Dad Delivers His Own Baby at Boca Regional Hospital: A Birth Photographer’s Dream Moment You Won’t Believe!

The only thing better than working with a Birth Photography client here in South Florida, where I get to capture my client and her husband going through the process of labor, preparing to meet their newborn baby for the very first time and become parents to that little one is having the opportunity to work with that same family more than once!

Hands-down, one of my very favorite things about being a South Florida Birth Photographer besides capturing my client meeting her baby and completely falling in love with her little bundle of joy is when I get that text or phone call letting me know that my client is pregnant again and that she wants to hire me again!

Repeat Birth Photography client, is a client who wants Birth Photography and loved working with me for a previous birth and decide to hire me again the next time they are pregnant.

About a third of all of my Birth Photography clients here in Boca Raton are repeat clients who are hiring me for the second, third, and even forth time (I’ve had 6 families hire me for four births in the last ten years!)

What is super exciting and especially a treasure about working with my repeat Birth Photography clients is that we’ve gotten to know each other over the course of a previous pregnancy especially since a majority of my clients hire me for their baby’s birth when they are in their first trimester, so we have plenty of time during the second and third trimester to get to know each other, and often times a majority of my Birth Photography clients will also hire me to do their pregnancy announcement photo session and a maternity photoshoot.

If this baby that my Birth Photography client hired me for is not their very first baby and they are not first time parents, my clients will often hire me to come back to the hospital the day after they give birth while they’re in the postpartum unit of the hospital and capture their toddler or older children arriving to the hospital to meet the baby in what I call a Fresh 48 Photo Session.

Although, the majority of my Fresh 48 Photo Sessions here in Boca Raton have been with my couples who are having their very first baby, hiring me for a 48 photo session with just their husband and their newborn baby girl or baby boy in the postpartum wing of the hospital. I think this is so special because it’s an entirely different photography style from Birth, its the day after your birth, you’ve showered, gotten dressed, gotten out of bed, touched up hair and some light makeup, and now are able to entirely focus on your baby, and not the birthing process.

Each photo session type, whether Birth Photography or a Fresh 48 Photo Session, carry with it a uniqueness and beautiful story telling.

I especially love doing photo sessions at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital in East Boca as well as West Boca Medical Center (The Birthcare Pavillion at West Boca Medical Center) because I’m so familiar with the natural lighting from the windows in these hospitals as well as what the postpartum rooms look like.

Many families in lieu of a Fresh 48 Photo Session in the hospital will do an on-call coming home photo session which can be done either impromptu, as the couple comes home from the hospital with their new baby for the first time and their older children or the grandparents are there waiting for their arrival home from the hospital so they can meet the baby for the first time.

I always try to include my Birth Photography client’s furbabies so whether they have a dog or a kitty at home, we make sure they get to meet the new baby too. I recommend for my Boca Raton Birth Photography clients to bring home a blanket from the hospital (with hubby or grandparents) the day before the baby is discharged from the hospital so that the dog or cat at home can get use to the baby’s new smell before the official arrival at home.

My On-Call Coming Home Photo Sessions are a relaxing session because while yes, it does happen as you arrive home from the hospital so you’re probably not feeling the same as when you schedule a Family Centered Newborn Photo Session in your home for once your baby is a couple of weeks old, and you’ve had a chance to heal a little bit from the labor and delivery as well as find a new routine with the new baby in your life.

But On-Call Coming Home Sessions can be really special to capture fleeting, very first reactions from older kids, especially.

What really always gets me in the heart is when grandparents are included either Fresh 48 Photo Session iin the hospital or the On-Call Coming Home Photo Sessions at home because there is nothing quite as remarkable as capturing the expressions on the faces of grandparents meeting the newborn baby for the first time.

The only other thing that top this is the reaction of parents meeting their baby for the very first time during the delivery that I love capturing here in Boca Raton with my Birth Photography services.

So with my Birth Photography clients in my Boca Raton Birth Photography Blog photos, I had the opportunity to get to know them during their very first pregnancy with their baby girl. We touched base frequently during her pregnancy while she was under the care of her Midwives, Tyler, Rachel, Adrienne and Laurie at Women’s Health Partners in Boca Raton, and I really enjoyed all of our prenatal check-ins during her entire first pregnancy. I treasured being able to also be present for her in a emotionally supportive way and I value whenever I have strong bond with my Birth Photography clients such as this when my client is absolutely open to receiving guidance or advice that has worked for previous clients or even for me in previous pregnancies. It is truly a treasure to be trusted in that way.

When I came into my Birth Photography clients birth at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital for her second baby, a baby boy this time around, I had to right away take a picture of her husband‘s visitor sticker on his T-shirt because it literally had my birthday listed on it which was so special to me that my client was having her son on the day of my birthday!

Midwife Tyler from Women’s Health Partners came in and she is always such a radiant presence that brings so much calm and joy and warmth into a birthplace.

I was really lucky that one of the labor and delivery nurses that was part of my Boca Raton Birth Photography client’s team is a good friend of mine, you can really feel that in the energy of the birthplace when the team has worked together so many times that everyone feels super comfortable around each other. It almost brings another layer of comfort to the birthing mom.

I love the expressions on my Birth Photography client’s husband’s face because he is so excited for his powerful wife and can really see that expressed in all of the photos.

What’s so cool is his active participation in delivering his own newborn baby boy.

This is one of the coolest experiences in the entire universe to see a dad not only meet his son for the first time during the delivery, but also, actually get to catch him himself.

While I always recommend your Certified Nurse Midwife (such as Tyler from Women’s Health Partners in this specific birth) or OB/GYN to assist in the delivery to make sure that if there are any complications or difficulties, your provider is right there with a seamless transition from womb to world, but it is the most exciting thing to witness a dad catching his own child.

And of course, all the Midwives At Women’s Health Partners are so supportive of parents who are wanting to bring their baby into the world in this way, which is so awesome to know that you got these phenomenal medical care providers in your corner during one of the most incredible experiences of your life!

I have had my Birth Photography clients over the last ten years delivered by all four of the Midwives At Women’s Health Partners, as well as all of the OB/GYNs that support the Midwifery team at Womens Health Partners and I really love working with such a diverse team because you’ve got the best of both worlds Obstetrician and Midwifery care depending on what the patient expectation and needs are.

I really love my Birth Photography client’s emotional reactions in all of these photos.

It really goes to show that even when it’s not your very first baby, you have a powerful reaction to each new baby that you meet because the love is unprecedented regardless of which baby it is!

Of course my Birth Photography’s client husband cut the cord just as he did with his first baby girl and then they finally got to take a good look of baby boys face who was so super cute and so much hair!

I wonder if the old wives tail about heartburn is true for every single person whose baby has a lot of hair at birth! Was it true?

I wouldn’t be able to say because I had heartburn, but my two babies did not have any hair.

I really appreciate when you’re working with Midwifery care that they take the time to show you your placenta, while some people might think that it’s icky, what’s really amazing is that this powerful organ that you’ve never had in your body is grown only exclusively for your babies birth!

And I appreciate when the midwives take the time to show their patient and their patient’s husband, the placenta and what it looks like and where it was attached and which side the baby was against during the entire pregnancy because it really shows how passionate they are during pregnancy which I think is so incredibly important that people who are going into the birthplace go into it with as much information and education as possible so that they can make truly informed decisions and not just not their head yes or no without knowing what they are agreeing to. I really love that.

