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Sweet Baby Kate Lynn {Olympia Birth Photograper}

Posted on March 13, 2012

Baby Kate came into this world 40 hrs after her BFF Timothy whom I also had the chance to photograph. You can find Timothy’s birth story and pictures HERE.

Kate was very sweet to this birth photographer, she came during the day! Natural light! I was so afraid I would miss Kate’s birth as her mother labors fast just like Timothy’s mama. I made it with time to spare and got to spend 4 hrs with this wonderful family. The Labor was beautiful. Brandy, Kate’s mama and her dad Kris got to go for a walk outside while there was still snow from our crazy January Storm. Kris was so supportive and Brandy’s midwives were wonderful they even made me a sandwich and a bowl of ice cream! How cool is that! I love this job!

Thank you Brandy and Kris for allowing me to be there and photograph the wonderful, precious birth of your third daughter Kate Lynn <3

*update* I got to hold sweet Kate yesterday! She is a happy and healthy 7 week old <3

 



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Voting is Open { Olympia Birth Photographer}

Posted on February 13, 2012

Voting is now open for the 2011 Birthphotographers.com Birth Photo of the year. To vote click HERE  My entry is #30. This is the beautiful Ashley and her husband. Minutes after this photo was snapped, Baby Jacob came into this world. This was only my second birth and I am so glad I got to be there and witness this miracle happen, Read Ashley’s story below. I hope to make a slide show for each of my 3 births last year.

 

 

 Mama’s story:

Maybe it’s all the hormones right now, or it’s this “new mommy high” that I have going. But whatever it is, it’s making me feel awesome & also making me wonder and think about what we just went through :)

 Why did I not do this before?! I was so scared to have the other kids that I didn’t even consider doing it naturally. This time I did it because I learned how much better it was for the baby. I wanted to bring him into the world the best way I could. Which meant going naturally…

 The whole time I was in labor this time I was in awe of my body, of what it was doing. It took us 2 years of trying to get pregnant with this baby. We suffered 4 heart breaking losses along the way. I felt defeated, hated my body for failing me, for not doing what I wanted it to. What it was “supposed” to do. I hated that it seemed I couldn’t carry another baby, hated seeing the hurt in my family & friends, & most of my husband’s face every time my body let us down again. Seeing the way it broke his heart every month when it didn’t happen or when we lost another one broke mine all over again, every time. Then, when I got pregnant this time I spent my entire pregnancy on edge waiting for the moment my body would betray me, when it would betray my baby like it felt like it had done before so many times. But that moment never came.

 We had toyed with the idea of having another baby, then I got pregnant & it was decided, we’d have another. At what should have been the halfway point of the pregnancy we lost him. His death made a gaping hole in our lives, something was missing. It felt like we were supposed to be a family of five, no matter what we did there was always the thought of something missing. Losing him had put a hole in us, in our family, that wasn’t there before. It made us determined to have another, to fill that void. We knew we couldn’t have him back, but losing him made us realize we really wanted one more. After the trauma my body went through when we lost him, we thought I wouldn’t be able to have another baby. Then I got pregnant with Jacob. We thought we would lose him like we lost the others, we didn’t. We were told our baby would be premature & spend weeks or months in the hospital because our last living baby did. Then we went overdue. We thought that because labor didn’t happen within the time frame we were thinking that my body couldn’t go into labor or maintain it without augmentation. But it did.

 My body knew how to grow this child. It knew when my baby was ready to be born, and when it was time it went into labor alone. It didn’t need some doctor telling me when my baby was ready & forcing him out with drugs. When I labored with Gabe I was told I was incapable, that my body “couldn’t” do it, that my contractions were inadequate, that I wasn’t dilating fast enough, then that I couldn’t push him out. I was forced to have medicine that literally almost killed Gabe, then I was forced to have him cut & sucked out of me because of my “inadequacy”.

 This time, that was always in the back of my mind. I doubted my body’s abilities the whole time. Every contraction, as I felt myself progressing through labor, I was in disbelief of what my body was accomplishing. It was doing it! Then, I gave birth to an almost 10lb baby, on my own.

