Welcoming a child into the world is a remarkable experience, one that draws on every bit of strength, energy, and love you possess. As birth photography gains popularity, it allows families to capture these invaluable moments. Recently, a photographer from St. Louis had the privilege of documenting a unique instance involving a nurse and her newborn.
Alexandria Mooney has been capturing births for over five years, witnessing more than 100 babies enter the world. However, she recently encountered a situation she’d never seen before: a new mother, who also happens to be a nurse, conducting her own baby’s newborn assessment.
During their pre-birth discussions, Mooney and soon-to-be mom, Emily Baker, talked about her birth plan and her expectations for the shoot. Baker introduced an unexpected twist that caught Mooney off guard.
“She expressed her desire to ‘do her job’ for her own baby! Naturally, I thought, ‘Wait, you’re going to be able to stand up and do that just an hour after giving birth?’ But she had it all figured out. She said, ‘No, I’ll have them bring everything to me.’ And that’s just what happened! Her birthing experience was so smooth that when the golden hour ended and it was time for the newborn exam, she conducted it all from her bed,” Mooney shared.
Baker works in the labor and delivery department and is part of the neonatal response team. Her role often involves drying newborns and assisting in their initial care, which she was able to do for her own child.
Before becoming pregnant, Baker knew she wanted to play an active role in her child’s delivery. “I’ve been involved in around 2,000 deliveries and cared for numerous babies as a nurse. There are countless little moments I’ve shared with many families. What could be more personal than doing this for my own son? Being the one to announce his weight to my partner was incredibly special,” she reflected.
Mooney had previously met Baker during another delivery and was thrilled to document her in a moment that blended both her personal and professional life. She noted Baker’s enthusiasm for her career, which brought positivity to the birthing experience, making it memorable for everyone involved.
“I remember capturing those images at 1 a.m. and thinking how unique this was, and I couldn’t wait to share these amazing photos,” Mooney recalled. “I wanted others to see that you can have control over how your birth story unfolds.”
After Baker discovered she was pregnant, Mooney was among the first to know, as she wanted to ensure her delivery was documented beautifully. Nurses like Baker are true heroes, and she took her dedication a step further by showcasing her professional skills right after giving birth. After 24 hours of labor, baby Noah arrived, and she seamlessly transitioned into her nursing role.
“I wanted to be as involved as possible in his care. I have the expertise to assess him, but I wanted to create those memories, too. My partner announced, ‘It’s a boy,’ and I felt that was my special moment,” she said. “I also want to recognize that not every birthing experience is positive, and I’m aware of the privilege I have that contributed to mine.”
Congratulations to you, Emily, on the arrival of your beautiful baby boy — and for highlighting the incredible work of nurses everywhere. Your photographic memories will surely be cherished for a lifetime.
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In summary, Emily Baker’s unique approach to her birthing experience not only showcases her dedication as a nurse but also highlights the importance of personal involvement in one’s own childbirth journey. Her story serves as an inspiration for others in navigating their own birth stories.
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