My client and her husband hired me for both of their births which they had at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital and it is always really cool to compare the experiences from one birth to the next, especially when they occur in the same facility and I will say that it was wonderful seeing them have a super supported experience with both of their babies, despite their birth teams being a little bit different each time because they are very first baby was delivered by their Midwife Adrienne second baby was delivered by Midwife Tyler from the same practice.

Even when my clients choose to work with an OB/GYN for their birth, their birth story can be super beautiful and even when my clients choose to Schedule an induction or a C-section or whether those are not scheduled and they happen unexpectedly birth experience can still be incredibly fulfilling and beautiful to see you later in the birth photos although I do want to say that it was really cool that my clients husband wanted to put on gloves and inspect his babies placenta himself that was definitely a first that I have ever seen at any Birth whether in the hospital or at home here in Boca Raton South Florida!

At the end of every Birth, if everyone is willing and available, I always try to take a group birth photo of my client and her baby with her birth team.

I think this is so important to commemorate the amazing people who dedicated themselves to my client and her baby throughout the entire labor and delivery process as well as the care of the baby and postpartum!

I always try to make sure as well that I photograph as much of the newborn exam as I can because the goal is to keep the baby away from the mom for too long to skin and the baby’s heart rate and the newborn temperature as well as the mom’s milk to come in are all very sensitive things during the newborn phase at birth, so the newborn exam always goes by very quickly and so I have to be on my toes and capture it as quickly as possible.

I try to get a picture of the baby as well both pounds and grams because some families especially from outside of the United States understand babies birthweights better than in pounds

I always try to get a picture of the baby and it’s really cool when the nurses use an ink pad so that I can photograph the ink on the bottom of the babies feet but lately the nurses at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital and East Boca have been using this type of invisible Inc. that doesn’t leave any staining on the feed which I to this day.

I’m still trying to figure out how it exactly works.

In this case, the nurse kindly not only did the black ink which made for cute birth photos also agreed to put the baby’s in feet on the dad’s arm

The dad was super excited about and ran to Mom to show her

PAULINA SPLECHTA BOCA RATON AND SOUTH FLORIDA BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER

Boca Raton Birth Photography: An Empowering Journey of Strength & Resilience

In late 2023, I was contacted by a first-time mom named "L," eager to document the birth of her baby boy. As a leading birth photographer in South Florida, I was thrilled to be part of her journey. Though based in Boca Raton, I was more than happy to travel to Memorial Regional Hospital in Pembroke Pines, where she planned to deliver with her OB/GYN team.

Navigating Unexpected Changes: Finding the Right Care Provider

During her pregnancy, "L" faced an unexpected challenge: her chosen OBGYN wouldn't be available for her delivery. This news, especially for a first-time mom, was understandably unsettling. We discussed the difference between midwifery and OB/GYN care, and she decided to explore the personalized support a midwife could provide.

Empowerment Through Choice: Boca Midwifery

I recommended several midwifery practices, and "L" connected with Certified Nurse Midwife Nikki from Boca Midwifery. The rapport they built during prenatal visits reaffirmed that Nikki was the right fit for her birth journey. Together, they discussed various possibilities, from spontaneous labor to potential medical interventions, ensuring "L" felt informed and empowered every step of the way.

A Mother's Strength: Navigating a Medical Induction

Towards the end of her pregnancy, "L" faced complications requiring a medical induction. Midwife Nikki presented all options, empowering "L" to make the best decision for herself and her baby. At Boca Raton Regional Hospital, I joined "L" and her husband during labor, providing support and documenting her unwavering strength.

The Beauty of Birth, No Matter the Path:

"L's" story is a testament to the resilience of mothers and the power of informed choice. Birth, whether through natural labor or medical intervention, is an incredible feat. Her journey reminds us that strength and beauty can be found in every birth experience.

Boca Raton Birth Photography: Capturing the Essence of Your Story

As a sought-after birth photographer in South Florida, I specialize in documenting the transformative power of childbirth. From the peaceful moments to the intense surges of labor, I create timeless images that honor your unique journey.

Serving Expecting Families in 2024 and Beyond

If you're due in 2024 or early 2025 and seeking a birth photographer in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or surrounding areas, I'd be honored to capture your story. Contact me today to learn more about my services and secure your session.

Boca Raton Birth Photography: A Journey of Empowerment and Peace

My journey with Josefina began unexpectedly. Our initial connection through Boca View Optical, my trusted opticians in Boca Raton, blossomed into something far deeper when she reached out to me about documenting her first birth. Despite my primary focus on birth photography, Josefina's desire for doula-like support resonated with me, and I was honored to be part of her team.

Building Trust and Connection

Throughout her pregnancy, we fostered a close relationship. Josefina kept me updated on her prenatal visits, allowing me to feel like an integral part of her journey. We collaborated on her birth plan, ensuring her preferences were heard and respected. As her due date approached, we openly discussed her evolving concerns and questions, ensuring she felt informed and prepared for the big day.

Empowerment through Informed Choices

I believe in empowering my clients to make informed decisions about their birth experience. Whether you're working with an OB/GYN or a midwife, it's vital to feel heard and supported. If that trust isn't there, exploring alternative providers is perfectly okay.

A Serene Birth at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

Josefina's labor and delivery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital was a testament to the power of a supportive birth team. Midwife Laurie Gibbons provided exceptional care, respecting Josefina's wishes and creating a calm and empowering environment. The hospital staff also played a crucial role in ensuring a positive experience.

Capturing the Essence of Motherhood

As a Boca Raton birth photographer, I'm passionate about documenting the raw beauty and emotions of childbirth. From the first contractions to the tender embrace of a newborn, these images capture the transformative journey into motherhood.

Luxury Birth Photography in South Florida

Whether you're a first-time mom like Josefina or welcoming another addition to your family, I'm here to tell your unique birth story. My services extend beyond Boca Raton to Delray Beach and other South Florida locations. I'm also available for maternity and newborn photography, creating a beautiful visual narrative of your journey into parenthood.

Contact Me Today: Document Your Precious Moments

Let's capture the love, strength, and joy of your birth experience. Reach out today to book your session.

Boca Raton Welcomes Baby Lennox: A Joyful Birth Story and Family Reunion

It's always such a joy to witness a family grow, especially when I've had the honor of documenting their journey from the very beginning. My client, Brooklyn, recently welcomed her second child, a sweet baby boy named Lennox, at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

A Surprise Early Arrival:

Though Lennox wasn't due until February 15th, 2024, he decided to make his grand entrance a week early, surprising his parents with a speedy arrival. This wasn't Brooklyn's first experience with an eager baby; her daughter London also arrived a bit ahead of schedule back in September 2022.

Birthdate: February 8, 2024 at 5:29pm.

A Trusted Birth Photographer and Doula:

I'm incredibly grateful that Brooklyn chose me to be her birth photographer and doula for both of her children's births. Building a trusting relationship with my clients is incredibly important to me, and it's always an honor to be welcomed into their birth space as part of their team.

Big Sister London's Debut:

I vividly remember capturing London's birth at Boca Raton Regional Hospital under the care of the wonderful Dr. Daif Parker and Dr. Maria Fernanda Muñoz from Delray OBGYN Associates. It was a beautiful experience, and I was thrilled to document Brooklyn's maternity journey and London's newborn session as well.