 I can’t even describe the sense of accomplishment I feel. The amount of pride I have in my baby for knowing what to do to navigate his way out, in myself for waiting it out & facing my biggest fears, and in my body for doing what it was supposed to. It is indescribable!

 I didn’t set out to have a natural birth to “earn my stripes” or to “get a gold star”. The only reason I chose a natural birth this time was for the sake of my baby. I didn’t want his tiny body traumatized the way my other children were in birth. I didn’t want him coming into the world drugged up on narcotics & suffering the side effects, I felt like he deserved to come into the world the way nature intended. I feel like all my children did. I failed the other two, I selfishly took that away from them, but after learning what I did about the benefits of natural birth to the baby, how could I deny him that? I couldn’t take back what I did before, if I could I would without thinking twice. But I could keep from doing it again. I couldn’t accept putting my own comfort over my child’s safety, again.

 I was scared, I thought it would hurt, but I was willing to do it for him. Thinking of how beneficial it would be for him kept me motivated before & during. It is what made me be okay waiting 23 days longer than we thought we’d have to. Having him naturally hurt, but not much as you’d think. And it was no where near as bad as it was when I had the drugs & epidural. Each contraction was only about a minute of pain with a complete 3-5 minute break in between. I would have a contraction, but once it was over my body felt amazing. Like it knew I was that much closer to being done, that it was glad that one was over. It would tense up, get through the contraction, then after it would loosen up in the most relaxed feeling I’ve ever had.

 Now that it’s over, it’s been less than 48 hours, & I feel amazing. I am up, walking around, I am fighting with myself to not do too much, because I really want to. I feel good enough to clean my whole house, to go out & do things, it is so hard to make myself relax when I really feel like I don’t need to. I’m not as sore as you’d think I would be after having a 10lb baby naturally, I feel better now than I did after my 3lb baby!

 I really wish I’d done this every time!



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The Home Birth Of Timothy Lee { Olympia Birth Photographer}

Posted on February 12, 2012

 

 

 

Birth (bûrth) Photography : The act of capturing one of the most amazing moments in a parent’s life, the birth of a precious new life, the birth of their son or daughter. You will not find that definition in Webster’s nor any other book, but you might find this explanation. The art or process of producing images of the emergence and separation of offspring from the body of the mother. Not enough emotion in that definition for me. I’d like to think that my birth images convey multiple emotions to the viewer whether is be the mother, great aunt Sally or a complete stranger.

I am so excited and blessed to share the very quick but very peaceful home birth of Timothy Lee. Timothy was the perfect addition to his family that included three big brothers, the kindest mother and super supportive father. Just a little intro as I love to let the pictures speak for themselves.

Danielle is a friend of mine whom I first met over a conversation about baby carriers. We now get to see each other every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at MOPS. Danielle was due with her forth boy at the end of January. I was so excited to get the call several weeks before that, that she was interested in having me attend her birth. Blessed I tell ya!

At 9:06 pm on January 21st as I pulled into my driveway having just attended a beautiful wedding, I got “The Call.” The sweet voice on the other side actually asked me how I was doing and if I was back from my trip. I could hear her voice struggle a bit. I said I’m fine and I’m just getting home. She then let me know that is was baby time. Knowing that Danielle’s last birth was so fast that the midwife missed it, I pretty much stopped just enough to let my husband out, grab my gear and go, mind you I attended Timothy’s birth in slacks and Jewelry…even makeup! Thankfully he waited until the great Snowpocalypse of 2011 had passed…..well mostly. As I arrived at the house I got stuck in the snow, I knew I had missed the birth. Sage (dad) came out along with his friend and helped push my van to a safe parking spot…as soon as I saw him I said is “he” here yet!!!?? Nope…sigh of relief! Timothy Lee was born about 10 min after I walked through the door, several of us were present accept the midwife. Mama’s birth story is directly after the slideshow.

Time Line:
Call: 9:06pm
Left House: 9:11
Arrived at Danielle’s house: 9:42 and was stuck in the snow for a few minutes
Snapped first Picture: 9:47
Timothy Lee Born: 9:58pm, 10lbs 2 oz, 20.25in

Thank You my Friend for allowing me to witness the beautiful birth of your Timothy lee.
 

