10 Minutes Later | Hogue Birth Session | Documentary Birth Photographer in Houston
Birth photography…
It’s something I’ve always been very intrigued by! So when my sweet friend, Jacque, let me know baby number 4 was on the way for her and that sweet baby’s daddy, Terry, I was 1, SO excited for her, and 2 I was thrilled that she wanted me there to document such a big moment in the life of her precious family! I was even more excited that she was having a home birth, and planned to have a water birth. Of course, as any mom knows, births are so unpredictable and those sweet babies and your body decide the plan for you.
Once it became quite clear that Jacque’s little mister was well on his way, I made my way over around 6:40 pm and found this scene of this beautiful momma laboring intensely. Dad was running around in an attempt to get the birthing tub filled after the hose had sprung a leak and at the right temperature, and the midwife was on her way. All fingers and toes were crossed, hoping and praying that she would make it before the baby made his appearance.
Thankfully, she arrived just in time, and I mean JUST in time! Momma had made her way into the shower, and quickly came right back out realizing that the time was quickly approaching. The birthing tub temperature was too high, and momma did not have a chance to make it out of the bathroom before little one decided to make his debut. Plans are really more like hopes when it comes to birthing your child. Any mom’s out there relate?
Two big pushes, and out he came! He was here, and he was perfectly healthy and beautiful! He arrived at 7:21 pm, about 40 minutes after I arrived and about 10 minutes after the midwife arrived! The sense of relief was all over every one of our faces.
I loved seeing the instant look of peace wash over Jacque’s face the most after those pushes, and all of the excitement shared with the ones she loves the most in this world! It was a beautiful beautiful moment filled with so much joy and excitement! Baby Sterling was here!
There was a beauty that existed in this space in seeing the people surrounding Jacque to tend to her needs and wants. She had so many friends and family who were in the next room hearing her birthing cries, and who stepped in to help get her to her bed, bring her water and chicken nuggets, and making sure she was perfectly cared for and attended to while she nursed her newborn. Her village showed up, and it was a beautiful thing to witness!
My favorite part was watching all three of her children meet and dote over the baby. That baby is so unbelievably loved by her older brother and sisters, and seeing all of their reactions and expressions of love was such a treasure trove of joy and excitement.
And then Grandma arrived to adore her newest grandbaby, but, hilariously, that moment was briefly interrupted when grandma noticed the placenta in a bag on the bed next to mom. Her reaction was priceless, and I was so glad my laughter didn’t cause me to miss that moment!
Following baby’s exam, lots of baby sneezes, and lots of pictures from family and friends, it was time for mom and baby to enjoy a nice soothing herbal bath together. The moment was quiet and serene between momma and baby while dad and big sis stayed close by to watch over these two that worked so hard just a few hours earlier to see each other’s faces. It was a well deserved bath for both of them!
Watching the older two siblings hold their baby brother for the first time was enough to melt anyone’s heart! They were both so happy to hold him and so proud of themselves for doing so. Baby brother was also quite content in their arms, and just caused all of the confidence to beam from their sweet faces.
What a joy and absolute privilege it was to have my first birth photography experience with the incredible Hogue family! It was such a wonderful night filled with love, laughter, and deepest adoration for both baby and momma while they were surrounded by so many cherished loved ones. I loved being let into the Hogue’s world for the night, witnessing the birth of baby Sterling, and observing all of the love and care both he and his momma received in the time I spent with them. I have no doubt that the love for this precious little one has continued to grow since his arrival, and that he is the perfect addition to this wonderful family.
Thank you to Jacque and Terry for welcoming me into your home, into your world, and into one of the most exciting, special and blessed times of your lives! What a treasure you all are and I’m so happy for you and this new adventure you all have begun! Blessings to you all!
Are you preparing to have a baby and want your birth story documented?? Do you want all of those true firsts recorded for you in photographs made by your’s truly? Are you going through IVF and want the story of your journey told? Take a moment and in touch with me and we can start the conversation. Just click the button below, and let’s talk.
I cannot wait to chat with you and hear all about your adventure so far! Until then…
Keep it real,
Nikki G.
Olive Shoot Photography
Houston Family Photojournalist
Documentary Family Photographer in Houston