Welcoming Baby Lennox: A New Chapter

Now, two years later, I was back in the same hospital, capturing the arrival of baby Lennox. While London was a petite 7 pounds, 12 ounces at birth, Lennox weighed in at a healthy 8 pounds, 8 ounces! It's always fascinating to see the differences between siblings, even when they're born at the same gestational age.

Newborn Photography in South Florida: Capturing the Magic

I can't wait to photograph Lennox's newborn session this week and capture the sweet interactions between him and his big sister London. As a Boca Raton and Delray Beach newborn photographer, I specialize in creating beautiful, timeless images that families will treasure forever.

Maternity & Newborn Photography: Documenting Your Journey

If you're expecting in South Florida, I'd be honored to be part of your journey. From maternity photoshoots to capturing your baby's first moments, I'll create a visual legacy that celebrates your growing family.

Boca Raton Twin Birth: Witnessing Double the Joy with Dr. Dana Schey

This heartwarming collection of 48 birth photographs (from a full gallery of 107) chronicles the incredible journey of a cherished repeat client as she welcomed twins at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. With the skilled hands of OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey, the operating room transformed into a space of joy and anticipation. I've had the privilege of documenting this family's growth since their first child's birth in 2016, and capturing the arrival of their twins was truly an honor. Dr. Schey's expertise and compassionate care are evident in every image, showcasing the beauty and wonder of a twin delivery.

This birth story celebrates the miracle of life, the artistry of twin births, and the exceptional collaboration between the family's birth team, including Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Dr. Dana Schey, and myself, Boca Raton's dedicated birth photographer.

For those seeking a trusted OBGYN in Boca Raton:

Dr. Dana Schey is a highly experienced and respected obstetrics & gynecology specialist with over 20 years in the medical field. She's affiliated with both Boca Raton Regional Hospital and West Boca Medical Center, and her practice is currently accepting new patients.

Curious about the difference between a Spinal and an Epidural?

While this beautiful twin birth was made possible with a spinal block, many women opt for an epidural during vaginal deliveries. To learn more about these pain management options, check out this informative article:

What is the Difference between an Epidural and a Spinal?

Remember: Your OBGYN or Midwife is your primary source of information and support throughout your pregnancy. Don't hesitate to ask them any questions you may have!

Need Help Preparing for Your Prenatal Visits?

I've compiled a list of helpful questions to ask your OBGYN or Midwife during pregnancy. Feel free to print it out or keep it handy on your phone:

List of Questions to Ask your OBGYN/Midwife during pregnancy

Empowering yourself with knowledge is key to a confident and positive birth experience!

Charlie & Collin’s Birth Story

The night before we texted around 6pm. I tried to get to bed early, but you know how easily that goes when you are over the moon ecstatic that one of your Birth Photography clients is so excited to meet her babies the next morning! I am sure I got at least a couple of hours of sleep.

We agreed to meet in front of Labor and Delivery of Boca Regional Hospital at 4:45am the morning of July 19th.

We texted each other at 3:59AM on the morning of July 19th. Her sweet babies were going to be born on a Wednesday. We met up in front of the hospital at 4:36am knowing that the hospital instructed her with pre-op instructions to be at the hospital by 430am for her scheduled c-section delivery with her twins. 3 Hours Prior (which is excessive in my opinion as I have seen many of my c-section clients arrive 2 hours prior to their c-section and still have so much down time, while 3 hours ends up causing a lot of waiting, which builds a lot more anxiety).

I think it is typical upon arrival to feel a combination of things, a spectrum of emotions. We were all tired having started our days around 3AM in the morning and been up on our feet already two hours and the sun still hadn’t risen, but we were all really really excited.

Unfortunately, despite me arriving just before my Birth Photography client, I was not allowed to go upstairs at the same time as my client, as she was going to labor and delivery on the third floor. I understand initially they bring up patients to make sure they give them the opportunity to report any abuse (in relationships, I know this is shocking but its more common than you think and often this is a mom’s only opportunity) so I know I always have to wait for that. But shortly after she went upstairs to the third floor, her husband was able to come up, though I was kept waiting downstairs.

“They have me in the same little triage area” she texted me.

“There’s no available rooms, just FYI” she texted me.

A few weeks back, we had talked about what this c-section would mean to her. She experienced a previously traumatic delivery with her older daughter when she was in a car accident during her pregnancy and that kind of trauma tends to stay with you a long time. She didn’t feel great this pregnancy, as you can imagine how it goes with twins. She had some lower back period like cramping and tightening in the weeks leading up to her scheduled c-section, which is pretty typical.

Unfortunately despite her history, there weren’t any rooms available, so the pre-op area with the drawn curtains it is. Thankfully, it was not a busy morning, so her space was somewhat more on the private and quiet side.

After 30 minutes I started to get a bit worried. I knew how important it was to her to have my support and also how important it was to her that I capture every waking moment leading up to her babies being born.

Everyone thinks they know what Birth Photography is and they try to define it.

Some people think you start taking photos once the babies are delivered. Other people assume its a Newborn Shoot, you know, swaddled, posed babies. I myself have my own definition of what it is that I do as a Birth Photographer, and I know that at this point I should have already been with my client, but

the fact is, Birth Photography is what an expecting mom wants it to be.

It celebrates her love for her baby (or in this case babies) in the way a mother feels is true. If that starts before she sets foot into the hospital, that is when my job begins. In this case, it was causing me stress that I could not do my job because in this moment, no one had prioritized what the mom needed and planned for from the arrival at the hospital, which was to have me with her and her husband. She grasped her stress-ball tightly in her hand while she waited for me to finally be able to come upstairs.

I texted her “Does your nurse know your doula is here? Security told me they won’t let me up while you’re in triage, but I am not sure what’s going on. I also have your birth plan”

I sent that text to her at 552am.

Luckily, despite that scare, I was headed upstairs shortly after I was reunited with my client and she was relieved to see me.

Preparing to head into the Operating Room.

Mom was in a greenish traditional hospital gown that ties in the back, which she opted over a custom gown, (some of my families choose to not buy their own labor gown from amazon, though a majority enjoy the softer and more flattering fabric of the labor gowns on amazon), and dad was putting on the disposable scrub top, scrub pants and scrub booties prior to heading to the operating room at Boca Regional Hospital.

My Birth Photography client’s OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey arrived shortly after I did to chat and prep for her c-section surgery with her twins.

It was so comforting for my client to have her whole team there.

Walking to the Operating Room

Often, the scariest part of giving birth is the entire anticipation leading up to the actual delivery. This is often true for many moms, especially with regards to c-sections. Sure, there are exceptions and I have attended births where the scariest part isn’t always the anticipation. But for many moms, that is really the scariest part. Not knowing how things will go. Lots of medical stuff happening (noises, people, lots of blue everywhere), but thankfully, once they see and hear their baby, everything feels so much better!

But delivering twins can be a bit scarier sometimes. You’re worried two fold about two little babies! Will they be super small? How small will the twins really be? I’m not 40 weeks, but I am told 37 weeks is full term with twins. But still its two babies in there and my belly is still not that huge, how tiny will they be? Will baby B have a harder time than baby A? The list goes on indefinitely! The worries never end!

