Earlier this week, I was able to witness some of my friends becoming parents for the first time. K & E invited me to their hospital room so that I could capture the birth of their little girl Kai.

I’ve shortened all their names. I don’t really want Kai to be already googleable, you know. Let’s give this kid a break!

But I did want to you know about my experience and share a few photos with you.

Monday evening, I was called by K telling me that they were headed to the hospital. E was 4 cm dilated and it was going to happen tonight! I dropped everything and headed to the Royale Vic in Montreal. I didn’t want to miss it! When I got there (at 9h30pm) there wasn’t much change. E was getting back contractions and she opted for the Epidural. Ouff. Good for her.

For births, it’s completely up to the parents if I stay in the room or not (while we wait). In this case, given that I knew the couple very well, I stayed with them to keep the company through the night. Keep in mind that I’m there to photograph the emotional journey. I’m not there to photograph your who-wha. hahah. But seriously, It’s not about that at all. I did see everything though (accidentally). It’s incredibly fascinating what the human body can do!

At 1h20am, the doctor came into the room and confirmed that we were ready to start. The baby however, wasn’t in the based position so she opted to turn her around in order to make it easier for E. She literally grabbed the baby and turned her inside of E. Geezus! I learned a lot of births that night. As soon as she was turned, we went right into it. It was time to start pushing.

E did amazing. Like… crazy good. The baby came right now. Maybe 5-6 pushes. By 1h31am, Kai was welcomed into our world. Probably the quietest baby I’ve ever seen (or heard for that matter). Soo sooo calm. Just like her daddy, actually. She also latched on to the boob right away! I’m telling you, everything was perfect.

It was pretty crazy to be able to there, in the heat of the moment, for such an important step in a couple’s life. Holy moly.

I would like to show you a few images of the night. K & E : thank you for letting me join in and letting me photograph such an intimate moment. I’m super happy for you guys.