Pics from Sadie's Birth!! Thank you to our wonderful photographer, Colleen from TC Birth Photography. I'm also grateful to my sweet midwives for looking after us when they arrived, I'm grateful to Sadie for giving me the chance to be her mama, to the LORD from whom all blessings and strength flow… and of course, to my wonderful Scott, for helping me during the birth and being here for me as we line up for another round of this crazy ride called parenting!
Please note that though these pics are relatively modest, they are birth pictures so you might see some birthday suit! There's also a picture of Sadie's placenta.
This is just minutes after Sadie's birth. I realized it was unlikely that our midwives or our birth photographer would make it to the birth, and asked Scott if he had his phone nearby to get a picture. He did have it close and was able to snap this picture about 4 minutes after Sadie arrived. It doesn't feel like it was only 4 minutes from her birth until I sat back against the tub – it must have taken just seconds for her to start breathing well and pink up, which is when I sat back 🙂
She latched on fairly quickly too, and nurse for quite awhile. A good, strong latch right away!
The midwives and our photographer have arrived! Colleen started taking pics right away. Our three oldest children got up when everyone started coming in – you can see them sitting on the couch 🙂
I love how alert Sadie is in this picture – she's checking out what's going on around her!
Here's me checking out Sadie! I really like this picture <3
I really like these two little pictures showing Sadie starting to explore her new world!
It's just so amazing to see her unfolding in the water. Precious!!
Here is that moment that I love hearing about with each of my MamaBaby Birthing students – that “There You Are” moment of mama and baby connection. (“There you are!” as originally and beautifully described by Carla Hartley)
My three oldest looking on at their new baby sister
More exploration of her world! You can see vernix flecks in the water!
Me looking on at Sadie – her feet looked so big at first, but she's grown into them a bit now 🙂
Another one of my favorites. Falling in love with Sadie!
Scott thinks he looks goofy in this one but I just love it – he is such a rock for me when I'm birthing. He says he doesn't do anything but having his quiet calm and his strong arms holding me means so much. Even though I'm sad our photographer missed the actual birth, I wouldn't change Sadie's sweet, intimate family birth for anything!
Looking over sweet Sadie!
You can tell that the placenta had already separated at this point because the water color changed.
We get to know Sadie and she explores a little more of her new home!
Keeping her body low in the warm water so she stays cozy with me.
Here I think she's trying to figure out if her hand works to nurse!
Nope, this was what she's looking for!
Scott lit the fire and the candles as we realized that Sadie's birth was getting really close. It was such a beautiful scene for birthing!
Waiting for a rush to help bring out the placenta.
You can see that there's still a little work to be done, even once baby is out <3
Back to gazing at Sadie!
She loved nursing from the get-go!
Breathing through another rush.
Kathi, my midwife offers me a drink. They always taste so good right after giving birth!!
Back to Sadie-gazing
By this point I was really ready for the placenta to come!
I'm telling Sadie that I think we're both ready to be done and tucked in bed!
Scott <3
Kathi suggested that they could get out the birth stool to help the placenta come along and I immediately said I'd like that! I really wanted to be done and I could feel that the placenta was “right there” ready to be born. It's good that Kathi was quick because I didn't really wait to push – I just wanted it out and started working at it as soon as Sadie and I settled on the birthing stool! Katy helped me cut Sadie's cord just after this.
Scott holds Sadie for the first time while Kathi helps me to the bedroom.
Corwin slept through the whole birth!!
Another shot of the older kids – making sure they stayed out of the way a bit, thankfully!
Kathi checking on us after we got settled into bed 😀
So happy to be cuddled in bed with my new baby!
Keeping her cozy.
Kathi checks on her vitals.
My sweet goofballs again
Sadie back to her favorite pasttime
Here is the “baby” side of Sadie's placenta – you can see the “Tree of Life” It was a pretty big placenta!
Corwin still sleeping
Now he's starting to stir a little
He's just so precious!!
Tired mama looking over sweet Sadie. Look at that little head!
Curled up for more nursing!
Sleepy boy awakens!!
He's not too sure what's going on 😉
Looking over the new girl again
Cassidy went and got Honor so she could come meet her new little sister
She's not too sure what to think!!
Mama gazing at Sadie… again!
She's just so fascinating to look at. I love newborns!
So happy to peek at her 🙂
The kids gathering around to look at her before they head back to bed.
Peeking at her tiny head.
Something making the whole family smile 😀
Corwin gives a great smile! He loves having his little lovie on his head 😉
Candles lit on the mantle
Daddy talking to his girl
Cuddling Sadie while Mama takes a needed bathroom break
I love this one <3
And, of course, this one!
Back with Mama!
She's just so sweet and perfect!
And I'm so happy to finally meet this little person <3
And.. tired 😉
Kathi preparing for the newborn exam
Checking Sadie's soft spots
Checking her little fingers
Sweet little Sadie face!
I think it's interesting that you can see her lips peeling a little already
She's not too sure what to think of all of this
Calm and quiet
Precious tiny head (hard to believe that came through me!)
Looking around
So pink!!!
Beautiful girl Sadie!
Time to weigh her! She came in at 9lbs even!
Measuring her sweet little body!
Okay, she's fed up with this!!
Tired mama looking on
All dressed up with nowhere to go 😉
Sweet little feet
And one of my favorites – time to start the privilege of raising Sadie <3