The clock on the wall above the scrub in station showed that it was 7:29am.

We had gotten there at 4:37am, it felt like a long day already and we hadn’t even met the babies yet!

Dad putting on his mask by the scrub station outside of the operating room

Dad watching through a window to the operating room as mom gets her spinal tap administered, her nurse is with her in the OR along with the anesthesiologist.

Dr. Dana Schey speaking with dad outside of the operating room at Boca Regional Hospital, going over the twin delivery, what he can expect to happen, including the Neonatologist checking on the babies and the possible involvement of the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), before heading in for the c-section.

What does a Neonatologist do?

“A neonatologist is a healthcare provider who specializes in premature babies or newborns with high-risk or complex health conditions. If your baby is born premature or with an illness or congenital disability, a neonatologist will be the provider managing your baby's care.” [source: Cleveland Clinic]

For families investigating the best NICU facility in South Florida for their baby’s birth, it is important to research and ask questions, specifically by contacting the Director of labor and delivery at your preferred South Florida Labor and Delivery units and ask what level NICU their L&D has and what is the difference between an Level I and Level II NICU. According to the Boca Regional Hospital website, “The care given to our patients is exactly the same in both units and is provided by staff who are trained to the same standard and using the same equipment. The level III nursery provides some specialized technology and cares for babies born at fewer than 28 weeks gestation.” [source: Boca Regional Hospital website]

What is also really important to know about Boca Regional Hospital’s Labor and Delivery, that often I hear moms saying they will choose West Boca Medical Center because they have a Level III NICU and Boca Regional doesn’t is that

Nurses and Respiratory Therapists in the NICU at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital NICU is trained to level III NICU.

[source: Boca Regional NICU link]

Additionally, other services provided in the Boca Regional Hospital NICU are:

SERVICES PROVIDED IN OUR NICU

• Care of critically ill babies at or around 28 weeks or greater

• Nurses and respiratory therapist trained to level III NICU

• Doubled board-certified neonatologist in house 24 hours a day

• Pharmacy, social work, physical and occupational therapy as well as nutritional services

• Support groups and classes for parents

• Breastfeeding support and equipment for sale or rental

• Local sub-specialty support as needed

• Participation in national research projects

  [source: Boca Regional NICU link]

I love the two bassinets waiting on the babies outside of the operating room! One for baby brother, one for baby sister.

Though I have always wanted to capture a photo of twins together in one bassinet, but many people don’t realize that a majority of time, one if not both babies may need to go into the NICU, even if for a short time, to receive extra medical support immediately following delivery, so it’s not often that I see both bassinets wheeled back into postpartum after the c-section delivery of twins.

The first thing dad did when he walked into the operating room was hold mom’s hand and that was just so heart warming to see & capture a photo of!

No matter how many babies you’ve given birth to, even if this isn’t your first or second c-section delivery, birth is intense! It’s not so easy to be calm & cheery in this moment as the surgery begins as one would think.

I captured the clock inside the operating room as well, but I am in disbelief that it was already 8:04am once dad and I joined mom in the operating room, before babies were even delivered! If you scroll up, you’ll see it was 7:29am when we were just waiting outside of the OR.

I was curious however, why there are always two clocks on the wall of the operating room in labor and delivery at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, so I had to do some research and found:

“Synchronized clocks and Elapsed Timers are commonly used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. A synchronized clock system will assure accurate and uniform time throughout the facility. This allows all staff members to record time of events based on one accurate time source. These situations consist of (but are not limited to): Patient admission time, dispensing medicine, formal time of birth, length of an operation, a medical procedure and more. In addition to having a synchronized clock in places such as operating rooms, emergency rooms and medical procedure rooms, there is also a need for an elapsed timer. The elapsed timer can perform a count-up or countdown depending on the procedure. In order to provide a solution for monitoring or recording the accurate time as well as using an elapsed timer, Sapling recommends adopting the dual display solution. This solution includes one clock that will be dedicated to present the accurate time and a second clock that will be dedicated to act as the elapsed timer that would interface with the elapsed timer control panel. One way to implement this solution is to choose one analog clock dedicated to show the accurate time and the second display is a digital clock dedicated to act as the elapsed timer.” [source: sapling-inc.com]

A lot of nerves and anxiety leading up to the babies deliveries. As you can see, it’s not only affecting mom, but also dad. Which is why other hospitals must do better. Doula support is not only for the birthing parent — the other parent often needs just as much support through this process, yet there is rarely anyone who is able to fill this role.

The sooner every hospital recognizes that cesarean birth is the only awake major surgery that should allow for experienced support people to attend, the better the birthing community & their patients will be served.

Baby A - Feet First

As seen here, Baby A - often referred to as the first twin being delivered, is being delivered feet first. I’ve seen this referred to as “footling breech” at previous deliveries. Though to be frank, I am not sure if this was baby’s gestational position leading up to delivery - I hadn’t asked my client before. I’ll have to check in with her and update.

“Twins are labeled as A or B according to their location relative to the birth canal. Antenatal labeling is usually established by prenatal ultrasound. Most often, fetuses known in utero as twin A are also first born and thus retain their label. [source]”

Sometimes with twins, they are scooped off to be seen by the Neonatologist before mom and dad get to have a good look at them at the moment of delivery

Baby B - Feet First

If you look closely, you can see a pair of teeny tiny feet of Baby B also emerging first.

Scooped away by Neonatology to ensure babies are safe

Baby B is weighed - 5 pounds 4 ounces

Baby A is weighed

Baby A weighed 5 pounds and 1 oz — really good weights for both twins!

Dad being guided over to the baby warmer to meet the babies — first Baby A! (the closest baby warmer in the operating room to mama)

Dad went back to mom to express his excitement for being able to see Baby A up close!

You can also see OBGYN Dr. Dana Schey peeking over the blue drape in the above image, she was so excited for her patient and her patient’s husband!

At this moment, a lot of the nerves and anxiety of “will they be okay” have passed, and the parents are able to catch a breath knowing their babies are both safe & in good hands

We were caught off guard when the nurse suddenly brought Baby A over to meet mommy! I love that the nurse left the “A” on the baby’s swaddle so we would know exactly who mama is meeting in the photos later!

Though the babies both have their unique identifying features and it is easy to tell that this is Baby A - baby girl Charlie!

Baby’s First Kiss

Just the sweetest moment. C-section deliveries indeed are a medical procedure, but they also are the powerful process & journey of birth, and I am so thankful for the medical staff that understand how very important to the parents mental health and to mommy-baby bonding it is to have this brief meeting moment happen IN the operating room

Mama still had her stress ball, and this is such a good idea — I have not seen this done before and highly recommend it. It is so nice to feel that comfort through this whole process

In the background of this image, across the operating room, you can see the nurse doing Baby B’s footprints

Meeting Twin B

Showing Mommy all that hair!!

Smooches for Baby B!!!

