Mom Giving Birth Doesn’t Realize Her Corgi Never Leaves Her Side, Then Photographer Shows Her These Pics
Since I’m specializing in birth photography, each chance I get to document a home birth is thrilling, but this family holds a special place in my heart. I’ve had the honor of capturing Brooke, giving birth to her three children. In each case, she had an extraordinary family member there to help her through the experience.
I remember with the first, the birth of her son Boyd, she had a cute corgi by the name of Ryder. Ryder was so loving and caring. He would come and check on his mom and make sure everything was okay. From letting her hug him through the contraction to watching her as she walked through the pain outside. The loving family pet gave her the space she needed but the love she wanted. Ryder did not get to see the birth of Berkeley, but his brother Ranger was there to step in.
From the moment I walked in the door, Ranger was so excited. You could tell he knew something was happening. He quickly came in to greet me, then headed right back to the bedroom to be with Brooke as she labored. He was curious as to what was going on. He laid under the bed, watching her rock back and forth. He was a calming presence when the power and intensity of her contractions started. Every once in awhile, he would jump on the bed to give her a reassuring kiss to let her know she could do this. It was a beautiful thing to watch and a great moment for family photography – the bond between mom and baby and man’s best friend. This made me take notice. It’s not something you see every day. Every moment I saw him interacting with Brooke, I tried to take as many pictures as possible. I knew this was special.
When we moved to the birthing tub, Brooke progressed so fast. There were moments of laughter and moments of pain, watching her overcome each contraction. Ranger sat on the couch, watching her, making sure everything was okay. While Brooke held her husband Steve and her amazing doula Jenny helped her ride through each contraction, Ranger would come and give her another reassuring kiss then back to the couch he went. He knew she was in good hands, so he waited patiently for the new baby to arrive. This birth was not like Brooke’s last birth. This one seemed more intense and harder to overcome, but she did it with the help of her amazing birth team and her little doggie doula, Ranger.
Once sweet Berkeley was here everyone was thrilled. IT WAS A GIRL! No one could believe it. Through all the commotion, little Ranger jumped up and ran right over to meet his new (and only) little sister. He loved her. He watched every moment from her getting weighed to her first outfit changed. He was so proud to see her and the work Brooke did.
When I got home to look through all the birth photos I was in heaven looking at all the beautiful moments from this labor. I wanted to laugh and cry while looking through them. They were perfect. When I sent the preview to Brooke, she had no idea he never left her side. It was so nice that I could capture that for her and she now can look back and see things she otherwise might not have noticed.
When I posted her birth pictures on Facebook, I was overjoyed by the reaction it got. There were no reports of nudity/sexual content, no disapproving comments, and no one leaving my page. Birth is raw, and it is something people aren’t used to seeing. It is something that does not need to be hidden, though. With Ranger’s story, I have had only positive feedback. People were seeing the beauty of birth and accepting it as nothing but heartwarming. I am so thankful I could share the beauty of life and the strength of this strong women through the eyes of Ranger.
The most beautiful part of this story is that his mom, Brooke, is a doula herself. She navigates and comforts so many beautiful moms like herself through the hardest journey of their lives. I am so glad she was given not one but two sweet corgis to help guide her through her journey. I can’t wait to see Ranger and Berkeley’s new relationship grow. I hope he helps and guides her through her new adventurous life just like he did with her mom.
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Ryder would come and check on his mom and make sure everything was okay. From letting her hug him through the contraction…
…to watching her as she walked through the pain outside
Ryder did not get to see the birth of Berkeley but his brother Ranger was there to step in
Ranger was so excited. You could tell he knew something was happening. He would jump on the bed to give her a reassuring kiss to let her know she could do this
It was a beautiful thing to watch – the bond between mom and baby and man’s best friend
This made me take notice. It’s not something you see every day. He was a calming presence when the power and intensity of her contractions started
When we moved to the birthing tub, Brooke progressed so fast
While Brooke’s husband and her doula Jenny helped her ride through each contraction, Ranger would come and give her another reassuring kiss
He knew she was in good hands so he waited patiently for the new baby to arrive
This birth was not like Brooke’s last birth. This one seemed more intense and harder to overcome
Once sweet Berkeley was here everyone was overjoyed. IT WAS A GIRL!
