12 raw, emotional photos of a real c-section birth

As a birth photographer, I love shooting all types of births, but especially cesarean births. These mamas are some of the strongest, most beautiful women I work with. Cesarean mamas are often limited in what they can see during surgery, so my photographs are the only way they can see how their baby came into the world.

Bree, a prominent doula in Denver, USA went into spontaneous labour a week before her due date. Due to health issues and a persistently breech baby, Bree needed a c-section to safely birth her baby. She gave birth at the same hospital where she works, so her nurses and providers knew and loved her well. We all arrived at the hospital as she began to get prepped to go back into the operating room. The operating room was kept dim, music played, and everyone sang "Happy Birthday" when baby Hudson was born.

Watch Bree's cesarean birth experience unfold below.

1.

In labour, getting ready to go into surgery.

2.

Walking to the operating room with her birth team.

3.

Getting a spinal block (anethesia) before surgery.

4.

In surgery.

5.

First glimpse of baby Hudson.

6.

The moment of birth.

7.

Anxious to meet her baby.

8.

Dad meeting baby Hudson.

9.

First cuddle with mum.

10.

Baby Hudson, happy and healthy.

11.

12.

All photos by Monet Nicole - Birthing Stories.