Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Holden Matthew

This is Holden’s Birth Story

The moment I met Courtney and Matt, I knew that I wanted to be on their birth team! We met near Salem for coffee to see if we might be a good match for birth photography, and we literally laughed through the entire meeting! They were so sweet together and I loved hearing all about their journey to have little Holden. (Well, at that point; baby’s gender was a surprise- which was mega cool! Courtney told me that she had been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden, and her pregnancy required injections throughout her pregnancy as well as being closely monitored by her doctor. (This incredible Mama injected herself with over 500 needles in the duration of her pregnancy!)

(Courtney & Matt’s sunset maternity session at a pumpkin patch in Salem, Oregon)

When I arrived at the hospital in Corvallis, Courtney had already been laboring for quite some time- but she was so in tune with her body and smiling through unmedicated waves. She was progressing, but slowly. After more time had passed, pit had been administered, and her water had been broken for some time~ a red flag came up with babe. Courtney and her doctor decided it would be in her and baby’s best interest to go ahead and deliver via c-section.

Holden was born via a gentle c-section, and was placed on Mama’s chest after being quickly dried off (to keep him warm!) It was such a beautiful experience and I am beyond honored to have captured it- and that Mom and Dad have given permission to share their story <3

Watch the Birth slideshow below to see images and video clips from Holden’s birth-day! Mom and Dad had both sets of parents (AKA the new Grandparents!!) to help welcome into the World.. Holden Matthew, you are so loved little guy!

Welcome to the World, precious boy!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Harrison Lee

This is Harrison’s Birth Story

This sweet boy was born after his incredible Mama labored with him for 40+ hours (YES, she is amazing!)

I got a text on Thursday 3/14 from Lauren letting me know her water had broken in the wee hours of that morning and she was having contractions- but to wait until she met with her midwife later that afternoon to confirm that things were moving along the way they should be. We kept in touch throughout the day while she labored at home and rested as much as possible to prepare for the arrival of her little babe.

Then I received THE phone call at around 2:00am on Friday and headed to the Birth Center. Speaking of that- I have to tell you a little about the incredible place where Lauren was to bring her baby earthside- The Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center I can’t even get over how fabulous it was. When I walked in, it was like walking into a friend’s home- warm, inviting, and COMFORTABLE! The rooms where Mother’s get to labor and meet their baby felt just like a bedroom in a home. Also, I LOVED the midwives :) It has been a month since I photographed Lauren’s birth and since then I have photographed another Mama there (stay tuned for her birth story next!) As I have now met several of the midwives, I have to give them a massive THANK YOU for being so kind and for welcoming me into your space! If you live in the Salem, Corvallis, Albany etc. areas and are expecting, I highly recommend reaching out to them and going in for a tour!

When I arrived to the birth center, Lauren was cuddled up peacefully on the bed with her hubby and breathing through a wave. She was so calm and relaxed! We chatted for a little bit so I was updated on what was going on, and I got a few photos then left the room so she could get some rest. Things were progressing, (but slowly.)

Since Lauren’s water had broken the previous morning and contractions were still irregular/not enough of a change; she ended up transferring over to Good Samaritan (Corvallis hospital) to receive a little extra support to help things along. I’m SO grateful that she was able to have an amazing start to her birth story at the birth center, and when her midwives came along to the hospital it was such a smooth transition! Things went beautifully after that- I’ll let the video tell the rest of the story! :)

You’ll see throughout the video an incredible amount of support- Lauren had her amazing husband Josh and her sweet Momma there. With a labor on the longer side, (did I mention how amazing Lauren is!? :)) it was SO GREAT that she had two support people that took turns being her “person.” I hope when Lauren gets to see the video that she sees not only how STRONG, and incredible she was- but to see all the love that surrounded her in that space.

I’m so honored to share the beautiful Birth Story of Harrison Lee: Welcome, little one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Genevieve Louise

This is the birth story of Genevieve

Today I’m sharing a different kind of birth story. This was a journey that began with a family of three wishing for a second baby, and a loving friend who was eager to help. The surrogate Mama, Brooke already has two amazing kiddos of her own and is one of the sweetest, STRONGEST people you’ll meet. (I am lucky to know her from years ago when I worked with her! Shout out to Brooke as she was the best boss ;)) I’m so grateful that she reached out to me to capture part of their journey together. Before the birth, we took some maternity photos of both families together. It was SO FUN getting to see them all together- I’m so happy Brooke decided to capture her pregnancy also!

Salem, Oregon Maternity & Birth Photographer | Surrogacy Family session in Salem, Oregon | What to wear for Family photos | Surrogacy photo session pose guide | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I really can’t put into words how incredible it was to witness and capture the birth of this very LOVED, sweet girl. Watching one woman give the gift of carrying and delivering another woman’s baby was just, so powerful. It was one of those moments in life where you are reminded of how capable we are of changing someone else’s life for the better. So many things in life we take for granted- like the ability to sustain a healthy pregnancy and go through labor and delivery. Brooke gave this incredible family the most beautiful, selfless gift. Not only that- but the huge amount of trust and admiration you must have for the person you choose to carry your CHILD. I am in awe of both of these women. Surrogacy is SO amazing- and I was so happy to get to capture part of this journey for them; including their birth story!

Here is the birth story of Miss.Genevieve Louise. Enjoy!

I also wanted to say a huge thank you to these two amazing families for allowing me to share their surrogacy birth story. It is so important to share all types of birth, and all the different ways to become a family. THANK YOU!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Oliver

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 | Braxton

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!  

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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.

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

Like I said, it went quick : )

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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

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