A Birth Story

Hey there, I’m Brooke, business woman, photographer, educator, wife and busy mama of three little crazies (I mean blessings). My products, services, and resources are designed to help women like you build a beautiful life!

Meet Brooke

A Birth Story

Hunter and I met through the photography world and we became really good friends, really fast. This girl is super entertaining and she just keeps it real. I adore that about her. When she asked me to capture their birth story, I was HONORED. First of all, what an incredible experience. Secondly, Hunter and her hubby had been trying get pregnant and stay pregnant for a while. They endured a difficult season of waiting that included a miscarriage, but Hunter displayed a beautiful strength through it all and shared their struggles with her followers, letting them know life is not always good or picture perfect.

Honestly, I felt a little bit of pressure because I knew just how special this moment was to her and her husband, as well as their families. Lucikly, I live close to the hospital so she just kept me posted! When she was about a 7, she sent me a text, I got the kids to the babysitter and I headed that way! Y’all, this birth happened SO fast! A few minutes after my arrival, Hunter pushed and before we knew it, their sweet babe had entered the world.

Welcome to the world, England Ila Fowler!

A Birth Interview

Today on the blog, I’m sharing a special birth interview with Hunter regarding her birth experience. Pair it with the pictures below and you’ll have yourself an incredibly sweet and tender experience yourself. Enjoy!

What was your due date, and what was your baby’s birth date?
I was due on February 19, but was induced a week early because I had gestational diabetes. Her birth day was February 13!

What was your baby’s name, weight and length?
England Ila Fowler, 6 lbs 9 oz 18 in

Who was in the room with you and how did they handle the labor process?

My husband, my mom, my sister, my mother in law, and my birth photographer (my dad was just outside the door)! I felt very supported by those who were in the room with me as I labored and birthed our baby! I labored through the night and my husband was the best support system till morning when our other troops rallied in. The energy in the room was great and I loved having everyone be a part of that special day.

What did you do to prepare for your labor and birth? Did it help?

I didn’t do much, I just put 100% of my trust in my doctor and the nurses. I knew that they would be able to guide me through the process, and they did!

Was your birth experience different from what you imagined it to be? If so, how?

I had little to no expectations of the process, I just wanted to get our babe here safely! I knew in an ideal world, I would have a vaginal delivery with little complications, skin on skin time afterward, and time to soak in that new baby after. I’d say for the most part, those expectations were met! England did have to go to the NICU shortly after I had her to get some help with her breathing, but I’m grateful there was a NICU at the hospital that took care of her. It also gave the doctor time to stitch and clean me up after my quick delivery and I was able to eat (which after not eating for 12+ hours was a necessity!!), and by the time they were done with that and ready to wheel me into mother/baby, she was finishing up in the NICU and I picked her up. Of course I wish I could have had that immediate time with her, but it really did work out so well for us.

What did you like/not like about your experience?

Candidly, I didn’t love the nurse that was there when I was delivering. The night nurse that checked us in and helped me labor through the night was amazing, but the nurse on call when I actually had England was not my favorite and we didn’t vibe. It’s okay, because when it came time to pushing I really just focused on my doctor (who I love) and breathing through it!

What do you remember the most about your birth?

The hour where my epidural didn’t work!!! HAHA! Just kidding. I remember pushing and remembering it going so fast! England’s head was stationed really low in my pelvis so once I dilated to a 10, she practically slid right out! 3 pushes later, and she was here! I wish I could remember more, it was such a whirlwind, but I loved the experience of holding her for the first time after having her and after waiting so so long to see her.

Did you learn anything about yourself through this experience?
Nothing new! I realized I don’t handle those painful contractions well, that I’m impatient, but above all, that I’d do anything to get my babe here safely!

Do you have any advice for mommas-to-be?

Enjoy it all!! Pregnancy, delivery, and motherhood. It’s all so beautiful, powerful, and joyful, and I have loved nearly every minute of it. I am so grateful for the opportunities we have to bring babies into the world because there is nothing more empowering and sacred.