Witness an extraordinary birth story that will capture your attention.
Every birth tale holds its unique marvel, and over time, we’ve shared remarkable instances—like a mother giving birth in a car, capturing photos during delivery, a 12-year-old assisting in her baby brother’s birth, and a mother unexpectedly delivering at home. These stories underscore that no amount of birth planning can fully anticipate the moment your baby decides to make an entrance.
Such was the experience of Jes Hogan, 31, who welcomed her sixth child (the first boy!) in the hallway of a Kansas hospital in July 2017. What distinguishes this birth story is the comprehensive documentation on camera, thanks to the couple’s birth photographer, Tammy Karin. Recently, Tammy shared these awe-inspiring photos on her Facebook page and website, Little Leaping Photography.
Jes narrated the full details of her birth journey on Tammy’s website, explaining that the nine months of this pregnancy went more smoothly compared to her previous five. Jes and her husband, Travis, never imagined that childbirth would unfold as it did.
Contractions initiated on Tuesday, July 18, intensifying until the early hours of the 19th. This prompted the couple to head to the hospital for delivery. By then, Jes’s cervix had dilated from 3 cm to 4 cm. However, after “four hours of laboring in the tub, bouncing on the ball, and walking the halls,” no progress occurred. Preferring an intervention-free birth, they opted to leave the hospital as contractions spaced out.
Jes spent three more days engaging in activities, including walking, visiting the pool with her daughters, and completing small projects at home. In no hurry to return to the hospital for her sixth pregnancy, she was confident she’d recognize when the time was right.
Then, around 2 a.m. on Sunday, Jes woke to a “strange, long contraction.” Waking Travis, she said, “I think this is it.”
As she rose from bed, Jes’s water broke. Though panicking, she thought they wouldn’t make it to the hospital. Travis, however, managed to wake his mother to look after their five girls. Within minutes, the couple was dressed and out the door.
Despite the panic, Jes had the presence of mind to call the hospital and text Tammy. Upon arrival, Jes began screaming that the baby was coming. Tammy spotted her, assisted Travis, and brought Jes inside.
The subsequent scene mirrored a movie. Tammy informed hospital staff that Jes would deliver on the floor. Jes undressed, feeling her body pushing the baby’s head out. She reached down, felt his head crowning, and told Travis, “Catch him!”
In photographer mode, Tammy captured stunning images of nurses rushing down the hall, Travis supporting the baby’s head, and an ER nurse aiding in the delivery.
Jes expressed gratitude to Tammy for documenting this unbelievable childbirth, turning it into lasting memories.
Jes shared her story with the hope of encouraging other moms to document their birth experiences rather than fearing them. “I know my story is nothing special,” she said. “Women do this every day and don’t get any fanfare. I hope it will inspire people to view birth as an empowering moment instead of something to be feared. I also hope it may encourage them to photo-document their birth because these are the moments that shape you as a mother. I will cherish these images for the rest of my life.”
On Tammy’s website, Jes admitted it was her craziest birth by far but also the most perfect. “It was not at all what I had planned, but it ended without any intervention, with a healthy baby, and amazing support people by our sides,” she said.
