Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Finley Eugene

August 13, 2019 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

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

May 04, 2019 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

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 | Adelaide Opal

December 22, 2018 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

This is Adelaide’s birth story

When I get home from photographing a birth, the first thing I do is grab a piece of paper and write down a few things that stood out to me. I do this for a couple reasons-

1.) Birth is such a BLUR. There are so many little details that are easy to miss, and some that are forgotten. I LOVE being able to write something about the birth on my blog, so I always come back to the piece of paper where I wrote what was fresh on my mind.

2.) It is also important to me that I get every single piece of Mom’s birth story that I have available into her photo gallery and birth video; so that it can be the most accurate representation of that day for Mama to cherish for years to come. Every mother will end up talking about her birth story at some point, and there’s always a part or two where she’ll get the biggest smile on her face remembering something little (or big) from that day. My goal with every birth is to try and capture those moments for her so that it won’t just be a story she’s telling- it will be something she can WATCH and re-live over and over again <3

One of the things that will always stick with me from this beautiful, gentle home birth is her support system.

Mama had her AMAZING husband who stayed by her side and was so tender and supportive of her. (Note the part where he pulls her hair up into a bun for her mid-contraction!! And the adorable note he left for her- stop it! :)) Their sweet, ADORABLE daughter was also there for the birth! She was so excited to be a big sister and oh my gosh she was like a little doula herself! She would peacefully sit in the same room as her Mama, coloring. Or she would disappear into her room for a little bit, then come out periodically to check on how her Mom was doing. I think Mom will love the part of the video where you get to see her daughter reach out and grab her hand during labor, and in the next frame she reaches up and gently touches her Mama’s hair.

I’m so excited to share this beautiful, BEAUTIFUL birth. Welcome to the world, precious Adelaide!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Elaine LaRue

October 12, 2018 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

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!

Salem, Oregon Maternity & Birth Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com

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

November 20, 2017 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

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

Shelby Blanton Photography

March 18, 2017 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

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

May 06, 2016 by Shelby Blanton in Birth Photography

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!

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 : )

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

Embed Block

Add an embed URL or code. Learn more