Timothy’s Birth Story as told by his Mother.

Wow, how do I start this birth story? What a journey we have been on the past few months. There’s so much to tell and yet, our short, wonderful birth was just the perfect culmination to everything that has happened throughout this pregnancy–Just as birth should be! Well, maybe I’ll start from the beginning….

In early June 2011, after only 3 and a half months of starting our journey toward healing from the health problems that I experienced, I took a pregnancy test and it was positive. I was happy, but terrified! What would I do with my business? How was I going to function if I was so sick again? What would my health do with the added stress of a pregnancy? How would we pay for the midwife? We had been planning on waiting at least another year to even decide if we were going to try to have another baby. I never knew I could be happy and yet so down about something at the same time! That’s how it all started.

Over the months of this pregnancy, there was so much to work through, the practical, but mostly, the emotional. With the help, support and encouragement of Terra (our midwife), I did eventually realize that everything would be okay. This birth was different and that what I did could make a difference.

During this pregnancy I worked hard, Really Hard! I learned to be disciplined. I learned to clear clutter out of my life. I learned to take responsibility for my emotions and how to support others without taking their emotions on myself. I learned how to say “NO.” I learned a lot about being a mother and what it really means to simply be there for my kiddos. I learned how to let go and stop being such a perfectionist. Most of all, I learned how to trust God. I learned to believe (not just in my head, but deep down in my heart) that He really has my best interest at heart and that I can simply just let go. I learned that He made me special and that’s just what I am… Special! I learned that the Lord’s plans for my life are not necessarily my plans, but His way is so much better! Don’t get me wrong, along the way I did a whole lot of worrying, complaining, worrying, complaining and dare I say… more worrying, but God is faithful even when I am not! He is patient even when I am most certainly not! I am so amazed by the gentle nurturing of the Lord!

The first half was the hardest I have ever had! A strict routine of eating every 2 hours some type of meat and veggies and/or fruit and very little grains and carbs mixed with morning sickness and exhaustion is not the easiest combination. Balancing rest and being active when sick and exhausted is even harder! Emotional upheavals and trying to fulfill commitments… unbearable. It was kinda like that long back labor that drags on for hours and hours with never ending, constant pain. It seems like you’d rather just curl up and die, but you can’t so you just keep going… Can anyone relate? For 20 long weeks, all I could do was keep going, barely. Once again though, God is faithful and He gave me the strength to get through it until we could figure out what it was my body needed to thrive through the pregnancy instead of just survive. At 20 weeks, Terra put me on an adrenal supplement. It was amazing the difference that it made! I felt like a human being again!!! I had energy and stamina back! It was wonderful! Praise God! The rest of the pregnancy went really smoothly! I felt wonderful! In fact, I had never felt better during one of my pregnancies! Two weeks ago you could’ve asked me how I felt and my reply would’ve been, “Wonderful!” I am so thankful for the time of feeling wonderful. It helped alleviate a lot of my worries and fears. I truly knew that this time was different. However, I am just as thankful for those long weeks of struggle and challenge. I have been forever changed by this pregnancy and I have to say, there’s nothing like actually feeling well enough to dream about my baby being born, to prepare for it, and to even be able to just surrender to what was to come.

Now the good part, the birth…

I had been having stronger Braxton hicks contractions off and on for a couple of weeks, but Monday, January 16th I was having them somewhat regularly all afternoon and I just felt kinda sore and “off“. I called my midwife that evening and messaged my doula and photographer as a heads up because our last birth was so fast. I went to bed and everything died down. The next couple of days, the baby moved back up higher in my uterus and I had very few noticeable Braxton hicks. I’ll be honest, I was a bit disappointed, but I comforted myself with the fact that Timothy could come after I was able to be there for the birth of Baby Kate, one of my best friends’ babies. I saw Dr. Terra on Friday after being couped up in the house for several days due to the stormy, snowy weather. It was a beautiful drive to Belfair- a winter wonderland. All three boys accompanied me to our appointment and they were just as happy to get out of the house as I was. Nathaniel (22 months) was singing, “Dr. Terra, Dr. Terra, Dr. Terra” as we were bundling up to head to the van. Our appointment was wonderful. We discussed what we would do since I was GBS + and allergic to the amoxicillin (which I had been worried about needlessly all week), and everything else looked good. Timothy was still floating out of my pelvis and I’m pretty sure Terra must’ve thought I was crazy when I said he’d been sitting on my cervix earlier in the week. She said she was pretty sure that I would have him soon and stressed that I needed to be careful about choosing to go to a birth at this point. I kinda agreed. I thought this baby might come soon, but I couldn’t believe it! I was sure that I’d end up having to wait at least a couple of more weeks. Of course, that didn’t stop me from putting the plastic sheet on the bed and making sure the car seat was installed in the van. Everything was ready for him when he decided to come!

