Rikki Rivera | Photographer » Wedding & Portrait Photography

Mason’s Birth | Tacoma Birthing Inn

This is the incredible journey of baby Mason coming into the world. He was born here in Tacoma to wonderful, loving parents, Amanda and Josh. While these images aren’t for everyone, they are beautiful and modest, without taking away from the story. It was truly an honor to be apart of this monumental occasion and document it for this sweet family. Please enjoy a few words from Amanda about her experience.

Amanda: “268 days after we found out I was finally pregnant, it was time to get to work to meet Mason. As I was two weeks past my due date, my labor was jump started with an herbal tincture provided by our midwife. The day went by slowly as we watched movies, walked, snacked, and practiced HypnoBirthing while waiting for my surges (contractions) to get stronger and closer together.”

“Around 7 o’clock in the evening, I was beginning active labor. Our midwife prepared the birthing tub and I got in. The heat of the water soothed the muscles that had been working hard all afternoon, yet still had so much work to do.”

“The first surge that started pushing Mason down on its own surprised me. How could my body be so powerful? Was I ready to do this? Could I do this? At this point, Josh reminded me that my surges could not be stronger than me because they are me. He told me that of course I could do it because I was already doing it right now. Our little boy was on his way and I needed to relax and work with my body to get him here.”

“After some time, Mason was almost here and I was able to feel his tiny head of hair! This was motivation to get him out like I couldn’t believe. I wanted to meet this little man more than anything in the world. I talked to Mason between surges, urging him to come meet us.

As his head was coming out, our midwife said his cord was around his neck twice. Thinking she would slip it over his head and that would be that, I stopped pushing. I’d expected to wait for the next surge to birth his body. Our midwife had other ideas because Mason needed out right then. His shoulders were flexed back so she had to help him out the rest of way. In the tub, I was floating away from her so Josh got behind me and was pushing me towards her so she could reach Mason. In another second, he was out.”

“He was blue, floppy, and not responding. My world stopped spinning. Mason was placed on a board on my chest, suctioned, given puffs of air using PPV, and vigorously rubbed. I stroked his back, talked to him, and another minute later he was screaming and pink. Words can’t describe that sweet sound. The board was taken away and Mason rested on my chest while we got to know each other. I couldn’t imagine him being anymore perfect. Weeks later, I’m still astounded that we were able to create such a beautiful baby boy.

Amanda and Josh, congratulations on such a perfect baby boy. He’s so loved already, and couldn’t have been born to two more loving parents. I know you’ll do amazing things as a family of three! Thank you so much for having me apart of this with you, I won’t soon forget this experience and the miracle of child birth. I wish you the very best!

  • Sherri Hall-Rivera - September 15, 2015 - 8:30 am

    I have one word for this …. no I don’t, I’m speechless. 🙂 Reply Cancel

  • Aunt Stacy - September 19, 2015 - 5:16 pm

    Absolutely beautiful Amanda! Congratulations to you all! ❤️ Reply Cancel

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