Hello...I'm New Here: Avynn Eliese Figueroa's Birth Story... red bluff, ca. birth photographer

I was so happy to be a part of this birth. This is the second birth I was invited to be a part of and the first live birth I have ever witnessed. I just have to say, the experience couldn't have been any better. It exceeded all of my expectations. Not only did I get to witness my very first niece being born naturally, but it all took place on Mother's day. How perfect is that? In fact, it almost seemed like she planned for it that way. I do believe that's a typical girl for you. Who could think of a grander entrance? I wonder if that's a sign of things to come?

Day 1:

After a week of on and off contractions, the loss of her mucus plug and her membranes being stripped, my sister, Natalie, was 50% effaced and dilated to 4 centimeters. Still no labor. The doctor finally called her on Saturday and said he thought maybe it was time for an induction. She agreed and off we went! We arrived about 11 am, they prepped her for the induction and started the Pitocin.

Fast forward 12 hrs. later. After some games of Yahtzee and watching some reruns of Theresa Caputo's show, she still wasn't having any progress. Around 11 pm that evening the doctor said it was time to turn off the Pitocin and get some rest. The baby just wasn't ready to meet her momma yet. My Aunt and I packed up our things and went home. My mother stayed the night with my sister at the hospital as the "stand in" for her husband Alex.

Just a bit of back story here, Alex is a soldier in the Army. He has been in Afghanistan, on his second tour, for just under a year . He is scheduled back in a month. Together they have two boys, Jayden and Jordan. This is their first girl, and I do believe she is going to be spoiled rotten! Even though daddy couldn't be there in person, we had Skype set up for him. In addition to that, I came in to document the birth for their family. I know it won't ever replace him actually being there but my hope is that he is able to relive the birth of his little girl through the images I have captured. Thank you Alex and my sister for all you do for our country and for the sacrifices you have made for us all!

Day 2:

We all arrived and they got her started on the Pitocin again. The doctor arrived about 11 am and decided to break her water, since the couple hours that had past didn't change anything. This whole time my sister was sitting pretty and in no pain. However, once they broke her water it was on and popping, LOL! It was like 0-10 in 60 seconds. Well not really. I'm exaggerating here, but you get the picture. In a matter of minutes, they had called for an epidural and moved her to a delivery room. Everything was in full swing.

The doctor came in and got her epidural going, but before we knew it the baby was on its way. And my sister was calling screaming for the doctor because she had to push. There wasn't really even time to get the pain relief going. It was pretty insane. The words that come to mind are...controlled utter chaos, LOL. If that even makes sense? I guess if you are a doctor in the maternity ward then you know what I mean, LOL. We were rushing like crazy to get everything set up so daddy could be apart of it, via Skype. And the doctor and the nurses were rushing to get all their gear in place. To be honest, I had to keep reminding myself to snap away because I was kinda stunned, LOL. It was like one of those scenes in a movie but being played out right in front of my eyes, except so much more. It was real life. It was amazing. I was so thankful to be apart of such a miracle. I loved it so much! I must admit I'm a bit addicted now. I think I could shoot births for the rest of my life and be happy.

I made a phone call to my dad when Natalie was dilated to about an 8, or so they said, and 11 mins later Avynn was here. She was beautiful and perfect. I thought, I will never ever forget this day! I can't thank my sister enough for letting me be a part of it. I love you Nat and hope you love your pictures as much as I do!

XOXO, Jen