Through all the commotion, little Ranger jumped up and ran right over to meet his new (and only) little sister
He loved her
He watched every moment from her getting weighed to her first outfit changed
He was so proud to see her and the work Brooke did
When I got home to look through all the photos I was in heaven looking at all the beautiful moments from this birth
I wanted to laugh and cry while looking through them. They were perfect
When I sent the preview to Brooke, she had no idea he never left her side
It was so nice that I could capture that for her and she now can look back and see things she otherwise might not have noticed
The most beautiful part of this story is that his mom, Brooke, is a doula herself. She navigates and comforts so many beautiful moms like herself through the hardest journey of their lives
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Share on FacebookHow closely knit we creatures of earth really are and what a finely woven fabric we could make if we began to see the powerful sameness of existence in all living things - and how endlessly, unfathomably deep we’re bound together by love. Life is love and living, truly, is loving. And love is love is love. Ranger knows this. So does Brooke. This has made me so happy!
Uh...am I out of sync with times? Is it normal to have birth at home these days? What if something were to go wrong that the instruments for wouldn't be available at home?._. That just seems so insanely dangerous, cute dogs don't help with getting c-section right and stuff. Or am I just missing something?
Like you, I am a little torn on this topic. On the one hand, pregnancy and childbirth are natural, normal events that have been going on for thousands of years with only midwives to lend a helping hand. At the same time, pregnancy and childbirth are the most dangerous thing a woman can do to her body. Even today, the US maternal mortality and morbidity rates, less than 30 out of 100,000, are double that of Iran, Libya and Turkey. WHO reports that half of those deaths are preventable, and cite inconsistent standards in hospitals to handle obstetric emergencies. While the author has said the mother had been deemed low risk and lived a block from the hospital, anything that went wrong would have been traumatic for all involved, especially for the child who was witnessing the birth. Glad for this family that all went well.
Load More Replies...Tired of birth pictures and stories. People can't keep their private life private anymore. Next will be bathroom diaries, perhaps?
Really? we now photograph and post the very intimate giving of birth? What have we become? Must every single aspect of life be posted for as many likes as we can get?
people should keep their birth photographs private - the whole world does not need to see them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Load More Replies...This is all super nice and cozy. But why pretend like it's some kind of fantastic, rare thing? Dogs are some of the most incredible creatures on this planet, this behavior is totally normal.
I'm all grown up and I still learn new things all the time. Never stop learning! ^_^
Load More Replies...Thank you everyone. I'm so glad y'all are enjoying this. It was a awesome thing to be a part of.
I am pretty sure there are a lot of us noticing this a home birth, and at the same time going look at that dog. It is straight adorable. Let's not worry about making this in to a post about responsible birthing, or whatever. Because to be honest this is Bored Panda. You shouldn't be looking here to decide which would be right for you, your baby, and proper birthing choices. Instead let's just enjoy a hell of a good story about a really loyal puppy dog. I know I did! And I agree with others the second to last picture sums it all up. Hehe.
your dog will do anything for you - he/she will protect you from danger, comfort you, keep you safe and love anyone you love
We are amazingly lucky to be able to share our lives with dogs, what fantastic creatures they are. Both of these beautiful corgis were there for her, in their turn. A patient, caring presence whenever she needed them. Like many others that second to last picture is my favourite - those lovely faces. Well done to everyone involved and many thanks for sharing.
Well, although childbirth is natural, of course, but in humans it's more complicated than in other species, that's why most cats, cows, etc will give birth to their little ones without anyone's help (yes, sometimes they have complications and die too but the rate compared with humans is much lower) but a woman on her own would struggle a lot more than another mammal. Here is the explanation why - http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20161221-the-real-reasons-why-childbirth-is-so-painful-and-dangerous I think some people console themselves with the thought that "but that's the most natural thing!" and don't realise that modern humans are very different in this respect from other animals.
nah, these people choose their dogs over their kids, so don't worry.
Load More Replies...Yet another boredpanda post that brought tears in my eyes, there's just so much love and compassion in these photos it's amazing. Congratulations and lots of love!
Good for the dog- and the mother- but that poor kid will be traumatised by what he has seen for life.
