Patiently Waiting in Labor & Using a Sling to Help Gravity {Birth After Loss}

I had the privilege of being at my best friend’s birth of her 5th child and the 2nd daughter she had hoped for. Her midwives were also my midwives and have become dear friends. It was amazing to be on the other side of labor with them as we supported my friend. Her midwives have been with her through 5 births and a miscarriage.

Labor began in the wee hours on a Sunday and we all gathered before dawn. Baby needed more time, though, and labor stalled. All of us left after a few hours to let her relax and see if labor would begin again. It did that night! This picture was taken shortly after her midwife arrived at 11:00 p.m. She was checking in on her progress and offering her strength and wisdom. She has an amazing gift to know exactly the right thing to say at the time mom’s need it most.

My friend used the sling she had made (it’s hanging from the ceiling) to hold her weight while she let gravity help her bring her baby down. It was an amazing birth to witness — very instinctual, very peaceful, very trusting. {Miranda with the Nanny Photographer}