When a baby is born, we often forget that we are celebrating first and foremost the birth of a family.

This is the case for the birth of baby Marley, who was born at home a few weeks ago almost at 42 weeks. His mama was definately ready to meet him and his whole family came over the greet him and support his parents during their labor journey.

the birth of a family as photographed by Los Angeles birth photographer Diana Hinek for Dear Birth

I was invited to photograph the birth of a family and I was especially excited to be there because I knew this family had chosen a dream team to guide them.

Their Doula Nina is an expert HypnoBirth teacher and she is always so graceful, even when labor takes days to progress. As it often happens with first time moms.
I met Midwife Abby only via email, but I fell in love with her the moment I got to hug her in person. She is so welcoming and inclusive and so calm and reassuring ( and currently pregnant too!).

Her assistant/student Johanna is a gem, whom I met almost two years ago at another birth where we both happened to be pregnant with our own babies.

the birth of a family as photographed by Los Angeles birth photographer Diana Hinek for Dear Birth

Among the beautiful moments that happened during Marley’s birth, I want to highlight how mamma Bobbie was determined to stay in the water; as it clearly was the main source of relief she had after so many hours of hard work. Even when the midwives suggested that she labored outside of her beautiful tub. she almost pretended she didn’t hear them and she certainly refused to listen when they finally ‘kindly ordered’ her to get out of the tub 🙂

the birth of a family as photographed by Los Angeles birth photographer Diana Hinek for Dear Birth

While she was pushing her baby  (on her bed), Bobbie asked that her sisters, dog and all the grandfathers to be waited outside and that her partner Melvin catch the baby.

He even did some impromptu magic to help baby come out, which he did, gently and beautifully in his hands and right over Bobbie’s chest.

the birth of a family as photographed by Los Angeles birth photographer Diana Hinek for Dear Birth


Bobbie’s mom never left her side, even when we told her to go to sleep because it had been hours and hours; she simply refused to leave her daughter.

Woman giving birth at home photographed by Los Angeles professional birth photographer and videographer Dear Birth

It was so touching to see her crying of joy when Marley was born. The pride and pure love she has for her daughter and selflessness she showed up with at her first grand baby’s birth.

the birth of a family as photographed by Los Angeles birth photographer Diana Hinek for Dear Birth

When finally everyone was invited back in the room, zoom calls were made, and cheers of joy could be hear through out the room. It was truly a family party! This is how the birth of a family is amazing and unfolds!

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