Birth Footage
Dancing between contractions
While dancing in early labor, I felt called toward body rolls and asymmetrical hip motions. When a contraction came, I paused to use the “lift and tuck” technique, encouraging Cadence to move downward.
Shalin is texting my midwife, not playing Candy Crush ;)
Breathing through a contraction
This was filmed during transition, an especially challenging part of labor for me (and for most). I use moaning sighs to release tension from my body and ride the crests of contraction waves.
Heartbeat
My midwife uses a doppler to listen to Cadence’s heartbeat between contractions, while my husband Duncan adds warm water to the tub to keep me comfortable.
Head is out!
After pushing out Cadence’s head, I use a mirror to take a look for myself.
Moment of birth
I curl around my middle and roar, and Cadence is born into the tub. My midwife catches them and places them on my chest.
Come Alive
In their very first moments on Earth, Cadence figures out how to breathe while their dads sing to them.