Kate hired me as her doula and photographer for her first birth, and I’ve had the JOY of being with them for their second and third births as well. Kate and Ben did the Peace Corps before setting in Denver, and as someone who has also spent a lot of time overseas…I connected to them instantly. They are some of the kindest and most down-to-earth people I know. They were open to each of their birth experiences - on one hand Kate had a deep sense of what she wanted her birth to look like but on the other hand, she knew that birth is often mysterious and leads us down a different path.

While I’ve personally breastfed a 3 year old, 2 year old, 1 year old, and infant…I most often photograph people who are breastfeeding a baby less than an hour old. There are so many amazing things that happen when we breastfeed our babies after birth. Hormones are firing everywhere, helping our body and their body adjust to life on the outside. Breastfeeding can help our uterus contract. It promotes bonding. It regulates blood sugar for baby. It helps everyone acclimate to what has been a monumental change. Some babies latch on right away, while other babies want to rest, recover, or explore. The timeline for each baby is different (just like birth) and in most cases…babies do find their way to the breast.

Cherise gave birth at the Denver Center for Birth and Wellness, with an amazing team surrounding her. Her sweet daughter and husband gave her so much love and support as she birthed her baby girl into the world. She got into the shower and quickly progressed (the shower is SUCH a good place to get those contractions going).