Parenthood Firsts: Welcoming Greyson | New Orleans Birth Photographer

“All those cliches, those things you hear about having a baby and motherhood – all of them are true. And all of them are the most beautiful things you will ever experience.”

                                                                                                  – Penelope Cruz

Last year after feeling really compelled to document motherhood experiences in a more hands-on, organic way, I announced that I’d be adding birth photojournalism to my service offerings. Having not ever experienced childbirth myself, I was both excited and nervous to embark on this new endeavor. After witnessing quite a few babies come into the world over the past few months, I’ve found the experience to be so enlightening and beautiful. 

Each woman, family, and birth experience is so different from the last and it’s so incredible to watch! Epidurals to inductions to natural births, breastfeeding to bottle feeding, dads who wanna be in the middle of the action to dads who want to quietly support their wives with hand holding and soft kisses — ALL such raw and breathtaking exhibitions of the strength each and every woman has within them. 

Each by their own unique journey, listening to the needs of their individual mind + body — it’s nothing short of breathtaking. Every single time. Victoria and Josh are in the throes of their first run at parenthood and documenting the steps of their journey has been such a cool experience. World, meet Greyson James!

It’s always so fun to visit my clients for a newborn session in the week following the birth. Seeing them settled and finding their new “normal” always gives me the feels. Recently, I’ve been inviting my mamas to get as comfortable and natural as they’d like in sessions–less posing, more real life. Wanna nurse? Let’s do it! Wanna take a nap with baby? I’m down. A more timeless, photojournalistic approach. All the yes.

The photos above were taken a few days after I had the privilege of watching Victoria bring Greyson into the world. Watching my mama clients in the midst of such a range of raw emotion and physical feeling while giving birth is such a unique experience. I am truly mind blown by women and the things our bodies can do.

Here’s a peek into Victoria’s birth journey…