At 8:47pm, I got the text that she thought her water had broken. With my sister in Victoria and me in Tsawwassen, the timing for me to be at her baby’s birth was going to be pretty darn crucial. My husband and I ran around the house, frantically packing my overnight bag and camera gear, hoping desperately that I would make it to the last ferry, the 9pm ferry (which was, thankfully, running late).
But I was too late. And the hospital sent my sister home. They didn’t think the baby was coming tonight – no contractions. So, we all went to bed with our fingers and toes crossed, and me, with a reservation on the 7am ferry the next morning and a promise from my sister to text at any time if things changed.
Just before 3am, she texted. It was happening – regular contractions, things were moving alone. I couldn’t wait to be on that 7am ferry!
When I arrived at the hospital that morning, things were so calm. My sister was resting, her husband reading in the corner. Her nurse and midwife kept checking on her but everyone was relaxed and in good spirits. We made jokes, and kept checking on the pigeon nesting outside her hospital room window. Things progressed steadily over the next few hours, and then finally, at precisely 2:30pm, my sister brought her gorgeous son into the world.
I had no idea what to expect at this birth, having only ever been at one before – the one where *I* gave birth. It was calmer than I had imagined. My sister was a warrior – steadfast, determined, resilient. If there was ever a split second when she wanted to give up, when the exhaustion got to her, you could see the switch flip in her, and her determination and courage kicked in.
I am so grateful that the stars aligned, allowing me to be there on this day and the days following. All of these images have been shared with permission of my sister and her family. A huge thank-you to the amazing staff and nurses at Victoria General Hospital and especially to Ilana of The Midwives Collective in Victoria, who made space for me to be there to capture the momentous arrival of sweet Miles.
Eran Sudds is a Tsawwassen photographer who specializes in relaxed and natural documentary and portrait sessions. She is also available for maternity, newborn and family portrait sessions, anywhere in the Lower Mainland. Contact her to book your session!