Saturday morning we woke up and decided to go out as a family to celebrate Gabriel’s birthday since Sage wouldn’t be home until late on Monday (his actual birthday). We stopped by Wal-Mart to get look at the toys and I was just a little “off.” It’s hard to explain. I was just out of it and had to keep myself present with Sage and the kiddos. I told myself that it was just because I was tired since the kids did wake up at 3:15 in the morning, but I was the one who got to sleep in. Sage got up with them. I was in my own little world, but we had a great time. Gabe wanted to go to Burger King for lunch and to Chuck E Cheese’s to celebrate. We obliged. It was a great family day. The kids were well behaved and excited, and we went to Costco for a few groceries after the fun. When we got home, I was exhausted. We made a birthday cake, ate dinner, did cake and presents and finally got everyone in bed.

At about 8:20 pm Bethany, our doula, called to check in. I had called the day before to chat about our midwife appointment and she was getting back to me. We chatted for awhile and talked about the Braxton hicks contractions I had been having most of the day. I remember describing them as something like this: “I can feel them tightening from the top of my fundus all the way down to my cervix. They burn a little bit, but they don’t hurt.” We chatted for a bit more and I had a contraction that felt a bit lower down in my uterus. I mentioned it to her but added that I had been having those interspersed with the Braxton hicks all week. At that point in time, about 8:50 pm or so, I still had no idea that I was going to be having a baby. I seriously thought that because I was so tired, that I was going to be getting a call from Brandy that she was in labor. I got off the phone with Bethany and laid down to watch Burn Notice and hopefully doze off before Brandy called. Then, about 3 or 4 minutes later I had one of those, “ Oh my goodness, I have to move, this is too intense” contractions. Uh oh! This was too familiar. I called Bethany back at 8:59 and told her I was calling Terra and that I’d call her back and let her know what she said. I immediately called Terra and she said she’d come. I remember I felt a little silly telling her that I’d only had 2 contractions, but I was grateful that she said she’d come anyways. She also said that I might want to start setting up the birth tub.

As soon as I got off of the phone with Terra I woke up Sage and he went to work on the tub. I called Bethany back and asked her to come. She was probably already getting ready to head out the door. LOL I think I was the only one who believed that it was still going to be awhile. I then went down my list of numbers of those who were going to come and told everyone not to rush, but to come. During this time, I was having pretty intense contractions that were only lasting about 45 seconds or so and were a couple minutes apart. I was pacing back and forth in my room during them waiting for everyone to get there and for the birth tub to be set up. Poor Sage, he got it about 6 inches or so filled with water and I had forgotten to tell him about putting the liner in. He got it all figured out though!

Krisztina was the first one to arrive about 9:20 she snuck in quietly while I was having a particularly strong contraction. It was so nice to know that someone was there. Everyone else arrived shortly after that. Sage had to go out and help get everyone parked in the snow drifts that were still filling our driveway and the parking out on the side of the road. When Krisztina, Brandy, Stephanie (my younger sister) and Carissa were all there I started feeling a lot of pressure with the contractions. Oh no! I had been through this before! I had my sister dial Terra for me to find out where she was and I got into the birth tub. It was perfect! The pressure was so intense, but once I got into the water and kneeled down I felt such relief. I could just relax and let my body do what it needed to do! Terra talked me through the contraction that I had there and I remember feeling completely calm and relaxed. It was going to be okay though she was still about 30 minutes out. She did not tell me not to push, she just reminded me to continue to breathe through them like that and to let my body do what it was going to do.

