Every birth is special. Every one leaves an impact on me. But sometimes, there are families that are a little extra special. This is one of those. A little under 2 years ago we walked together through the loss of their son who was born full term, and still.  Often after families experience a loss, they choose a new birth team for future births. How my heart jumped when I got the call that not only were they expecting, but wanted me to be there as doula and photographer again.  As this mamas "guess date" came and went, the anticipation and excitement was building!! 

Soon the call came from her husband that it was time! Labor was here. This mama handled her labor beautifully, followed her instincts. This birth had a little of everything I love about homebirth. Family, friends, pets, children, food, laboring inside and out, and the comfort of your own bed after the birth of the baby.  Everyone took turns supporting this mama, her friends and family, her devoted husband (you seriously rock daddy!!)  and her team of doula, midwife (From Sweet Child O Mine Tampa,) and assistant. Other times, we just sat back, and watched the beauty and strength of this mama laboring in her own space.

As you can imagine, this mama had a strong community of friends and family who cared for them after the loss of their son, and who now were on pins and needles waiting the news of the birth of their newest son. When he was born, eyes wide open, and let out his first call to the world that he was here we all rejoiced and cried (I'm crying again now just typing this). 

I am so thankful to this family for welcoming me back into their birth space. This was so healing for me as well. The sting of loss never leaves. But there is something extra sweet about this joy that comes after. Its true I suppose what they say about the beauty and magic of the rainbow...

"Rainbow Babies" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.

Their photo-video fusion story