“It's important to know that multiples have a much higher rate of prematurity than singletons. And with premature labor comes the risk that your babies won't be fully developed – which means they will need special care in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) before they can go home.” [source:thebump]

“How long they stay in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) will depend on a number of factors, including gestation at delivery, weight, any complications that have occurred, and the overall health of the babies. But try not to be too overwhelmed by the NICU – it’s just a place for your babies to receive extra special care. The best thing you can do is plan ahead to find the highest level NICU in your region, in the event that your babies do need to spend time there.” [source: thebump]

Immediately following delivery, the hospital medical staff guided dad to the NICU to see and be near his babies, while mom recovered (as obviously unable to walk or be in a wheelchair immediately following the surgery)

Baby A (girl) “Charlie” was given a pink blanket with froggies

Baby B (boy) “Collin” was given a blanket with puppies

I think it is so sweet & cute that the patches on the baby’s skin have little blue hearts on them.

These patches are used to continuously record baby’s vitals (“through electrodes placed on the skin with wires attached to monitoring platforms. Researchers are working to replace the wires with a patch that would allow parents to hold their little one while [he or she is] being monitored.” [source: medicaldesignbriefs]

You can see just how small baby is next to daddy’s hand!

I love the fact that this hospital does a keepsake blue baby footprint book for every baby — I had my daughter over a decade ago at this same hospital and have my own blue book.

Updates on babies & mama after delivery:

Already later that afternoon, mama updated me that both of the twins went to oxygen level 2, then down to 1, and by evening were completely off oxygen all together.

Charlie (Baby A - girl) was already practicing with a bottle that same night of her birth.

By three days after birth, all IVs and feeding tubes were out for both babies and mom and dad were able to feed both babies without all the wires and tubes.

Big sisters were able to come to the hospital on day 3 to look at the twins through the nursery window (still no touching or holding but so nice for them to finally see their baby siblings).

Baby A (Charlie - girl) had increasing jaundice levels on day 3 so she had to go under special lights after her 11am feed, though the hospital said it was looking good for the babies to both go home on day 4, as the medical staff inspected mom and dad’s car to ensure their car seats were according to regulations.

Mama was discharged from the hospital 4 days after her delivery.

Another update 11 days after birth came in from mama that her pain and discomfort from the surgery continued about 9 days after birth, and came back on day 11.

Babies were still not sucking as well as they were hoping for and so mama was pumping as much as possible to keep up with them once they are able to suck, though both have a great latch and the family’s pediatrician said it can take them until past 37 weeks to really acquire that skill.

Overall sleepless nights, but they are giving mom and dad 3 hours of good sleep in between feedings and they were able to keep up with the NICU schedule.

It has now been 6 months since the babies were born, I hope to be able to see them and their big sisters hopefully sometime this year in 2024! I love my Birth Photography families!! I am so grateful for Dr. Dana Schey taking such good care of my clients and trusting me to be part of my clients birth teams in the delivery room and operating room. Thank you so much Dr. Dana Schey!

Photographing Your Baby's First Footprints at Boca Raton Hospitals

Birthing your baby at a Boca Raton Hospital Labor and Delivery unit with your OBGYN or Midwife and Doula is a momentous occasion you don’t want to miss photographing as it’s filled with joy, excitement, and an abundance of emotions for not only moms but also dads and partners, spouses, significant others and grandparents, even aunts and uncles and cousins! Birth is truly a family affair in the modern day and age.

One of the most cherished traditions during the early hours of a newborn baby's life is the creation of their first footprints and taking photos of this moment.

In Boca Raton hospitals, this practice is not only a sentimental gesture but also an opportunity to create lasting memories that can be beautifully captured through newborn photography.

Why Photograph Your Baby's Footprints?

The act of photographing your baby's footprints holds immense significance, serving as a tangible reminder of the miraculous journey into parenthood. As a birth photographer in Boca Raton, I have witnessed the profound impact that preserving these moments can have on families. Here's why it's essential:

Memorializing Milestones: For parents who have experienced prior losses, welcoming a rainbow baby brings both joy and healing. Capturing the footprints with a custom rainbow ink pad, available on platforms like Etsy, symbolizes hope, resilience, and the unique journey of each child.

Gender Celebrations: Whether you're expecting a baby girl or boy, customizing the footprint colors adds a personal touch to your baby's first moments. Pink and blue ink pads can be used to symbolize the gender, providing a visually captivating element to your birth story.

Involving Labor and Delivery Nurses: Boca Raton hospitals (whether you are working with an OBGYN obstetrician or a CNM Midwife are known for their compassionate and skilled labor and delivery nurses. They are often more than willing to assist in creating these special footprints using the ink pad you bring from home. The collaborative effort enhances the bonding experience and creates a sense of community.

Creating Lasting Memories: As a birth photographer, I specialize in capturing these intimate moments. From the delicate touch of tiny feet to the joyous expressions of parents, these photographs become timeless treasures that can be cherished for generations.

Custom Footprint Colors on Etsy:

Etsy, a popular online marketplace for handmade and custom items, offers a plethora of options when it comes to ink pads for baby footprints. Whether you prefer a rainbow ink pad to celebrate a rainbow baby, or specific colors for gender reveals, Etsy provides a variety of choices to suit your preferences.

Working with Boca Raton Hospitals (whether you hire an OB/GYN Obstetrician or CNM Midwife):

Boca Raton hospitals (whether you are using an OBGYN Obstetrician for your upcoming birth or a CNM Certified Nurse Midwife) understand the significance of these moments and the desire to personalize the birth experience. Labor and delivery nurses are generally supportive and accommodating, making it easier for parents to bring in their chosen ink pads and include this heartfelt ritual in their birth plan.

Photographing your baby's first footprints is a heartwarming way to commemorate the beginning of a new chapter in your family's life. With the support of Boca Raton hospitals (whether you are using an OBGYN for your newborn baby’s birth or if you are workin with a Midwife and a Doula) and the availability of custom ink pads on Etsy, you can add a unique and personal touch to this cherished tradition. As a birth photographer, I am dedicated to capturing these precious moments, ensuring that your baby's journey into the world is preserved in a series of beautiful and timeless photographs.

Boca Raton Newborn Photography: Excited First-Time Parents Welcome Baby Boy (Hospital Birth Story)

“I was following along with important updates on progress with labor, knowing that most of the time, when it comes to first time moms and first deliveries, things tend to move a little slower. ”

This birth took place at the beautiful Boca Raton Regional Hospital, known for its family-centered approach to maternity care, support of local doulas, midwives, vbacs and unmedicated deliveries. If you're curious about other birth environments, I also photographed a serene water birth at a local birthing center Natural BirthWorks Birth Center Water Birth. Each experience is unique and special in its own way.

It is possible that if you’re in the last few weeks of your pregnancy, nearing full term (37 weeks and more) to find and hire your Birth Photographer Photographer last minute for your birth, although it is so incredibly tricky!

Let me explain:

I usually work with a maximum of two Birth Photography clients in each month (and mainly in Boca Raton).

Yes, I can absolutely take more clients, but rarely do.

If my clients births overlap, I need to call in my backup photographer. And while my backup has been vetted by myself, it isn’t me. And then my Birth Photography client would need to add a stranger (stranger to them) to their birth team at the last minute.

Most of my Birth Photography clients hire me during their first trimester (between 6 weeks to 12 weeks of pregnancy) or second trimester (13 weeks to 28 weeks of pregnancy) because it matters to them who is part of their birth team during their baby’s delivery.

While there’s many pregnancy and newborn photographers in south Florida, there’s only one of me, and often, that’s enough reason for my clients to want to invest in On-Call time with me and appreciate that I limit my monthly Birth clients to two, which reduces the risk of overlapping births.

