Baby Breck
Personal birth Pictures
Breck turned two earlier this month so I thought it was about time I published his birth story! It’s been so long, I am going to take a different approach to documenting this birth than I have in the past.
Things I never want to forget about the birth of Breck:
How much Sunday wanted to help and be as much a part of my birth team as she could. She brought me combs to grip, she offered me water, she kissed me and encouraged me. What. A. Gift.
How Izzie was observant and calm, quiet and curious. She worried about her mama, but knew I’d be okay. She just wanted it all to be over ASAP.
How Tommy encouraged me when labor really kicked in that I wasn’t “being a baby,” because things had just taken a turn and I didn’t recognize it.
How confidently I spoke when I said “I am seriously NEVER doing this again.” After everything was said and done, I asked my midwife if I could hire her in the future for prenatal care and then just go to the hospital for an epidural. She basically said no. Haha!
When multiple people kept checking on Izzie during my labor and finally her daddy spoke up and said “Hey everyone, Izzie is okay! She’s fine.” They are two peas in a pod and he knew she was just processing it all in her own way.
How I completely forgot in the moment that I had wanted to catch Breck on my own and my midwife had to remind me as he came shooting out. Whoops. Good thing she was there to help!
How my doula team flipped and flopped and grew double the size during the last two weeks before Breck arrived. Due to some health issues amongst the team, I ended up having two doulas present yet subsequently needed less hands-on support than all of my births. Funny how that worked out. But it was so wonderful to have their presence with me, regardless!
How comfortable I was actually laboring on the toilet. I believe wholeheartedly this is why the delivery was so fast. My body didn’t want to move away from the toilet over to the birthing tub, but my heart and mind wanted my family to be able to be present as Breck made his arrival, so I moved to a more open space.
How Sunday took her job of my First Postpartum Meal very seriously. Poached eggs over avocado toast - it hit the spot perfectly! She is such a good cook and loved on me in multiple ways with her food preparation in the weeks after birth, too!
How Tommy tenderly cared for the girls, especially Izzie, as I labored away.
How big Breck was and truly how I FELT his size as he came into the world.
That the TV screen played a Crackling Fire screen while I labored and settled in after delivery, too.
The hot shower I was able to enjoy immediately after exiting the birth tub. The. Best.
That my photographer, Megan, was the first of the team to arrive!
Breck was born after about a week of prodomal labor, about 6ish hours of attempted labor induction, and 90ish minutes after labor really kicked in. Things moved quickly once they started and it is all still very clear to me when I think back to being in labor. I was present, attentive to my body and needs, and surrounded by so much love.
I have SO many thoughts about my journey preparing for this labor experience as well as preparing for my postpartum period. I prepared more for postpartum than birth this time around and I 15/10 recommend everyone else do the same.
This birth was beautiful and the best way to conclude my birthing experiences. I could not have asked for more. Truly! I wavered back and forth about whether to deliver in the hospital or at home this time around (I have delivered in both places prior) and I am so very glad I chose to stay home this time around!
A HUGE thank you to the following people and businesses for their support during my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum seasons:
Traditional Midwifery of Lynchburg (prenatal & postpartum midwifery care)
New Life Doula Services (birth doula)
Lynchburg Doula Services (postpartum care)
New Mother Care Giving (the postpartum care plan)
Megan Vaughan from Vaughan House (birth photography)
My dear friend Dee for her presence and encouraging words at Breck’s birth
My mama for being present and tending to my every need during my first two weeks of postpartum.
Keep scrolling to see a few of my favorites from my birth experience with Breck…
Please Note: These photos were NOT taken by me, but by my dear friend Megan of Vaughan House.
Oh sweet baby boy,
You are everything we never knew we needed. We wanted you so badly, but you have filled so many gaps in our family that we hadn’t even recognized had been there. You are our shining light each morning, bringing smiles to our faces with your early wakeup chats. Your sisters love you and love to take care of you. Your Dada is your favorite person in the world, followed by Izzie. You are a deep thinker, a strong climber, a problem solver, and an independent and easy-going dude who loves to be outside playing in the dirt. You are truly ALL boy and we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Happy 2nd Birthday, baby boy. You are loved more than you will ever know!
Love,
Mama
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Liz Cook is a motherhood, baby and wedding photographer in Central Virginia. She loves to photograph emotional and storytelling portraits, the details of parenthood, and fun and easygoing couples in love. If you are interested in working with Liz, simply fill out the quick form here.
