This mama truly rocked her birth, and I can’t wait to share her story with you!

Ashton is a cardiac nurse and mama to new big brother Lawson, who is two. “I also have three angels in heaven. Two babies we lost early on and a little boy in my second trimester. Wrenley is our first girl!”

Ashton describes how Wrenley’s birthday began. “I was induced 3 weeks early due to high blood pressure. When I walked into the hospital, I was already 4cm! It was a personal victory for me. I had actually done something on my own.”

“I struggle with my feelings… having to be induced. Even though I know it’s safest for both me and baby, I feel like I’m missing out on the ‘excitement’ of labor starting.”

“From beginning of induction to baby in my arms was just over 8 hours. I stalled out at 8cm for a few hours, and my water had yet to break. I asked if my doctor [would] come break my water. I knew that was all that was holding me back. Sure enough, I was complete and ready to push in less then 30 minutes.”

“I got an epidural early on in the induction process due to my blood pressure. I was disappointed I didn’t get to labor on my own long. Shortly before it was time to push, the epidural stopped working. I was feeling everything. Instead of waiting and having them come fix it, I said, ‘Let’s do this. I’m not waiting!’ And I started pushing. I was so proud I was able to breath through the contractions at the end and push my baby out!”

“Even though we found out at 20 weeks that we were expecting a girl, I had convinced myself they were wrong. So when she was on my chest and we finally checked, I shouted, ‘It’s a girl!!!‘ And burst into tears, like it was a complete shock. The nurses were so confused and Devin just laughed at my reaction.”

Seeing her daughter for the first time was an intensely emotional experience. Ashton said, “Pregnancy is filled with anxiety due to my past losses, so that rush of pure relief when I finally got to hold my baby was overwhelming.”

One of my favorite things about documenting a birth will always be capturing dad’s loving support.

“Devin is always my rock. He doesn’t have to say much, his presence is all I need to help me push through.”

Ashton says the most incredible part of the birth was holding her little girl for the very first time. “There is nothing to compare to meeting your child for the first time.”

“The second most amazing part [of birth] is when your first child gets to meet your second. My tiny toddler came walking into the room in his dino PJs, and he was instantly HUGE. Lawson was nervous at first, but soon wanted to share his match box cars with her and boop her nose.”

Umm…adorable.

Right after Wrenley was born, it started to sleet and ice outside while the new family of four sent guests home and got cozy in their room.

“I will forever remember that first meeting as a family of four. The four of us snuggled close in the bed. My heart was coming out of my chest.”

Every child teaches us something new about ourselves. Ashton said for her that meant, “I learned to trust my body more. It was capable of progressing on its own, and I was able to give birth with an epidural not working.”

Wrenley came into this world weighing 7lbs 6oz, and was 20 inches long, born to an amazing, strong mama and the sweetest family full of love!