By Monique
I have had the honor to be present and photograph 4 births within the past 4 years. The most recent birth that I photographed was my amazing sister Nanette and her husband Cliff’s baby girl Lyla Rose, who born on May 29 at 3:29 p.m. at the Sutter Maternity Center in Santa Cruz, CA. It is so great to see the progress, from those first “baby bump” maternity photographs, through the birth and then following a child as he or she grows up. My style of candid, story telling lifestyle photography really captures those precious moments for each family, and the images become part of their family history. The majority of the birth experience to document is the interaction between the mother and her partner, and the mother and her mid wife or doula if they are there too. The graphic part of course is part of the documentation, but just a small part. (Don’t worry, there are no graphic photos in the this post!) I love to tell the story of the day as it unfolds, from the intensity of the contractions, the support given to the mother by her partner, through the precious time spent with a newborn on that first day of life.
Nanette is getting a massage from her doula Gisselle during the beginning stages of labor.
The contractions start to get more intense around 10:00 a.m.
Gisselle was such a great coach, she really helped Nanette get through her contractions.
Cliff is an amazing husband and dad.
Nanette trying to get some rest before the pushing begins.
Time to push.
A huge mirror was brought in so Nanette could see the birth.
Lyla was immediately placed on Nanette's chest and stayed there for almost 2 hours, she took right to nursing.
Lyla weighed 8 pounds 10 ounces, she was 4 days past her due date when she was born.
Cliff gives Lyla her first bath at the birthing center.
Cliff and Nanette with Lyla a few hours after she was born.
Their 2 and a half year old Rowan meets Lyla for the first time at the birthing center.
Rowan holding Lyla the day she comes home.
A family portrait, Nanette and Cliff Barber with 4 day old Lyla Rose, big brother Rowan, and Talus their Weimaraner.
Lyla Rose takes a nap in a basket
