Breathtaking photos capture baby’s birth in a parking lot

Labor begins

You see, Daniella is Paula’s third child, and her second special delivery — she was Paula’s second VBAC baby — something Splechta told us isn’t always easy to find support for. “Most medical providers won’t take on a VBAC client here in the United States, because they are not trained in what to do to ensure a VBAC delivery, and don’t want to make the time in their schedule to be present in the hospital from the moment a VBAC mom goes into labor [in accordance with] policy,” she said.

Mama in the water

So Paula rallied the troops, including midwife Christine Hackshaw and doula Lindsey Ripley, for the laboring room and to deliver the baby. “Paula’s midwife, Christine, moved to live closer to the Boca Raton Regional Hospital — she lives six minutes away now — so that she can be committed to taking on VBAC patients.

Heading out

As for what we’re seeing in this gorgeous series of images, Splechta explains, “The timing with Paula’s birth was extraordinary. Her labor at home progressed very quickly from early labor to active labor, which is when we left quickly for the hospital, much sooner than we had planned.”

On the way!

Before long, everything was really, really getting going. There’s some evidence that suggests that labor and delivery are a little quicker in later births than they are with a first child, and even a little anecdata that points to repeat VBACs being pretty quick affairs. In either case, by Paula’s third child, she surely knew better than anyone what her body was up to as she labored in the car.

Just a quick trip

Paula rode to the hospital accompanied by her doula, Lindsey, who Splechta notes was a supportive source of comfort for the laboring mom, as well as Splechta herself.

Fast labor

As the group made their way toward Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Paula continued to labor. Fate had other plans and a sense of humor, though, because while Paula would ultimately give birth at the hospital, she wouldn’t give birth in the hospital.

An early entrance

In fact, Splechta says, baby Daniella decided to make her grand entrance the moment the car pulled up to the hospital. 

“The moment we all arrived at the hospital, the baby’s head emerged,” Splechta told us. “The amazing hospital nursing staff from Boca Raton Regional Hospital ran to the car to help suction amniotic fluid from the baby’s mouth, and Paula’s midwife, Christina Hackshaw, arrived instantly after this to deliver the rest of the baby” and help Paula place the baby on her chest to do immediate “skin-to-skin,” according to the mom’s request, and even help accommodate Paula’s husband, Joe, to cut the cord while they were all still in the car.

Baby meets mama

Hackshaw also facilitated that first magical embrace between mom and baby, getting her onto Paula’s chest for a little skin-to-skin.

No sweeter love

Paula’s husband, Joe, even cut the cord right there in the parking lot “while they were all still in the car!,” according to Splechta.

All smiles

All things must come to an end eventually, including lightning-fast hospital parking lot VBACs, of course. Here, Joe and Paula wear that mixture of love without limit, exhaustion and joy that any parent will immediately recognize.

At the hospital

To an outsider, what’s most striking about this image and these stories is how everyone seemed to come together for Paula and her new daughter, Daniella. A skilled midwife, a rock-steady doula, two excited parents and an amazing nursing staff, all captured in their element by a talented photographer. The images remind us that birth can be extraordinary in so many ways, all because of the ordinary people who attend and support the experience.

Sweet Daniella

Paula is one of a growing number of women who are opting to have VBACs instead of elective repeat C-sections for their second and even third child. Both options are valid, of course, and a woman should be informed of the risks that accompany VBACs, but they don’t need to be needlessly terrified of them. The more images and stories like this we can see and hear, the more empowered women will feel to make the choices that are best for themselves and their babies.

Beautiful baby girl

Splechta is clearly a gifted photographer, but notes that she rarely shares the images that she takes when she’s documenting births — bound by ethics and a respect for privacy. “I am very fortunate that Paula believes in the power of birth education and has allowed me the permission of sharing her birth story and images,” she told us. We can’t help but agree. The powerful images Splechta captured help tell Paula’s story in a way words can’t.

The gang’s all here

There’s something more than an incredible story in those images, Splechta believes, saying that they (and their subsequent virality) represent a stride forward for creating awareness that “if a women chooses the right medical provider and the right birth team who all support her in the birthing choices she’s made, birth can be a happier and less traumatic experience. Even if it happens in a non-controlled environment that the mom didn’t plan on (like in the car!) ”

Hear, hear.