the birth of oskar christopher :: Northern Virginia birth photographer

I hardly know how to find the right words to describe this amazing birth I was privileged to witness this past Friday and Saturday. I could say so much about this mama and papa, the love they have for each other and the love they have for their baby boy. I could say so much about the amazing midwife/doula team from the NOVA Birth Center. But what is most sticking with me is how this birth was different than most of the others I have photographed, for the simple reason that it reminded me so much of my own. This labor was nearly 48 hours long. It started out with smiles and hope and expectancy…then came the middle period of self-doubt and wanting to give up. And finally, with the help of a rockstar midwife, mama Linda pushed through and found the strength to birth her baby. I cried most of the way home – tears of joy, tears of awe. I am inspired by the strength of this mama, and reminded of my own strength on that day nearly two years ago when I birthed Tristan after so desperately wanting to give up and be rescued. To see this woman who wanted to be rescued dig deep and rescue herself – well, I don’t know if there’s anything in this world that is as amazing as that. This is the strength that makes a mother – the strength to do whatever is necessary to bring life into the world. Congratulations, Brian and Linda – you did it.