One Mom's Birth Story In 10 Incredible Photos That Capture The Beauty And Power Of Birth

Monet Nicole photographs arguably the most significant event in a woman's life: the birth of her child. She has photographed women giving birth not only in hospital maternity wards, but also at home, in bed or in the water. According to her website, her own births altered her. She believes that nothing can match the experience of giving birth to her daughters. "I still cry every time I recall the birth of my children," she says. She believes, based on her past experiences, that the day a woman gives birth to her child is one of the most significant of her life, and that it is therefore absolutely worth filming.

Ashlee Wilkenson, age 29, had photographer Rebecca Walsh (working for Denver-based birth photographer Monet Nicole) capture the birth of her fifth child at her Colorado residence. Wilkenson describes in her own words how unpredictable childbirth can be, regardless of the number of times one has experienced it.

"After giving birth to my first child in a hospital, I gave birth to my subsequent children at home. My first labor lasts approximately twenty-four hours, and I believe it would have lasted longer if I hadn't been given Pt. Then, I engaged in roughly two hours of with my second drink. Perhaps I was three when I had my third child. My fourth labor lasted 14 hours and was excruciatingly painful from the beginning. As a result, I went into my most recent birth expecting the unexpected, but with a clear sense of what I desired, if possible. I desired for my husband to catch the infant. And it was crucial for me to find some peace and quiet immediately after the birth of the baby.

I was anticipating a 41-week pregnancy because that's how long my first and third pregnancies lasted, but I'd been experiencing labor-like symptoms from 36 weeks on. At 39 weeks gestation, I went to bed as usual and awoke approximately 45 minutes later to massive contractions and intense pressure. I felt as though the infant was present.

We had discussed with my midwife what to do if labor progressed quickly, as I had experienced rapid labors in the past. So we had this brief opportunity to prepare ourselves. My midwife, who lives approximately 45 minutes away, arrived promptly, so we did not have to. My contractions were extremely close together, and I recall thinking, "They need to slow down because I can't handle this." Even though everyone seemed to comprehend how close I was to giving birth, I was still mentally preparing for another 14 hours of labor after my last one.

I jumped into the bathtub. My husband and midwife were kind of like, "Sure, Ash, whatever you say," as I continued to believe I was only there to slow down my contractions. In the water, there was a brief period of relative calm, but then the contractions resumed their ferocity. It was evident that they were not dilation contractions. These contractions were labor contractions.

I got out of the tub, and he was born within one and a half contractions. My husband was able to catch him, and I simply held and observed him for some time.

He is such a laid-back baby. I adore that I can see it in these photographs, despite his pouty expression. Since birth, he has possessed such a pleasant disposition.

It is difficult to express how incredible it was to have him here. It was one of the greatest joys I have ever felt. To see him, to learn that he was a boy, to hold him on my chest, to hear his cries, to see his face, and to finally complete the arduous journey of pregnancy. I soaked up all the cuddles, cried uncontrollably, and was so happy and appreciative that we did it!

The children slept through the entire event. We had a friend who was willing to watch them if necessary, and we were open to their presence if they wished it or their absence if they preferred. However, they awoke approximately four hours after the birth of their child. They were excited to say hello to the baby, but then they wanted to go to my sister's house, so they left. I got a nap.

Now that I've completed this task five times, I've learned to expect the unexpected and to be okay if nothing goes as "expected." It is similar to having so many children close together. Occasionally, we exclaim, "Oh my goodness, this is insane!" Our hearts are however full.

After he was born, I was extremely proud of myself and so pleased with how everything transpired, despite the fact that this labor and delivery were so different from what I had hoped and dreamed throughout my pregnancy. When I reflect on the birth of my child, I see the faithful hand of God at work."