Laughing Liam Earthside, an Induction Story | Bismarck Birth Photographer

Kenna's birth story is one I will never forget—full of resilience, laughter, and the raw beauty of bringing a baby into the world. As her birth photographer, I had the privilege of witnessing and documenting every moment, from the unexpected twists of induction to the sheer joy of meeting Liam for the first time.

Kenna’s birth journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) late in her pregnancy. This condition, which affects liver function and can increase risks for the baby, meant that her plans for a spontaneous labor had to shift to a scheduled induction. With only four days' notice, she and Ethan prepared to meet their baby earlier than expected.

Kenna and Ethan arrived at the hospital prepared for a long journey ahead, but nothing could have truly prepared them for the rollercoaster of emotions that followed. After hours of delays, they were finally admitted late Tuesday night, settling into their room and taking final bump photos before labor officially began. The induction process was intense—cytotec, a Foley bulb, and Pitocin worked to encourage progress, bringing strong contractions that tested Kenna's mettle. Through it all, Ethan stood by her side, advocating for her when necessary and keeping the mood light. Their humor was infectious, and in a moment I’ll never forget, Kenna quite literally laughed Liam into the world.

Laboring through unexpected challenges, Kenna fought for the experience she wanted, even when faced with a less-than-supportive nurse. She pushed through each wave of pain, making use of movement, hydrotherapy, and IV pain relief before ultimately opting for an epidural. The early morning hours blurred together until, at 1:30 a.m., a cervical check revealed she was already 9 cm dilated. The room shifted into a quiet anticipation as we prepared for delivery.

With Ethan at her side, Kenna began to push. After just two pushes, in a moment of laughter between contractions, Liam made his grand entrance at 5:40 a.m. on December 23rd, weighing 7 pounds and measuring 20 inches long. The sheer relief and joy on Kenna’s face as she held her baby for the first time was unforgettable. She looked at Ethan and, through happy tears, whispered, "We did it, babe. He's here."

But birth stories are rarely without their challenges. Although Liam seemed stable at first, he was soon taken to the NICU after experiencing respiratory distress. What was supposed to be a moment of celebration turned into an emotional whirlwind. I captured Ethan’s quiet awe and the way he clung to Kenna’s hand as they processed the news. Their time in the NICU was not part of the plan, but it became a defining part of their journey into parenthood. Kenna, who had hoped to breastfeed, had to navigate an entirely different reality as Liam struggled to latch. Despite it all, she held onto the precious memory of their first hour of skin-to-skin—one of the few things that went according to plan.

Documenting this birth meant more than just taking pictures; it meant preserving the emotions, the resilience, and the love that filled that room. For Ethan, it was particularly significant—this was the first child he was able to be present for from conception to birth, and I wanted him to have images that reflected that journey. When Kenna received her gallery, she told me that those photos helped bring peace during Liam’s NICU stay. They allowed her to relive the beauty of his birth, even in the midst of trauma.

Birth is unpredictable, raw, and deeply personal. Kenna’s story is a testament to strength, love, and the power of capturing these fleeting moments. Looking back, she sees both the hardest and most beautiful day of her life woven together in the images we created.