So many transitions occur during the first moments of birth. At first breath the infant oxygenation immediately changes from placental to his own pulmonary respiration. The mother's body expels the placenta and begins uterine involution. The health care staff is in peak readiness for potential emergency needs of mother or baby. Yet, unique to this point in life, those first moments serve to build deep, lasting bonds of the family unit.
This picture captures only the infant. So much energy is seen in this flexed, moving little one. The activity of the room is hidden. The sounds are silent. The cord—still attached to mom—gives one the awareness of the exact moment in time…the point of birth. The tremendous sense of the wonder of life coming forth is seen in this pose. I enjoy how the light plays on the wet baby's body. I appreciate the muting of background and gentle, gloved hands that hold. If there is ever a time observing the miracle of life, a baby's first breath is the time.