And that’s why I absolutely enjoy working with two Birth Photography clients each month, I get to know my Birth clients well, and the closer I am to a Birth Photography client and her family, the more part of her birth team I feel, and in turn, the better her Birth Photos are.

Birth Photography is an art form, and just like all artists, I am driven by emotions and emotional connections with people. I love what I do!

This first time mom and dad did not get the opportunity to hire me earlier in their pregnancy, but we were so glad that the stars aligned and I was able to attend the birth of their first baby, a sweet newborn baby boy.

This little one was born just four days after my 2023 January Birth Photography client gave birth to her twins and one week before my 2023 February Birth Photography client gave birth to her daughter.

That kind of star alignment happens for an Aquarius baby, I’m telling you! :)

If you love Birth Stories, Thanks for hanging out!

Scroll Down to get started and read more of Baby Boy Layton’s Birth Story at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital with his parents, grandmother and Midwives from Boca Midwifery below!

My client and I had been texting and emailing and even did a quick-prenatal visit on the phone during the last few weeks of her pregnancy with her first baby.

Ever since she and her husband decided they wanted to have me as a part of their Birth team for their first birth, along with her mom, Midwives and Labor and Delivery Nurses. She was planning to give birth to her first baby at Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital (the East Boca Hospital near Glades Road, east of I-95 *please note the two Boca Raton Hospitals are not in anyway connected, it’s two completely different companies — One Hospital is owned by Baptist, (while the other hospital out west on 441 is Tenet owned).

Even though everything was super last minute with this family, when it works out so well and the stars align, it was clearly meant to be.

I was super excited for my client and her husband having their very first baby, and at one of my favorite hospitals in south Florida and with one of my favorite Midwifery teams.

The morning that my client went into labor with her first baby (January 20th around 430am), we were texting back and forth the way I do with all my laboring clients.

I was following along with important updates on progress with labor, knowing that most of the time, when it comes to first time moms and first deliveries, things tend to move a little slower.

My client saw her Certified Nurse Midwife at Boca Midwifery later that morning while contractions were 30-40 seconds in length, occurring every 4-6 minutes. Typically, to be in the ‘active’ stage of labor, your contractions should ideally be around 60 seconds in length, every 3-5 minutes.

If you love my client’s green labor and delivery gown, you can find it here https://amzn.to/3Zmzmne my affiliate link and a percent goes to me :)

My Birth client let me know she was about 2-3cm and that her Midwife did a membrane sweep to help kick things into gear.

Contractions definitely got more intense as labor moved on for my client and she headed into the hospital around 3pm. She was still about 2-3cm but hopeful.

530pm they let me know her water broke.

Once my client got an epidural around 7pm, I waited to hear if there were any updates. I expected to get called into join them in person sometime in the next few hours and was ready with my uniform and gear for the better part of the day waiting on that notification.

At 849pm I was informed that my client was feeling pressure.

I right away asked if they had any updates. Sometimes women who are even not yet in active labor can sometimes feel pressure as contractions are putting pressure on baby.

I really wanted to join them, but I also knew that going in too soon (since the last update she was 2-3cm only a couple of hours ago) could mean I may be there for way too many hours. So I continued to wait patiently to hear from the parents and when they would like me to join them.

But then suddenly they texted 20 minutes later to say she was 10cm! Out of nowhere!

I asked them right away if they would like me to head in (I was already on my way out the door) and at first they worried if I would make it, but after talking to their nurse, she reassured them that even if you are 10cm, baby still needs to work its way down, so more confidently they said yes.

They were worried I wouldn’t make it.

I walked into Baptist Boca Raton Regional Hospital at 945pm

Baby wasn’t here yet!

My client was all smiles. Her husband and mom sat calmly as they were all super excited to meet baby boy very soon.

Her Midwife Courtney McMillian from Boca Midwifery came in and sat at the edge of her bed.

I am glad for all the years of attending births, that even though this first time mom was already 10cm dilated, it didn’t mean baby was coming. I often explain to my Birth Photography clients, once you get to 10cm, you also have to bring your baby down a bit into the birth canal.

Babies usually start out being high, with a station of -3 and they aren’t crowning until +3 station when the head is beginning to crown.

Shortly after I arrived, it was time to start pushing

My Birth Photography client’s husband and her mom both joined at the bedside to help with pushing, everyone was so excited that it was finally time & that everyone was here!

The Labor and Delivery Nurse wheels in the delivery table, covered in a blue drape to protect all the sterile tools beneath it that aid my client’s midwife in the delivery as well as postpartum.

My client holds her pregnant belly for the last time, connecting with her baby boy, before she gets to see and meet him! If you LOVE her green labor and delivery gown, it is super affordable from amazon, and works well with epidurals, belly monitors and even buttons down for breastfeeding. They have so many colors so you pick what you love, here is my affiliate link if you want to send some love my way: GREEN LABOR & DELIVERY GOWN

Mom was a very determined pusher and even asked for a mirror, which while some moms won’t ask for, she knew it would give her the guidance to push more effectively - smart move mama!

Mirror for use in Labor and Delivery for pushing

I know it can be scary & vulnerable and even intimidating to use a mirror when pushing. You’re scared of what you’ll see, you feel vulnerable being even more exposed. But trust me and give yourself permission to surrender and use this super effective tool to help you meet your baby sooner!

Super focused pushing. Amazing work on the part of this first time mom!

She pushed so well it was time to catch a baby!

My client’s other midwife Nikki was able to join just in time for my client to give birth to her baby so my client had both her midwives from Boca Midwifery at her delivery, Courtney and Nikki!

And with one last push….

He was here! Welcome Baby Boy Layton!

Love this moment of dad cutting the cord, you can see how happy mom is and Midwife’s eyes smiling behind her mask.

Excited Midwives!

This moment, right after birth, is so fleeting.

That's why I'm passionate about capturing these precious memories for families. (link to your About Me page)

If you're interested in learning more about my birth photography services, you can find all the details here:

https://www.paulinasplechta.com/contact

The Power of Cesarean Birth Photography: Preserving Your Unforgettable Story

April is Cesarean Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of mothers who birth their babies through cesarean section. As a birth photographer in South Florida, I've had the privilege of documenting numerous cesarean births, each one unique and filled with its own powerful emotions. In this blog post, I'll share my perspective on why cesarean birth photography is so important, especially in capturing the raw beauty and transformative moments of a belly birth.

Embracing the Beauty of Cesarean Birth

Cesarean birth is often misunderstood or even stigmatized. But it's a valid and empowering way to bring a child into the world. Whether planned or unplanned, a cesarean birth is a major surgery and a life-changing experience. It deserves to be documented with the same care and artistry as any other birth.

Capturing Unscripted Moments of Love

One of the most powerful aspects of cesarean birth photography is capturing those unscripted moments of love and connection between parents and their newborn. The moment a mother sees her baby for the first time, the first touch, the first kiss – these are precious memories that deserve to be preserved forever.

The image above captures a moment that will forever be etched in my memory. It was taken during one of the first cesarean births I documented, and it beautifully illustrates the raw emotion and profound connection that unfolds in the operating room.

As parents C & E welcomed their first child, baby Easton, into the world, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and love. The moment the doctor lifted Easton from the incision, the room erupted in cheers and tears of joy.

