Am I the only one who watched the show Parenthood and ached for the idea of having four children? Working with Jessica’s family for their birth journey reawakened that deep ache. As a mom of three, I have always wondered. I think any number of kids you have, you wonder about the possibility of another one. But their family in particular, the affection and comradery this couple have in their international-life-with-many-littles, is really inspiring. It reminds our hearts of why family is matters.
Jessica lives as an American expat in Zambia and chose Cape Town to give birth to their 3rd child and now their 4th. This is her 4th natural birth. Her 4th water birth! Yep, this is where she best prefers to birth. Please note: This was pre-2018 severe Cape Town water restrictions.
I loved watching the progression of her labor as it intensifies and especially the look of shock on their faces as Viaan first appears. You would think by the fourth time, its no longer a shock. But oh no, this video and the photos show how the birth of a baby is a rush of emotion. I especially appreciated the quiet moments after he was born where it fully hits them in each their own way. Our hearts are capable of expanding in ways we didn’t know possible. Each child proves to be such a gift and flood of new love.
The Meet The Family when the kids come is one of my favorites. So much going on, its a full room of joy and kids stuff and memories being made. They roll with it in a way that will leave you teary. I bet. It still does for me.
Exceptional care provided by Susan Lees and Angela Wakeford of Birth Options Midwifery Team, who yes, can practice at Tokai Melomed if you are researching options.
My thanks to these parents for hiring me. I still smile so fondly whenever I think of them and kinda wish they would just keep having beautiful babies. In case you missed it, here’s their maternity session and newborn session.
Shared with permission as always. If you would like to discuss capturing your birth story, inquire here.