I don’t think I can adequately put into words what this experience meant to me. First off, this wasn’t a birth I had booked and waited for. I was a back up for a photographer friend and ended up needing to the cover the birth while she was out of town. I started shooting adoption sessions (mostly newborn adoptions) after my best friends adopted 3 siblings a little over 3 years ago. Since then I’ve done many newborn sessions with families who have come to Florida for their baby and then they have to stay here for up to two weeks before being cleared to go back home. This session was different because it was the actual birth. One woman giving birth and unselfishly choosing another couple to raise her baby. I had no idea what that would really look like in a delivery room. It was like a full circle moment for me. My best friends suffered a failed newborn adoption before adopting their 3 children. I was there ready to document such a special time, but instead I witnessed the most devastating loss imaginable. This birth adoption helped me see that this can be a very positive, amazing experience. The bond I witnessed between the adoptive mom and the birth mom was so genuine. The support from the biological grandma and many other family members was so reassuring. Everyone was so excited for this baby and excited for her future. It was truly a room FULL of joy and excitement. This baby is so very loved.
Next up, her newborn session. Stay tuned!
