Fort Myers Home Birth | Precipitous Labor | An Unplanned Unassisted Birth Story
Beau Brooks’ Thanksgiving Birth Story
I was thrilled when Nicole Gawel of Laven-Doula, LLC contacted me to photograph the birth of her third baby! Having previously worked with Nicole, I knew it would be so special to serve her as she birthed her own baby.
Just before Halloween, I attended her home visit with LifeSong Midwifery Care. At midnight, she would be 37 weeks pregnant and cleared to birth her baby at home! After being on bed rest since 27 weeks, this was a major accomplishment! There were smiles all around as we discussed Nicole’s birthing day.
Little did we know, her story would be quite unique…
*Click HERE to watch Beau Brooks Mini Film!
Chances are, if I welcomed a sweet baby on Christmas morning 2018, I would surely avoid major holidays in 2019, right?? Let me introduce Mr. Beau Brooks! Welcomed by his mama and his daddy in their bathroom shower after only ONE HOUR of labor on Thanksgiving morning! An unplanned unassisted home birth!
At 3am on Thanksgiving, my all too familiar birth client tone alerted me.
Nicole: Hey! My water broke about 30 minutes ago!!! I have been having contractions for an hour so I will let you know when it’s been a little longer.
I replied, “I’ll be waiting!” But, knowing how sneaky 3rd babies can be, I got out of bed, began brewing coffee and getting dressed.
While I was brushing my teeth my phone alerted again. Perfect timing! I was almost ready to walk out of the house. This time, it was Evan, “He is here!” My eyes bulged, surely not baby Beau!? Indeed it was.
Midwife Kristin was on the line when I arrived just before 4am. Everyone was en route to meet this speedy little babe! The Gawel birth team trickled in one by one and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving morning together.
At 1 hour and 15 minutes old, Beau’s cord was ready to be cut. He had quite a long and dense cord! Beau also preferred to keep his right hand beside his face. This made it easy for big sister, Grady to play with him. She is so excited to have a baby brother!
Nicole is one strong mama for birthing this little one so quickly! Beau was 7lbs 7oz (correctly predicted by daddy Evan) and 20 inches. His newborn exam was completed by Student Midwife, Rose Schuchmann with quite an audience! Midwife Kristin got a quick snuggle before placing Beau back in his favorite place.
I am so happy that Beau arrived safely and surrounded by love. Even from their family dog, Toby. Check out his smile! I think he may have been the proudest sibling.
