Yesterday afternoon my husband's sweet cousin and his wife came up from Atlanta to visit. We headed over to Paris Mountain State Park to snap a few last pictures of them before Baby Declan arrives and two becomes three. First time parents, everything is ready for their sweet boy's arrival and now the waiting game has begun. Doesn't she have the cutest little 37 week belly? We are so excited for them and can't wait to meet the newest Conway!
There is an annual birth photography contest that I love to check out. I'm not entering --there are so many wonderful birth photographers from across the world, but my favorite image of 2013 was this one. This was a first time Mom using Hypnobabies, her entire labor was beautiful and the intense connection between her and her husband was inspiring. We are fortunate to have awesome hospital midwives who work to provide a peaceful environment for birth. I think Hypnobabies gives the father a real direction, especially first time ones, in how to support their wives. This birth made me fall in love with Hypnobabies. This was taken during her pushing stage and she was surprised to find her body working according to God's plan and the encouraging look on her husband's face and his belief in her was for me so special. For photographers, I shot this at ISO 2500/1.6/1/125 and it was still super dark. Thank goodness for post processing or I would have missed this connection.
To nurse is to hold closely and carefully, to harbor, to suckle, to nourish, to govern, to give special attention; if only we could learn to nurse each other maybe women would more eagerly nurse their children.
It's no secret that I'm a huge breastfeeding advocate. I tandem nursed twice and through two pregnancies and for 7 years straight, Oh my! I'm once again nursing my sweet Claire and am trying to cherish every moment. I do however, understand the up and downs of breastfeeding. I understand that some women can't nurse, don't get enough support from family and friends, and may not have access to a lactation consultant. I understand low and high milk supply, mastitis, and the feeling that your body is not your own. I understand not wanting to nurse all night and feeling dehydrated and unable to lose weight. I understand how women fire out against each other and forget that the nursing relationship is best when it is peaceful and nurturing and that being gentle with each other and our bodies and our babies is oh so important. That a class, or a friend, or a doula, can help you. And that even when you want to cry and give up, you will be oh so grateful for this bonding time with your baby.
But as I photograph women nursing their children. I'm reminded of those who themselves need nursing, need care, need to be held and protected and helped. I think about the directions God is leading me and I'm oh so grateful for his nourishing love.
