Miss Anna Locke, in perfect time... Me, JUST in time!
I ran into the birth center after getting a text that said “the baby is racing you”. From the hallway, I heard a midwife shout “She’s here!” with glee… Then I opened the door to this ✨
There’s so much I could say about this birth. I could talk about these people and who they are to me- how I have loved and grown with them for almost 15 years. I could list the times they’ve been part of moments that have changed the course of my life- drastically, for the better. I could reflect on how wild it is that the first birth I ever experienced was that of their first child, years ago. It was the one that planted the seed of love I have for this work.
But for now, in this post, I will just express my immense gratitude and joy for the mysterious, divine design that got me here- in the birth space. With these beautiful humans. Again :)
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Play Time
Birthday shoot // Houston, Texas // May 13, 2022
Cole
Newborn shoot // Houston, Texas // July 10, 2022
Isaac's Journey Earthside
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