Brooke Kelly Photography

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Justin Yates, A Birth Story: Nashville Birth Photographer

"We are made to do this work and it's not easy. I would say the pain is part of the glory, of the tremendous mystery of life. If anything, it's a kind of privilege to stand so close to such an incredible miracle."

One of my dearest friends went in for her 41 week checkup yesterday. She wasn't hoping for an induction, but baby boy needed to come out.

After they gently started her labor, I got to the hospital when she was 4cm. Peppermint oil was in the air...

and Mitch and Lauren were having a date night and binge watching episodes of the office.

Lauren's mom arrived soon after and began working on her baby girl. There was lots of excitement and laughter (while discussing celery flavored coffee & vaccines).

Lauren's contractions started getting more intense and there was a complete shift in the room. It was time to get to work.

Lauren had the BEST support system. Mitch and her mom tag-teamed on the massage and pressure, cold washcloths, trash can runs, emotional, and physical support.

When Lauren doubted her strength, we were all there to encourage her and remind her that she was so close.

She was a lioness, a warrior, a goddess.

The strength of this woman was absolutely astounding.

Baby boy wasn't tolerating the hour Lauren had been pushing well and he needed to come out. There was some talk of forceps and that was all Lauren needed to hear to give it her all.

Her bag of water came first and the last bit of fluid with it, but baby boy was still in caul when he arrived at 6:51AM.

There was SO much relief in this room.

Then Mitch announced that their son's name was Justin Yates (which is significant for both sides of the family) and this was Grandma's reaction.

Mom and Dad basking in the relief that their son was here and healthy.

What a team they were.

8 pounds and 2 ounces of perfection

Now it was time for Justin to meet his big sister. Sasha flew into the room and had the cutest reaction ever to her baby brother. She snuggled him, kissed him, and asked if they could take him home. She kept saying, "He loves me. He's so big! Awwww. He's so cute. I love him. Can I hold him? It's my baby brother!"

Melted.

Completely melted.