Attending a birth is a sacred experience. I am forever grateful to my dear friends for inviting me to attend not just one, but now two of their birth stories. Candice makes pregnancy and birth look effortless and always beautiful. Thank you for opening your hearts and stories up to me, and for trusting me to capture these moments with integrity.
Candice was due with baby #3 at the end of July, but had suspicions that the little one might arrive early. She thoughtfully updated me on Thursday night to let me know that contractions were getting more consistent. Friday morning she went to her midwife team and was checked. Things were moving right along and her midwife Angie suspected that labor was imminent. Sure enough, around 1pm on Friday afternoon, Candice called to tell me that she was heading to the hospital with a friend. Her husband Joel arrived soon after that and helped her settle in to the birthing room.
Angie dropped all of her afternoon client appointments and met them too. Candice's second baby (Alice) had come very quickly, and no one was worried about this labor lasting too long.
We were all a bit disappointed to learn that the "water rooms" at the hospital were all booked up (apparently in use with pre-term labor mamas), but Candice was still very hopeful that she might be able to deliver in the water.
She labored for about an hour on a yoga ball with help from her wonderful midwife Angie and supportive husband Joel.
One of the most beautiful features of the day was the addition of Joel's sister Jessica, who also happens to be one of Candice's best friends. They currently live together and are raising their 5 (now 6) children under one roof; it is a beautiful friendship and sisterhood! Jessica thoughtfully offered some relaxation and distraction to Candice for a few minutes by drying her hair and breathing with her through several contractions.
After this pampering and relaxing time, Candice moved to the bed for a few minutes of contractions.
Next, she knew she was ready for the water. The bathtub in this birthing room was a traditional size, and it was pretty fun to squeeze 6 (or at one point 7!) of us into a tiny space together. Candice handled the whole thing with grace and faith, as she approaches all aspects of her life.
It was a special gift to watch Joel and Jessica work together to support Candice's labor.
After several more contractions, and perhaps 30-40 minutes in the tub, Candice was ready to meet her baby. Just a few minutes of intensity and pushing followed.
And very quickly, a new life entered the world!
Kai's entrance was unique, as all in attendance agreed. His umbilical cord was actually looped around his tiny neck THREE times! Angie remarked that he was born with a "necklace". Thankfully, since the cord was very long, there were no complications and he was completely healthy.
8 lbs 6 oz
Perfect baby boy and beautiful (all natural!) mama. :)
Much love to this entire family!
~Kate
