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Baby Estella birth photography Toowoomba
“Ooooo… I wouldn’t want to have photos of ‘THAT’!!!” is often the comment I hear upon telling people I’m a birth photographer. I wish I could be in their heads to see what kind of visual picture they’ve conjured up about birth photography. It must be gruesome based on the intonation of the voice that goes with the comment. The response seems to go hand in hand with the idea that birth is an emergency waiting to happen, which couldn’t be furtherest from what birth actually is.
Having photographed births for 6 years now, I believe birth is a positive, and empowering journey, that restores in women the faith that their bodies are amazing. That their bodies can do what is required to bring new life into this world. It’s a joy to present images to my birth clients to reinforce this message.
Estella’s birth environment was dripping with love. I swear I could almost touch it.
Carla and Gareth had been diligent in preparing themselves, individually and as a couple, as much as possible. They completed a hypno-birthing course online, together, and attended anti-natal classes, together, and had the best of care with a private OB, attending those appointments together. Their preparations, included taking time to write up their carefully considered birth plan, which was tempered with an attitude of being prepared to go with the flow on the day. Their hand written birth affirmations, decorated their birth space. Gentle music surrounded them and the Doterra clary sage oil wafted from the diffuser nearby. The scene was set and the journey unfolded just as it should albeit with adjustments to the plan.
There are two things that I found outstanding about this beautiful birth story…
The first was Gareth’s unrelenting love and attention to Carla. He barely left her side. He’d even come prepared in his board shorts to get in the shower if that was required. It’s hard to know just how to go about supporting a birthing woman for most men. Gareth, however, wins the prize! Wow…. buddy! Just “Wow!” You’ll see what I mean when you watch the little movie clip in this post.
The second was Carla’s willingness to adjust her expectations as guided by her medical team, and to remain completely focussed in her body. She championed her way through it all, and birthed a beautiful healthy baby girl peacefully and calmly.
Today…. as I was finalising their photos for them, I posted on instagram two photos that represented the essence of their birth journey and this is what Carla had to say soon after:
Birth of Estella – St Vincent Hospital Toowoomba from Bronwyn Hawkins on Vimeo.
