Chelsea and Joel hired me just two days before their scheduled induction. It was time for their baby boy to make his appearance, and they were looking for a birth photographer. The hospital limitations had been lifted due to COVID-19, and they were allowed to have more support in the delivery room. I connected with Chelsea on Zoom and felt a fun energy.
On my way in to the hospital, I ran into Chelsea's mom and two kids! It was perfect timing and a lot of fun realizing we were on our way to the same room when we were in the elevator. My friend Hannah was on shift as a nurse that day, and she worked it out so that she could support Chelsea. She got us set up in a room with windows spanning two entire walls, all the way around the room. It was the perfect lighting on a beautiful day with an incredible family.
Chelsea’s mom, sister, and two kids were in and out of the room throughout the labor. The kids came and went, then came back again. It was the first time in over two years there had been anyone except me and the husband or other birth partner in the labor room, and it felt so amazing. Having so much joy, love, and support around, especially from the baby’s siblings, was so special. I didn’t realize how much I had missed having other support people around in a hospital setting until this birth. My heart was so full watching everyone support Chelsea in their different ways.
Highlights of the day include watching big sister help adjust the baby monitors, watching Chelsea and Joel get their groove on to some serious throwback jams, and watching beautiful baby Leo enter this world shortly after the sun went down. Bonus: Chelsea and Joel let me experiment with filming at their birth; my first birth video debuts below, so make sure to watch it.
All birth stories unfold in remarkable ways, and I am so grateful to have witnessed this one. Baby Leo was born into such a loving environment; so many people were waiting and excited to meet him!
Leo’s Hospital Birth Video
