When I walked into their home in the dark hours of the early morning, I saw this was really happening. With the candles flickering and hushed whispers and low groans, these parents were deeply connected and working through each surge, lost in labour land. There is something really sacred about someone’s home. You tiptoe even lighter. I was aware of not interrupting this incredible oneness they had going.
So I did the only thing I could think of: hide behind the couch!
Staying out of the line of sight, I quietly would lift my head every few moments and take a shot. The strength and power I saw in front of me were breathtaking. She completely trusted the process and her body.
This birth was attended by Glynnis Garrod of Birth Options Midwifery Team (here’s a great interview with her) and their doula, Harriet Came. What I especially want to point out is watch how Glynnis and Harriet come close for the care they each provide, and pull back at so many points to give this couple time to bond with their baby. This birth really showcases the beauty of those first couple of uninterrupted “golden hours” right after a baby is born.
Their birth had me on a high for days. The birth playlist they had going was the most incredible soundtrack to these beautiful moments, at times filling all of us with emotion. They created a sacred space to welcome their son, and it was my pleasure to document not only the events but the atmosphere. My thanks to them for hiring me.
Be sure to work through the photos as well as the video. I’ve asked this mom to answer some of our burning questions on why she chose a home birth, what it was like, and what was on her birth playlist. Those will be intermingled in the photos, so don’t miss it!
All shared with family permission. *This birth took place before Cape Town’s severe water restrictions.
If you are planning a home birth in Cape Town or South Africa, here’s a great article I put together with another home birth mom to help in your research.
If you would like your birth story documented, here’s where to contact me.
1) What drove you to choose a home birth? Were there any objections or obstacles to this decision?
2) Can you share any great labour & birth playlist tunes?
3) What was it like giving birth at home? Would you choose this again?
Amazing. Honestly, it was really such a fantastic experience for me and for us as a couple from the preparation, to being in the moment, to reflecting on it together now. It has also been an incredibly empowering experience for me as a woman and a mother. We do plan to have another child and we have already said we would plan for a home birth and get our dream team back together!
4) What was the cleanup?
If you missed it, here’s Bo’s meeting the family session{LINK NEEDED AFTER APPROVAL***} with his grandparents and his parent’s maternity picnic session {LINK NEEDED AFTER APPROVAL***}.