Coco Naomi | At home birth photography with midwives and a doula
After almost 14 days of waiting past her due date, Crystal & Cameron welcomed their first daughter into the world on a beautiful summer morning. With the assistance of a team of midwives and their Doula, Karen, Coco Naomi came into this world in one of the most incredible births I’ve ever witnessed.
Birth photography is the biggest honor. Being a part of multiple births both at homes and hospitals is a part of my career that leaves me so in awe of women. There is something so incredible about witnessing life coming into the world.
Crystal was days past her due date and each night I’d go to bed, I’d leave my cell phone on loud afraid to fall asleep. That night I missed it but suddenly woke around 1 am to find a few missed calls from Cameron and off I went. I met with him and their dog, Delphie, in the lobby of their apartment building to get Delphie used to me as she got excited about new visitors. Then we were upstairs to be with Crystal and the team.
Crystal had a birth playlist on the stereo. Other than that things were relatively quiet. Crystal was fully in her body and guided through her experience with her team of midwives, doula, Cameron, and Delphie. Hours passed. Coffee was made, more than a few times. Snacks were put out in case anyone needed some fuel.
She moved from the shower to the tub, to standing, back to the tub, on all fours, and then sitting. Tiny moments of rest, contractions, and little second snoozes.
Eventually, after the sun rose and the day started for everyone out of the apartment, Coco entered the world. It was something that will never leave my memory. And I even captured a lot of it on video which has been something I’ve looked back on time and time again. The video is even used by a friend of Crystal’s in lectures & courses related to women’s health empowering others to consider a home birth.
Being a part of this experience was more than an honor. There is no greater honour than inviting someone in to witness a life you made come into the world. To Crystal and Cameron, I’ll forever hold you two and Coco in my heart.
