Monet Nicole photographs the birth of a child, arguably the most significant event in a woman's life. She has photographed women giving birth at home, in bed, and in the ocean, in addition to hospital maternity wards. According to her website, she was changed by her own births. She believes that nothing can compare to giving birth to her children. "I still cry whenever I recall the birth of my children," she admits. She believes, based on her past experiences, that the day a woman gives birth to her child is one of the most important days of her life, and that it is therefore unquestionably worth filming. 

Ashlee Wilkenson, age 29, had photographer Rebecca Walsh (employed by Denver-based birth photographer Monet Nicole) document the birth of her fifth child in her Colorado home. Wilkenson describes in her own words how unanticipated childbirth can be, regardless of how many times one has experienced it.

"After giving birth to my first child in a hospital, I delivered my subsequent children at home. My initial labor lasts approximately twenty-four hours, and I believe it would have lasted longer if I hadn't been administered Pt. Next, I consumed my second drink for roughly two hours. I may have been three when I had my third child. My fourth labor lasted fourteen hours and was excruciatingly painful from the start. Consequently, I approached my most recent delivery expecting the unexpected, but with a clear idea of what I desired, if possible. I wanted my husband to catch the infant. And it was essential for me to have some peace and quiet immediately following the birth of my child.

I anticipated a 41-week pregnancy, given that my first and third pregnancies lasted that long, but I'd been experiencing extreme discomfort since week 36. At 39 weeks, I went to bed as usual and awoke approximately 45 minutes later with an enormous tt and copious amounts of ssu. I sensed the infant's presence.

We had discussed with my midwife what to do if labor progressed rapidly, as I had experienced rapid labor before. Therefore, we had this limited opportunity to prepare. My midwife, who resides approximately 45 minutes away, arrived promptly so that we did not have to. My contractions were quite close together, and I distinctly recall thinking, "They need to calm down because I can't handle this." Despite the fact that everyone seemed to comprehend how close I was to giving birth, I was mentally prepared for another 14-hour labor similar to the last.

I immediately entered the tub. When I insisted that I was just in the hospital to slow down my menstrual cycle, both my husband and midwife replied, "Yes, Ash, anything you say." After a brief period of relative calm on the water, the tts returned in full force. And it was clear that these were not tts caused by dilation. They were tts for the delivery of the infant.

I got out of the tub, and he was born within one and a half contractions. My husband was able to catch him, and I simply held and observed him for some time.

He is such a chill infant. I adore that I can see it in these photographs, despite his pouty expression. Since birth, he has possessed such a pleasant disposition.

It is difficult to express how incredible it was to have him here. It was one of the greatest joys I have ever felt. To see him, to learn that he was a boy, to hold him on my chest, to hear his cries, to see his face, and to finally complete the arduous journey of pregnancy. I soaked up all the cuddles, cried uncontrollably, and was so happy and appreciative that we did it!

The children slept through the entire event. We had a friend who was willing to watch them if necessary, and we were open to their presence if they wished it or their absence if they preferred. However, they awoke approximately four hours after the birth of their child. They were excited to say hello to the baby, but then they wanted to go to my sister's house, so they left. I got a nap.

Now that I've completed this task five times, I've learned to expect the unexpected and to be okay if nothing goes as "expected." It is similar to having so many children close together. Occasionally, we exclaim, "Oh my goodness, this is insane!" Our hearts are however full.

This and birth were so different from what I had hoped and dreamed throughout my entire pregnancy, but after he was born, I was so proud of myself and pleased with how everything had transpired. When I reflect on the birth of my child, I see the hand of a faithful God at work."