook page, and keep in touch with us by signing up for our newsletter (we promise, we won’t clutter up your inbox with a bunch of unwanted email!) by going to our website, www.NashvilleBirthPhotographer.com and entering your information at the bottom of the front page. Feel free to check out our birth photography collections while you’re there, too.
Another blissful day in the life of this homebirth waterbirth photographer .
