Birthing a child is an awe-inspiring journey, demanding every ounce of strength and love one can muster to finally cradle that little miracle. In recent years, the trend of birth photography has gained momentum, allowing parents to capture these unforgettable moments. A talented photographer in St. Louis recently had the honor of documenting a remarkable instance involving a nurse who also became a new mom.
Jessica Harper, a seasoned birth photographer with over five years of experience and more than 100 births under her belt, was thrilled to witness something truly unique. A new mother, who also works as a nurse, performed her very own baby’s newborn assessment right after delivery.
During their discussions about the birth plan and the photography session, Harper was taken aback when Jessica mentioned she wanted to “do her job” for her own baby. “I was amazed! I thought, ‘You’re going to stand up an hour after giving birth?’ But she had already planned for it—she said, ‘No, I’ll have them bring everything to me!’ And that’s precisely what happened! The birth was magical, and when the golden hour passed, she was ready to conduct the exam from her bed,” Harper shared.
Jessica works with labor and delivery as part of the neonatal response team, where she assists in deliveries, cares for newborns, and supports mothers with skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. She carried out vital tasks such as taking measurements, recording vital signs, and capturing footprints for her own newborn.
“Before I got pregnant, I knew I wanted to be part of my baby’s delivery. It made the experience even more special,” she expressed. “Having attended around 2,000 deliveries, I’ve shared countless intimate moments with families. There’s nothing more personal than doing this for my own son and proudly announcing his weight to my husband.”
Harper had met Jessica years earlier during another delivery. Capturing her in this new role as a mother—while still showcasing her dedication to nursing—was an incredible experience. Harper noted that Jessica’s passion radiated throughout the room, making the entire experience joyful for both mother and baby. “I remember snapping those photos at 1 AM and thinking how remarkable this was. I couldn’t wait to share and celebrate this amazing mom with others. It’s a testament to how you can shape your own birth story,” she said.
Jessica chose Harper to document her journey after being impressed by her previous work. “I first saw her photos from a delivery I was involved in, and they were so beautifully done. I made sure to book her right after I found out I was pregnant,” she added.
Nurses truly are the unsung heroes of labor and delivery, and Jessica exemplifies this perfectly. After enduring 24 hours of labor, she jumped right into her role as a clinician. “I wanted to be as engaged as possible in his care. I have the skills to assess him clinically, but I also wanted to cherish those memories. My husband got to announce ‘It’s a boy,’ and I felt that this was my special moment,” she explained. “I recognize that not everyone has a positive birth experience, and I’m aware of the privilege I have that contributed to mine.”
Congratulations to you, Jessica, on your beautiful baby boy, and for showcasing the remarkable role nurses play in the birthing process. Your journey and the stunning photographs will serve as cherished memories for a lifetime.
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In summary, this amazing story highlights the exceptional journey of a nurse who took her professional skills into her personal life, creating lasting memories during her child’s birth.