Earthside | Baby Wren | Portland Oregon Birth Photographer | Women's Heathcare Associates
I met Sam a few months ago when she joined a local mom's group I've been a part of for a few years. We both attended a canning meetup, where we worked for hours to can over 100 jars of strawberry jam! Her and I immediately clicked - we had so much in common! She's a midwife who has delivered over 1000 babies through Doctors Without Borders. Her and her family are new to the Portland area but just bought a little house on acreage and are working to turn it into a truly waste-free homestead. She blogs all about it over at her blog Little Green Lives. Sam had already had 3 kiddos before baby Wren came along...boy, girl, boy, and we all wondered if this new little one would continue the pattern. With excitement, as little Wren was born, their older daughter got to announce "It's A Girl!" and she did so with such excitement! Sam's other kids had come relatively quickly, so we all knew that once things started, we would all need to make our way to the birth center. And so when I got a text that things looked like they were starting...I packed up and headed out. Adrenaline at the ready, focused mind rested and ready to photography...I was extra excited about this birth because it would be the first one I got to attend at the new birth center in town! Womens Healthcare Associates Midwifery Birth Center.
Sam was truly a birth Goddess as she silently focused on working her baby down. It was such a beautiful site to see to watch her continue to mother her children in between (and sometimes during) contractions. Just take a look at the photos. She listened to her body's cues and did exactly what she needed to do. After a short walk to a park nearby, we returned to the birth center and things started moving pretty quickly after that. Sam had the wonderful support of her husband, and her 3 littles who truly acted as little doulas to their Mama. She also had her best friend and her daughter present to share in the experience.
As baby Wren was being born, once the head was out, the midwife told Sam to reach down and finish delivering her baby. So Sam did just that. She finished birthing her baby! The hour that followed was filled with so much love it was truly a magical site to see and an honor to witness.
Sam has written a blog post on her site as well, so I encourage you to go and check out her full story.
