I first met Barbora in mid-2023 for a lovely connection chat about her incredible work as a doula in the Scottish Borders. From the moment we sat down, we just clicked—chatting effortlessly about birth work while her husband; Vincent, and kids sat nearby. There’s something truly special about connecting with someone who shares your passion; it feels like finding a kindred spirit.

What I didn’t realise at the time was that Barbora was actually pregnant. What started as a warm and inspiring conversation about birth and doula work suddenly took an exciting turn—the possibility of me becoming their birth photographer.

A few days later, my phone rang. It was Barbora, full of enthusiasm, asking if I was available to capture their birth story. Without hesitation, I said yes!

I knew this was going to be an incredible adventure—documenting a powerful story in the heart of the Scottish Borders.

Time for connection
From the very beginning, it was clear that Barbora’s deepest wish was for her family to be actively involved in her home birth in a way that felt natural and comfortable for them.

This made it even more important for me to truly get to know the family—especially her wonderful children. To create that connection, we set aside time for a cosy maternity session in the heart of autumn, right in their home.

The drive there was already magical—rolling hills painted in autumn colors stretched before me, setting the perfect scene. And as soon as I stepped through their door, I was embraced by an atmosphere of love and warmth. A delicious stew was waiting, and the family insisted I share a meal with them.

There was laughter, storytelling, and a beautiful ease as they gathered in the kitchen to bake a cake—the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and intimate maternity session. It was more than just a photoshoot; it was a moment of togetherness, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and connected before the birth.

The Birth
On November 19th at 16:40, I opened my phone to an exciting message—Barbora had just lost her mucus plug. She wasn’t having contractions yet, but we both knew this was a sign that things might start soon.

Given the long drive from Glasgow to the Scottish Borders, we had already agreed to stay in close contact and time my departure just right. So, I sat back and waited for the official call.

Hours passed. The evening settled in, and there was no new update. As midnight approached, I decided I might try to get some sleep—just in case it turned into a middle-of-the-night drive.

But just as my head was about to hit the pillow, my phone rang. It was 23:18—Vincent; “Contractions have properly started, and things are picking up.”

A surge of adrenaline hit me. I jumped out of bed, threw on my clothes, grabbed my gear, and ran to my car. It was time to make the journey.

Driving through the night, my mind was racing, but I knew I had to stay focused. The rolling hills stretched out before me, shadows shifting with every turn. Even as I tried to get there as quickly as possible, I reminded myself to drive mindfully—don’t take any risks.

With every passing mile, I sent silent thoughts to Barbora. You’ve got this. Your body knows what to do. My phone, perched beside me on the passenger seat, while my other phone guided me through the winding roads.

Just eight more minutes to go. Almost there.

And then… my phone screen lit up. A message from Vincent.

"Baby is born."

My stomach dropped. A wave of emotions crashed over me—joy, excitement, guilt, sadness. They had their baby! But… I wasn’t there.

I pressed on, determined to reach them as quickly as I could.

Pulling up to their home, I parked, grabbed my bag, and ran inside. I took two deep breaths, trying to shake off the weight of the drive—the 1 hour and 40 minutes of racing through the dark, the guilt of missing the moment.

And then, I stepped inside, with as much calm, presence, and love as I could bring.

The First Moments of Love

As I step into their living room, a scene of pure love and warmth unfolds before me. Barbora is lying on the sofa, cradling her brand-new baby, her daughters nestled beside her, gazing in awe at their tiny sibling. Vincent sits close, beaming with pride.

A fire flickers softly, calm music plays in the background, and the room glows in gentle, golden light. It feels like stepping into a sacred, warm bubble of love.

As I begin capturing these first precious moments, Barbora is preparing to birth her placenta. Contractions return, and she shifts into different positions, holding her baby close while listening to her body.

Her eldest daughter stays by her side the entire time, never wavering. She helps adjust pillows and blankets, offering silent, steady support—wise beyond her years. Meanwhile, her younger sister, eyes heavy with sleep, clings to her father, reluctant to leave. She wants to be here, to witness this moment, to be part of it all.

The room settles into a deep, peaceful rhythm—the soft crackling of the fire, the quiet coos of the newborn, and the powerful yet gentle waves of Barbora’s labour. I watch in admiration as her eldest daughter holds space, unwavering in her presence.

She is her mother’s guardian.

Eventually, Vincent carries their youngest to bed, her exhaustion finally winning. Minutes stretch into hours, and as fatigue sets in, Barbora decides to have an oxytocin injection to help birth the placenta.

While a close friend assisted her, she gently passes the baby to her daughter, who cradles the little one with such care. Vincent returns, his eyes full of love, soaking in the sight of his growing family.

Once it has been made sure the placenta is intact and Barbora has received the care that she needs, she really wants a moment to herself, stepping away from the room for a warm shower.

Vincent joins the room, admiring his little one while Barbora decides to go for a shower. The entire home feels warm, gentle and filled with love.

When she returns, dressed in cosy clothes, she looks at me and, with the most natural ease, asks, “Would you like a cup of tea?”

If my jaw wasn’t already on the floor, it certainly was now. Moments ago, she was birthing her placenta. Now, here she stood in her kitchen, already nurturing others.

We sit quietly, sipping tea, admiring the little one. Slowly, I begin to gather my things, knowing it’s time to leave—to give this family their space to rest, to bond, to embrace their new beginning.

As I step into the hallway to put on my shoes, a tiny, sleepy voice calls out. Barbora’s eldest peeks around the corner, her face half-hidden by sleep. “Byeeee!”

I smile, wave, and step outside, closing the door behind me with a deep sense of fulfillment. This incredible family has just grown in the most magical way. And while I may have missed the exact moment of birth, I was there for so many other profound moments—the ones that matter just as much.

As I open my flask of tea and start my journey back to Glasgow, the night slowly gives way to dawn. The hills, now kissed by the first light of day, roll gently around me. Birds begin their morning songs, welcoming a brand-new world for this little soul.

This night was perfect.

Would you also like your birth beautifully documented just like Barbora & Vincent?

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