Birth is wholesome, raw, powerful, peaceful - and that’s exactly what this home birth was like back in June 2022.

I wondered at first glance if I needed to crop this in to focus on mother and baby, to get rid of all the distractions around them, when I realised that each piece made up the story.

Below are zoomed in details from this photo with descriptions and tips for both birth photographers and birthers. Dive on in.

The discarded hairband, which had fallen out during labour.

[As a birth photographer and doula, I always carry spare hair bands. 90% of births, I’ve needed to tie my clients hair up. If you’re pregnant, and planning your birth, get your team to each wear a hair band on their wrist.]

The cold compress, once kept in the fridge, to cool her down during contractions, no longer needed.

[One of the first things I do as a doula, is wet some cloths or flannels and put them on a clean plate in the fridge. Have at least 3 on rotation. Amazing for distraction, cooling and calming.]

The folded towel, to lean on during surges.

[Have a mixture of fresh and rough towels for birth. Soft ones to lean on and dry yourself with, rough ones for the midwives to try rub baby down if they need a bit of help.]

The midwives arms, neatly folded, watching hands off in awe of mother and child, close by just in case.

[Having the right team around you is really important, and having a team that allows you to be in your space is high priority. Don’t be afraid to ask for space and calm, it’s your journey, you have the right to do that. They will interject if necessary, however it’s not always needed, so it’s okay to ask for quiet and observation from afar.]

The bucket, once used for hot water to fill up the pool.

[As a doula, I bring a bucket with me, in case we need a spare. Buckets are great for filling up the pool quickly, emptying after, or for vomiting in. If it’s gotta come out, it’s gonna come out.]

The bowl floating in the pool for the arrival of the placenta.

[Totally depends on you, if you want to have the placenta born in the water or out, if you want it still attached to baby or not. Your choice.]

And finally, mother and baby. Finally together, embracing each other for the first time, Earthside.

[The most important part. Skin to skin, having a feed (if that’s what you want) to increase the chance and speed of the placenta detaching and for super awesome bonding time.]

The details are the story. Keep them in.

One spot left for birth stories October, and one left for mid December. Get in touch to book a no fuss, all questions asked chat.

All my love and kindness,