A Birth Story: Bishop Kai
A VBAC Home Birth in Weaverville, NC
I’m not exactly sure when Lizz and I first “met” on Facebook, but I do remember her commenting on one of my birth photos years ago and saying something like, “When I have my next baby, I’ll be hiring you.”
Fast forward to April 2016, and I received an email from her, she was 11 weeks pregnant and ready to follow through on that comment. From that moment on, I was counting down the days until October!
We planned to meet at their home since they were hoping for a home birth, and even though we had technically been Facebook friends, we didn’t really know each other yet.
But that changed quickly.
We sat on their front porch and talked for hours. About birth, breastfeeding, her previous experience, and even parts of my own journey. It didn’t feel like a first meeting at all… it felt like catching up with an old friend.
Over the next several months, that connection only grew. So when I got the text on November 3rd that it was time… I was so excited! Honestly, you would’ve thought I was heading into my own birth.
When I walked into their home, the first thing I noticed was how calm and peaceful everything felt. A hypnobirthing track played softly in the background, and affirmations were hung around the room. Gentle reminders that she was made for this.
And it was perfect.
Tristan was incredible! Steady, present, and right there for whatever Lizz needed, both physically and emotionally.
But he wasn’t the only support she had that day.
Clover, their two-year-old, was something truly special to witness. In the weeks leading up to the birth, Lizz had been preparing her by reading books, watching videos together, and even practicing the sounds she might hear during labor.
And Clover got it.
Once the birth pool was set up, she would walk by and pretend she was in labor, moaning and mimicking what she had learned. She stepped into the role so naturally, like a tiny doula in the making.
She rolled Lizz’s back with a foam noodle, poured water gently over her belly, rubbed her, held her hand, and even whispered encouragements to “help brother come.”
And when things intensified, and she could sense her mama needed more, she would leave whatever she was doing, walk over, and say,
“I’ll let you hold my hand.”
It was absolutely one of the most precious things I’ve ever witnessed!
As labor picked up, I was so impressed by the midwives. They had this beautiful balance of stepping in when needed and stepping back to simply let Lizz do what her body was made to do. They cared for Clover just as intentionally, too. Changing her diaper, helping her settle in, even playing little games with her and reassuring her when she needed it most.
And Lizz, well she was an absolute rock star!
She stayed deeply in tune with her body, listening, adjusting, and fully present in every moment. She spoke to her baby, leaned into the guidance around her, and stayed focused on her goal the entire time.
She showed an incredible amount of strength and courage. It was truly beautiful to witness.
After laboring at home all day and pushing for quite some time, Lizz made the decision to transfer to Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Her baby boy, Bishop Kai, was born via c-section at 9:15pm on November 3rd.
He was perfect.
A big, beautiful boy, 9 lbs 15 oz and 21.5 inches long, who just needed a little extra help making his way into the world.
I returned the next day for a short Fresh48 session since I wasn’t able to capture much of Bishop that night.
Getting to see them again, slower, softer, soaking it all in, was the sweetest ending to such an incredible story.
The story didn’t end here…I’ll be sharing more from their Fresh48 session soon!
Lizz and Tristan, thank you for trusting me with something so sacred.
It was an absolute honor to witness your strength, your love, and the moment your family became four.
