Santiago : Birth Story

Santiago : A Family Centered Home Birth

Hanna Hill Photography | Raleigh Birth and Family Photographer

Santiago's birth was one of fierce strength and the epitome of what a family centered birth can really be like. Home birth is such a sacred and incredible way to bring your child into the world. There is just a sense of peace and comfort by being in your own space surrounded by the people you love and the atmosphere you've made home. It's hard to put into words really. Behind every birth there is a lot of fear, anticipation and worry about all the things that may or may not go wrong. It's why most women choose a hospital to bring their little one into the world. In so many ways that makes sense and I love those hospital birth just as much. But home births are in and of them selves accepting that birth is empowering and that you were actually built to handle a birth. That sense of strength and vitality always puts a completely different vibe into the air. A vibe of "you can do it" "you are strong" and "this is a true celebration." 

The morning Santiago came into the world I woke to a text at around 5:00am. I was actually on call as backup for his arrival not the main photographer. In the world of birth photography having a back up is absolutely essential. As much as all of us want to be 24/7 available to out clients, life also happens and births are so unpredictable. I love that in the birthing community there really is a sense of friendship and community because just having someone else that you trust who's art is also beautiful and qualified brings you a sense of peace rather than competition. 

So back to the story I woke up to a text from the main photographer Anna, of Anna Pollit.com, saying mom was in labor and that baby was coming today. Santiago's momma was on her 3rd baby so I knew that meant probably a swift labor but honestly had no idea how quick this little guy would arrive. I woke up showered and waited from a text from the mom to hear how far along things were coming. By the time I was done and dressed she had texted and was seriously ready for me to head that way. When I arrived I was met with the smell of home cooked soup, two sleepy brothers who had just woken up to all the commotion and a momma fiercely laboring. 

She was a true warrior, one minute she was laughing and joking with her two year old son and the second she was peacefully yet intensely working through her contractions. The two big brothers were seriously making us all laugh, they were so incredibly excited to witness and meet their new little brother. The oldest just kept saying, "I'm so excited to meet him." and would run in every once and while to check if his little brother was on his way or not. The family focused vibe was so incredible and beautiful. This momma wanted those she loved to surround her and Santiago with as much relaxed and positive energy as possible. 

I was seriously only there about 2 hours before this little boy was ready to come and see his family. This momma maybe pushed 3 times and he was out and crying, ready to meet his new family. The emotions in the room were uncontrollable, so many tears and laughs filled those first moments. Their oldest son just was over the moon that he now had another little brother to love on and their second son was so curious about how his life had just changed before his eyes.

I got to stay and watch this family of 4 become 5 and it was an incredible sight to see.I got to capture all of those incredible firsts that happen right after he comes into the world from his first feeding to getting his measurements done. It really was such an honor to be apart of this birth and seeing the incredible joy and celebration that comes along with telling birth stories.