Being able to photograph a birth has been on my Bucket List for a while. When I met with Genie in March to schedule her Maternity and Newborn sessions, the topic of Birth Photography came up, and she was immediately on board. We spoke numerous times leading up to their May 28th date, discussing such details as our expectations with my presence in the room and the specifics of what would be captured. Each set of parents is different, as is every birth. The level of detail that is captured is completely up to the parents discretion. Genie and her incredible husband Tommy were more than willing to let me capture anything I wanted, knowing that this was my first birth session, and they wanted me to experience it to the fullest.
At 5:30am, on May 29th, 2014, I received a call from Genie letting me know they were en route to the hospital, and that I should meet them there. I bounced out of bed, called my mom to head over to watch the kids (my partner was out of town for work), and I gathered a few things. I headed out the door, and arrived to the hospital at 7:10am. Just as I approached Genie’s room, Tommy walked out with a huge grin on his face, letting me know their sweet baby boy had arrived just 5 minutes earlier! Genie laboured incredibly fast and impressed herself by delivering naturally! The immediate love that filled the room for their gorgeous boy left me in awe. Being able to witness these parents fall madly in love with this tiny little newborn was just amazing. I must give a shoutout to the Sages-Femmes Rouge Valley Midwifery team. These two ladies were gentle and loving – they felt like family. It was beautiful to see how much skin-to-skin contact they encouraged, and how many of the newborn exams can be done with the baby on mom’s chest, or laying on her lap.
Genie and Tommy, I am beyond thankful for you welcoming me into sharing such a personal, intimate moment in your lives. Words cannot express what it meant to be a part of Tommy Jr.’s birth, and to capture these first tender moments with all of you <3