Other children shouldnt be present at births - it's messy traumatic and loads of blood.let them enjoy the great memories of their first meeting with a sibling - cleaned up, parent and child smiling - not screaming
Load More Replies...This is so sweet! I know my Sushi would be acting the same way if I were having a baby. Then she would think the baby was hers, lol.
Im I the only one who is concerned that a dog (most likely ate s**t hours before, because all dogs are caprophagus) should not be left nearby a woman in labour? Shouldnt the room be at least a bit clean? The baby does not have immune sistem yet! And the big brother watching his mother plus so many people in the room is so disturbing. Ok giving birth is natural, but we are not primates or medieval villagers - we have science and hospitals working for us. Would be so natural if the baby or mother get sick.
These are great. Through the picture/story you can see where Ranger is concerned, worried, tense, attentive, cautious and then curious, happy, content and dare I say, jubilant at the arrival of the newest family member? Our furry family members know. How lucky for the family to now have this pictorial.
It's beautiful but is it entirely safe ? I don't have keys so undone know but I have heard that your pet can also become very jealous of the new born and that might not be safe.
I think it's great that people want to do things naturally but I would have died and so would my 3 sons with both pregnancies. My oldest son turned out to sim0ly be too big to fit through my birth canal which was not known until I was in labor and one of my twins was too big, breached at the last minutes and managed to wrap his cord around his neck. So, in both cases emergency c-sections were needed. One of the twins was born vaginally so he would have been ok.
The picture she is holding the tree and the man is holding her. 😍 The dog was really worried. 🐶
Who knows that was the dog of their first birth he was older and not as active as ranger Not the one at the second.
Load More Replies...Capturing the essence of home births is a privilege, and Brooke's journey, documented through three unique experiences, is truly heartwarming. The presence of devoted family members, including loving pets like Ryder, adds a special touch. It's a testament to the holistic support found in the embrace of water birth midwifery services enhancing the birthing journey.
Check out the 3rd picture from the end. Ranger is NOT looking at the baby. His attention is firmly on the woman holding 'his' new baby sister. puppy-and-...017a35.jpg
I don't know if I should ask this but why do they give birth in a pool of water? I really don't know...
I knew the comments would be full of Judgy-mcJudgersons. Blech. Each family makes makes the decision that works for them. These were lovely photographs. They probably weren't originally taken to share with the world (judgy-judgy) and who cares if they were? WHO MADE YOU LOOK? Mom probably okayed the share when they turned out to show such a special relationship. I hope the family ignores the comments and just enjoys their beautiful baby and lovely family. And thanks to the photog, because that next-to-last photo was spectacular and made me smile on a day when I hadn't much to smile about. So thank you!
Man there is something beautiful about at home births, especially seeing her other children involved. But I could never do it, I'm a massive scaredy cat.
I'm not sure that having a young child present for that is a great thing..I think the kid should be old enough to understand what pregnancy and childbirth are, and ask the child if they want to be there, giving them the choice
O my God we don`t deserve dogs!!! they are such a blessing <3 Ps best of luck to the mom and baby, actually best of luck to their family :)
Home births are not for me. Photographing birth is also not for me. But babies and dogs? I am here for it! Love little worried Corgi, helpful Corgi, and then relieved Corgi. These are the best. I am convinced they know everything. Congratulations on the little one and great story.
It’s a shame people are so different when they’re behind a keyboard. Or perhaps that’s just the kind of humans they are, callous, cold, hypercritical, myopic rude, negative and deleterious. Whatever happened to “if you can’t say anything nice...”. It seems many comments here are just unnecessary. If you found something offensive...close the page -simple, harmless. Where does the pleasure come from putting someone’s work or lifestyle down? Keep your negativity to yourself.
Very sweet. Ryder looks so much like our corgi-mix it's amazing. That same intense gaze and sweetness. Wonderful souls.
I am so glad these people appreciated the little doggy. Such a loyal soul. I am glad this is about the little fur baby, he deserves it.
