This Christmas Eve birth took place at Touro and it happened in the same month as the previous birth I documented the earlier part of December. It felt familiar but still completely its own story.
Around two in the morning, I got word from one of the doula that they were at the hospital and things were progressing. I gathered my things, brewed the mama some red raspberry leaf tea, and headed out. I walked into the room around 3:30 a.m. That quiet early morning energy was there. Calm, focused, and full of anticipation.
From the beginning, this mama was very intentional about wanting a natural birth. Very familiar again because I too pulled off a natural birth for my first child at Touro. She declined the things that did not feel right for her and trusted what her body was doing. Her partner was incredibly supportive. He was present and very involved. He and the doula worked together offering counter pressure, reassurance for mama to "BREATH", and steady support. Watching them move together like that was beautiful.
Something that made this birth feel special for me was the nurse. She was the same nurse from the previous birth I photographed at Touro that month. Seeing her again felt familiar and grounding. It was sweet to say, "we meet again."
As labor intensified, the energy in the room shifted. That deep transition feeling started to set in. As things continued to build, the room really started to feel intense. The hospital staff was moving in and out, checking monitors and preparing for baby. The doula was working closely with mama, staying grounded and present. Dad was advocating and staying right by her side. There was so much happening at once, and you could feel the weight of the moment, but mama stayed steady through it all.
At one point, the water bag actually came down and was bulging for a while before it finally released. The parents looked at me with that mix of curiosity and concern, and I reassured them that it is rare, but it can happen. I also shared that it happened with my second baby too. Not common, but not impossible. Shortly after that moment, everything began to move.
The medical team was active, doing what they are trained to do. There was a lot happening and I remember dad saying, "everyone needs to relax"! It was a reminder of how important it is for families to feel calm and supported. Through all of it, mama stayed focused. She trusted herself and continued to labor on her own terms.
In the eight o'clock hour, their baby girl arrived. She was so alert, looking around all around. This birth felt full of strength. This birth reminded me of my own experience at Touro. Watching another woman advocate for herself and actually get the birth she desired was beautiful.
I am so grateful I was invited into this sacred space. Documenting this birth was an honor and I absolutely love how these photos turned out. Another beautiful reminder of why I love birth photography and the strength of birthing mothers.
Welcome to the world, Solori.
