18.10.2018

EMOTIONAL HOME BIRTH // UXBRIDGE, ONTARIO

CAIT + SHONA

I’ve actually known Cait and Shona for quite a few years now. So I ended up coming across an interview they had done with @diahpodcast on their social media about their pregnancy journey and what they had to go through to get where they were. In which they had mentioned a home birth! (So my brain gears started turning) and immediately I thought that I should reach out to them. Thinking about it now I am so glad that I did! To think that I almost didn’t, well that would have been a shame. But I went for it and asked them if they would be interested in having birth photos done..and now here we are now all said and done and I am writing up their blog!! 🙂

Rewind again, to two weeks before their due date and I get a msg saying it’s go time! ..Wait. What!? I thought, shit it’s time! Baby Is early and I need someone to watch my boys! (I think I was feeling what it feels like being the other partner in the relationship who’s not having the baby! All the OMGs mixed with excitement) Anyways, I got my shit together and away I went!

Cait and Sho are two beautiful souls. Their birth experience was amazing and actually suprisingly calming. Together they were the best team. Shona soothing Cait and Cait worried if everyone else in the room was ok! Big shout out to the uxbridge community midwives and also their doula Kendra who were all wonderful. It was one of the most amazing things I have experienced and have had the chance to photograph. I am so happy I reached out to them because these are some of my most favourite images I have taken to date. Did I mention this was my first birth! I also asked them a few questions and here’s what they had to say!…

What attracted you to the idea of having a home birth?

Hospitals make me really anxious, so the thought of having a baby in an environment that already causes me stress didn’t make sense to me. I knew that I would feel safest in my own home surrounded by strong women. Women’s bodies are built to birth babies and sometimes I feel like we have over-medicalized birth in our society. I am not saying that home birth is for everyone, but I believe women should feel empowered in their choices surrounding how and where they birth their babies. I also knew that I wanted as little intervention as possible and having a home birth was a guarantee that I wouldn’t be quickly pressured into pain management.

Shona was a little hesitant at first about the home birth but we attended a really great information session that the Uxbridge Midwives hosted. After learning that midwives basically bring the hospital to you she felt much more confident in our decision.

What advice would you give other couples contemplating hiring a birth photographer?

DO IT!! In the moment I was a little shy to call you but I’m so glad we did!! You captured the single most magical experience in our whole lives. Best decision ever!

Any other advice you could share with any first time home birth couples?

Educate yourself. Take a prenatal class, learn the stages of labour, think about what you need to feel supported, create an awesome birth team. Trust in yourself and in your body’s power. Women are warriors!

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Midwives: http://www.uxbridgemidwives.com

Home Birth Podcast: http://www.diahpodcast.com

(Episode 126 and new episode 185 so go have a listen!)

Doula: http://www.kendracliffordnd.com

This is Caitlin and Shona’s birth story… <3

Durham Region Birth Photographer