The Heartwarming Birth Tale Behind the Adorable ‘Pout’ Expression of This Newborn
For years, HuffPost Parents has been showcasing the beauty of the birthing experience captured through the lens of talented photographers. In this new series, we delve into individual stories, celebrating the diverse ways in which babies enter the world and the unique narratives of each family.
In this edition, we meet Ashlee Wilkenson, a 29-year-old mother who invited photographer Rebecca Walsh (working for Denver-based birth photographer Monet Nicole) to document the home birth of her fifth child in the scenic backdrop of Colorado.
In her own words, Wilkenson takes us through the roller-coaster of childbirth, emphasizing its unpredictability even for those with prior experience.
With a family of five children, ranging from a 6-year-old to a newborn, Wilkenson’s journey into motherhood has been nothing short of intriguing. Her birthing experiences have evolved over time, transitioning from a hospital birth for her first child to subsequent home births.
Drawing wisdom from her prior experiences, Wilkenson approached her most recent birth with a blend of readiness for the unforeseen and a clear vision of her aspirations. One particular desire was for her husband to be actively involved in catching their newborn. Equally significant was her aspiration for tranquility immediately post-birth.
Anticipating a longer pregnancy akin to her earlier ones, Wilkenson was surprised when, at 39 weeks, a sudden surge of contractions and pressure awakened her in the dead of the night. The rapid onset of labor caught her off guard, even though she had a history of swift deliveries. Despite the shock, her husband’s composed demeanor and her own medical background as an EMT and doula enabled them to handle the situation adeptly.
As contractions intensified and labor progressed swiftly, the couple contemplated the possibility of a solo birth, but their midwife arrived in the nick of time. Wilkenson vividly describes the intensity of contractions and her initial hope for them to subside, a mindset shaped by her previous, lengthier experiences.
Seeking relief, she immersed herself in a bath, hoping to slow down the labor process. However, events took an unexpected turn as the contractions grew more intense, signaling that the moment to welcome their child was imminent. Exiting the tub, she found herself in the throes of childbirth, with her husband poised to catch their baby. In the midst of a contraction and a half, their newborn entered the world on the bathroom floor.
As the birth unfolded, capturing the serenity of the moment, Wilkenson held her newborn son close. The bathroom floor, an unlikely birthing place, became a scene of undeniable tranquility. The calmness of the newborn, visible even through photographs, exudes a unique charm.
Remarkably, amidst the whirlwind of childbirth, their other children slumbered through the entire experience. With a friend on standby to care for them if needed, the children eventually awoke a few hours after their sibling’s birth, excitedly greeting their new family member before embarking on their own adventures.
Having navigated through five childbirths, Wilkenson has embraced the unpredictability inherent in the process. She has learned to accept deviations from the norm and to find solace in the midst of chaos. This adaptability is akin to managing the challenges of raising multiple children in close succession, a journey marked by surprises yet brimming with love.
The conversation with Ashlee Wilkenson provides a heartfelt insight into the complexities of childbirth and the remarkable ways in which families adapt to the unexpected, creating a tapestry of memories that resonate with authenticity and love.
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