Synchronicity {Birth} -Greenville Birth photographer

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose -Romans 8:28

Jung described synchronicity as two or more events that are "seemingly linked," but in all actuality have no related cause and effect. I like to think Jung wanted to believe in God; I've read he was quite "interested in Christianity," but I think he lacked faith. Faith that God has made plans for us. I believe people are placed in our lives according to His plan. Our children, friends, spouses, …midwives;) We end up in spaces we have been called to inhabit. We learn things we are meant to learn.  Author Cheryl Strayed talks about "the ghost ship that didn't carry us," the life we didn't have. Poets have puzzled out these roads. But I think that the reason we didn't take these steps is because God's plans have been breathed into us. Why didn't we chose that someone we loved? Why were we blessed with four children when we planned on two? 

I met this Mama early last year, she was barely pregnant and had moved to the Upstate a few months before when she hired me. We chatted easily and I offered her referrals. We kept in contact throughout the Spring and Summer and then Fall. I had a seemingly "all year" baby once, felt like I was pregnant For. Ever. After a few first starts turned to a midnight call, her midwife Carrie and I headed over...since fourth babies can be fast and this Mama was known to have quick labors. 

Even at 8 cm she was chatty and fun and we laughed and told stories the first hour, before laboring began in earnest. Throughout the night she worked her biggest baby yet down and out into the sunrise. It was a beautiful crisp friday in October when Ella Grace was born, all chubby 9 lbs 15 ounces of her (all this Mamas babies have been exactly 8 lbs 1 oz)! She was hungry right away and nursed like a champ.

All of my birth families are special to me. I feel like it is the synchronicity of God's plans that have brought them us together, my service to them was meant to be.

The Birth Story of Charlie {Birth Film} Greenville Birth Videographer

Charlie's Mom has so generously allowed her video to be shared for a temporary time. I think it's encouraging for Mama's to see that you can labor at home (she was ready to push when we arrived) and that the GHS midwives are amazing in their support. She pushed for 4 hours. This is why a doula is awesome. She birthed her baby as a first time Mom the way she envisioned and without medication! Password is "temporary."

Relentless. {Birth} Greenville-Spartanburg Birth photographer

“What! Would I be turned back from doing a thing that I had determined to do, and that I knew to be right, by the airs and interference of such a person, or any person I may say? No, I have no idea of being so easily persuaded. When I have made up my mind, I have made it.” 
― Jane Austen

And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant, that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me. I will rejoice in doing them good, and I will plant them in this land in faithfulness, with all my heart and all my soul.  -Jeremiah 32:38

God is endlessly pursuing our hearts. We abandon him over and over; deny him, beat and crucify him and still, still he loves us. Still his arms embrace us, still he fills us with strength and love and offers everlasting life. He is relentless. 

I've said before that birth is a women's blessing, a holy communion with God. That this act of creation brings us so terribly, joyfully close to the body of Christ. To watch the relentless spirit of a women birth her baby, push through pain and exhaustion and fear, open and release a most wanted son is a such a reminder of His love. 

This Mama worked 4 long hours to birth sweet Charlie. We had thought things would move quickly after arriving at the hospital around midnight ready to push, but hours passed as the hard work of birthing began and moving Charlie down into an easy position took all the relentlessness this Mama had in her. Papa prayed and her doula supported her perfectly while her midwife was patience in letting her body ease Charlie out beautifully. I've spent much time with this beautiful couple over the past 4 months and feel so honored to have been chosen to be on their birth team. Charlie arrived on Labor Day at 4 am weighing 9 lbs and 9 oz. He won all of our hearts immediately!