Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography : Ezra

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This is Ezra’s Birth Story

After 40 hours of labor, along side her supportive husband, this strong Mama welcomed her beautiful boy earthside- and it was beautiful.

 
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Baby Ezra was born over a month ago, and I’m STILL thinking about his journey here. Mama had a bit of a roller coaster throughout her labor, as it seemed to start and then slow for a bit, then hit again quite strongly. When that happens, it can be incredibly emotional to get through. Because of the duration of her labor (40 hours is a normal amount of time for labor/delivery <3) it is expected to be tested mentally, emotionally, and last but definitely not least, physically. Physically not only from the inconsistent waves, but from the sleep deprivation as well.

There were moments when Mama wasn’t sure she could go on, and you will see that in the video. This is one of the reasons why it is SO IMPORTANT to have support. When Corrin grew weary, she had her incredibly loving husband there to talk her through and it and to remind her gently that she “COULD DO IT, and that she WAS DOING IT!!!” He reminded her of her goals, and of the faith he had in her. It was so beautiful! Corrin had her AMAZING doula by her side throughout her journey also! Latisa was an ANGEL, being there for both Corrin and her husband Nate. (I also loved getting to know Latisa throughout the duration of labor and I am so happy to have spent that time with her!!) You’ll see her throughout the video sharing her wealth of labor/birth knowledge as well as providing physical and emotional support.

I feel truly lucky to have worked with this Mom and her incredible birth team. Ezra, you are so loved already, sweet boy! Without further delay- here is the Birth Story of Ezra Mitchell:

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Harrison Lee

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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.

I’m so honored to share the beautiful Birth Story of Harrison Lee: Welcome, little one!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Birth Photography | Adelaide Opal

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This is Adelaide’s birth story

When I get home from photographing a birth, the first thing I do is grab a piece of paper and write down a few things that stood out to me. I do this for a couple reasons-

1.) Birth is such a BLUR. There are so many little details that are easy to miss, and some that are forgotten. I LOVE being able to write something about the birth on my blog, so I always come back to the piece of paper where I wrote what was fresh on my mind.

2.) It is also important to me that I get every single piece of Mom’s birth story that I have available into her photo gallery and birth video; so that it can be the most accurate representation of that day for Mama to cherish for years to come. Every mother will end up talking about her birth story at some point, and there’s always a part or two where she’ll get the biggest smile on her face remembering something little (or big) from that day. My goal with every birth is to try and capture those moments for her so that it won’t just be a story she’s telling- it will be something she can WATCH and re-live over and over again <3

One of the things that will always stick with me from this beautiful, gentle home birth is her support system.

Mama had her AMAZING husband who stayed by her side and was so tender and supportive of her. (Note the part where he pulls her hair up into a bun for her mid-contraction!! And the adorable note he left for her- stop it! :)) Their sweet, ADORABLE daughter was also there for the birth! She was so excited to be a big sister and oh my gosh she was like a little doula herself! She would peacefully sit in the same room as her Mama, coloring. Or she would disappear into her room for a little bit, then come out periodically to check on how her Mom was doing. I think Mom will love the part of the video where you get to see her daughter reach out and grab her hand during labor, and in the next frame she reaches up and gently touches her Mama’s hair.

I’m so excited to share this beautiful, BEAUTIFUL birth. Welcome to the world, precious Adelaide!

Salem, Oregon Photographer: Senior Photos | SAVANNAH

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HEY YA'LL!  I know it's been probably 1.2 million years since I last blogged, but work & life has kept me busy ;)  I *had* to jump on here and share one of my last senior photo sessions because a.) I LOVED working with this gal and she absolutely inspires me b.) The session was total location inspo because it was gorgeous!  

Salem, Oregon Photographer | www.shelbyblantonphotography.com | College Senior Photo Session | Oregon Garden | Senior posing inspiration | Editorial inspired photography session | Salem, Oregon Senior Photographer | Beautiful Posing | Outfit Inspiration for senior photo session | Salem, Oregon photographer locations

She is absolute model material, right??  I'll tell you- this girl is a gem.  She first contacted me because she was interested in college senior photos.  She is graduating from WOU and heading to med school- I didn't even know her yet but I was already proud of her!!  The main reason she wanted to get these photos done because she wanted to honor her parents and how big of a role they have played in her life and her achievements.  As a Mother myself, I instantly got choked up hearing her talk about how grateful she is to them for their constant love and support over the years.  AND WHEN I SAW HER DECORATED CAP :')

 
 

Like, seriously?  I was so touched because as a parent because this is all we really want, right?  To know with absolute certainty that we have given our children ALL the tools they need to achieve their dreams.  She told me that even if it was 2:00am she could have called them and they would have listened to her, encouraged her, and reminded her to keep giving it her all.  She talked so highly of them and with such love- it was so inspiring!  Inspiring to me as a parent, to remind ME to keep giving my own children that unconditional support- but also as a reminder to tell the people we love how much their support means to us.

I'll leave you with this last set of photos for reference of how gorg her session was :)  If you're a photographer in the Salem/Portland area, I highly recommend the Oregon Garden as a session location!  There were so many gorgeous backdrop options- it is worth the drive!

CONGRATULATIONS to this beautiful soul!  It was an honor to work with her, and I cannot wait to see what she does with this next life chapter! <3