A Homebirth with Ashland Birth Center ::

Britt texted: I lost my mucous plug last night. . .so, I’ll have a baby any time after that within immediately to two weeks, says Google. HAHAHAAH!

 

And then, the next morning: It’s go time. Midwives are on their way.

 

Me, on the same day: I’ll be on my way in a jiff. Don’t you dare have that sweet baby before I get there!

 

Britt: I can’t make any promises. . . Don’t speed tho.

 

HA. RIGHT.

 

 

It was a cold, snappy December morning, the kind you know well if you live in the North.  I stumbled into Britt and Eric’s kitchen with my camera gear: camera, back-up camera, flash, extra batteries for said flash, and an assortment of lenses.  I was ready, if a bit bleary-eyed.

I found them and their midwives, Savita and Dana (from Ashland Birth Center!) in the bedroom. Baby was still in utero. Whew.

A homebirth is one of my faves to document and once situated, I admired the setting. Their house is a cool, rambling midcentury ranch; fun, offbeat, unpretentious, welcoming.  And that’s Britt and Eric to the letter. Case in point: I’d made the trek to their home, in the early, wintery cold of morning and the first thing I was given? A piping hot cup of delicious coffee.

 

My {non!} speeding turned out to be unnecessary. Labor progressed gently, with time for laughter, morning story time, and snuggles.  Baby Vada {Vae} eventually made her way to earth in the soft glow of early afternoon light.

 

 

To me, the unexpected beauty of this birth story? That somewhere along the way, Britt and I became friends. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment —maybe when she agreed to do a stripped down outdoor maternity session in 10 degree weather because she’s fierce, and we both thought it was brilliant? Maybe when I ran circles around her living room with big brother Killian, after baby Vae’s arrival? Maybe when a ninth month old Vae — who apparently doesn’t dig strangers—cuddled into me for a long, sweet moment? Maybe when Britt gifted me a selection of carefully curated goods, things she somehow knew I’d love? Maybe when I did a “Cocoa with Cows” family session with their family of four?

 

Maybe it was all of these moments?

 

In the end, it doesn’t matter. Her friendship (and Eric’s too!) is extraordinary gift, and a boon to a job that I love.

Thanks, Britt and Eric for everything. For being awesome. For making me coffee and sandwiches. And for letting me document and celebrate the day your family grew from three to four.