Birth photographer: "I was allowed to be present during the pushing or if I wanted to bring foundation on the way"
Fauve and Rick are expecting their second child
The pregnancy is going very smoothly and Fauve is able to enjoy everything during this special period again. However, with the previous delivery in mind, there is still a bit of fear that this time might be a disappointment as well. The birth of Pip took a very long time. The little boy was eventually born via cesarean section. Considering certain risks, Fauve will give birth in the hospital again this time.
The check-ups are going well and the little lady is quite comfortable in mommy's belly. The countdown has truly begun and it's slowly becoming time for her to make an appearance. Hopefully, she can give birth the way she wants to.
August 17, '19 It's 08:30 when I check my phone and have received a message from Fauve. The contractions seem to have started and there's even a regular pattern! When Fauve finally gets out of bed, the contractions diminish. We agree to keep each other well informed and I indicate that I am completely ready.
At 11:00 AM it happens
“My water just broke, Rick is taking Pip away now”. As soon as their eldest child is with the grandparents, they head to the hospital. There, Fauve is checked in a triage room to see if the labor is really progressing. Something tells me this could happen quite quickly. Rick takes over communication and indicates that Fauve is having a severe contraction every minute. Soon they are moved to delivery room 5 and their baby is closely monitored with a CTG. As I grab my camera bag and check one last time to make sure I have everything, I see another message from Rick. “Can you bring foundation?”. Uhhhhhhh yes? And deep down I'm thinking: “Fauve isn’t seriously going to put on makeup because I'm coming, right?”. Meanwhile, I quickly stuff foundation into my bag and get into the car with a big smile. The foundation isn’t for Fauve, but for Rick himself; he has a huge pimple that he really needs to cover up, hahaha! I'm used to these parents having a great sense of humor, and I already know it's going to be impossible for me to stay in the background.
When I arrive at the hospital at 1:00 PM, it's clear to see that the contractions are very intense. Fauve is extremely nauseous and there seems to be no break between the contractions. There's only 3 centimeters of dilation! The pain is unbearable and Fauve indicates that she would prefer to have some medication. While waiting for the midwife, Rick takes on the role of a fan, and I put my camera down for a moment to massage her back (men just can't do two things at once, right Rick?). It provides some relief, but there are hardly any moments to relax! Not much later, the midwife comes to perform the final check before medication can be started. The look on the midwife's face says it all and I know even before she says anything what time it is. By 1:51 PM, there's already 9 centimeters of dilation!
This final part of the delivery will have to continue on her own strength
This news gives a boost! It won't be long before their little girl is born. Fauve experiences an immense pressing sensation, a feeling she can no longer hold back. At 14:36, a beautiful girl named Loua is swiftly born. In disbelief, mom and dad look at each other. Already? On her own? So quickly? So different from Pip's birth. I can't help but wipe away a tear behind my camera! Finally, the birth they could only hope for. And then, the proud parents can also let their family know that if all checks are good and Fauve has showered, they will be coming home with a sweet little sister for Pip. This meeting will also take place at home. Because let's be honest; there's no better place to be after giving birth than at home in your own environment with loving people around you!
Once home, it doesn't take long before a very proud grandfather and grandmother arrive with a mischievous little boy. Proud brother Pip understands well that he has a little sister and immediately touches Loua's sweet nose saying: “Beep beep”. After a few kisses, it's really much more fun to go play, to tease grandfather, and to run after the ball in the house.
BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER SHIRLEY