Just about this time, Bethany walked in. I handed the phone to her and just relaxed in the water. It was still totally bearable in between contractions and with Bethany there, I was ready. Of course, it wouldn’t have mattered if I had been ready or not, but I was. It was going to be okay. I kept telling myself in my head, “ I deserve a gentle birth. I deserve a gentle birth.” Just a minute later I had another contraction. I told Bethany that I was pushing. Poor Bethany, she was just trying to make a quick trip to the bathroom, but the baby wasn’t waiting! I reached down and felt the membranes and his head right there. I believe I talked myself through slowing down and letting him stretch me out loud, but I don’t remember. It was so intense, so painful, so awesome that all I could think was, “His head feels really big! It burns. No, slow down, stretch, slow down. It really burns, etc…” I remember Bethany telling me I was doing a good job and encouraging me. Sage was rubbing my hair and I felt so much support. It was so calm and wonderful. Suddenly, I could not hold my body back any more and it finished pushing his head out. I rubbed his face and his head. I was so in love already. When I didn’t have another contraction immediately I had a second of panic. I tried to bear down and push his shoulders out, but they didn’t move. I didn’t want him to be stuck. Then the next contraction came and the rest of his body slid out under the water. I reached down and pulled him up to my chest. He was just so amazing. He let out one good cry and then snuggled in and was perfectly peaceful. Just the way I imagined him to be.

The next few minutes are kind of a blur. I remember that I was really sore when I sat back on my bottom to wait for the placenta to come. I knew that I had torn. Timothy’s cord was short, but it was just long enough to have him snuggled up to my chest so I could stare at him. I couldn’t believe it! He was here and it was…… 9:58 pm. Just over an hour from when I felt my first real contraction. I really didn’t realize that it had been so fast. It was like once labor started, time stood still for me. I had moments that I wanted to fear, but I knew that the Lord had a plan and it was going to be okay. I didn’t let myself think about the fears. I just kept telling myself that it was going to be gentle and beautiful and that I was strong enough.

When Terra arrived (not sure what time), I was still in the pool waiting to birth the placenta. The water was nice, but I did have a hard time being comfortable. I felt like I needed to be upright, but I couldn’t stay up on my knees for more than a few seconds. Eventually, I was helped to the bed and waited there until the placenta separated and I could push it out. It kinda surprised me that it took some concentration this time to push it out. Some time in here my parents stopped by for a couple of minutes to peek at the baby and Mif and Joella arrived. Poor Mif had a terrible time getting out of the snow in her driveway. I’m so thankful that they came. It made it all complete! The placenta was large and had some calcifications, but was otherwise very healthy. The cord was attached directly in the middle and the tree of life was beautiful. The membranes were thick and beautiful. After the placenta came Terra checked and I had a small tear. I chose to be stitched up. BTW, Terra and Joella did such a great job suturing me that I feel like I never even tore! Thank you for taking your time and doing a great job ladies! I have never felt so good after having a baby!

Then the moment we were all waiting for… the newborn exam! I guessed that Timothy weighed 9#2oz. I think Mif guessed 10# 1 oz. Terra said Mif was the closest: 10lbs. 2 oz. The exact same as Nathaniel! I couldn’t believe it!!! He doesn’t look huge to me, but he is a solid little guy!

We were tucked into bed and everyone that was left headed out about 2:30 in the morning. As I lie there next to my beautiful, chubby cheeked little boy I couldn’t believe it was all over and it was so perfect. All the months of worry and work and fear and surrender. They were all wrapped up into just one, wonderful, victorious hour. Oh the beauty of that hour where we worked as a team, both going farther and growing stronger than we ever thought possible. Oh the beauty of that glorious moment when I looked into my baby’s face for the first time and all of time stood still. I didn’t sleep for awhile. I just lie there in wonder waiting for my baby to wake up and nurse. He was so beautiful and so perfect. Finally about 4 in the morning I drifted off into a peaceful sleep. All was well…..



