Birth of Shasta | USA Hospital Mobile, Alabama

Long before the sun peeked over the horizon, I found myself eagerly making my way to the University of South Alabama Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. Today was a special day; I was scheduled to document the birth of a beautiful baby girl named Shasta via scheduled c-section. Little did I know that this experience would be filled with surprises and precious moments that I would cherish forever.

Upon my arrival at the hospital, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The polished hallways seemed to whisper stories of new life and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. This clean aesthetic blended perfectly with my photography style, as I aimed to capture the raw beauty and vibrant emotions that would unfold throughout the day.

Shasta's parents were beaming with excitement and nervousness. Despite her father being a neurosurgeon at this very hospital, we didn't expect that I would be granted access to the operating room for the birth. However, fate had other plans in store for us.

To our surprise, the anesthesiologist turned out to be a friend of Shasta's father. He warmly welcomed me into the OR, recognizing the importance of documenting this monumental moment of joy and love. This unexpected turn of events filled my heart with gratitude, reinforcing the power of connections and the way they can shape our lives.

As we made our way into the operating room, a symphony of surgical instruments awaited us. Dr. Nicolette Holliday, a skilled and compassionate surgeon, stood poised to bring Shasta into the world. With my camera in hand, I could feel the weight of responsibility resting on my shoulders – to capture the essence of this miraculous event and tell a vibrant story through my lens.

The surgery itself was well orchestrated and lightning fast. In what felt like mere seconds, Shasta emerged into this world, her first cries filling the room with newfound joy. The vibrant colors of life flooded my camera, as I frantically captured every tiny detail – the first glimpse of her delicate fingers, the warmth of her cheeks, and the love that radiated from her parents' eyes.

As Dr. Holiday skillfully closed the incision, Shasta was examined, swaddled, and carefully carried back over to the operating table, where her mother would embrace her for the very first time. The tender moments that followed etched themselves into my memory, forever reminding me of the magic that birth holds.

Reflecting on this photography experience, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude – for the trust that Shasta's parents placed in me, for the support of the medical staff, and for the opportunity to witness the beginning of a tiny human's journey. Every click of my camera shutter brought me closer to understanding the power of storytelling, the way an image can transcend time and evoke emotions long after the moment has passed.

Click play below to experience Shasta’s beautiful birth story.

I am consistently thrilled by the kindness of the team at USA and look forward to my next opportunity to document a birth here.