Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Elaine LaRue

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This is Elaine’s birth story

I was contacted by this sweet couple for a maternity photo session followed by a birth photography session (I call them Birth Stories!) I was so excited to do both for them because it meant I would really have the opportunity to get to know them before the birth of their daughter AND that I could capture two HUGE chapters of their lives. (Cue TEARS because this makes my heart flutter!) We met for coffee to interview eachother to make sure we would be a good match for a birth story session- and the rest is history ;) Here are two of my favorites from their maternity photos!

 
 

These two were beautiful together. They are one of those couples that you can tell were meant to be, to the point where you’re not sure if or how they ever lived without eachother before they met <3

Nicole and Chandler were so in sync with eachother throughout the birth of their baby- and Mama was unreal as she labored and delivered her girl completely unmedicated and in tune with her body. I’m so excited to share their birth video- I feel like it really tells the story of their baby girl’s birth, but also a story of their love. Dad was such an incredible birth partner- rubbing her back, applying ice packs, breathing calmly and slowly with her, getting on the ground with her, offering water. (He can probably write a book with birth partner tips at this point!!! :))

Miss. Elaine’s entrance into the world was a quick one- so quick that she almost flew over the midwife’s shoulder! And while we’re on the topic of her provider- once again I was absolutely floored by the incredible support at the Salem Hospital. The nurses were SO kind, supportive, and they truly listened to Mama and Dad’s desires and just went above and beyond. Nicole’s INCREDIBLE midwife even sat on the bathroom floor fanning her while she was laboring in the bathtub, offering such loving support by just BEING there and holding that space with her.

Clearly I have way too much to say about this beautiful birth- so I will let the video tell the rest of the story.. :)

Welcome to the World, lovely Elaine! <3

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Oliver

Shelby Blanton Photography
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This is Oliver's birth story

I met with Mama twice before her birth, and we chatted about her hopes and wishes for her delivery. She told me she wanted to try birthing naturally. And she did it. She embraced the waves of contractions, and found this beautiful strength within her. When her sweet boy arrived, he cried for a moment, and instantly calmed on her chest. He was peaceful, alert, and I don't think there was a dry eye in the room.

“THERE IS A SECRET IN OUR CULTURE AND IT IS NOT THAT BIRTH IS PAINFUL BUT THAT WOMEN ARE STRONG”. -Laura Stavoe

There is so much I want to say about this birth.  I want to tell you about how calm, and peaceful this beautiful, laboring Mama was.  I want to tell you about how I witnessed a woman working with her body to bring her baby into the World.  She chose not to use any type of pain relief.  (No epidural, or anything else)  Her husband was by her side the whole time, and at one point, he said something to the effect of "she's got this."  Tianna's birthing space was full of support, full of LOVE, and I think she could feel that we ALL believed in her, and knew how powerful she was in this moment.  You'll notice in the video that her smile radiates between her contractions, and into transition.  I want to tell you about how she made the decision to cut her own umbilical cord, like the incredible, fierce Mama that she is.  I want you to see how she embraced the waves of contractions, and trusted the power of her body.  Most of all, I want to tell you what an honor it was to be in the room with her, and to witness such strength.  Her strength is an inspiration to me, and to all the women that come after her.  This is the birth of Oliver Warren Scott Carroll.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Date Night with Doulas

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Last week I hosted a table at the Date Night with Doulas event in downtown Salem, Oregon.  It was held at Crema Tea Room (they have AH-MAZING coffee and Bubble Tea, by the way) and I was so excited to do an event with these ladies!  Bloom Lactation, Mamaroo: Mid-Willamette Valley Baby Wearers, and an incredible group of Doula's including The Salem Doulas were all there.

It ended up being a super fun evening, and I was so happy to get to know these inspiring women!  As a Birth Photographer, I am drawn to the beauty of birth and all that surrounds it.  I have so much respect for the birthing Mama, for her partner, for the medical professionals, and for the support that she has; before birth, during, and postpartum.

As the evening was coming to a close, I was able to get a few shots in!  The gift bags for Mama full of coupons & little treats, some of the amazing women that were there, the Butterfly Tree (SUCH a beautiful idea!) and a few items from the giveaways!  HELLO Earth Mama Angel Baby products- (My family LOVES the Angel Baby Orange Vanilla wash & Non-Scents lotion!)

On a personal note- choosing the best birth support team for you (Doula, breastfeeding counselor, photographer, postpartum Doula etc.) is such an important decision.  I loved the idea of getting to sit down and "interview" each of us and see what kind of connection we have.  It is important to feel safe, understood, and supported during such a sacred time in your life. If you are reading this, and expecting, just know there are so many of us here in the Salem area that are here to support you!  (And in my case, to capture this precious milestone for you!)  I know that I would have loved to have any of these sweet women with me on my birth journey <3 

  

   

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Braxton

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You know those birth video's where babies are born en route to the hospital?  This birth story was almost one of these.  Mama got checked into L&D at 8:11am and sweet little man arrived in a hurry at 9:12... YEP you read that right!  

Braxton Zade | 4.16.16

So, Mama was 40.6 days pregnant, and had a scheduled induction for 4/17.  Judging by how her pregnancy was, I had a sneaking suspicion that little guy might come before then.  I joked with her, that he will probably decide to come the day before her induction.  HE DID!  I woke up to my phone ringing at 6:56am with Mama saying "My water broke!"  She said the contractions weren't SUPER close together, but I jumped up and grabbed my bags and a cup of coffee and waited for word.  A few moments later I got a text from her.. "They are getting pretty close together- and strong."  I told her I was headed to the hospital!  (Side note.. I had a SUPER SUPER fast labor with my little guy, and her pregnancy reminded me SO much for mine, I just felt like it was going to be quick!!)  I got to the Salem Health Family Birth Center at the Hospital and headed up to L&D.  When I got there, she was in triage getting checked in. 

After that, things went..... QUICK.

Her midwife and L&D nurses were BEYOND incredible <3

Like I said, it went quick : )

Welcome to the World, precious boy!

I'll leave you with the slideshow from this incredible birth story.  This might sound silly, but this video makes me cry every time I see it!  I think the part that gets me the most, is knowing that Mama's Mother was supposed to be in the delivery room, but her birth literally went SO fast she missed it by just minutes.  However, I was able to capture her family's expressions as they first met their sweet little addition.  And, the first boy in their family for a while!  It was just beautiful. Young Family, I was SO honored to help preserve this beautiful moment for you <3

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Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Welcome Baby Thea

Shelby Blanton Photography
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I got to capture this beautiful home birth down in California last September.  Mama is Savanna (www.savannamorgretbsp.com) and I was incredibly honored to work with her!  She is an amazing doula AND birth photographer in Hanford, CA- and was just completely in her element while bringing her sweet girl into the World.  I have never seen a more peaceful birthing experience, it was SO special.  I told her afterwards that I wished I would have known about her doula work when I had my son- she KNOWS birth! Here are some of the incredible moments from that evening.  Enjoy! <3