Birth photographer is a thing in US?! Do people also strap GoPro cameras on their thighs to get all moments and angles on tape? And having whole family with kids watching as you give birth in pool is just perverse. Cannot find a better word for it. F* these esoteric mothers for rising an emocionaly scarred individuals by their sick experiments.
having your other child at a birth is just so wrong - if complications arise they would be truly traumatised
Load More Replies...Women who need an audience while give birth are exhibitionists. Every animal seeks privacy, except their female companions forming a circle for protection around her. I am just puzzled that these people who think it is such a miracle, have no compunctions other animals’ babies while theirs is soooo special. We are all animals!
this story is about a dog, don't even a baby. they care not for the baby it's all about THEM and their experience (that billions of others have also experienced, you know, in private)
Load More Replies...I will never understand why women love pain so much. If it were me, give me the epidural on the first contraction and get back to watching the game.
That is why you will never give birth. You don't understand.
Load More Replies...This. Look at corgis face during and his face when baby's out. I was teary eyed.
What a beautiful story. How sweet of a story that the dog kept a watchful and loving eye on her.
This women is insaine!! If you want a homebirth, fine, but you need ambulance in front of the house just in case. If ANYTHING went wrong, the baby would be in danger.
I don't know about insane...but she is taking a big risk...she must know this because she's a professional doula ( basically a childbirth/neonatal coach). They undoubtedly have a contingency plan and nearby hospital to rush to in the event of problems...And yet, I still wouldn't take this risk...I have friends who went this route and their son was born with respiratory problems- He didn't breathe for 5 minutes as they rushed to save him. He did survive, but now has severe brain damage and will have lifelong problems. His parents struggle with guilt everyday. Terribly sad!
Load More Replies...Omg you look so calm in the photos!! I bet the dog calmed you down!!
These people are mentally unbalanced. First of all, don't attribute human emotions to animals. The dog was not proud, concerned or anything else, the dog was a dog. Secondly, young children do not need to see that. Thirdly, the whole Internet does not need to see your documentary style photo session. Get over yourselves. The only - the absolute only - reason there pictures were shared is because that new mother is a narcissist. She craves attention. And the internet in 2018 is full of spiritually, emotionally and intellectually barren people who need something, anything, to fill their shallow, meaningless existence.
Women have been having babies without hospitals since the beginning of time. If both mother and baby are healthy (and generally here in the UK if you have already had a previous normal birth), and a midwife is present then home births are no more risky than a hospital one, and it is more relaxing for everyone. It is NOT the law in the EU.
Load More Replies...Births aren't sterile, for a straight forward home birth I'd have no issue as long as they stayed away from my sterile kit which is only brought out at the end. I'm a midwife, so I think it's great. A comfort and focus for the Mum.
Load More Replies...How closely knit we creatures of earth really are and what a finely woven fabric we could make if we began to see the powerful sameness of existence in all living things - and how endlessly, unfathomably deep we’re bound together by love. Life is love and living, truly, is loving. And love is love is love. Ranger knows this. So does Brooke. This has made me so happy!
Uh...am I out of sync with times? Is it normal to have birth at home these days? What if something were to go wrong that the instruments for wouldn't be available at home?._. That just seems so insanely dangerous, cute dogs don't help with getting c-section right and stuff. Or am I just missing something?
Like you, I am a little torn on this topic. On the one hand, pregnancy and childbirth are natural, normal events that have been going on for thousands of years with only midwives to lend a helping hand. At the same time, pregnancy and childbirth are the most dangerous thing a woman can do to her body. Even today, the US maternal mortality and morbidity rates, less than 30 out of 100,000, are double that of Iran, Libya and Turkey. WHO reports that half of those deaths are preventable, and cite inconsistent standards in hospitals to handle obstetric emergencies. While the author has said the mother had been deemed low risk and lived a block from the hospital, anything that went wrong would have been traumatic for all involved, especially for the child who was witnessing the birth. Glad for this family that all went well.
Load More Replies...Tired of birth pictures and stories. People can't keep their private life private anymore. Next will be bathroom diaries, perhaps?
Really? we now photograph and post the very intimate giving of birth? What have we become? Must every single aspect of life be posted for as many likes as we can get?
people should keep their birth photographs private - the whole world does not need to see them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Load More Replies...This is all super nice and cozy. But why pretend like it's some kind of fantastic, rare thing? Dogs are some of the most incredible creatures on this planet, this behavior is totally normal.
