13/03/2026
I had the privilege of filming a birth recently that I’ll never forget.
This mama had gone a little over a week past her due date, so I was basically on standby waiting for the call. One day the midwife texted me and said, “Today might be the day.” I stayed ready… but the whole day went by and I didn’t hear anything. When I checked in later, it turned out it was just early labor and she was resting at home.
The next day I finally got the call. The midwife said, “You better head this way.” I grabbed my gear and started the hour-and-a-half drive to the birth center. About halfway there, my phone rang again. They had checked her and realized she still wasn’t very far along, so they sent her home to rest.
So… I turned around and went back home.
Then the next morning the midwife called again and said, “Today’s the day. The baby will probably come this afternoon.”
Back in the car I went.
When I arrived at the birth center, she had been laboring for a long time already and was working through contractions in the tub. This was truly a marathon birth. Watching her was incredible. She was tired, you could see that, but she just kept going. The resilience and endurance of this woman was amazing to witness. It was one of those moments where you just think, wow… the power of a woman.
Her husband was right there beside her the whole time, encouraging her and supporting her through every step.
After a couple hours of filming, it finally came time to push. And then the story suddenly took a scary turn.
The baby was born, and there was that moment of excitement — You did it! But then we realized something wasn’t right.
The baby wasn’t crying.
The room went very quiet.
The midwife immediately began working on the baby, performing neonatal resuscitation while mom and dad spoke to their baby and encouraged him. There was a heartbeat, but still no cry.
Those moments felt like forever.
And then finally… the baby let out his first scream.
The whole room filled with relief.
Soon he was resting safely on his mother’s chest, and the family was together. It was such a beautiful moment after such a long and intense journey.
Birth is powerful. It shows the strength, resilience, and determination of mothers in a way that’s hard to put into words. I’m always honored when families trust me to capture moments like this.
This one was definitely a unique and unforgettable experience for me behind the camera.
-Caleb Phipps
When her due date passed, this first time mom patiently waited for labor to begin. Finally, a little over a week later, early labor started. Her labor turned...