One of Nyron’s birth stories…

Kailey, Matt and baby Nyron. Born February 17, 2015. 

Shared with permission from Kailey and Matt.You never know when a newborn will actually make their way into the world, or even how. It’s is often a case of throwing it all into the air and taking the ride to see what unfolds, ironically, much like raising children. I love when one of my past wedding couples allows me the honor of being present during such a personal time. Since births aren’t scheduled, I tell them, if I can make it, I am there.

Kailey kept close contact with me during the two weeks past her due date, letting me know about doctor visits, labor pains, etc.  This is the best way to ensure I can be there as it gives me a chance to rearrange my schedule to accommodate my clients.

Kailey and Matt checked into the hospital on a Sunday night, the evening before her planned induction, experiencing heavy labor. I knew she would likely deliver either that night or the next day. I slept with my phone by the bed, much like a doula might.

Grateful when I awoke the next day without any calls or texts about a middle of the night delivery(true, I like my sleep too:), and especially because my husband was out of town and leaving my kids in the middle of the night was unlikely. I checked in with Kailey via text to see how she was and tried my best to provide her with any strength I could send her way. With many sessions behind us, Kailey and Matt trust me as an artist and as a human being and they make it easy for me to be there for them. I knew she had amazing support in Matt and her family, but I really like to be there for my clients in whatever way seems best, and everyone is different.

At 12:30pm that day, after teaching a dance class all the while anticipating that call,  I got a text letting me know Kailey was 8cm and in my book, that’s usually when I try to arrive so off to Marshall hospital I went, completely excited that the timing was going to allow me to once again capture the miracle and emotion that is child birth.

When I arrived Kailey had been laboring all night but was in good spirits, Matt by her side, holding her hand and comforting her. During her labor, her parents, Matt’s dad and later her friend Katie, all were there offering her support. I stayed with them for the next 8 hours(taking some extended walks around the hospital) while Kailey continued to labor, and ultimately began to push. It seemed like it was going to be any time now for about 8 hours (you just wish you could take away some of that labor from your friend- even just an hour to give them a break). Kailey was exited but clearly getting tired. That’s a long time in transition. In the late afternoon she began pushing for the next 3-4 hours and it slowly became apparent that little Nyron had other ideas about how he was going to enter the world. Matt never left her side providing some of the most amazing, consistent and calm birth support I have witnessed. They are strong for each other and it is a beautiful thing to witness and to capture.

At around 8:30pm it was decided to deliver Nyron by C-section. Due to the length of surgery and recovery I chose to go home to care for my own children and meet up with them the next morning.

AND, what a difference a day makes! I arrived at the hospital the next morning to a smiling mom, almost unaware (that’s the beautiful thing about giving birth) of the amount of labor she endured during the last 24 hours.

Smiles, happiness, gentle touches, snuggles, newness, warm loving glances and complete amazement. That’s what I love about photographing births. Oh, and I must admit, getting to love and cuddle on a newborn isn’t so bad either.

I met up with them at their home in El Dorado Hills about 10 days later to capture their love for Nyron in their home. Stay tuned.

The next day…