Ten months ago a very special little boy was born. His name was Matthew, he had Trisomy 18 and he was stillborn.

I had the honor of photographing Matthew’s birth. Jessica and Jon showed such amazing strength and courage as they walked through a difficult, complicated pregnancy and birth. I will never forget the moment Jon held Mathew in his arms and looked up at his parents and said, “We saw this through to the end. We have no regrets”.

Jessica got pregnant quickly after Matthew’s birth. Prenatal testing showed this baby, also a boy, was healthy and strong! To say I was excited about photographing this birth would be an understatement.

Jessica’s labor with Matthew was long and hard. Her labor with Asa was much shorter and she handled the contractions amazingly! When I arrived she was at 8 centimeters and still laughing and joking between contractions.

Soon enough Jessica got more quiet and serious. Things were moving along.

I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room when Asa let out his first cry.

Asa has the most amazing head of swirly blonde hair!

Congratulations, Jon and Jessica. Your little boy is beautiful!  Thank you for allowing me to document his story.

Asa with big brother Matthew’s clothes.

Birth team

Midwife, Allie Watkins from Haven Midwifery.

Doula, Carolynn Slocum from Birth by Design Doula Services.

Renee Bergeron owner of Little Earthling Photography is a birth and newborn photographer based in Bellingham, WA.