Aria’s Birth {Bellingham Birth Center}

As a birth photographer, I never know quite what I am going to be walking into when I get The Call…am I in for a long night? Or will I barely make it in time? Birth is never, ever predicable. I was called to the Bellingham Birth Center in the middle of the night and as soon as I walked in the room, I knew I would be home before breakfast. Cassie was already hard at work and complete in her birth zone.

I love attending birth center births. My first two children were born at a birth center up in Alaska, so these births always have a special place in my heart.

Cassie was completely focused on the task at hand…barely aware of the other people in the room. With no prompting, she began pushing when the time came.

Cassie’s water broke in a huge gush, drenching the midwife. Baby Aria was on her way out, so there was no time to clean up.

As soon as Aria was in her mama’s arms, Cassie curled up around her and just held her close. It was such a touching moment.

Dad and Grandpa admiring brand, new Aria.

I don’t think there has ever been a more proud or prepared big sister than Eliana! Even being awaken in the middle of the night and brought to the Bellingham Birth Center wasn’t enough to dampen her enthusiasm! She talked and talked and talked some more…all about her baby, who she insisted on being named Aria.