Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Harrison Lee
This is Harrison’s Birth Story
This sweet boy was born after his incredible Mama labored with him for 40+ hours (YES, she is amazing!)
I got a text on Thursday 3/14 from Lauren letting me know her water had broken in the wee hours of that morning and she was having contractions- but to wait until she met with her midwife later that afternoon to confirm that things were moving along the way they should be. We kept in touch throughout the day while she labored at home and rested as much as possible to prepare for the arrival of her little babe.
Then I received THE phone call at around 2:00am on Friday and headed to the Birth Center. Speaking of that- I have to tell you a little about the incredible place where Lauren was to bring her baby earthside- The Corvallis Birth & Women’s Health Center I can’t even get over how fabulous it was. When I walked in, it was like walking into a friend’s home- warm, inviting, and COMFORTABLE! The rooms where Mother’s get to labor and meet their baby felt just like a bedroom in a home. Also, I LOVED the midwives :) It has been a month since I photographed Lauren’s birth and since then I have photographed another Mama there (stay tuned for her birth story next!) As I have now met several of the midwives, I have to give them a massive THANK YOU for being so kind and for welcoming me into your space! If you live in the Salem, Corvallis, Albany etc. areas and are expecting, I highly recommend reaching out to them and going in for a tour!
When I arrived to the birth center, Lauren was cuddled up peacefully on the bed with her hubby and breathing through a wave. She was so calm and relaxed! We chatted for a little bit so I was updated on what was going on, and I got a few photos then left the room so she could get some rest. Things were progressing, (but slowly.)
Since Lauren’s water had broken the previous morning and contractions were still irregular/not enough of a change; she ended up transferring over to Good Samaritan (Corvallis hospital) to receive a little extra support to help things along. I’m SO grateful that she was able to have an amazing start to her birth story at the birth center, and when her midwives came along to the hospital it was such a smooth transition! Things went beautifully after that- I’ll let the video tell the rest of the story! :)
You’ll see throughout the video an incredible amount of support- Lauren had her amazing husband Josh and her sweet Momma there. With a labor on the longer side, (did I mention how amazing Lauren is!? :)) it was SO GREAT that she had two support people that took turns being her “person.” I hope when Lauren gets to see the video that she sees not only how STRONG, and incredible she was- but to see all the love that surrounded her in that space.