Last week Debra and Nate welcomed a new baby into their family, at home.
If you have followed my work in the past year, you will know that my journey into professional photography began with another baby Debra delivered, about a year ago; Baby Paul and his beautiful, but short life have touched so many! I love Debra’s words from Psalms, chalked in her kitchen, “my HOPE is from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation”. The significance of that hope is so evident in the beautiful gift they have been given a year later, in sweet little DAISY HOPE.
I can not show you everything from this birth, but I have chosen a few images that tell this story (modestly!) and demonstrate the beauty of giving birth at home. Be warned, there is one placenta shot that was just too cool to not include! Debra’s nurse midwife (in the pony tail) was an amazingly talented woman; contact Renee if you are interested in a similar experience.
And from a photography standpoint, this was probably the most challenging job I’ve ever had (weddings, somehow seem easy now!). It was very early in the morning, very dark, and everything happens very fast. Part of me wanted a “do-over” as soon as I left later that morning, now that I know what to expect. Another part of me was very thankful for the images stored on my CF card, because I knew I would not be able to ever put into words the breath-taking experience of watching a birth through my lens!
One thing is certain, this family and the experiences I have with them, seem to change me and affect me in profound ways! Their love for each other, patience in trial, and hope in Christ above all– is a blessing to all who come in contact with them.
love you guys!
And welcome Daisy Hope:
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Megan - beautiful. absolutely beautiful. You did a spectacular job, and I can only imagine how grateful the family will be for these photos. what an AMAZING moment to be a part of!
Life with Kaishon - Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh.
I think this is the most beautiful photo story I have ever seen.
Tears are streaming down my face. I am so very, very happy for them.
Thank you Jesus for baby Daisy Hope.
3XZAMOM - Breathless…
Susan Keller - so thrilled for this dear family. crying tears –happy tears this time — on their behalf. God is Good.
And Sarah – wow. such beautiful, honest, raw, action-packed, people-filled, hope-overflowing, in-the-moment photographic images. Such a gift …
andria - Like everyone else, I too am crying. Beautiful story told through these images, Sarah.
Kris Allbright - sarah,
these are just breathtaking. There is nothing I love more than birth images and newborns..This post is amazing!!!!
Sharon Garrett - I have never seen anything like this before….truly an amazing experience. Praise God all went well and your baby girl is here safe and sound. Congratulations to everyone!
Love,
Sharon
molly - awesome work! love the 2nd to last one on the bed. beautiful & touching! xoxo
Ingrid (midwife) - Beautifully portrayed, Sarah! You’ve managed to capture the essence of a homebirth – the family involvement, the intimacy, the waiting… the waiting… and the joy, made all the more poignant after their past experience. Welcome to the world, Daisy Hope!
Jen - I have been a fan of The Animator’s Wife for ages – I love, love, love your work, and I stumbled my way here just recently. Oh. My. Goodness. I am so moved by this particular post that I had to write and say THANK YOU for your work, thank you for your commitment to your gifting, and thank you for sharing it with us. Such beauty. Like everyone else, I am crying at the miracle of this birth and the beauty of the way you have captured it. Wow. Just wow.
Kellie - for having such low light, sarah, you captured this beautifully! love that 2nd to the last, and the starbucks and charting dippy.
your questions, answered! » Image Bearers Photography - [...] “experimenting” with some different types of lifestyle sessions lately, see here and here and here; these were challenging because it was my first experience. I would love to do more [...]
Caroline (Frogmum) - Beautiful pictures
Such a blessing to be part of this wonderful birth 
It’s funny though, how different things are ‘across the pond’ ~ I’ve had seven home-births now (number 8 due to happen any day…) and been midwife for a few too in years past – the ‘equipment’ is quite different! I’m curious… what is the midwife giving the baby in the dropper?
You have captured the essence of birth so wonderfully ~ the family event taking place
Wishing too that you could be here to capture mine for me ~ I’m not sure my 13yo son will be a willing photographer for this one!! 
LuAnn - if i would have had my own babies, i wanted to birth them at home!