Ever Seen a Water Birth?

There are some births that stay with you long after you've packed away your camera. This was one of them.

I had the incredible privilege of documenting the sweetest natural water birth, attended by the wonderful midwife, Crystal Esau. From the moment I arrived, there was a deep sense of peace in the room. This beautiful couple, so clearly devoted to one another and rooted in their faith, welcomed their baby surrounded by prayer, worship, and quiet anticipation.

As labour unfolded, they worshipped their way through each contraction. There was no rush, no striving, just a calm confidence in God's presence. Watching their little one enter the world in such a gentle, peaceful way was something I'll never forget.

But this birth became meaningful for another reason too. Throughout the labour, familiar worship songs filled the room. Years ago, those same songs had become closely connected to one of the hardest seasons of my life. During my daughter's final days, I played them over and over. For a long time afterward, I couldn't listen to them without being overwhelmed by grief.

Eventually, I stopped listening to them altogether. Partly because they were so emotionally painful, but also because I realized my focus had shifted. Worship is meant to direct my heart toward God, yet those songs had become centered on my own sorrow. Every lyric pulled me back into my loss instead of lifting my eyes to my Creator.

Over the years, God has done a gentle and faithful work of healing in my heart. As I photographed this birth, one of the songs that had once been the hardest for me began to play.

I waited for the familiar ache.

It never came.

Instead, there was peace.

There was joy.

There was gratitude.

The words no longer reminded me of loss. They filled me with wonder at God's kindness and faithfulness. As I quietly documented this family's first moments together, I found myself smiling in agreement with the lyrics because, by God's grace, it truly is well with my soul.

It was a beautiful reminder that healing is real. Deep loss leaves its mark, but it doesn't have the final word. God is able to restore joy, bring peace where there was once heartache, and meet us again in places we never imagined we could return to.

It was an honour to witness not only the birth of a precious baby, but also another quiet reminder of God's goodness.

Looking for a Cape Town Birth Photographer?

If you're expecting a baby and considering birth photography, I would be honoured to document your story.

Whether you're planning a home birth, a birth centre delivery, a water birth, or a hospital birth, my approach is always gentle and unobtrusive. My goal is to document your baby's arrival exactly as it unfolds, honestly, respectfully, and without interrupting the incredible work you're doing.

These are moments that can never be recreated, and it is a privilege to preserve them with care so you can return to them for years to come.