But it was the quiet moment afterward that truly captured my heart. C, still on the operating table, reached out to touch her newborn son for the first time. Her wife, E, gently guided C's hand to Easton's soft cheek, their fingers intermingling with his tiny features. The love and tenderness in their eyes was palpable, a testament to the incredible bond they had formed with their child.

This unscripted moment of connection epitomizes the power of cesarean birth photography. It's a reminder that birth, regardless of how it unfolds, is a transformative experience filled with love, vulnerability, and the miracle of new life.

For C & E, this photo represents the culmination of their journey to parenthood, a journey that included overcoming challenges and embracing the unexpected. It's a tangible reminder of their strength, resilience, and the unwavering love they have for their son.

By capturing this moment, I was able to provide C & E with a precious gift: a visual keepsake of one of the most significant moments of their lives. These photos will forever serve as a reminder of their birth story, a story of love, courage, and the unwavering power of the human spirit.

This experience solidified my belief that birth photography is not merely a luxury, but a necessity. It's a way to honor the birth experience, process emotions, and create lasting memories for families to cherish for generations to come.

Why Cesarean Birth Photography Matters

Some people argue that birth photography is a luxury, not a necessity. But I believe it's an essential part of the birth team, especially for cesarean births. Here's why:

• Emotional Impact: Cesarean birth photos evoke powerful emotions and help parents process their birth experience. They offer a tangible reminder of their strength, resilience, and the incredible love they felt in that moment.

• Combating Trauma: For some, a cesarean birth can be a traumatic experience. Birth photography can help process those emotions and find healing by providing a visual narrative of their journey.

• Preserving Memories: Birth, regardless of how it unfolds, is a blur of emotions and activity. Photos help families remember details they might have missed in the moment.

• Empowerment: Cesarean birth photos celebrate the strength and beauty of mothers who birth their babies through surgery. They challenge the stigma surrounding cesarean birth and offer a positive representation of this experience.

Birth Photography: An Investment in Your Mental Health

Investing in birth photography is an investment in your mental health and well-being. It's a way to honor your birth story, process your emotions, and create lasting memories for your family.

Why Cesarean Birth Photos are More Than Just Pictures

The Digital Photography School eloquently captures the profound impact of photography: "When in panic mode, it's interesting that we would probably grab photos rather than valuable jewelry. This impulse to save our recorded memories is a powerful force." This rings especially true for cesarean birth photography.  

These images are not merely snapshots; they are a testament to a mother's strength, resilience, and the incredible love that blossoms in the operating room. They freeze moments of vulnerability, joy, and awe that might otherwise be lost in the whirlwind of emotions and activity.

Cesarean birth photos allow families to revisit and relive those first moments: the anticipation, the first glimpse of their baby, the overwhelming love that washes over them. They offer a tangible connection to a life-changing experience, a story that deserves to be told and cherished.

More than just a visual record, cesarean birth photos serve as a powerful tool for:

• Reflection and Healing: They provide a visual narrative that can help process emotions, especially if the birth was unexpected or traumatic.

• Communication and Sharing: They offer a way to share the birth story with loved ones, fostering connection and understanding.

• Artistic Expression: They capture the beauty and emotion of birth in a unique and artistic way.

• Emotional Resonance: They evoke powerful emotions and create a lasting legacy for families to treasure.

In essence, cesarean birth photos transform a surgical procedure into a powerful story of love, resilience, and the miracle of new life. They are an investment in preserving memories, promoting healing, and celebrating the strength of mothers who birth their babies through cesarean section.

Finding the Right Cesarean Birth Photographer in South Florida

If you're considering cesarean birth photography, here are a few things to look for in a photographer:

• Experience with Cesarean Births: Choose a photographer who has experience documenting cesarean births and understands the unique dynamics of the operating room.

• Hospital Relationships: Ensure the photographer has the necessary permissions and relationships with local hospitals to photograph in the operating room.

• Style and Approach: Look for a photographer whose style aligns with your vision and who can capture the emotions and moments that matter most to you.

Resources for Cesarean Birth in South Florida

• Boca Raton Regional Labor and Delivery

• Barbara C. Gutin Pre and Postpartum Program

• Doula Services

Are you planning a cesarean birth in South Florida? I would be honored to document your journey and capture the unforgettable moments of your baby's arrival.

Boca Regional Mom’s Dream First Birth - How a Doula Dream Team Made Hypnobirth a Reality

On October 19th at 11:23pm, a sweet angel baby boy was born

This first time mom. Her devoted husband. Grandma. Their birth team. Two doulas. The nurses. Everyone supported this amazing warrior mama so much through her very first baby’s hypnobirth which started intensely in labor and delivery security check in, progressed through to her labor room shower and finally resulted in them meeting their sweet boy.

This mama spent her pregnancy energy focusing on hypnobirthing, concentrating, focusing, calming, relaxing, embracing every wave of labor that was to come.

Her team knew how important an unmedicated as natural as possible birth was to her and her husband and they did everything to support and encourage her through every contraction closer to meeting her son.

She arrived in labor and delivery with her husband and her doula from Orchid’s Nest. She breathed and relaxed and let her muscles melt as each new wave of labor crashed over her body. She had prepared to do j-breathing during this earlier part of active labor, a breathing technique that is used during labor to help release (soften) your pelvic floor which gives your baby the space to move down the birth canal, effectively shortening labor.

The simple steps to J-breathing is

• inhaling through your nose

• hold your breath for a moment if you want to work with a natural surge (contraction)

• exhale through your mouth while focusing on your baby moving down and up into your arms

• and when you are ready to repeat, repeat at a slow pace

• try to visualize the breath traveling down your body and out your bottom

• remember: it is absolutely okay and expected for j-breathing to be very noisy

I loved witnessing her focus despite the bright lights of the hospital, the noises, people asking her questions. It was evident she had practiced this amazing focus her entire pregnancy.

She held onto her husband’s back as they traveled from the lobby onto the elevator and upstairs to their labor and delivery room, while her doula supported her back for those intense contractions.

It’s vital that you mentally prepare yourself for when you arrive at your labor and delivery room, you will need to spend about 20-30 minutes back ridden in the hospital bed while the nurses get a tracing on your baby’s heart rate and your contractions before you are able to move freely during labor. While I am not 100% sure if this rule can ever be deviated from depending on your obgyn or midwife, I have seen every client (except those already crowning when they get into their L&D room) have to go through this process. It is vital when your goal is hypnobirthing and unmedicated birth, to not let this medical intervention break your focus through your visualization of your baby descending so you can continue laboring your baby down once you move through this stage.

As soon as my client was able to get out of her hospital bed, her other doula from Orchid Nest, Samara, arrived and quickly stepped in to give my client even more support. The room’s vibes and energy shifted from ‘hospital admittance’ to sacred birthing space.

My favorite photo from my client’s labor is where she is leaning over her hospital bed, with her husband and her mother at her side, and both of her doulas at either side of her, doing the double hip squeeze and the photo is from above. I think this photo is the epitome of supporting the mother and the baby through their journey earthside.

To do a double hip squeeze to relieve the intensity of pressure during labor on the back, having the laboring mom position herself comfortably either sitting, standing, leaning over a bed or ball like my client or on all fours. Place your hands on her hip bones in a W shape and with your thumbs pointing toward her spine. Ise the heels of your hands to squeeze and rotate toward the center and up slightly toward the shoulders. Hold the pressure for the duration of the contraction, and slowly release.

