The Best of 2020 Birth Photos by Carey Lauren
This year has been quite eventful. Having a baby is always exciting, but in the midst of the madness of the world, some of that excitement and joy have been clouded with worry and wonder. Having a child in 2020 has been filled with harder decisions and a lot more doubt in making those decisions. These parents had to be strong for their families and still find happiness and gratitude in this time. I was incredibly lucky to have been there to attend the birth of 13 babies this year. Hospital policies prevented me from being present at 3 other births, but overall I am grateful to have been able to support, photograph, and film these families through big changes in their lives. The photos I chose for this post display the efforts, struggles, support and immense joy that was present at each and every one of these births. These are a handful of my favorite birth photos from the year and I am looking forward to 2021 and all of the babies that I get to witness coming into the world.
16.
Of course I have to start with my most epic birth from 2020. Most births are dark or at best dimly lit. This was FULL of sunshine, gorgeous sun flares and beautiful reflections in the water.
15.
Keep holding on.
14.
Soothing warm waters are a familiar place for a baby just born into the world. Your hands now hold what your body held onto for 40 weeks, and it feels so good to look at her and relish in what you just accomplished.
13.
The light pours into your space perfectly and beautifully.
Always put your birth pool next to a window. Seriously. Do it.
12.
In the still of the night.
11.
Between worlds. The helping hands that gently wait for your baby’s full arrival. These hands are skilled, ready and quick. Not everyone has them, and they are something of a super power.
10.
Obviously, I love photographing hands. They tell stories, and sometimes show us more than a facial expression. These are the overlooked moments. Softly touching hands- holding on ever so gently.
9.
Physical, emotional reliance. The feeling of his arms holding onto you, his voice in your ear and the smell of his shirt. This is a recipe for oxytocin. You are safe right here.
8.
He comes QUICKLY and decides that dad is going to catch him. He couldn’t wait any longer to meet you. It wasn’t quite the plan, but it made a perfect story. This is his story.
7.
This walk was not taken alone. He feels it, and he takes on your pain emotionally.
6.
Oh, baby girl. It’s so good to meet you.
5.
Excited, proud, supportive.
4.
The rush of emotions coming to you. There is no feeling like it. Nothing else in the world matters when you’re meeting your baby for the first time. The entire planet could stop spinning on its axis and you’re consumed by the awe of what just happened. This is a moment that cannot be scripted. The most genuine of reaction and here it is for you, forever. Powerful.
3.
Turning Inward. The quiet minutes between close contractions that the room is still. The sound of water hitting the surfaces of her back, and tiles in the shower are all that you hear until her next wave. She begins to breathe deep as she feels it coming on. Her breathing turns into loud moans that become more forceful sounding. Her body is letting her know that she is close to meeting her baby and to keep working with it. She listens.
2.
The feeling of not being in control is a hard pill to swallow. She is trying so hard to be strong and let her body do the work, but she has not yet surrendered. He gently reminds her that she is capable, and how proud of her he is. She relies on those words of affirmation and feels safe in those eyes.
1.
This is it. “We did it.” This is the moment. Overcome with such joy.
My ABSOLUTE favorite moment captured!
Carey Lauren Photos & Film is a birth photographer, birth videographer & doula serving Phoenix, Arizona and other surrounding cities. Peoria, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert.