Early and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between mother and babe is one of the many benefits of home birth. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

During home birth, parents are an intimate part of the birth process. That seems like such an odd statement but it is relevant when comparing out of hospital to hospital birth. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

During home birth we have the flexibility to provide support in whatever way the birth mother needs.

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Jennifer Lind Schutsky

During home birth the mom is supported in having her children be an intimate part of the birth, if that is what she would like.

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

The moments after birth are precious! Before whisking the baby away for weights and measures, the home birth family spends as much time as they want getting to know each other.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

This home birth baby is gently resting against his mothers thigh. We arent in a hurry to rub her up, cut her cord or to otherwise interrupt this early bonding time.

*This home birth photos is posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Awww! Baby love! This home birth baby is getting a 24hr checkup in the comfort of her home.

*This home birth photos is posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Because home birth moms have not been sedated, strapped to machines or made to lie on their backs for hours and hours, after birth they are strong and very much a part of the process.

*This home birth photos is posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

We love it when our home birth babies come to the office to see us! Rachel seems pretty happy about it!

*This home birth photos is posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Breastfeeding is a naturally one of the services to provide. Most moms and babies figure it out on their own, but if they need a little help, we are here.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Midwife Shell has a special relationship with the babies! They could sit and talk to each other for hours. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Every home birth baby receives a thorough exam with weights and measures before we leave the mother's home. This baby is being weighed the old fashioned way, in a hanging scale. She is so cute!

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

The beauty of home birth never ceases to amaze us. This home birth mama is being supported by her partner. The interplay between their bodies and the sunlight was a wonder to behold. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

The home birth baby wanted to latch right away! Dad still managed to get in some bonding touches though. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Midwife Shell is giving this baby a good exam. She had the normal exam stuff too but sometimes the babies eyes and heart can tell us much more than equipment ever can. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Rachel Martin Flynn

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Women are so strong and beautiful! This home birth mom had all the time she needed to fall in love with her baby. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

This big brother couldn't wait to hold his little brother. Fortunately, he didn't have to. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Isn't this pretty? This home birth mom needed some space to focus. The shower was the perfect place for here. While in there she sang the sweetest songs. It was a moment of beauty that I will remember forever. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

The magic moment when baby opens eyes to take in the world. How wonderful it is for those eyes to be greeted with love. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Women's bodies change during labor, especially when supported to move and change position without restraint. The spine lengthens, the shoulders and hips open and the pelvis drops into place. All of this helps the baby to move down and out.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

The transformation can be intense but when women have their greatest supporters by their side, it gives them strength to make the journey. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Since we respect the baby's need of family and their need of baby, it is always a special moment for the midwife to hold the baby. We make sure to treat these moments with respect. 

Photo credit: Dad, David

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Sometimes women need to go inward. During these phases she should be left alone, uninterupted, to do her work.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Baby is starting to root! But first she has to be passed around all of her big brothers and sisters. It wont take long, mom will make sure of that. It is important that the needs of all of the family members be taken into consideration! Birth is actually a community event. Babies adjust and those that are born into large families need this time getting to know everyone.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

The belly! Clothes and monitoring belts can feel very restrictive, at home mom can wear (or not wear) anything she wants or nothing at all!

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

I love this home birth photo. It was taken in the wee hours of the morning, the kids crawled out of bed and were quietly watching over their mama, whom you can see in the background. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

There she is! Look at those cheeks! This home birth baby came in a little tricky position but she made it just fine. We were all happy to have her in her mother's arms. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

And after all of the hard work of labor, mom and baby get to rest in each others arms. We are unobtrusively looking and will be right at her side in a flash, if anything is needed. Otherwise, we will be making mom a meal or special drink, cleaning up the house and doing paperwork. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

She did it! It was a lot of work but she did it! This baby is just seconds old and while mom may very well be one of the strongest women in the world, even strong women need to catch their breath after moving mountains! We understand that. We will sit right by her side and when she is ready we will help her to move into a cozier spot. Shes got this. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

He spent lots of time in mom's arms, was breastfed and now big brother finally gets some snuggle time. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Water can be a great labor tool for some women.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Postpartum visit! I love the colors of this photo! And I enjoy seeing baby's position. It is easy to imagine what she looked like curled up in her mama's belly. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

We never know what a mom may need in labor... But whatever it is, we want her to have it. In this case is was live music and a shoulder massage. We aim to please. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Rachel Martin Flynn

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Awww! She loves her daddy! This is the beginning of one of the most important relationships in her life. Home birth babies are born so alert and responsive! The wonder never ceases. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Sometimes a little teamwork is needed. Between us we have LOTS of hands. The healing hands of love. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

This guy! He couldnt quite fit into midwife Shell's arms! How fortunate for moms, babies AND midwives that we all get to spend so much time with each other. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Rachel Martin Flynn

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

When was the last time you have seen something so precious! Little girl is checking in on her mama! She was so supportive and kind through the birth that I think she may have the midwife gene. Moments like this make a family so strong. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Counter pressure! More counter pressure! Some women can't get enough! If they want it, they should have it. For hours if needed. 

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

And here where the baby was made and the toddler snuggles, the baby is coming. It makes perfect sense! Love means a lot. 

That is one of the coolest aspects of home birth- the babies come home where they were made. Pretty awesome, right?

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

And they meet for the first time and it is like they have known each other forever. It seems that this home birth mom and baby have known each other forever. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Do not underestimate the benefit of being in a known and comfortable environment to strengthen mom's ability to self-manage the transformation and sensations of an un-medicated birth! The power is real.

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

And into the father's arms! The juxtaposition of a new baby into loving, strong arms is always such a treat to behold! 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Exercise balls are a great tool to have at any birth! The can be used to support mom in many positions. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

So cute! Some babies suck their hands, fingers or arm so much while in the womb that they come out with blisters! 

This little baby had obviously been perfecting his suck for quite awhile! 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Contrary to all appearances, we had all spent many hours and hours and hours.... working hard but here we are looking great! Like it was nothing! hahahahaha. Nah, you can totally tell that we are exhausted. But it is the good kind. The triumphant kind. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Women can travel far into space while in labor! Sometimes a gentle hand can be a massive grounding force! 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

As I am sure can be noted by our photos, family bonding time is so important to the home birth process. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Special blankets, special music, celebratory food... Birth and the welcoming of a new family member can be celebrated and commemorated in many ways. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

New babies have more wisdom than we can even imagine. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Midwives Rising! Phoenix, Arizona. Providing  pregnancy, birth and postpartum midwife care for home birth and birth center families. Certified Midwives, Shell Walker Luttrell, Danielle Haines, Rachel Martin Flynn. www.midwivesrising.com

Children can be so sensitive to moms in labor! Children are welcome in labor and we do everything we can to support them. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Babe in arms... it is the best feeling in the world. Welcome to the world little one. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Of course, home birth moms are free to eat and drink during the course of their labor. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

Midwife Shell giving new baby a bath. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Rachel Martin Flynn

Dads are welcome to be a part of the birth process to the degree that they and mom would like. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

May these home birth sisters be blessed with a loving and strong relationship. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Shell Luttrell 

The birth environment and the attendants should be flexible to accommodate whatever it is the birth needs. We really strive for that. Here we are being silly and spontaneous after supporting mom all night long. 

*These home birth photos are posted with permission granted to Midwives Rising of Phoenix, Arizona. Do not use or reproduce without permission.

Photo credit: Arizona Midwife, Rachel Martin Flynn