As a birth photographer, I don't just capture moments—I capture stories of strength, love, and resilience during one of life's most transformative experiences. My camera is an extension of my heart, allowing me to witness the power of bringing new life into the world while offering support in those vulnerable moments.
When I arrived at the hospital at noon, the room was serene. Soft light filtered through the shades as Kaylee rested in bed, preparing mentally for labor. She had just received her first dose of Cytotec, and her husband JT was by her side, steady and calm. The journey was beginning—a journey I was honored to document.
Labor progressed slowly. Another dose of Cytotec followed, and by late afternoon, a Foley balloon and low-dose Pitocin were introduced to encourage progress. Kaylee remained patient, embracing each moment with quiet determination.
Kaylee’s best friend Maddie and her partner, Blake, visited with their son, offering light and laughter, while Kaylee FaceTimed her mother, bringing a sense of connection even from afar.
I wanted to give Kaylee and JT space for rest and intimacy. I left the hospital for a few hours and returned in the evening with a blueberry protein shake from Soul Fire Nutrition. Kaylee said it was the best thing she had ever had. Over the next several hours, she repeatedly let me, as well as everyone else in the room know that she desperately wanted a banana. Around 11PM, after we searched the labor and delivery floor with no luck, my husband hand delivered two bananas for her. I will never forget how happy those bananas made Kaylee, amidst her active labor.
“The side effects of Cytotec are WHAT”
As the hours passed and labor intensified, the atmosphere began to shift. Kaylee’s strength never wavered. With the help of IV pain medication and Benadryl, she managed brief moments of rest from the pain. JT stayed by her side, supporting her through each contraction with the techniques we had practiced together earlier, before active labor had begun. By 3:30 AM, Kaylee decided it was time for an epidural. Though the process was long and painful, Kaylee’s strength was persevering, with her birth team, JT, and I providing the reassurance and love she needed to push through.
Despite these efforts, labor continued to stall. At 7:30 AM, the medical team broke Kaylee’s water, hoping to accelerate the process. Two hours later, they placed a head monitor to track Lakyn’s heart rate more closely. Her aunt Shelley arrived, a strong and influential women in Kaylee’s life. Subtle changes—whispers from the staff, adjustments to the Pitocin—indicated that concern was growing. Kaylee remained focused, unaware of the concern shifting that JT, Shelley, and I were bearing witness too. .
By 11:00 AM, the decision was made to proceed with an emergency C-section. The lack of clear communication left Kaylee feeling unprepared for this turn of events .As they wheeled her to the OR, JT and I waited anxiously outside before being allowed to join.
The moment I entered the room, I saw JT’s eyes wallowing with tears. When I asked if it was from fear or happiness, he said, “Both.” His raw emotion filled the room.
Lakyn’s first cry filled the room, a sound Kaylee later said was her favorite moment of the entire experience. JT, too, transformed in that moment—his love for Kaylee and their daughter radiated in every glance. Kaylee, despite the challenges, remained a beacon of strength. Though initially estimated to be a large baby, Lakyn arrived at just over six pounds, a detail that highlights the importance of informed consent and more personalized care in childbirth. We had all just witnessed a prime, unfortunate example of how so many unnecessary inductions lead to necessary c-sections.
As JT held their newborn daughter, Lakyn Avery, for the first time, Kaylee’s hand lay empty. The room buzzed with activity, but I could sense her need for comfort. I set my camera down and asked if she needed a hand to hold. She answered with a quiet, trembling “yes”. I stood by her, hand in hand, as she admired her beautiful baby girl.
Kaylee’s transformation didn’t come with Lakyn’s cry but in the realization that her decisions now centered on her child. This experience deepened her patience, understanding, and advocacy for herself and her baby.
Throughout the process, Kaylee’s nurses were guiding lights. Their kindness and calm helped Kaylee navigate the unknowns of labor and delivery, and the gentle presence of country music in the OR eased the sterile atmosphere. It was in these moments—the long eyelashes Kaylee noticed, Lakyn’s strong grip—that the weight of the journey made sense.
Lakyn, a name Kaylee had cherished since childhood, entered the world surrounded by love. Her middle name, Avery, honors a role model from JT’s past, connecting their family to its future. As they embark on this new chapter, the love between Kaylee, JT, and Lakyn has only grown stronger.
For me, this birth was more than the arrival of a new life—it was a moment of clarity. I realized that documenting births is just one part of my calling. Kaylee’s story, with its unexpected turns and moments of raw emotion, solidified my path toward becoming a certified doula. I’m not just here to take photos—I’m here to advocate for and support women through every stage of their birth journey, ensuring they feel empowered, educated, and understood.