I'm all grown up and I still learn new things all the time. Never stop learning! ^_^
Load More Replies...Thank you everyone. I'm so glad y'all are enjoying this. It was a awesome thing to be a part of.
I am pretty sure there are a lot of us noticing this a home birth, and at the same time going look at that dog. It is straight adorable. Let's not worry about making this in to a post about responsible birthing, or whatever. Because to be honest this is Bored Panda. You shouldn't be looking here to decide which would be right for you, your baby, and proper birthing choices. Instead let's just enjoy a hell of a good story about a really loyal puppy dog. I know I did! And I agree with others the second to last picture sums it all up. Hehe.
your dog will do anything for you - he/she will protect you from danger, comfort you, keep you safe and love anyone you love
We are amazingly lucky to be able to share our lives with dogs, what fantastic creatures they are. Both of these beautiful corgis were there for her, in their turn. A patient, caring presence whenever she needed them. Like many others that second to last picture is my favourite - those lovely faces. Well done to everyone involved and many thanks for sharing.
Well, although childbirth is natural, of course, but in humans it's more complicated than in other species, that's why most cats, cows, etc will give birth to their little ones without anyone's help (yes, sometimes they have complications and die too but the rate compared with humans is much lower) but a woman on her own would struggle a lot more than another mammal. Here is the explanation why - http://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20161221-the-real-reasons-why-childbirth-is-so-painful-and-dangerous I think some people console themselves with the thought that "but that's the most natural thing!" and don't realise that modern humans are very different in this respect from other animals.
nah, these people choose their dogs over their kids, so don't worry.
Load More Replies...Yet another boredpanda post that brought tears in my eyes, there's just so much love and compassion in these photos it's amazing. Congratulations and lots of love!
Good for the dog- and the mother- but that poor kid will be traumatised by what he has seen for life.
Other children shouldnt be present at births - it's messy traumatic and loads of blood.let them enjoy the great memories of their first meeting with a sibling - cleaned up, parent and child smiling - not screaming
Load More Replies...This is so sweet! I know my Sushi would be acting the same way if I were having a baby. Then she would think the baby was hers, lol.
Im I the only one who is concerned that a dog (most likely ate s**t hours before, because all dogs are caprophagus) should not be left nearby a woman in labour? Shouldnt the room be at least a bit clean? The baby does not have immune sistem yet! And the big brother watching his mother plus so many people in the room is so disturbing. Ok giving birth is natural, but we are not primates or medieval villagers - we have science and hospitals working for us. Would be so natural if the baby or mother get sick.
These are great. Through the picture/story you can see where Ranger is concerned, worried, tense, attentive, cautious and then curious, happy, content and dare I say, jubilant at the arrival of the newest family member? Our furry family members know. How lucky for the family to now have this pictorial.
It's beautiful but is it entirely safe ? I don't have keys so undone know but I have heard that your pet can also become very jealous of the new born and that might not be safe.
I think it's great that people want to do things naturally but I would have died and so would my 3 sons with both pregnancies. My oldest son turned out to sim0ly be too big to fit through my birth canal which was not known until I was in labor and one of my twins was too big, breached at the last minutes and managed to wrap his cord around his neck. So, in both cases emergency c-sections were needed. One of the twins was born vaginally so he would have been ok.
The picture she is holding the tree and the man is holding her. 😍 The dog was really worried. 🐶
Who knows that was the dog of their first birth he was older and not as active as ranger Not the one at the second.
Load More Replies...Capturing the essence of home births is a privilege, and Brooke's journey, documented through three unique experiences, is truly heartwarming. The presence of devoted family members, including loving pets like Ryder, adds a special touch. It's a testament to the holistic support found in the embrace of water birth midwifery services enhancing the birthing journey.
Check out the 3rd picture from the end. Ranger is NOT looking at the baby. His attention is firmly on the woman holding 'his' new baby sister. puppy-and-...017a35.jpg
I don't know if I should ask this but why do they give birth in a pool of water? I really don't know...
I knew the comments would be full of Judgy-mcJudgersons. Blech. Each family makes makes the decision that works for them. These were lovely photographs. They probably weren't originally taken to share with the world (judgy-judgy) and who cares if they were? WHO MADE YOU LOOK? Mom probably okayed the share when they turned out to show such a special relationship. I hope the family ignores the comments and just enjoys their beautiful baby and lovely family. And thanks to the photog, because that next-to-last photo was spectacular and made me smile on a day when I hadn't much to smile about. So thank you!
