Birth of Adelaide Skye
Documenting the birth of Adelaide was very special to me. Her mom Shannon and I have been friends with each other since we were teenagers in the suburbs of Denver. Shannon and her husband Charles asked me to work with them to document their journey, including pregnancy, birth and newborn photos as well as utilizing doula services.
One of my favorite parts of working in birth work is getting to go on this journey with clients and the long term relationships that develop or deepen. Offering support and documenting their story was truly wonderful.
As is quite common for many parents, Shannon did not become pregnant until that lovely window of time when one is considered to be of Advanced Maternal Age. She decided to schedule a 39 week induction as had been recommended by her OB’s and the date was set.
Shannon and Charles went in to St Joe’s to start the induction on a Sunday evening and they kept me updated throughout the next morning. After laboring all morning through strong contractions without medication they decided to start an epidural so Shannon could get some rest. I joined them later that afternoon right after she had reached 6 cm and they decided it was time to break her water. As I came in and checked in with them, Shannon & Charles were so sweet with each other and their love and Charles’ support for Shannon was lovely to witness. Charles hung Adelaide’s jammies on the closet where Shannon could see them and use them as a place to focus her intention.
Dilation progressed smoothly, and before we knew it, it was time to push. Shannon made amazingly short work of the pushing process and soon we could see Adelaide’s head! A few more pushes and she was on her mom’s chest as dad stood close. Adelaide needed a little bit of oxygen to get going and the team at St. Joe’s knew what to do. Not too much later, Adelaide was returned to Shannon’s arms and worked at a first latch. Proud grandparents and an auntie made it in just before the end of visiting hours and then finally the very tired but happy new parents headed for the room where they would spend a few nights with their new daughter.
I followed up with them over the next few weeks and had a chance to document Adelaide’s adjustment to her new life and Shannon and Charles as they navigated this new wonderful world of parenthood.
