A Birth story with a difference

There is no doubt that the last 18 months have had a huge impact on all the wonderful families welcoming new additions into the world. I have been very lucky to capture precious memories for some of those families and I feel very privileged.

Recently I welcomed the lovely Heidi and Kyle to the studio with their 4-year-old son Riley and their 13-day-old son Rueben. I first met Heidi and Kyle when Riley was just 6 months old and it has been lovely to watch Riley grow and become a big brother.

When Heidi and Kyle were in the studio for their newborn session, they told me their birth story and it was so amazing I wanted to share it to give others inspiration. So here it is.

It all started when...

Heidi’s waters broke at home at 38 weeks and she was told to stay at home as long as she could. When the pains became too much, Heidi’s Mum was drafted in to look after Riley, and Kyle took Heidi to Queen’s Hospital, Burton. As everyone is used to now, the first thing that happens when arriving at hospital is you get tested for COVID.

Heidi and Kyle had no symptoms of COVID and had previously had a negative lateral flow test but their test at the hospital proved positive. This obviously changed all the standard birth plans, but Heidi and Kyle dealt with it amazingly. They were moved to a covid maternity ward with other expectant mums and extra precautions were put into place during Heidi’s labour. All staff had to wear full PPE and Kyle was not allowed to leave the cubicle.

What happened next...

As Heidi’s labour progressed it became apparent that all wasn’t quite going to plan and, with baby’s heart rate dropping, Heidi was diagnosed with a placental abruption. This is when the placenta comes away from the uterus before birth.

At this point, it was decided that Heidi needed an emergency Caesarean section and due to the speed required couldn’t have an epidural and was fully anaesthetised. Due to the urgency of the situation Kyle wasn’t allowed to go with Heidi and had to wait in the delivery room. This was exceptionally difficult for him as both his partner and baby’s life were in danger.

After a very anxious wait...

Gorgeous Rueben was born at 1:10 am and went straight to Kyle while Heidi was looked after in surgery. It was over an hour before Heidi could see Rueben for the first time. Kyle was allowed to stay with Heidi and Rueben for a few hours but then had to go home and obviously wasn’t allowed to visit. After a short stay in hospital Heidi and Rueben were discharged. Due to the whole family testing positive for COVID, they had to self-isolate at home for 10 days. Everyone was fine and I could welcome them to the studio when Rueben was 13 days old, to capture their precious family portraits.

Heidi said of their birth experience...

'When I was told I was COVID positive I was terrified for my baby and what this would mean for him after he was born. I started to cry and panic but the midwives assured me that everything was going to be fine, and they had things on standby should Rueben need help breathing. At this point I just wanted him out and here, so I knew he was safe.

After being hooked up to the monitors in the delivery room it was clear something wasn’t right. Rueben’s heart rate kept dropping dramatically and the contractions were getting incredibly painful. At this point I was on gas and air and slightly delirious with the pain so I was drifting in and out. All I remember is being moved down a corridor, the surgeons reassuring me and then waking up a few hours later to having Rueben here!

The hospital staff were amazing and dealt with everything so quickly especially the midwives who helped me get back on my feet after the birth. Having a C-section was my worst nightmare and the complete opposite to the calm natural birth I’d planned but Rueben is safe and well which is all that matters.'

Such an amazing and inspirational family!

Heidi and Kyle certainly didn’t plan this birth experience but they were absolutely amazing when they recounted it in the studio and were so positive about their whole experience.

It really was such a privilege to be able to capture their most precious memories and to hear the story of their family’s journey. I feel very lucky to be able to give them such precious memories of their family journey. They are already planning Rueben’s first Birthday visit to the studio and I can’t wait to welcome them back.