This is the story of one of my favorite families. Morgan and Paul hired me to photograph the birth of their first child in 2019 - baby Mila. (You can read her birth story here)

Black and white photo of a newborn baby being bottle fed in a medical setting.

Mila was born in December of 2019 - right before the craziness of 2020 hit. I remember talking with Morgan about how lucky we were that I was able to be there for them. Fast forward 18 months when the worst of the pandemic was over - and they had news for me.

A handwritten thank you note displayed next to a pink gerbera daisy flower in a glass container.

This was, by far, the sweetest way anyone has ever asked me to photograph them. I felt so loved and special!


Just like last time, Morgan asked me to capture her pregnancy - only this time, we had an extra little face in the frame :)

Black and white maternity image of a tender moment on a bed with a small dog and toddler

I got the call in the early morning hours on February 19, 2022 that they were headed to the hospital. Morgan, who teaches cross fit, was working through contractions at home and debating on whether or not she should teach her 5 am class (she's a true badass).


When I arrived at Bryan East Hospital, I was struck by deja vu. Morgan was wearing the same blue hospital gown and fuzzy slippers, bouncing on the birth ball. Just as she was when Mila was born. Paul was wearing *practically* the same outfit as before as well. 

A a laboring mom sitting on an exercise ball during labor.

It didn't end there. We all hear that every baby, body, and labor is different. And that's true. But if there was an award for "most similar labor", I think Morgan would've won.


Morgan and Paul worked together during the early stages of active labor. They walked the hallways and bounced on the ball in the hospital room, stopping to breathe through contractions. Paul was always there to lend a hand with firm pressure on Morgan's back, or a comforting chest to lean on and sway. 

A dimly lit Bryan hospital hallway with potted plants and windows.
Two parents walking through Bryan Hospital corridor near windows during labor

And just like before, Morgan entered transition fast and furious. 

A blurred motion shot capturing transition during labor

She was managing like a champ - until she decided she was really done. The nurse suggested breaking her water, knowing that it would likely help her get over the hump she needed to dilate fully and meet her baby. However, not 2 minutes after calling for the doctor, Morgan's water broke on it's own and baby was born within minutes after. 

Black and white image of the moments before a laboring mother's baby emerges

As per their family tradition, they didn't know what they were having. Paul was the first to look and announce. 

Medical staff attending to mother during the delivery of her baby

IT'S A BOY!!

A touching moment between medical staff and a newborn baby in black and white.

Now that the hard work was over, it was time to have some lunch and show off the new addition to big sister. 

new mom enjoying a meal in the first few hours postpartum
Patient relaxing in hospital bed while holding phone and having meal on tray table.

I even got to have some snuggles!! A big thanks to Paul for snapping this for me :) 

doula photographer carefully holding newborn baby wrapped in patterned swaddle blanket.

I loved getting to meet them at home a week later to capture photos of them all together as a family. Seeing older kiddos become a sibling is one of my favorite things, and I can't wait to continue to capture them as they grow (best job ever). 

Family sitting together on gray couch sharing intimate moment with newborn.
Adult hands gently supporting small baby lying on lap.

If you don't have a plan to capture your birth story yet, go download my FREE Birth Photography Shot List - with all of the most important moments to capture, along with some pro-tips for better, more creative images. Grab it here --> Birth Photography Shot List



If you're local to the Lincoln NE area and want to learn more about birth photography and videography services, let's connect! Your initial consult is always free so you can get ALL the info and ask all your questions before deciding if professional birth photography is right for you.