Lena Bean. That’s what her mama calls her. I can’t believe she’s almost a year old. Jenna and Bunthay invited me to be part of their birth team and it was an incredible honor to be present.

Jenna birthed on the eve of a pandemic. She birthed with power and in community. She birthed with a deep connection to culture. To family. To past and present and future. Because that’s the kind of thoughtful and powerful human she is.

We were called to witness Jenna’s vulnerability and courage as she brought forth a baby girl. She claimed motherhood on her own terms and it was SACRED to behold.

This family and this birth : I don’t even have words.

Are you crying yet? A parent catching their baby will always get me teary. Every dang time.

Look, I talk a lot about birthing people. A lot about women. But let’s give some space for these portraits of fatherhood. The presence and adoration and nurturing. To all the dads out there who are strong and soft. The ones who are THERE for their partners and their children — we see you.

OK - this doula. Well, she’s actually a midwife now. Terri Chi-Lee brings her whole heart to birth work. She is calm, compassionate and incredibly generous. Tell your friends in the south Puget Sound Region that Generations Midwifery is here for her community.

Ms. Lena Bean, as you approach the one year anniversary of your birth, I hope you feel all the love that surrounds you. Thank you for coming earthside and letting us witness your beautiful beginning.

Jenna recorded this incredible story for Lena - give it a listen. It’s powerful work and we should all sit with it. #Blackhistory #Blackfutures #Khmer #liberation

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To connect with the folks in these photos, follow them and support their work.

Parents : Jenna Hanchard and Bunthay (he’s more private, but they are BOTH doing the work for Black and brown liberation)

Midwife : Jenn Linstad from Rainier Valley Midwives

Birth Assistant : Mercedes Snyder (Black midwife alert!)

Doula : Terri Chi-Lee