Best of 2020
Man this year threw some CURVE BALLS.
2020 will be memorable to say the least (#dumpsterfire). So many birth workers missed births, attended births through a video screen, and even refunded clients due to the virus restrictions. Others, like myself, pivoted and fully specialized in out of hospital births. It’s something that I was gearing up to launching late 2021 (or so) and was honing my skillset for, but the virus pushed me into following my dream sooner.
And I’m not upset about that at all.
The home births and one birth center birth I attended this year were magically beautiful. Completely supported, and fully autonomous.
My clients had complete control over their body. Over what happened during labor, pushing, placenta, and postpartum. They were respected. Their babies were respected. And their partners were fully involved in the entire process from start to finish.
I so hope that one of the positives that comes from the hospital restrictions for birthing people is that more and more people are viewing out of hospital births as an option. That they are JUST as safe, if not SAFER than a hospital birth for low risk birthers.
I chose some of my favorite images that spoke to me on a deeper level. Whether it was the story, the lighting, the emotion it elicited, or simply because I thought the image was fucking rad. I hope you enjoy what I feel are my top 2020 birth images of this crazy year 💕
Grounding
This birth, was my first REAL taste of home birth in 2020. It was March and California was a shit show, but once you entered their birth space, it was overflowing with oxytocin that everything on the other side of their doors and windows didn’t matter. The birth partner was there, right next to his wife the entire time. Anything she needed, a touch, a whisper in the ear, and sip of water or bite of food. His ability to ground her and remind her of what she wanted and what she was working for was astounding. Safe to say, everyone had an oxytocin high here.
Perseverance
I love that this photo shows the realness of birth. Babies don’t always come out looking clean and cute. Sometimes they emerge earth side looking fed the fuck up with a big ass bruise. This little one had quite the journey, and I feel like their face says it all.
Softness
The full body relaxation and ability to give into the surges is something that HAS to be practiced.
This was also THE quietest birth I’ve ever attended. The loudest people in the room were the 3 year old and laughter when someone said something humorous. I was seriously in awe the entire time.
Power
Even when you doubt yourself, and feel like giving up. You ALWAYS have more power and grit than you think you do. Even if it’s buried deep within you and you have to search for it, that’s what birth is for. To make us travel to the ends of our soul, to find ourselves again, and bring forth a confidence and awareness that we didn’t have before the journey.
Postpartum Shower
The rawness of this photo speaks to me on an entirely different level. The first shower after giving birth, washing off the events of the day. The belly that once housed a baby sitting softly in the window light.
I hope you find some goodness and gratitude from this year somewhere
I hope that we all come out of this experience gaining something we otherwise wouldn’t have, even if it’s simply a new perspective. I hope you and your family are safe and healthy, and that 2021 brings many blessings.
We could all use some support and love at any given moment.
Remember, we never know what someone is going through. They could look like they have their shit together but their world may be crumbling behind the scenes. Give people grace and allow yourself some grace. We’ve all struggled at some point this past year (I know I sure did).
Here’s to 2021 being a year to building each other up.