A BIRTH STORY | COHEN

It was never a sure thing. It's something we'd spoken about from the beginning of Stacey's pregnancy but never really decided on.

Stace had already been in labour for a day or so when Kesh and I arrived. We're kinda like each other's family down here. We've moved here to chase something that stirs within us. For Stacey's husband, Jeremy, it's a career in medicine and he's really close. At the end of this year, he will graduate. 

Their home is a comfortable place for us, it's familiar. Their little ones put a 'y' on the end of both Kesh's name and mine. 'Keshy' and 'Timmy' - that's who we are in the Granger home.

The one thing we had decided on, was that Kesh and I would look after Jeremy and Stacey's three eldest when the time came for Stacey to give birth.

Something I've realised throughout Kesh's pregnancy, is how sacred this is. Without doubt, I believe bringing a new life into the world is the single most beautiful thing humans are able to do. And it's a role that has been specially entrusted to women. With this in the back of my mind, I was wary that having me there might not be ideal, convenient or comfortable. There was a part of me though, deep in my chest, that burned every time I thought about documenting this for my friends. I walked through the front door with my camera bag and told Stacey that I was doing this, unless she told me not to.

Stacey was considered and said 'OK'.

There is an amazing story in these images. It's beautiful to me. I'm not going to try and tell it here, with my feeble words. There is one experience I want to share with you though.

In the minutes before Stacey began to push, she was, in actuality, past the point of being able to continue. I stepped back a little, my heart breaking, tears gathering in my eyes, and I prayed. 'Please baby, come into this world'. For those few minutes, Jeremy put his face in front of Stacey's. He stroked her hair and whispered so softly only she could hear. There were four words I was able to make out though.

'You can do this'.

And with that love and belief, Stacey did.

It's no small thing, sharing the birth of your child with all those who wish to see. I'm so grateful to Stacey for allowing me to share this with you. She is amazing.

For those of you who are interested, Cohen was ten pounds.

 I'm passionate about life. If your birth is something you would like documented, I'd love to hear from you.