Autumn and I first met back in early 2016 after I had seen a post on a local Facebook group where she was inquiring about Birth Photography in New Hampshire. I was so excited to meet with her because I had recently changed my photography concentration to Birth, Fresh 48 and Lifestyle Newborn Photography. When we met in a local coffee shop we immediately hit it off and I was praying that she would hire me to be a part of their story.
When I got the call that she and her husband Greg wanted me to not only photograph their birth but also their maternity and newborn session, I was over the moon!!! Sometimes you just meet people that you know you are going to have a special bond with and Autumn is one of those people. When I met Greg at their maternity session in June, I knew that we were going to have so much fun. In between shots, he asked questions about “when to call”, “what my process was” and was generally excited to have me photograph their birth story. Check out their GORGEOUS sunset beach maternity session here.
On July 10th, 3 weeks before her due date and the day we were supposed to meet for her maternity reveal night, Autumn texted me to tell me that she was being admitted for an induction due to preeclampsia. My initial reaction was shock and a little bit of panic because I was literally dropping my husband off at the airport for his 3 week rotation at work. Once the shock wore off, I called and we talked about the details of her induction. Having had 2 inductions myself, I knew a little bit about what to expect so I knew I had some time to get coverage for my kiddos.We kept in constant contact for the next 24 hours via text and once she texted me to say that she was “handing over communication to Greg”, I knew it was time to get ready to go.
When I arrived at Elliot Hospital around 3:30 in the afternoon, there was music playing in her room and she looked AMAZING. With her matching pillow and hospital gown, I knew I was going to love this birth story. She was ALL ABOUT THE PHOTOS! Autumn had gotten an epidural and was feeling much better than when I had left my house but was still very uncomfortable and by looking at the monitor, I could tell that they were strong and very regular.
I usually just check in with a couple, do a few shots of laboring and then hang out in the waiting room until mama is ready to push but Autumn and I were like two old friends and we just chit chatted all through the remainder of her labor. Autumn told me stories about how she and Greg met, details on their wedding day and about their hopes and dreams for their baby girl. I shared my own “birth stories” and showed her pictures of my own kiddos – we laughed at all the funny stories I had about my crazy toddler at home.
Greg was the most attentive partner that I had ever seen. He got her chapstick and Rolaids at the gift shop, rubbed her back and feet, and even changed the Pandora station when she needed more upbeat music. Autumn ROCKED her labor and was singing through her contractions when they got really bad. Then, when it was time to push…the dance party continued.
She started pushing with “Eye of the Tiger”, we listened to a little N’Sync, Sinatra, and a little “Brick House”. The doctor, nurses and I definitely agreed that this was the most fun we had ever had at a birth and when Anastasia came into the world at 11:07pm to “Escape” by Rupert Holmes we all cheered and continued the dance party.
Anastasia Noelle made her grand entrance on 7/11 at 11:07pm – such a great birthday!
We were all secretly hoping she would weigh in at 7lbs 11oz but she was a peanut and weighed 6lbs 13.5oz. Autumn did amazing and Greg was in awe of his wife. It was beautiful to watch them meet their little girl for the first time.
All of that hard work paid off the minute that Autumn laid eyes on her beautiful daughter. Everyone was in love with this little girl already.
The expression “daddy’s little girl” is one that I had never really seen as being true until I saw my own husband with our daughter. I warned Autumn of this phenomenon and it was proven immediately with Greg and Anastasia when she grabbed his finger and wouldn’t let it go!
A baby’s first bath is one of my favorite things to photograph because I LOVE all of those little details. Curly hair, little toes and fingers, AND those little pouty lips. AHHH…I am obsessed!
It was truly and honor to be invited to capture the birth of Anastasia and I cannot wait to watch this little “Twinkie” grow up. Stay tuned for her ADORABLE newborn photography session – she is such a little baby model.
After sharing their birth images, I received the nicest note from Autumn and Greg, reaffirming why I do what I do!
“What a journey this has been welcoming our lil peanut into this world. Seems like just yesterday I was meeting some photographer that I found on Facebook, in a Panera Bread, trusting her to capture one of the most important moments in my life. AND boy am I ever glad that I did. Having you at my birth was such a blessing! Your encouragement, your upbeat personality, made labor an absolute breeze and in all honesty I don’t know if I could have done it without you!” -Autumn
I would love to be a part of your upcoming Birth Story. If you are looking for a Birth Photographer in NH please contact me today to set up a FREE consultation. To learn more about Birth Stories by White Wave Photography sign up below to receive your FREE Client Guide.
