With every birth I photograph, my love for this genre of photography grows, and the more I long to go through the experience again for myself, so I can hire my own birth photographer and document all the moments I know I missed, or forgot because I was (rightfully) too absorbed in labor and delivery. Plus, I kinda, really, DESPERATELY want just one more baby. (good thing my husband doesn’t read these blog posts of mine too often ) Scroll down for some really beautiful moments from Denise and Josh’s water birth in their home in Old Lyme, Connecticut.
Can you share with our readers a little about your family? Where are you from originally? How did you and your partner meet and end up living in East Windsor, CT?
I’m from NY, my husband is from CA. We met outside a bar in upstate NY when I stopped to say hello to him in 2007. We married in 2009. We moved around being a military family. Our oldest was a home birth in AZ in 2009. My second was a home birth in CA in 2016. And now the military has brought us here to Southeast Connecticut where our third and last one will be born. Three girls! We are an animal loving family and currently have a 6 year old English Mastiff named Athena. Along with our cat Sally. The best moments for us are times spent together since my husband is always so busy with work.
What was your pregnancy with baby like? Did you suffer from any morning sickness? Have any strange cravings?
Apparently I’m the last person to come to for pregnancy or birthing advice, lol! Pregnancy comes very easy for me. No sickness. No strange cravings. I’m active up until I’m giving birth!
Which part of your pregnancy did you enjoy the most? And the least?
Third trimester is the best! The baby moves so much and the anticipation of the arrival. Having everything set up for the birth. Her clothes washed and put away and just waiting till baby arrives. nnLeast is the first trimester. Not feeling the baby move, in fear of miscarrying, not knowing the gender or being able to hear a heart beat.
What made you decide to follow your specific birth plan?
I read A LOT of books when I was pregnant with my first. And having 2 home-births before helped me realize what I want and don’t want.
Birth photography is becoming more and more common now, but there’s still a lot of mystery surrounding it, and skepticism from women (and their partners) who may feel hesitant to have such intimate moments recorded by a photographer, and potentially someone who is essentially a stranger. Can you tell us a little about what made you decide to have baby’s birth photographed? And why you chose dacia vu photography to have that honor?
I always loved pictures and having forever memories. With my first I didn’t hire anyone, and I wish I did. With the process of labor and the whole thing, you don’t remember everything or see everything. Hiring someone to take those photos I get to look back and see things I didn’t know were happening. nnWe chose Dacia because I LOVED her work. After meeting her I liked her calming energy and how professional she was. She made me feel like I could rely on her and never having to second guess her. She was amazing.
What was your birth experience like?
It was fast! And painful, lol! Third time around I was very aware of everything happening to my body and at some points it could be frightening. But the experience was great. Like catching my baby on my own. It was another good birth in the books!
If you could do it again, would you choose the same birth plan? Would you still choose to have it all recorded in photographs?
Yes and yes! Except I think I would have another family member around to help with the little ones so my mom could have been more present.
What’s the sweetest, most memorable moment of parenthood for you so far?
The bonding with nursing. Saying mama and I love you. The cuddles that they haven’t grown out of just yet. The random hugs and kisses.
What was your first thought when you found out the sex of your baby?
Excitement! A third girl!! I’m one of three girls and I loved it. I did always want all girls but having a boy would have been nice. A mamas boy. But having all girls is like having own tribe, lol!
What tips or advice would you give other parents as they experience their first few weeks of parenting and welcoming their newborn into their family?
It’s ok to feel all these crazy emotions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are gonna be super tired and emotional, but this too shall pass. The next thing you know they’ll be old enough to not ask for help anymore and you’ll forget how tired and frustrated you once were. So take it in. All of it. The good and the bad. And video tape everything!! You truly do forget how small they once were and photos and video help.
How did you break the news to your partner that you were expecting a baby?
I screamed, “we’re pregnant!” from the bathroom. We were trying. Nothing crazy, lol
What feelings have come up during this pregnancy about your baby?
Worried. I have had two miscarriages before so that feeling never leaves you. And worried about having a healthy baby or not as you read all these heart breaking stories online about childhood sickness. nnBut I was also excited. Excited to have my third girl. Happy to see the changes in my body once again and that I love so much. And sad that this will be the last time I get to experience this because I do love being pregnant.
What are you most looking forward to about the arrival of your new baby?
Being a mom of all girls! Holding her. Watching her grow and go through wonderful changes.
Welcome to the world, Dahlia Mae! It was an honor witnessing and documenting your entrance earth-side!
