Hey all!

Aww, I have had the best time working with this family and photographing sweet baby Leo! It is such an honor to be invited into the labor and delivery room to photograph such an intimate event. I am constantly amazed at how miraculous birth is! Leo's birth is no exception. In Ashley's own words:

Has your perspective of birth changed since you gave birth?
"No, birth is just as beautiful as I imagined it would be."

Watch the video, read the story from Ashley's perspective, take a look at the photos and leave this momma some love in the comments <3 I had the pleasure of going to their home last week and photographing Leo's newborn photos as well—stay tuned for those, I can't wait to share!

Tell us a bit about yourself and what number baby/birth you're sharing with us.
My name is Ashley. I am 24 years old. I am married to my best friend Leo, and we both are military. After continuous tries, and even losing faith, we found out we were expecting our precious blessing back in February. This is our first baby, aside from Kingston, our fur baby. We are so excited to see what our king IV has in store for us.

What was your due date, and what was your baby’s birth date?
Our due date was October 4, 2016. Our blessing made his grand entrance on September 25, 2016.

What was babies weight and length?
Leo IV weighed in at 6lbs 14.7oz

What are three words you would choose to describe your birth?
My birth was exciting, painful, and joyous.

What did you do to prepare for your labor and birth? Did it help?
I really did not do much to prepare for labor, I kind of just went with flow.

What did you like about your birth experience, if anything?
I LOVED the fact that I had my husband there by my side, supporting me through every contraction.

What surprised you about your contractions/labor?
I was surprised that I had to be induced. My water did not break naturally, and I was given fluids through an I.V. to make my contractions come quicker and stronger.

In reflection, would you do anything differently, either before the birth, during or after?
No, I would not change a thing.

What do you remember the most about the birth?
I remember I woke up crying because my epidural was running low, and after being checked, I was told my son was ready to come. It was time to push!! I also remember my husband shaking out of his boots when it was time for me to push, and the way he assisted in my delivery.

How was your birth experience different from what you imagined it to be?
My plan was to go natural. I stuck with it until about 6cm. I began to get aggravated because of how fast the contractions were coming, and I didn't have enough time to relax in between, so I asked for the epidural. I also expected to feel a little pain during the time I had to push, but I did not feel a thing.

How has your perspective of birth changed since you gave birth?
No, birth is just as beautiful as I imagined it would be.

What were your immediate emotions about yourself and or your birth experience after the birth?
I was in shock about the fact that I had just pushed out a handsome baby boy. I really have a little one to call my/our own.

How would you describe your recovery?
Recovery is going great. Not too painful, and I am getting plenty rest. Thank God for a quiet baby.

Did you learn anything about yourself through this experience?
I learned that being patient comes with blessings.

Would you recommend having a natural childbirth or medicated childbirth to others?
I would recommend a person to do what is best for them. I would say experience a few contractions and do what your pain level allows you to handle.

WHY hire a birth photographer?
I chose to hire a photographer because I did not want myself or my husband to miss a moment trying to snap pictures ourselves. I also know how everything can be overwhelming, and so easy to forget. I do not regret having a photographer at my birth.