Robin Baker is an award-winning birth photographer who recently captured one of birth's rarest phenomenons: a baby born "en caul," or still fully inside the amniotic sac.
The California-based photographer, who has attended over 70 births, said that the parents were incredibly calm despite the fact they were essentially on their own until the medical team could get there.
"These parents are experienced home birthers as they had their first child at home," Baker told BuzzFeed. "They had 30 minutes of bonding time with Baby A before Baby B made his way into his father's hands still en-caul."
According to legend, being born "en caul" indicate that the baby (or "caulbearer") is destined for greatness.
"We didn't know the baby would deliver completely en caul until he was crowning," Baker recalled.
"Even then the sac can break...but Baby B's stayed intact until mom reached down and gently punctured and peeled back the sac with her fingernail."
Incredible.
The photographer, who unabashedly loves her job, told BuzzFeed that all involved were "on cloud 9 when the birth team arrived to help deliver the second placenta."
"Since so many twins are born in the operating room, this planned and ultimately unassisted home birth was very special!"
Baker — who was recently honored with the "Best In Category: Delivery" award from the International Association of Birth Photographers — feels lucky to do what she does. "It's truly an honor to take your passion and turn it into a career."