They slowly moved over to the shower where my client used the natural resource of the warm water from the shower to work through what ended up being final stages of labor.

At one point during a surge, it became clear we could see the very top of baby’s head. But remember, with many (and often most) first time moms, there is still a pushing stage. Not all (and not most) first time baby’s quickly slide out so this isn’t always the case of a precipitous delivery, though its important to prepare as if it were so baby is caught (delivered) in a safe manner.

She emerged from the hot shower and baby boy was crowning

She made her way to the delivery bed

As soon as she was on the hospital bed, almost simultaneously in this moment my birth photography client’s OBGYN, Dr. Arcelin, from Women’s Health Partners in Boca walked into the delivery room…

…and with a few pushes, sweet boy was born onto mama’s chest.

You were such an inspiring warrior mama. You are such a strong woman. Your doulas and I were so incredibly proud of you! And your husband was your steadfast rock. If he was nervous at all, we were never able to tell. Your constant and relentless encouragement and being at her side was awe inspiring.

And her team... Her OB Dr. Arcelin of Women’s Health Partners, her amazing doulas Elle and Samara from Orchids Nest. She had the dream team. But then again, everyone at Boca Raton Regional Hospital comprises to make a dream team!

Stunning VBAC Birth in Boca Raton: Midwife Delivers Baby After Two C-Sections

Words from the mama: 

“I am still in shock and awe at what God can do. My pregnancies have been very difficult, from Aaden's loss to complications with Brooklyn's birth (both ending in c-sections). I always dreamed of having a VBAC, a birth without complications, where I could just enjoy my baby. This was it. Having the support of Boca Midwifery made all the difference."

“Everyone was patient with me and my concerns and considered my history. I couldn't ask for more. I had the best support and birth team I could ask for. Everyone was patient with me and my concerns and considered my history. They truly listened to my fears and desires for this birth. Having a midwife and doula who understood my previous c-sections and supported my VBAC journey was so important. I couldn't ask for more. Thank you to Lisa Raynor, my doula, Courtney McMillian, my midwife at Boca Midwifery, Paulina Splechta, my birth photographer and filmmaker, and of course my husband, David. I literally could not have labored nor survived this pregnancy without you."   - Jocelyn

When I first met Jocelyn, I felt an instant connection. Hearing about her previous c-sections really resonated with me and learning of the heartbreaking loss of her baby, Aaden, forged a deep connection between us.

I understood her journey on a personal level, having experienced two unplanned cesareans myself with my babies and neither of my births went as planned.

But Jocelyn had something I didn't: an incredible birth team that included a midwife, doula, and her birth photographer. Seeing the support she had from Boca Midwifery, I was excited to see how her labor would unfold. But I was also a little nervous for her, admittedly, and felt like we all needed to pray together that this mama would be able to experience a healing VBAC after her loss.

I was so excited for her to experience a VBAC and to meet and hold her baby immediately, and I knew it in my heart that this could only happen with Boca Midwifery. They understood her medical history and they cared for her the entire pregnancy, but it was a delicate journey Jocelyn had been on, from experiencing the loss of one of her children and complications with her daughter Brooklyn's birth, and I was anxious to witness the birth of baby Riley. I didn't know if we would witness her having a vaginal delivery or if we would have to go into the operating room. I feel the entire labor and delivery staff was rooting her on at Toppel Family Place (The labor and delivery unit of Boca Raton Regional Hospital in East Boca [off of Glades Road, just east of I-95]). 

A lot of birth workers uncover a deep passion for their work due to their own emotional and personal history, and with me, it is completely true. Originally, I wanted to test the waters four years ago when I photographed my first birth. But once I captured that birth for my client, I knew this is where my heart belongs and its become so much more than photography over the last four years. 

In all this time, four years, I had never witnessed a vaginal delivery after TWO CESAREANS. I had attended many VBACs (vaginal delivery after cesarean) with Boca Midwifery, Women's Health Partners, Dr. Skeete down in Ft Lauderdale, and vbac home births with midwives Gelena Hinkley, Sandy Lo, Mary Harris. But I had in all this time never seen a mommy successful deliver a baby vaginally after having two previous c-sections. And the reason I haven't before seen a vbac after two c-sections is not entirely that the trial for a vbac after two csections failed with previous clients. It's not that at all.

Pros & Cons of VBAC

Many people question the safety of VBAC, but reading through legitimate, backed medical research (such as mayo clinic, cleveland clinic, and going just straight to the National Institute of Health and combing through the latest VBAC research studies, you will see that is merely a myth, and so it begs for us to discuss the pros and cons of VBAC. I do hear a lot of people saying why would you want to go through a vaginal birth if you could just schedule a smooth and calculated repeat c-section.

I will urge you to pause and view this interview I did with Dr. David Lubetkin, who partners with Midwives Courtney, Nikki and Ryan at Boca Midwifery, where I ask him about the pros and cons of VBAC. I think if you are a mom in south Florida and you’ve had a c-section before, and would like to know whether you qualify for a Vaginal Delivery with your next pregnancy after your previous C-section, it’s good to hear from the OBGYN who’s practice has the highest success rate of VBAC in Palm Beach County and Boca Raton:

It's that often times the mommys who have had two csections stay with their provider who automatically schedules a repeat third csection for them with their third delivery. These moms are simply not aware of the option to try for a vbac after two c-sections. No one has even told them that its physically possible to achieve. And what the benefits to having a vbac are instead of scheduling a repeat cesarean. Most of the vbacs I have documented in my four years as a birth photographer here in south Florida have been moms who had a c-section with a practice (sometimes traumatic, physically or on an emotional level) and change practices, hoping for a more positive, empowered and supported experience for their subsequent pregnancy to a practice heavily experienced in achieving safe and successful VBACs. Many of my VBAC birth clients with Boca Midwifery have exactly this story. 

As Jocelyn's entire birth team stood around her during her final pushes, I thought to myself, "this is happening, this mama is going to meet her baby right now"

I felt the tears begin to swell up in my eyes, I tried to hush them and focus on capturing this incredible moment. I stood near mom's shoulders, making sure that her midwife was blocking any angles that would prevent Jocelyn from being able to share photos from her birth story with her family and friends, I looked up at Jocelyn and her husband David, they were smiling at each other, at their doula and midwife, at me. Their doula, Lisa Raynor, was proudly beaming a smile back at them and at me. Baby nurse Donna was eagerly waiting to meet their sweet baby, also wearing a proud smile for mama. Her midwife, Courtney McMillian, was focused and positive and their nurse Peggy knew this moment was about to happen.

This moment would contribute to the shift in the change of the world's view of birth. A successful vbac after two cesareans for Boca Midwifery, for the labor and delivery staff at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, but most importantly, a footprint in the history of birthing women, showing them, that with the right support and birth team for your pregnancy, skilled vbac professionals who have a great deal of patience and success rates, a vbac after two csections is possible.

Knowing this fact, it put chills on my back. 

Knowing that maybe someday, I too could experience a vbac, after my two unjust csections with previous providers and birth teams who had failed to support and encourage me in the ways I needed.

You can watch the film of the birth of Riley below:

Uploaded by Paulina Splechta on 2018-07-05.

Jocelyn's two-time cesarean scar and baby Riley's teensy feet