Olivia or Quinn
Mom and Dad joked during early labor. “If she’s sweet and gentile we are going to name her Olivia. But if she’s salty, it’s going to be Quinn”. After 14 hours of labor, many positions, some fear, doubt, quiet time, a good amount of volume and profanity, and lots of strength and patience… it was decided. And we all met Quinn :)
Potts Birth Magic - A naturally flowing sacred journey
Birth Session // Cleveland, Texas // April 2, 2022
At 10pm on Friday, April 1st, for reasons totally unrelated to the pregnancy or birth, I spontaneously decided to head out to the Potts’ house to spend the night. Half way out there, I received a couple of text messages; “hey, did you happen to bring your camera?”, “we’re not sure, but Stephanie’s water may have just broke”… What are the chances? I nodded to the universe, whatever was happening- there was an unseen order to it.
The rest of the night followed suit. Stephanie, my client and dear friend, labored with grace and power. The timing and synchronicities continued to enforce the message: it was all in alignment and exactly as it was meant to be.
I could say so much about this birth; the intention, tenderness, strength and incredible presence these parents had for themselves and each other, the admiration I have for the midwives and doula present, the gratitude and honor I was filled with and still feel as I look through these images… but words will not do. You can see the love in the images, as this family welcomes their second son. The morning sun slowly filled the room with soft light and Baby Potts joined us earthside at 8:39am. We all shed a few sweet tears, and then took a nap.
Birth Center: Wellspring Midwifery
Deni
Portrait shoot // Houston, Texas // March 14, 2022
Maverick
Fresh-48 // Houston, Texas // March 23, 2022
Celebrating a Human Wonder-blossom!
Candid session // Houston, Texas // March 13, 2022
Under Pressure: The Scary Side of the Birth Business
Have you ever gone to the doctor and felt like you weren’t being heard? I have! It can be SO INTIMIDATING to even ask questions in that situation- when you’re talking to a highly educated person who you expect to know so much more than you do about your body and possible options… I can only imagine how hard it can be to stand up for yourself (and your baby and body), when an M.D. is telling you what they think is the best way to give birth.
Even outside of the doctor’s office, I have felt judged and condescended to by family and friends when expressing my desire to do something outside of “the norm” or widely accepted “right way” of doing things. Honestly, this happens on fewer and farther between occasions- as I have become more secure in myself AND discerning about the people I expose myself and my opinions to. But it happens.
Anyways, I’m mostly writing to encourage anyone that reads this to watch The Business of Being Born. I recently watched it, and another documentary called Orgasmic Birth, and I feel so inspired, and sad, and grateful that more of us are being exposed to the options birthing people have- as well as the underlying flaws in the birth system/industry right now. I won’t say too much more than that because I am not a doctor… or a parent… or a movie reviewer, haha! But I am a human. One that is very passionate about the power of listening to our bodies and intuition. I believe that everyone should have the kind of birth experience that is right for them and I hate to think that so many people are pressured or scared out of an experience that can be sooooo empowering and transformative, simply to serve someone else’s drive for convenience. I have read and heard so many stories of traumatic births and am beginning to understand that many of them could have been avoided if they and their bodies were allowed to take their time and do what they wanted to do in the first place.
With that, I’ll get off my soap box. Please, if you haven’t, and if you feel called- watch it. It’s worth the time :)
Lots of LOVE and hugs to everyone,
Jess
Kate
Portrait shoot// Houston, Texas// December 26, 2021
Katie
Lifestyle Portrait shoot// Houston, Texas// December 21, 2021
Photos Lost, but Seeds Planted
Six years ago, I was present for my first birth. It was the day after my own birthday. My dear beloved friend April was giving birth to Elijah, her first baby boy, and I had the honor of being there with her. I got the call that she was going to labor and JUMPED in the car to meet her and her husband at the birth center about two hours away!
I was nervous when I arrived, I remember standing outside for a minute to collect myself before I went in. When I went inside, things were pretty calm- they were just setting things up. My memories are a little fuzzy, but I remember snapshots. Early on, April talked with the birth workers about possibly getting in the tub at some point (she didn’t end up doing this). When she was a little further along she told us how much the contractions hurt. One of my favorite moments, the one that brings me to tears and makes my heart feel like it’s sinking and flying at the same time, was near the end when April looked at me and said “I don’t think I can do this”. I was in complete awe, amazed, mind blown! I looked right back at her and said in a strong, slow, low voice “yes you cannnnn”. She did… I was so proud of her! I saw the top of her baby’s head as it was crowning, I watched those big, brave, selfless pushes at the end, and then I got to see her take him in her arms, teary and tired but soooooo full of joy and love.
It was one of the most beautiful things, by far, that I have ever seen. It makes sense that April’s birth would be an event that shaped my career path- she is woven deeply into the fabric of my life and has had an almost mysteriously profound part in the critical moments and turning points in my path- from finding my people to finding myself to getting sober, etc. But those are stories for another time. I took photos that transformative day. But three computers, two cameras and over six years later, I can not find the images. I will not give up the search but until then, I will treasure that sweeeeeet POWERFUL experience that continues to inspire me on this journey of birth photography.
Quiet Hospital Room With Mom, Dad and Diane
She wasn’t due for another couple of weeks, but this baby was ready. Mom and Dad made it to the hospital in plenty of time. When I arrived, mom was resting peacefully while Diane slept close by. Dad had to run to board the dogs for the night! He got back and they played gently- nursing, holding, hugging, changing and SMILING. Their sweet tired faces were so cozy all together.
This birth took place in Houston, Texas on November 3, 2021. It was surprising, smooth and exactly right for them.
