Becca & Juno Moon Lethabo
Vulnerable. Beyond Powerful. Intimate. Sacred. Courageous. Peaceful. Wisdom. Beauty. Birth. Mother. Baby.
The birth story of little Juno Moon Lethabo. She was birthed at home - gently, peacefully, safely - right into her mother's hands. A fire crackling in the living room. Surrounded and supported by the most amazing team - more about them later - and big brother Max fast asleep in the comfort of his own room.
It's been a little over six weeks since her birth, and I'm still on a high - I've needed some time processing all of my own emotions. This has by far been the most intimate experience I have ever documented - most intimate but also the most, most incredible! Ever since my son's birth a few years ago, I've been yearning to photograph a birth, so when Becca approached me a few months ago, I knew there was NO way I was missing this birth. Birthing photographs are some of the most beautiful, powerful imagery I have ever seen. My camera bag has been packed and ready long before the birth as if I was leaving for a very important trip, even though I knew I'd only be needing my camera body and one lens.
When I arrived at Pat's and Becca's, the whole house was warm and inviting - warm afternoon light streaming in through the windows. A fire. Candles. Flowers. Fairy lights. A birth pool. All ready to welcome a new baby. The air was so, so thick with love and support. Dad Pat, Gugu Neicie, and aunt Lulu constantly reminding Becca how loved she is. How strong she is. Deeds of love. Words of courage and support. Affirming what she already knows in her whole being - that her body has the wisdom to birth her baby safely. Lulu playing with big brother Max when he was not in the pool with his mom. It has been so incredible to see Becca breathing through all the contractions, surrendering to her body's urges, not alone for one single moment, with constant loving support. And dad Pat just being a solid source of calmness. I had goosebumps throughout the night, a constant bump in my throat. Little Juno came earthside just a little after 8pm, on Madiba's birthday. Not in the birth pool, but in the darkest, most comfortable spot for Becca - right beside her bed. So beautiful. My camera finally got to shoot in ISO 8000.
She birthed exactly the way her body told her to. Tapping into her feminine power, her own wisdom. Following her own lead. Rocking her birth. Becs - you are INCREDIBLE. Thank you so much for inviting me into your sacred birthing space. I'll forever be gratefull.
Give me all the births to photograph. All the women stepping into the amazing power of birth, whichever way they choose to birth their babies. All the pink squishy vernix-covered babas. Let's normalize what birthing at home looks like. Let's normalize free births.
