Bringing a child into the world is a remarkable journey, one that requires immense strength, energy, and love to finally cradle your bundle of joy. The rise of birth photography has enabled parents to capture this extraordinary moment, and recently, a St. Louis photographer witnessed a unique experience: a nurse performing her own baby’s newborn assessment.
Having documented over 100 births in her five years as a birth photographer, Alexandria Mooney encountered something unprecedented. Chelsea Hartman, a nurse and new mother, expressed her desire to take charge of her baby’s newborn evaluation. Mooney recalls the surprise: “She told me she wanted to ‘do her job’ for her own baby! I thought, ‘You’re going to stand up an hour after giving birth?’ But she had it all planned out, saying, ‘No! I’ll have them bring everything to me.’ And that’s exactly what happened. Her birth was so magical that she managed to perform the assessment right from her bed,” Mooney shared.
Hartman specializes in labor and delivery as part of the neonatal response team, where she assists with drying and stimulating newborns and supports mothers with skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. She performed vital checks, weights, measurements, and footprints for her newborn son.
“I always knew I wanted to be part of my baby’s delivery,” Hartman told us. “Having attended around 2,000 deliveries, there are countless moments I cherish with families. What could be more personal than doing this for my own child? Announcing his weight to my husband felt incredibly special.”
Mooney had previously met Hartman during another birth and was thrilled to capture her in a new light. “Her passion for her work was palpable; she always brings positivity to the experience for mothers and babies alike,” Mooney noted. “Taking those photos at 1 am, I thought about how unique this was and wanted to share it with others to show that you can shape your birth story.”
Hartman chose Mooney to document her experience after being inspired by her work with another mother. “I saw the beautiful photos she posted and knew I wanted her there for my delivery.”
When Hartman discovered she was pregnant, Mooney was one of the first people she contacted to ensure she could capture the moment.
Nurses truly are the backbone of the birthing experience, making those initial postpartum days more bearable. Hartman, who experienced 24 hours of labor, showcased her dedication and expertise by seamlessly transitioning into her professional role immediately after giving birth. “I wanted to be as involved as possible in his care. I possess the skills to assess him clinically, but I also wanted those precious memories,” Hartman stated. “My husband got to announce, ‘It’s a boy,’ and I felt that was my special contribution.”
It’s important to recognize that not every birthing experience is positive, and Hartman acknowledges the privilege she had during hers.
Congratulations to you, Chelsea, on your beautiful baby boy! Your story exemplifies the profound impact nurses have, and you’ve brilliantly showcased the importance of their work.
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In summary, Chelsea Hartman, a nurse, took her experience with childbirth to a new level by performing her own newborn assessment just after giving birth. This unique moment, captured by Alexandria Mooney, highlights the dedication and love nurses bring to their profession. Hartman’s story is a testament to the deep connection between a mother and her child, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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