Little Raina’s Newborn Photos when she was 18 Days New

A Cozy Newborn Session at Our Studio

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Welcoming Raina into the World

On January 18th, Carmen and Grant prepared to have their baby at home via water birth, but baby had other plans. After Carmen’s midwives induced her, her blood pressure was sitting high. They decided to head to the hospital, retaining the option to head home for the birth. On the way to Rockyview General Hospital, Carmen’s labor began. Between some intense contractions, the couple stopped for washer fluid and snacks. The snacks were backup, in case the labor was a long ordeal.

But that preparation wasn’t necessary. Raina came into the world only six hours after the first contraction. So Carmen barely had time to get used to being in labor!

They checked into the hospital around 3 pm. They then reconnected with their midwives from Birth Partnership. The Morning Star team was by Carmen’s side the whole time. Birth Partnerships Midwifery Services have been operating since 1996. They offer women and their families aid before, and during, the birth experience. They aim to build a comforting relationship with moms, to guide them through the process. They also offer alternatives to traditional birthing methods. All in all, they want to provide the most positive experience possible.

Another woman from Carmen’s group was also in labor at Rockyview. Between the two of them, they had three midwives from the group. Patty stayed with Carmen and Grant the whole time, and they were so grateful for her presence. They both were grateful to have her there and felt comforted by her presence and loved everything to do with the whole process.

In the afternoon, Patty gave them two options. The first was to go home for the water birth. The second was to break the water and commit to having the baby in the hospital. Carmen couldn’t possibly imagine going home in the pain she was in, so they settled into Rockyview. Carmen had a brief fainting spell shortly after, so it was lucky she was already in a hospital bed! The doula arrived around 5 pm when Carmen was about 5 cm dilated. At around 5:30 pm, Grant texted Carmen’s mom, and by 7:00 pm… they were pushing.

 

A Bit About Raina Grace

At 7:40 pm, after 6 hours of labor, Raina Grace Wiste came into the world. At only 5lbs 14oz, and 19 inches and a quarter long, she was a tiny, fragile little thing. Grant said that he was afraid to hold her at first because she was so delicate. Carmen couldn’t get enough of her. The connection between the three of them was immediate and intense.

The next afternoon, Grant, Carmen, and Raina were released from the hospital and they went were home with their new little miracle.

 

What’s in a Name?

A year ago, Carmen heard the name ‘Raina’, and she fell in love. Grant wasn’t quite so keen at first, but he kept it in the back of his mind. It took a long time to decide on a name that they both liked. For her middle name, it was always going to be ‘Grace’ for Carmen’s grandmother.

Once she was born, the nurses took her to make sure she was stable. When they returned, Grant got one look at her and declared that she looked like a Raina. Because Grant wasn’t sold on the name, Carmen hadn’t bothered to look up its origins and meaning. Now, they know her name means queen. The queen has dethroned Mom and Dad!

 

The Newborn Session at Our Studio

Carmen and Grant returned to our studio for the newborn session. Raina is an adorable little peanut and is incredibly small and precious. At the time of the session, she was 18 days new. She was a few pounds up from her birth weight but was still tiny. She was great to work with, and her delicate little fingers and toes made for some really cute shots.

That day, a monstrous blizzard was blowing through Calgary. Despite the weather, we spent a nice afternoon inside our warm and cozy studio with the Wiste family.

We started off with shots of the three of them, with little Raina swaddled in a white blanket. Then we brought in her little panda washcloth, handcrafted by one of Carmen and Grant’s friends. Grant’s nickname on his softball team is Panda Bear, so the little washcloth animal refers to that name.
We bundled Raina in a turquoise wrap and set a little flowery headband on her head. She was so peaceful lying on the faux fur blanket. Then we set her in a crate lined with a fluffy rug and perched a bonnet on her head.

We ended the session with a photo to compliment one of the maternity shots. During the maternity shoot, we had Carmen lie on the reflective floor to show off her baby bump. At the newborn session, we did the same thing, but this time, Raina was sleeping peacefully on her stomach. In the final composition, we blended the two shots. Now, below Raina and Carmen, the baby bump is visible in the reflection. It is a beautiful shot, showing the miracle of newborns and the magic of motherhood.

We again want to wish Carmen and Grant congratulations on the birth of their beautiful baby girl and we look forward to photographing more of their family as it grows.

 

Online Gallery

An online gallery of all their images is available for the next 30 days. From the online gallery you are able to favorite images, order prints and share the gallery with your family and friends. The gallery can be accessed via the link below and you can contact Carmen and Grant directly for their secure password.

https://jmphotographyportraits.shootproof.com/Wiste161228

 

We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to capture these precious first moments of Raina for their family. It was a very special day with them and we wish them many years of happiness as their family grows.

Want to share in the experience? Contact us today to book your session or to set up your free wedding consultation with Jeremy!

Images by JM Photography – Calgary Newborn Photographer © 2017

 

Some of my Favourite Photos from the Raina’s Session

 

The Wiste’s Newborn Session Details

Date | 2.5.17
Little Raina
18 Days new when photographed
Photography by Amy Cheng & Jeremy Martel

 

Learn more about our studio

JM Photography offers Calgary families the very best in portrait photography! Our unique style and best in class experience is one of a kind. Each session is treated with the greatest of care and creativity, resulting in breathtaking imagery. We also offer newborn sessions, maternity sessions, portraits and Calgary Wedding Photography.

We are one of the top studios in Western Canada, servicing the Calgary area, including but not limited to, Canmore, Banff, Cochrane, Chestermere, Airdrie, Lethbridge, and Red Deer. We also offer coverage in Edmonton, Vancouver and to destinations worldwide.