Indianapolis Birth Photographer | Three Oaks, MI. Home Birth | Three Rivers, MI.

The Home Birth of Maya.

I am so excited to share Maya’s birth story! Maya’s momma, Courtenay, booked me with the intention of delivering in a hospital. While she wanted a home birth she just wasn’t completely sure. But covid was just the nudge they needed to make the switch. With the restrictions at hospitals, I wasn’t sure I would be able to attend her birth and I’m not gonna lie - I was sad about that! I can only imagine how they must have felt. Courtenay decided that home birth would be a better option and she surrounded herself with a wonderful birth team. I was so grateful to work alongside them - especially as things didn’t go 100% to plan.

Listen, birth is nothing but unpredictable, and as much as someone plans and prepares… nothing is certain in birth. Maya’s birth was a reminder of that. A short time before Maya was born Courtenay informed me that she woke up one morning with Bells Palsy. It was so unexpected. She had such a positive attitude about it all and I can’t applaud her enough for that.

When I got the call it was “go time”, I raced up to their home in Three Oaks, MI. When I arrived I could hear momma all the way outside and I just knew things were getting serious. I walked up the stairs to find mom laboring in the bathroom as she waited for her midwife to arrive.

Maya made her entrance and had a really rough start. She needed PPV resuscitation and 911 was called for an ambulance. I can’t stress enough that her parents and birth team did everything right. There was nothing that could have been done differently. This is just something that happens from time to time. Everyone handled the situation with such calm and positivity.

I keep documenting and ran downstairs and out the door to flag down the first responders. As soon as I got to the bottom of the stairs I hear little Maya let out the biggest cry! A huge wave of relief washed over me and I knew she would be just fine. By the time I got back upstairs with EMS, she was turning pink and starting to do a lot better. She just had a rough start and transferred to a hospital to make sure all was well. And I am happy to say she was fine and was able to go back home with mom & dad.

This is what I mean when I say birth is just unpredictable.

I was so happy to go back for Maya’s newborn session. It brought so much comfort to see that everyone, especially Maya, was doing well. Everyone was healthy, happy, and at home together as a new little family.