Maybe I say this too often, but truly every single birth I get to be a part of is incredible. They are forever etched on my heart and mind. Being invited into such an intimate space is so humbling. I’m excited to tell the story of this sweet family!

I’ve found that labor and birth can teach us important lessons that we will take into our motherhood journeys. Often times that includes throwing our plans out the window and letting go of control. This sweet momma had originally hoped for a birth center birth but as baby grew, the midwives suggested inducing labor. The induction was scheduled for the morning of June 14th and even though it wasn’t the original plan, everyone was just so excited to meet baby Hawkins!

Early Labor

Whitney’s contractions started in the early morning hours before her scheduled induction and she was already dilated to 4cm which were such  reassuring signs that her body was ready for labor. Once they started the pitocin, things continued to stay consistent, but still not too intense. Whitney and David were an amazing team working together to move things along while also trying to get some rest.

I stayed in contact with them, tried to advise them on things to try to keep things moving, and waited somewhat impatiently to head to the hospital. We made a plan for me to come by that evening and right before I headed in, Whitney’s water broke! This was apparently a hilarious moment because she had extra fluid throughout her pregnancy so it was like a gushing river that wouldn’t stop!

With the breaking of her water came intense contractions and back labor. Whit was so strong through all of this as she navigated through each wave with David by her side. Then the midwife told her that she was still at 4cm (possibly just 3cm) and they needed to “up” the Pitocin. The hardest part of all of this was that Whitney was attached to monitors and IVs, unable to use water as a coping tool, and could not leave her room. All of the coping mechanisms she’s researched were off the table. David was an amazing coach and partner as they worked together to try to find her some relief.

Active Labor

After the sun set, I decided to head home and let them have some privacy and help Whitney feel less “watched.” Soon after, I got a text from David saying that Whitney had opted for an epidural and got some immediate relief. Praise the Lord! We all got some rest through the night and I woke up to a text in the morning that she’d progressed to 6cm – such great news! The epidural was just what her body needed to relax and dilate.

I soon headed back in as we all were hopeful that baby would be here shortly. When I arrived, Whitney was in much better spirits but starting to feel her back pain through the epidural. Her labor progress had stalled and throughout the day she had developed a fever. Things were starting to get complicated. Around 1pm, after confirming there was no change in dilation, her midwife suggested a cesarean birth.

The difficult decision was made to head to the OR and meet their baby boy. One of the nurses came in to warn Whitney and David that the prep for surgery may seem a bit hectic but not to worry. It does seem scary when several nurses rush in to prep mom to head to the operating room. Knowing that was routine was a comfort to them both, I think.

Robert’s Arrival

The anesthesiologist would not allow me into the OR so I documented as much as I could, then headed back to the waiting room and waited for an announcement of baby’s birth!

| Robert Joseph Hawkins was born at 2:07pm weighing 9 pounds, 10 ounces |

The midwife found me in the waiting room and escorted me to the recovery room where Whitney and David were loving on their sweet baby boy. To see them happily snuggling little Robert was so wonderful! He was finally in their arms, happy and healthy and beautifully chunky!

I will forever be in complete awe of Whitney. She reacted to each and every change during her pregnancy and birth with such grace. She worked through a long and hard labor to meet her precious boy. These two were such an incredible team and I know they are continuing that in their day to day with Robert. I’m truly honored to have been invited into this space with them and to have documented the day they met their son.

Whitney said it best when she said “my 29 hour labor was both forever and a complete blur.” You can read her version of this sweet birth story on her blog HERE.

If you’re interested in reading more birth stories, click HERE. If you’d like to contact me about photographing your birth, click HERE.