Some births just hit differently—and the birth of Amy’s second son, her rainbow baby, was one of those for me.
Her sweet boy Enfys (Welsh for “rainbow” 🌈) arrived weighing 6 lb 6 oz and measuring 19 inches of pure squish. And the whole experience was nothing short of magic!
What made it even more special? I had also documented the birth of Amy’s son, Sunny, who passed away at 26 weeks of pregnancy a few years ago. So walking back into that birth space with Amy and getting to witness such joy this time around was a big full-circle experience for me, too!
Also…this was the VERY first birth I ever filmed!!!
From Induction to “Labor Land”
Amy and her partner Woody planned to deliver with the Center of Midwifery in Longmont, and when some blood pressure stuff popped up, she made the call to have a “pretty mellow induction” at 38 weeks and 1 day.
“We started in the morning and by midday I was having consistent contractions, but not as much progress as they hoped,” Amy said. A little Pitocin helped pick things up. By sunset, she was deep in what she called “serious labor land.”
In her twinkle-light filled room, she labored like an absolute goddess—walking, squatting, bouncing on the ball, and spending time in the tub. She said her contractions were manageable until transition hit (totally normal!), and while she’d prepped with hypnobirthing, she never ended up turning in to that tool. She did use nitrous oxide for the last bit, but of course—it ran out right before pushing. (Because of course it did.)
“The end was definitely a struggle for me, but we made it!” Amy shared. And she did—just ten minutes of pushing, and Enfys was earthside.
“I took a breath and reached down to take him to my chest. He looked right up at my face, and it was the most magical surreal moment.”
Cue the goosebumps. I’m not gonna lie, I bawled like a baby!
A Birth Team That Dreams Are Made Of
This birth team was absolutely EPIC! Amy literally said, “Having you, Ana, Caitlin, and Woody was the Dream.”
Midwife Ana (from the Center of Midwifery in Longmont) was also the one who supported Amy during Sunny’s birth, so having her there again was so powerful and grounding. And Caitlin Peace, her doula who was also her doula for Sunny’s birth, was the calm, steady presence every birthing person deserves.
Watching this team hold Amy through every wave, every hard moment, and every joyful tear was beautiful beyond words.
Snuggles, Big Sibling Love, and the Sweetest First 48
After their rainbow baby was born and they soaked in the golden hour, Woody cut the cord and Amy settled in with her newest love. “We snuggled baby and I stared at him endlessly. We nursed a lot,” she said. Her older kiddo came to meet their baby brother the next morning, which she described as super special.
It was slow, sweet, and full of love.
“Why Have My Birth Documented?”
Amy put it perfectly:
“There really isn’t a moment in our existence and experience as humans that can surpass birth for me. It’s the most beautiful, real, mind-blowing thing I feel I’ve ever done. Such a testament to our bodies and the strength we carry in our womb and heart space.”
Yes, yes, and yes!!
When she saw her photos and film for the first time, she said:
“So blown away by my own power, perseverance, and grace. It was such a beautiful journey to see and experience again through the images.”
And honestly? That’s the whole point. To remember – to witness your own power – to see what you did.
“I was surprised at how wonderful I felt looking at the images of myself, my support team, and my baby in the photos. You really did such a perfect job capturing our story.”
(Excuse me while I sob into my keyboard.)
This Birth Meant Everything
Amy said she couldn’t ask for anyone better to document these moments…but truthfully, I was the lucky one. Getting to walk with her through such a healing and joyful birth after such deep loss is something I will never forget.
Enfys, your name means rainbow—and that couldn’t be more perfect, rainbow baby 🌈
leave a comment