Born at home

My friend Marina delivered her third baby in the bathroom of her home, with only me present. Her birth team also included the baby's father and two midwives, but none of them made it in time for the birth.

I had the honor of supporting the baby's head as he was being born. From experience, I knew the moment of birth was close. Since no other support people had arrived yet, I set my phone on a tripod to continue documenting the home birth. I photographed right up until the baby's head began to crown, then I put the camera down, supported the baby and lifted him to his mother's chest.

Moments later, I picked up the camera hanging around my neck and captured the very first moments between my friend and her newborn. This was the second time I have unexpectedly supported during the pushing stage of a birth while also serving as a birth photographer.

I don't know of a greater honor than this.

Unplanned solo birth with only me as a support

marina's birth story