Hey there, Wild Oak Birth community! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you an incredible birth story that I had the honor of witnessing a few months ago. As you know, every birth is a unique and transformative experience, and this one was no exception. Join me as I recount Saige’s beautiful journey to her baby girl’s swift arrival into the world.

I still remember the day I received the text from Saige up in Park City, hinting that labor might be starting. Knowing that her first birth was a breech baby and had progressed quickly, my instincts kicked in, urging me to be close by. Without hesitation, I rushed down the canyon, eager to be there to capture the precious moments that lay ahead.

As I reached the valley, I decided to wait nearby, even though Saige hadn’t explicitly asked for me to come. Sometimes, as a birth photographer, you just have a feeling that you need to be present, and this was one of those moments. I reached out to Saige to let her know I was close, and her doula informed me that things were getting more intense. With her permission, I hurried to her house, filled with anticipation.

I entered Saige’s home and could hear her moans echoing through the walls, and I knew her waves were getting very intense. No one else was around, and I quickly set up my gear, preparing to support Saige through what I thought might be a two-person journey to welcome her baby girl. As she stood from the toilet, I guided her through some contractions, fully immersing myself in the moment.

In the midst of it all, her husband walked in with their older daughter, seemingly unaware of the intensity of the situation. I shared my observations with him, and he casually acknowledged that she had experienced this before during her first birth. As he began setting up the birth pool, little did he know that the baby was about to arrive at any moment.

As Saige knelt on the floor, kneeling against the bed, her midwife (Birth Journey Midwifery) arrived, still unaware of how rapidly things were progressing. With her gloves on and chux pads in place, she quickly positioned herself to assist in the birth. Saige’s husband and daughter lovingly held her hand, offering their support as the midwife announced, “head.” With one powerful push, the room was filled with joyous cries as baby girl made her grand entrance into the world.

In the blink of an eye, 15 minutes had passed since my arrival, and the baby girl was already in her mother’s arms. Saige’s husband, wearing a look of sheer surprise, exclaimed, “Wait, what!?!?” The speed of the birth had taken him off guard, a stark contrast to their previous labor experience.

In the midst of this whirlwind, the doula arrived, offering her unwavering support to this sweet family. Together, we all celebrated the arrival of Baby Piper, basking in the joy and wonder that fills the room after each birth.

Being a Utah birth photographer allows me to witness the extraordinary moments that mark the beginning of a new life’s journey. Saige’s birth story is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable and miraculous nature of childbirth. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to capture and share these moments with you!

With love and gratitude,

Danielle