Home Birth In Puerto Rico: A Photographic Essay

WOW! I’m still in awe of the miracle I witnessed. The miracle of seeing baby Josiah been born has awaken such deep emotions within me I know I’ll want to photograph this wonderful experience again. What an empowering experience for the mom. What an opportunity for closeness for the husband and wife. What a rewarding and gratifying privilege for the midwife to assist in this miracle. What a beautiful instant bonding between mother and child that assures the baby that he will still be as safe in her arms as when he was in her womb. What a privilege to be able to capture a baby first breath and little expressions on the night he was born.

As a photographer you are drawn to photograph almost everything you see. Life as it unfolds is a constant image in your head. You learn to see light, composition and aesthetics everywhere you look. That was my approach. Document the birth. But it was so much more than that and I’m very glad I couldn’t help but to get pulled in it.  When you take part in a life changing event as it is in birth, you can’t help but be affected by the power of it. It makes you remember you own beautiful birth experiences (three times in my case). It speaks to you, it makes you put life in the right perspective. It makes you realize that there is a Creator, and that HE still creates. It changes you.

Andrea is such a strong young woman. Giving birth at home she was able to walk around, sit and chat with us, and even laugh within contractions…almost surreal, right? Lol She was in absolute control. Whenever the contraction came she would concentrate on making that contraction count, helping in the process. She couldn’t be in more control!

And then It happens, couple of pushes and out comes baby Josiah and right into mommy’s arms! Just perfect! Safe and secured in mommy’s arms. And mommy in total awe saying “My son, I have a son!” (crying yet? I am).

First pictures of life outside the womb, first breath, first cry, first time daddy holding his baby boy, first time mommy and baby looking at each other! Priceless!

I couldn’t help but to think of the beautiful poem/book by Nancy Tillman; On The Night You were Born (excerpt)

“On the night you were born, The moon smiled with such wonder That the stars peeked in to see you And the night wind whispered, “Life will never be the same.”

Because there had never been anyone like you…ever in the world.

And so it is…life will never be the same…Welcome Baby Josiah Luis Christopher Sierra!

Couple of minutes later Baby Josiah was born!

Their little cat Nina, who was very curious exploring while Andrea gave birth./ Mikky calling his in-laws.

Daddy’s turn to hold the precious bundle!

“Not once had there been such eyes,
Such a nose,
Such silly, wiggly, wonderful toes.”

And just like the gleaming warm sun was coming up, so little Josiah’s life was overwhelmingly brightening our hearts this day! We couldn’t be more in love!