Man there is something beautiful about at home births, especially seeing her other children involved. But I could never do it, I'm a massive scaredy cat.
I'm not sure that having a young child present for that is a great thing..I think the kid should be old enough to understand what pregnancy and childbirth are, and ask the child if they want to be there, giving them the choice
O my God we don`t deserve dogs!!! they are such a blessing <3 Ps best of luck to the mom and baby, actually best of luck to their family :)
Home births are not for me. Photographing birth is also not for me. But babies and dogs? I am here for it! Love little worried Corgi, helpful Corgi, and then relieved Corgi. These are the best. I am convinced they know everything. Congratulations on the little one and great story.
It’s a shame people are so different when they’re behind a keyboard. Or perhaps that’s just the kind of humans they are, callous, cold, hypercritical, myopic rude, negative and deleterious. Whatever happened to “if you can’t say anything nice...”. It seems many comments here are just unnecessary. If you found something offensive...close the page -simple, harmless. Where does the pleasure come from putting someone’s work or lifestyle down? Keep your negativity to yourself.
Very sweet. Ryder looks so much like our corgi-mix it's amazing. That same intense gaze and sweetness. Wonderful souls.
I am so glad these people appreciated the little doggy. Such a loyal soul. I am glad this is about the little fur baby, he deserves it.
Birth photographer is a thing in US?! Do people also strap GoPro cameras on their thighs to get all moments and angles on tape? And having whole family with kids watching as you give birth in pool is just perverse. Cannot find a better word for it. F* these esoteric mothers for rising an emocionaly scarred individuals by their sick experiments.
having your other child at a birth is just so wrong - if complications arise they would be truly traumatised
Load More Replies...Women who need an audience while give birth are exhibitionists. Every animal seeks privacy, except their female companions forming a circle for protection around her. I am just puzzled that these people who think it is such a miracle, have no compunctions other animals’ babies while theirs is soooo special. We are all animals!
this story is about a dog, don't even a baby. they care not for the baby it's all about THEM and their experience (that billions of others have also experienced, you know, in private)
Load More Replies...I will never understand why women love pain so much. If it were me, give me the epidural on the first contraction and get back to watching the game.
That is why you will never give birth. You don't understand.
Load More Replies...This. Look at corgis face during and his face when baby's out. I was teary eyed.
What a beautiful story. How sweet of a story that the dog kept a watchful and loving eye on her.
This women is insaine!! If you want a homebirth, fine, but you need ambulance in front of the house just in case. If ANYTHING went wrong, the baby would be in danger.
I don't know about insane...but she is taking a big risk...she must know this because she's a professional doula ( basically a childbirth/neonatal coach). They undoubtedly have a contingency plan and nearby hospital to rush to in the event of problems...And yet, I still wouldn't take this risk...I have friends who went this route and their son was born with respiratory problems- He didn't breathe for 5 minutes as they rushed to save him. He did survive, but now has severe brain damage and will have lifelong problems. His parents struggle with guilt everyday. Terribly sad!
Load More Replies...Omg you look so calm in the photos!! I bet the dog calmed you down!!
These people are mentally unbalanced. First of all, don't attribute human emotions to animals. The dog was not proud, concerned or anything else, the dog was a dog. Secondly, young children do not need to see that. Thirdly, the whole Internet does not need to see your documentary style photo session. Get over yourselves. The only - the absolute only - reason there pictures were shared is because that new mother is a narcissist. She craves attention. And the internet in 2018 is full of spiritually, emotionally and intellectually barren people who need something, anything, to fill their shallow, meaningless existence.
Women have been having babies without hospitals since the beginning of time. If both mother and baby are healthy (and generally here in the UK if you have already had a previous normal birth), and a midwife is present then home births are no more risky than a hospital one, and it is more relaxing for everyone. It is NOT the law in the EU.
Load More Replies...Births aren't sterile, for a straight forward home birth I'd have no issue as long as they stayed away from my sterile kit which is only brought out at the end. I'm a midwife, so I think it's great. A comfort and focus for the Mum.
Load More Replies...
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