A Quick Home Birth | Grand Rapids Birth Photographer

I love sharing home birth stories - and this one was so wonderful. Amanda’s third baby, Wesley, was born in a hurry a few months ago. Being part of an amazing birth team is always such a joy - this time I had the privilege of working alongside Amanda’s husband, Aaron; her midwife, Yolanda Visser (Birthsong Midwifery); and her doula, Kelly O’Brian Pahman (St. Brigid’s). Fully supported. Confident. Focused. Patient. Safe.

Amanda waited more than two weeks past her “guess date” for Wesley’s arrival. And while that wasn’t easy, it was clear after he was born that he was born at the perfect time. His sweet wrinkly palms indicated that her dates were “right” and her placenta looked healthy. This birth story is an example of how wide the range of normal is as far as gestational age goes. 42+3 is just perfect for some moms and babies.

When I arrived, Amanda was focused and happy. Her doula, Kelly, who had been with Amanda for both her previous births, was attentive and intuitive and knew exactly when to have me come. Amanda labored on a birth ball, in the kitchen, and when she moved to the toilet in the dark her labor significantly intensified. With Kelly’s help, Amanda waddled down the hallway in a rush, and soon after - in her husband’s arms - had her baby in her own bed.

I appreciated Yolanda’s calm, assuring presence during the birth process. It was wonderful to hear her explain to Amanda and Aaron little details about the baby during the newborn exam. Kelly’s doula support was beautiful to witness, too. I love learning from other women in the field. What a gift to work alongside two of the most experienced birth workers in Grand Rapids!

Home birth is my favorite. The birth work niche that fits me best.

An utterly normal, yet truly transformative process. Enjoy these beautiful images.

[Shared with permission. In this collection you will see real birth images including nudity, blood, crowning, the moment of birth, and birth of the placenta.]