A Midwife Gives Birth
Salt Lake City Birth Photography + Videography
From the moment Gloria and I met, we connected. Over the years we’ve bonded over our philosophy on birth, photography, as business women, mothers, and our affinity for house plants. I’ve tended births with Gloria as midwife and even documented a few professional and personal sessions. When she asked to hire me for the birth of their second child, I was beyond thrilled and so honored! To be chosen by a friend and midwife that I have mad respect for— it was a dream come true! And to make it extra special, Gloria’s midwife was her midwife partner and bestie, Christine Larson. Christine’s mama and Gloria’s mentor, Cathy Larson, would support as the midwife’s assistant. Talk about the ultimate birth dream team!
Labor started at 40 weeks +3 days and everyone tending the birth (including Gloria) was surprised by how quickly it transpired. I was at dinner with my daughter when the text came that labor had started— 5cm, contractions were short and becoming more intense. We agreed to keep in close contact over the next hour, and my daughter and I headed home in anticipation of leaving. As I re-read Gloria’s text, I remember thinking this birth could happen super fast, and missing it would just be the worst. So I made my way over to the Moore’s fully expecting (and willing!) to wait in my car ‘til she was ready. On my way there I received a text from Gloria’s husband, Andy, saying labor had picked up and she was close. Luckily, I was 5 minutes away. Phew! And can I just say, I love how he knew she was ready!
As I walked up to the door, I was greeted by Gloria’s mama and son, Jack. Inside, Gloria labored on the living room floor next to an empty birth pool, craving warmth. Based on her vocalizations, she was close. So so close. Pushing close. Christine had arrived minutes earlier and was busy unpacking/prepping for delivery and checking in with Gloria periodically. The birth tub filled slowly with several pots of water warming on the stove. Andy began filling the bathtub, and within minutes, Gloria was in the water. She met each wave, surrendered, and breathed her way back down after each peak. After a half hour in the tub, Gloria stood up, baby’s head already born. What a testament of her strength! As the last wave came, she let out a mighty birth roar and baby slipped into Christine’s hands. Christine lifted baby girl to meet Gloria’s hands, and they were both helped back down to a sitting position in the tub. Baby didn’t cry immediately (which is a total variation of normal) and Gloria’s midwife instincts kicked in. Gloria began to stimulate baby’s feet and back, she paused, assessed, placing her mouth over baby’s nose and mouth, giving a gentle blow to stimulate the breathing reflex. Seconds later, baby girl let out her first cry, and a huge smile spread across Gloria’s face! Gloria looked up at Andy, and they shared their first kiss post-birth. Shortly after, Jack came in to meet baby sister, and they celebrated their first moments together as a family of 4.
What a beautiful and empowered birth experience!
If you’d like to read Gloria’s full birth story, in her own words, please click here.
Birth Film
Birth Story Photos
Meet The Birth Team
Midwife Christine Larson w/ Olive Branch Midwifery
Assisting Midwife Cathy Larson w/ Pearl Midwifery
Friend, additional support person, and LICSW, Yvette Melby