Leighton’s Birth Story // Missouri Baptist Medical Center // St Louis Birth Photographer

Missouri Baptist Birth Story // St Louis Birth Story // Leighton

This St Louis birth story was such an emotional birth to capture. This was Dana and Matt’s first baby and they were so excited to have a baby girl.

When Dana first sent me an email inquiring about a birth story, I knew right away that the birth film was going to be so important to her. She told me that her and Matt hired a wedding videographer and they still cherish their wedding video, even years later. Their anniversary tradition each year is to sit down together and watch the video to replay their big day. Dana and Matt each shared with me that they planned to watch the birth film with Leighton every year on her birthday. (See birth film at the end of this post)

Dana was due the week of Thanksgiving and we meet up a couple of weeks before to chat about her birth plans. While we were together I asked if she felt like it was getting close to baby time. She said she did not think she would have her baby girl any earlier than her due date. However we were all surprised to find out that Leighton had different plans.

Dana was 38 weeks + 6 days pregnant when her water broke around 3am. She called me to tell me that she was headed to the hospital. I could hear her excitement in her voice. She went to the hospital and I joined her around 1pm when she was 7 cm dilated.

All four grandparents joined Matt and Dana at the hospital and waited patiently for their newest granddaughter to make her grand entrance into the world. Leighton was born at 3:55pm and was 6 pounds, 13 ounces. She was gorgeous! Dana did an amazing job during labor and delivery and Matt was such a great support person throughout the whole day.

Leighton’s aunts and uncles joined us shortly after she was born to welcome her to the world. There were so many tears! My favorite thing to capture at births will always be when everyone in the waiting room gets to meet the newest addition to the family for the first time.

Dana and Matt, congratulations on becoming parents for the first time. I have no doubt that you will be amazing parents to Leighton!