Angie awoke in the morning to contractions, but wasn’t sure if “this was it”. It’s a doubt which a lot of moms experience despite this often happening when they’re right around their expected due date. She opted to not send her two older children to school that day because by that point she had convinced herself that this might, in fact, be “it”.
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Her husband, Andy, had gone into work that day. Angie called to let him know this was it and to meet her at the hospital — there was suddenly no time for him to come home as contractions were picking up. What Angie did next is something that even she would agree isn’t recommended. She drove herself to the hospital whilst having contractions! I remember that once my contractions started with both of my kids, I couldn’t do anything during a contraction. I stood there with my face wincing and clutching my shirt until it passed. I’m still in awe with how she drove during that state! Oh, and it was raining that day too. Not like a piddly little nothing rain. It was a solid full on downpour.
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Andy called me after he got to the hospital at 9:48am and let me know she might be in labor, and they were ready for me to join them. I safely but swiftly made my way up to the hospital. I texted Andy that I was parking and bolted in to the hospital just under one hour after I spoke to him. I got a text as I was getting on the elevator. It was Andy with the words, “She’s 9cm. It’s goooooo time!” And of course all I could think was, “Run! Run! Get there!” Thankfully when I walked in, Angie was mellow and happy. She had gotten an epidural and was just waiting for her body to work it’s magic.
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Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital
Shortly thereafter, she opted to have her water broken and things immediately began to intensify. She kissed and bid goodbye to her two older children and sent them out to wait in the lobby. While she felt ready to push, her baby had a little bit of work to do to get down the canal and in position where it needed to be. Andy has shown me time and again between their engagement session, their wedding, and now their birth how he is absolutely one of the most loving, supportive partners/husbands I’ve ever seen. He gently stroked her hair and whispered sweet nothings to her while she was in transition. And the best part is that it’s such genuine love between them. He’s encouraging, positive, calm, and uplifting and so perfect for Angie to have by her side to deliver their first baby together.
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Angie worked and pushed for about a half an hour and the doctor determined it would be beneficial to use the vacuum to help assist the baby out. I absolutely cannot speak highly enough of a woman in the throws of labor who questions everything. It is so important to be involved in the decision-making in your own birth and I was so proud of Angie when she asked all the right questions. The same goes for Andy who also didn’t let anything slide past unnoticed. He was full on in the discussion regarding breaking her water and what it entailed. Additionally, I love when a team caring for a woman in labor aren’t bothered by these questions and take the time to explain things to the parents. They didn’t end up using the vacuum because Miss Lillian was ready to meet the world.
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Lillian let out one tiny squeak upon being placed on Angie’s chest, but needed a little assistance breathing after that. The pediatric nurses noted that she had a good grip, great muscle function, and was perfectly pink in color. Angie and Andy were reassured that Lillian was perfect. She just didn’t want to let out those strong cries we are so accustomed to hearing.
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Maddi and Tyler got to meet their new baby sister while she was still on the warmer, followed by Andy’s parents, and then Angie’s mom. Lillian was immediately surrounded by so much love. I’m sure Lillian will be spoiled in the best way possible! Congratulations, Andy and Angie, on your baby girl and thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me in to your birthing space!
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Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital
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And to my loyal followers out there, if you are pregnant or someone you know is pregnant, I absolutely recommend a birth photographer! These are the moments you will want to remember and cherish forever and you won’t want to be stuck behind your iPhone or camera for it. I'm now booking 2017 births!
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Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital
Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital
Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital
Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital
Katie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy HospitalKatie Gaeta Photography, Birth Photography, Baby, Birth, Hospital Birth, Pregnant, St. Louis Birth Photography, epidural, Mercy Hospital