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 | Finley Eugene

This is Finley’s Birth Story

I feel like when I talk about birth photography, or when I share birth stories here I talk a bit about Mama’s labor and delivery itself but sometimes I forget to talk enough about the emotional part of what I get to do..

While I photographing this beautiful birth, I kept putting my camera down between shots and thinking to myself how absolutely flawless the connection was between these two parents-to-be. The bond they share that carried them throughout the arrival of their son was INCREDIBLE.

When I first meet my birth clients one of the things I make sure to tell them is that their birth space is top priority to me~ and if they are ever aware of needing a break from photos that I would leave for a little bit. This Mama said that her husband knows her cues and is in tune with her enough to know if she is feeling an inkling of that. Ohhhh my goshhh, she wasn’t lying- they were a remarkable team.

Kelsey and Donovan picked the Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center for the delivery of their son. I have worked with two birth photography clients at that location already- it is SUCH a warm, beautiful birthing space. The staff at the birth center are just wonderful, they adore their job and care deeply for the families they work with.

By the time Mama arrived at the birth center, she had already been laboring at home for quite some time and when I walked in, she was spending time in the birthing tub. One thing that stood out to me is how calm and peaceful she was between waves. You’ll see in their birth video that she was often smiling and even laughing allll the way up until she brought her sweet boy into the World. I so admire how inwardly focused she was during each contraction, making sure to work WITH her body and fighting the urge to work against the feelings.

I am thrilled to share their Birth Story below. It is my hope that every time Mom and Dad watch it, that they recognize the beautiful connection between them and how incredible of a team they are. There was so much love and trust in their birth space… What an amazing atmosphere to surround your new little one with <3

Congratulations, W family! Thank you so much for allowing me to capture this time for you.

Welcome to the World, precious Finley.

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography : Ezra

This is Ezra’s Birth Story

After 40 hours of labor, along side her supportive husband, this strong Mama welcomed her beautiful boy earthside- and it was beautiful.

Baby Ezra was born over a month ago, and I’m STILL thinking about his journey here. Mama had a bit of a roller coaster throughout her labor, as it seemed to start and then slow for a bit, then hit again quite strongly. When that happens, it can be incredibly emotional to get through. Because of the duration of her labor (40 hours is a normal amount of time for labor/delivery <3) it is expected to be tested mentally, emotionally, and last but definitely not least, physically. Physically not only from the inconsistent waves, but from the sleep deprivation as well.

There were moments when Mama wasn’t sure she could go on, and you will see that in the video. This is one of the reasons why it is SO IMPORTANT to have support. When Corrin grew weary, she had her incredibly loving husband there to talk her through and it and to remind her gently that she “COULD DO IT, and that she WAS DOING IT!!!” He reminded her of her goals, and of the faith he had in her. It was so beautiful! Corrin had her AMAZING doula by her side throughout her journey also! Latisa was an ANGEL, being there for both Corrin and her husband Nate. (I also loved getting to know Latisa throughout the duration of labor and I am so happy to have spent that time with her!!) You’ll see her throughout the video sharing her wealth of labor/birth knowledge as well as providing physical and emotional support.

I feel truly lucky to have worked with this Mom and her incredible birth team. Ezra, you are so loved already, sweet boy! Without further delay- here is the Birth Story of Ezra Mitchell:

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 | Elaine LaRue

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!

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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 | Evelyn

This is Evelyn's birth story

When I first met Mama, she told me she was interested in having her daughter's birth photographed because she felt like there were so many parts of her son's birth that she wanted to be able to remember better- but it was just such a blur.  A happy, emotional, blur.  I really feel like that is the reason why birth photography is so important to me.. It's TRUE.  The labor and birth of your child is one of the most precious moment's of your life (if not THEE most precious..) It's a time that you wish so badly you could freeze in that moment and return to it years down the road.  When Mama sees this video, I hope it'll pull her right back in, to that day.  To the anticipation of riding in the car for her induction with a doctor that she absolutely LOVED and had such a connection with.  And remembering that she wanted some peanut M&M's while she was laboring (and she got them right after baby arrived!!!)  I want her to remember her husband by her side telling her sweetly he wished there was something he could do to help her- and the way that he looked at her while she was laboring, and how he admired her holding their baby girl.  It is my biggest wish that she will remember how excited her son was when he burst in the room running to see "myyy babyyyyyyy!"  (I'm pretty excited for baby girl to get to see this video someday, too!!!  Her big brother fell in love with her in just seconds!)  I want Mama to see this video and see how beautiful she is, and how beautiful her family is.  She and her husband have created this precious family together, and that is something worth celebrating.     

Etzel family, thank you so much for giving me the honor of working with you. 

Welcome to the World, sweet Evelyn!

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: Fresh 48 | Braxton

OH the sweetness.  I did this Fresh 48 Session right after this Birth, and I'm so happy I could be there to capture these first moments!  I'll take you through some of my favorites <3  

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

One super special thing about Fresh 48 photography, is that you are able to photograph family members meeting the sweet new addition!  In this case, little man had his two big sisters come meet him!  Along with his Grandparents & Aunties : )  He was a little celebrity! 

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | big sisters meeting their newborn baby brother! | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I love the ones of proud Grandma & Grandpa! : )

After things calmed down a little, I focused on getting those first portraits of Mommy & baby, and of course baby and Daddy.  I'm obsessed with this one!

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Hi Daddy!  Newborn looking up at Daddy | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

Annnnnnd, these two pictures below make my heart swell.  I know that I always talk about remembering going through these emotions & moments myself with my kids- but I truly think that is what makes a great lifestyle photographer.  When you have experienced these moments in life, it makes it so much easier to know the tiny, fleeting moments to capture.  

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Mommy & her new baby | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I see so much beauty in the photo of Mama and her baby.  I think that EVERY Mother remembers those first few hours with her newborn.  Gazing down at their teeny tiny features, tracing along their perfect little face and wondering how on Earth you created something so BEAUTIFUL.  SOMEONE so beautiful.  This precious little gift.  There are truly no other feelings like it in this World.  I took these pictures about a minute between eachother, because when I saw the way Mama was looking at him, I knew that the *moment* was happening.  So, so sweet.  Like I said, there's nothing like it.  

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Flowers from visitors//Details (I love that painted mason jar vase!!!) | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | newborn first footprints | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Mama & her new baby boy | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

I looove Mama's first portraits with her newborn!  Real, raw, beautiful, unposed moments.  And of course we have the very first bath below.  He was such a sweet peaceful little guy during his bath- he was loving the warm water.

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Fresh 48 Hospital Session | Baby's first bath | Hospital Birth + Fresh 48 Photography | Salem, Oregon | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

It was such a wonderful session!  I just love Fresh 48's!  

* A special Thank you to the Salem Hospital (Salem Health Family Birth Center) for being so kind and accommodating!  As I said before, it is always such an honor to be in the room with the incredible Doctors & Nurses there!