“Just as a woman’s heart knows how and when to pump, her lungs to inhale, and her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth.” – Virginia Di Orio
Miles’ birth slide show received some attention recently, when his mama submitted it in response to a call for doula-assisted births for International Month of the Doula. Her first son was born via cesarean section and she missed his arrival entirely because of sedation. This time, she had her heart set on a different outcome–a VBAC. Her labor was long, hard and in most settings, would have resulted in a repeat C-section. However, she was attended by Aimee Roberts, an incredible doula from Birth InSight here in Virginia Beach, along with the patient midwives at Depaul Medical Center. Because of her hands-on birth team, Miles entered the world naturally and into his mama’s open arms and heart.
If you’re pregnant, please consider adding a doula to your support team. Their knowledge, support, intuition and presence for you, your partner and baby is invaluable. It’s a decision you will most certainly, never, ever regret.
Emily is a dear friend of mine and it was an honor to attend her birth last year. This slide show is long — but she truly needed to see every moment captured. Eventually, I’ll be adding birth photography to my list of services. For now, I have my third bundle of joy on the way with doulas Aimee and Christy and the midwives from Seven Cities Midwifery attending.
by Stephanie
11 comments
Stephanie, I will never be able to thank you enough for capturing Miles’ birth! I watch it over and over. He is now almost 1 1/2 years old and I still watch this slideshow whenever I get a chance. Tonight was one of those nights. Thank you for the memories, the sacrifice it took and the healing that came with these captured moments. I love you! XOXO
This is an absolutely beautiful and inspirational VBAC birth! The presentation of black and white photos, opening Psalm and the music are perfectly awesome in telling the story. The clocks, as well as Dad’s darkening beard and the lighting indicate how time is passing and everyone is patiently waiting for Miles, who is taking his time to travel a short distance into the world. Thank-you to Miles’ parents for sharing his birth.
My first job as an RN (1979) was at DePaul Hospital. My first child was born at DePaul in 1981, without pain medications (though I had pitocin), my husband as my coach – Bradley Method(r). There were no midwives or midwife students, or doulas at that time. I am so thrilled that a birth such as this is possible at DePaul today.
Stephanie, you are an inspiration! There is something so endearing reading your letters of love and seeing that love passed down to your children. God Bless your family. Thank you for the service your family willingly fulfills for God, Family and Country. With much Respect!
This is such a moving collection of images, Steph. You have captured the beautiful bond that this couple shares and to watch them endure the laboring, exhaustion, and vulnerability, followed by such pure and wonderful joy…takes my breath away.
I am so touched by your responses ladies — and hope you find encouragement that it IS possible to have the very best chance at the birth you desire when you have a supportive caregiver and birthing team. PLEASE get a doula! You will be so grateful for them. Emily was such a strong mama and wonderful example of a VBAC against the odds.
Wow….that was NOT too long. Of course, I kept watching the “clock” thinking – oh that POOR mama, she’s STILL going! And the music is absolutely perfect. We DO NEED HIM EVERY HOUR!!! Thank you for sharing
And from one mama who had 3 c-sections and had no options for a VBAC, I’m incredibly happy for her to have been able to experience that!!!
goodness…I’m not moved to tears often but that was AMAZING!!! Emily…wow what strength and Aimee is truly an incredible Doula and wow, Steph, you just “captured” it…wow. Incredible!!!!
oh…what a gift! truly!! Stephanie, you are AMAZING!!
i am just sobbing and so moved. the slideshow wasn’t too long…i drank in every detail. i’ve had c sections with both of my babies, and as we consider one more babe for our family, i wonder if a vbac would be possible. this video displays the true miracle of life steph….what a wonderful gift. it also makes me thank god over and over for making me a woman – lol! i love being pregnant, i love the complete miracle of it all, and i was so thankful to have my water break on it’s own and get to experience a few hours of labor with elizabeth. i am just babbling as usual…this video is so beautiful.
What a gorgeous slideshow, Thank you so much for sharing this I hope to have as successful of a delivery (vba2c) myself, this just reinforces that it is possible! Congrats to them!!
Wow. This is a stunning slideshow. I have been planning to get a doula for my first pregnancy and this just reinforces my desire to do so. Thank you for sharing this.