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It’s Time to Vote in the Contest! { Olympia Birth Photographer }

Posted on January 24, 2012

 

 

Whether you give birth in a hospital, birthing  center, or your very own home, whether you have a c-section, epidural or go drug free, everyone deserves once in a lifetime fresh baby pictures. I’m promoting a new type of session which will be called a “Fresh 48 ” session. These sessions will be done within the first 48 hours of birth, where ever that may take place. This is a Lifestyle type newborn session without props or crazy positions, just a fresh new life. I offer this session as a 1 hour session that includes a cd of edited images for $500, and a mini 20 minute session that includes a 4×6 proof book for $250. This is a great alternative to those who do not want a photographer in the room during birth, or those who would like to save a bit of money. (Although my whole birth sessions are on sale for a portfolio building special at only $400!!!)

These women below are all beautiful pregnant women and they all want a free 30 min session that includes a mini package.

HOW TO VOTE:

1) Please like Carissa Pierce Photography on Facebook and let me know who sent you.

2) Comment on this blog post with the # of the entry you would like to vote for.

One vote per person, that person must be a fan of Carissa Pierce Photography of Facebook.

No disrespectful postings, cheating, or multiple voting please.

Happy voting and good luck to all of these beautiful, expecting mamas.

-Carissa

 

 



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It’s Contest Time { Lacey, WA Newborn Photographer }

Posted on January 15, 2012

Examples of a Newborn Lifestyle session

Taken at Mason General Hospital after a c-section

If you are a parent you know how quickly your little newborn changes. I look at hospital pictures and then pictures after the first few weeks and the difference is amazing! I want to capture that newness, the raw beauty of a newborn life. No Frilly outfits, no huge bows, no crazy poses, or old baskets, just you and your precious baby. If you are interested in a session that captures your new little one, this is the contest for you. Or if you would like to book a Newborn Lifestyle session, please contact me through the contact tab Here.

Birth Photography information can be found Here.

I look forward to capturing your memories, whether it be in a hospital, birthing center or your own living room.

CONTEST INFORMATION

Who: Pregnant Mamas

What: Free 30 min session….the session will take place in either a hospital, birthing center or home. For newborns less than 7 days old. 25 miles of travel included along with a free mini package of your favorite pose

Where: Hospital, Birth center or Home, where ever baby was born

When: 7 days or less after the baby’s arrival

How to Enter: Please send a Pregnant belly picture to carissa@carissapiercephotography.com along with a few sentences on why you would like this free session.

Photo entries will be accepted until January 23rd at Midnight.

Voting Begins On January 24th and will end on January 31st

How to vote: For a vote to count the voter must “like” Carissa Pierce Photography on Facebook

Each Pregnant belly picture will be given a number, you must comment on the blog post letting me know that you are a” Liker” of the page, along with the number you vote for. Duplicate votes will note count, nor will votes count unless you are a fan.

The belly with the most votes wins! Who knows we may have more prizes if it looks close or we get lots of new likers.

For questions and to submit your entries please email me at carissa@carissapiercephotography.com

Congratulations of your Pregnancy!



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Lifestyle Newborn Contest { Olympia Newborn Photographer}

Posted on January 15, 2012



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Winter Special { Lacey, Olympia, Shelton Birth Photographer}

Posted on January 10, 2012

 

 

To Book please use the Contact tab.

 

 

 



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2011: A year in Pictures { Olympia Photographer }

Posted on December 28, 2011

This has been a great year for my photography. I was able to do close to 50 sessions and meet so many new people. Among the sessions I shot was my first birth and my first wedding. I am hoping to focus my photography in 2012 mostly on Births, but I still enjoy capturing all moments. I am currently booking for 2012. Please use the contact tab to book your session. I have enjoyed going through all of my 2011 sessions and I can’t wait to see what 2012 brings me. Thank you for your support in my journey.

<3 Carissa



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A Work in Progress…..

Posted on December 18, 2011

I am trying to get my blog up and running. I recently got rid of my flash site and will be doing everything right here. I like the format much better. Come back often to see all the changes.

-Carissa



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copyright 2012 - Carissa Pierce Photography