Lloyd and Ashley are much more than just clients, they’re family. I’ve had the privilege of capturing some exciting moments for them – the proposal, maternity session, newborn sessions, first birthday parties and family togetherness. One thing I had not yet captured for them… a birth.
As they eagerly awaited the arrival of Levi – their fourth child, but first son – Ashley talked to me often of wanting me to capture the birth. Uncertain of whether he would come on his due date, Christmas, she didn’t want to get her hopes up. She didn’t want me to sacrifice celebrating the holiday and be at the hospital. Thankfully, Levi came early and I enthusiastically agreed to capture this for my sister-in-law.
Baby Watch Begins
With this being Ashley’s fourth birth, I knew she was more in-tune with her body and how she might progress. As she continued to have contractions leading up to their trip to the hospital, she kept me informed of what was going on. Early on December 7 I got the text I was waiting for, Ashley and Lloyd were heading for the hospital!
I knew I had time, so didn’t stress over rushing there and when I arrived they were still in the Maternity Welcome Center. While she had been timing contractions every 6-7 minutes, Ashley wasn’t dilated enough to be admitted quite yet. She remained in triage for a while as they monitored her contractions. While waiting, I drove to a nearby Starbucks to caffeinate and read a little. I returned to the hospital learning that they were monitoring Ashley’s blood pressure as well, since it checked high. They learned Ashley wouldn’t be admitted until later that morning, I returned home, getting some things in order but always ready to head to the hospital again.
At 10:06am I got the text that they were admitting Ashley. She assured me it would take a couple of hours before things were going, based on her last delivery. They began the induction process and we all waited expectantly.
At 1pm I received word contractions were getting stronger and I made a plan to be there around 2pm in case things escalated quickly like it had last time. Once I arrived, I made a plan to document the labor in a continuous fashion, capturing a few shots every hour or so. If a nurse popped in, I would capture that; if Ashley had a snack, I would document that; if Ashley repositioned to try to help with labor, snap. Basically I was a fly on the wall, camera in hand.
The Wait Continues
I captured moments; worked on edits; talked with Lloyd and Ashley; watched the most Office I had ever watched; worked a little more and gawked at the cute outfits Ashley brought to take Levi home in. Lloyd ran and grabbed us Lion’s Choice for dinner. As we waited on dinner, Ashley FaceTimed the girls eagerly waiting the news their baby brother arrived. They met Ashley’s nurse which might have made up for Levi not being there yet.
Into the night we waited. Capturing raw moments of pain, tenderness, laughter, beauty. Ashley was resilient to the end of labor, not taking an epidural. She successfully gave birth to Levi Joseph Byrd on December 8th at 2:20am.
Reflection
There are so many emotions as I relive this birth story. Not only did I capture the miracle of a birth, but I documented my nephew making his entrance into the world. Barbara Katz Rothman said, “Birth is not only about making babies. It’s about making mothers – strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and believe in their inner strength.” I got to see this lived out in my strong sister-in-law as she stuck by her decision to try and succeed to give birth without an epidural. I got to witness my brother-in-law’s strength and tenderness as he diligently cared for his wife. So many beautiful moments captured during Levi’s entry to the world.
Session Location: Mercy St. Louis | Creve Coeur
Session Date: December 8, 2024
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