Welcoming Their Third Baby Naturally after IVF Journeys
Having the opportunity to document these moments for families always feels like witnessing miracles. The birth process itself is miraculous to think about, from growing a tiny human inside of our bodies to the process of babies transitioning from a dark, fluid-filled, quiet environment to a bright, noisy environment where their little bodies go through so many changes from alterations in circulation to breathing air for the first time. The fact that it occurs naturally most of the time is impressive!
This birth story is even more miraculous not just because of the usual miracles that unfolded on this day as they welcomed their baby girl into their arms but because of the years, tears, and anticipation that preceded this day. You see, this family had struggled through infertility for years.
Finally, through fertility treatments, they were able to have their first baby together in 2020. During this pregnancy, this mom found me when searching for a photographer to document this momentous time in their lives. This family savored every second of that pregnancy and delivery, and they were so happy to have their sweet baby girl in their arms finally. Being born during 2020 and all the pandemic restrictions made it challenging for me to attend their delivery, but things worked out perfectly in the end, and I was able to be there for them. Sadly, her family could not attend because of those restrictions, which was really hard for Ashlie as they are so close.
Again, in 2021, Ashlie reached out to me to let me know they were pregnant again! The transfer of another frozen embryo was successful, and they were expecting their second daughter. Again, there were continued hospital restrictions, but I was able to be present for their birth, and her sister was able to be there this time! It wasn’t quite what she wanted because she still had to decide who was there and wanted her mother there. Their second daughter was born after a completely different labor and her own unique birth story.
This sweet family had two beautiful daughters and still had another embryo should they decide to grow their family again. And then, the most amazing and miraculous thing happened, they became pregnant on their own! It meant that they would have three babies under the age of 3, and although that felt a bit overwhelming at times, they truly leaned into that miracle and rejoiced! This truly was a miraculous surprise!
The Miraculous Surprise
Of course, this pregnancy and birth had to have their unique birth story, and I love that each of their girls was different! Although there were continued restrictions in most of our local hospitals in 2023, the staff was much more empathetic and, with communication, agreed to let them have her mother, sister, Greg, of course, and myself all present! This meant so much to Ashlie; you could feel the energy in their birth space shift when she had that support around her.
This pregnancy went the longest for her gestationally, which made those last weeks extra challenging, but once labor finally started, she had such a fast labor! Although it was so much quicker than her previous two, it was also more intense, so that period waiting for her epidural was a bit rough, but once she got that, she was able to relax and enjoy the support around her.
Ashlie continued to progress quickly; before you knew it, she felt intense pressure. She leaned into breathing and her support team, and what I loved was that she focused on the blessings in her life and pulled out her phone with a picture of her sweet girls to fo
Just before she was ready to deliver, she gave each of us these sweetest gifts. How thoughtful and kind is that? It meant so much to me. I’m always blown away that I get to witness these moments and am trusted in these spaces. This birth was additionally emotional for me, and I processed the fact that I’ve been there for all three of their births!
Because things moved so quickly, they waited for her obstetrician to arrive before pushing. Dr. Adashek is amazing and was on call for her regular doctor; Dr. Wilkes. Greg had been able to assist in the delivery of their last baby and had hoped he would have the opportunity again. Dr. Adashek went above and beyond and gave Greg the main role of delivering his daughter. It was amazing!
Each of their girls have been named after grandparents which made each so unique and extra special!
You can feel all that emotion and love in their still images, but video has an extra special way of showcasing all those emotions!
We have done newborn sessions with each of their girls, and each girl had a designated color that they incorporated into their sessions. Again, Ashlie is so thoughtful and intentional, and I love that, among a million other things about her.
