Childbirth is incredible. From enduring nine months of discomfort, embracing the ups and downs of delivering in all its glory, to the euphoric feeling of seeing the rise and fall of your newborn’s chest as they take their first breath in the real world, nothing can quite describe the power of childbirth.
Capturing these beautiful moments through a lens creates mesmerising images, and it’s all in a day’s work for Kate Kennedy. Her most recent venture into the wonder of birth, was documenting a successful vaginal breech birth.
Her muse, Mel, had an uneventful pregnancy, with soon-to-be Zoe growing healthily, as stated on Kennedy’s blog. It was only when the final weeks of her pregnancy approached that it was discovered Mel’s baby was in a frank breech position. Yes, that means bottom first.
With 30 minutes of pushing and after 41 weeks of physical hurdles and emotional turmoil, Mel gracefully gave birth without being induced or anyone touching the baby throughout the process (a recommendation for vaginal breech births).
The photos of little Zoe’s arrival are unbelievably beautiful, and only reiterates the strength and beauty childbirth represents.
You can look at every incredible photograph below.
Is there anything women can’t do?
Kate Kennedy is a mum of five from New South Wales capturing the amazing nature of childbirth. Find Kate or more photos at her website, Instagram or Facebook.
[INSERT PODCAST]
What It Means To Give Birth On Country
The Delivery Room
Top Comments
I am pregnant and I just so do not want to give birth. I don't want to be in that level of pain, and to have no control or knowledge of how long it will go for or what injuries I will sustain. These images are amazing....but every time I see birth photos it just makes me think I want to have a caesarian to avoid it.
The first time around is scary, it's the not knowing that's the hard part. It's no doubt a tough day having your first baby... but believe in yourself... you can do it (in which ever way is right for you) xx
WOW - I honestly thought breech babies were still delivered by c-section, not naturally. That's amazing.
Can someone tell me ... are there increased risks of more serious tears birthing a breech baby?
Still? I know of two women who have given birth vaginally to breech babies?!
No, the risks are about the same as to tearing for a breech birth and a cephalic birth. However, it's unbelievably rare to see a hands off breech birth. The unfortunately very small percentage of women who have breech birth vaginally are in for a very over managed birth, and that would most likely include an episiotomy, which is much more likely to extend into a larger tear than a standard birth that doesn't necessarily include an episiotomy.
Also, most breech births are indeed delivered by caesarean, though they absolutely should not be.
With respect Zepgirl, certain types of breech (eg footling) do have increased risks to the baby. There is a reason most breeches are performed by caeser. Although of course more could be done safely vaginally if hospitals were able to get more experience in them.
Thanks so much Zepgirl