DAYS BEFORE
April 4, 2024 – Noon
This was the day I officially went on call for the Postalwait family. I texted Kara and Will to let them know I was on call and to update me on any changes. I also reminded them to call me if anything major happened. Not even a minute later, Will replied—Kara was in early labor!
I was over the moon that things were happening early, but I also knew labor could slow down. Later that day, after a hospital check, Kara was sent home to wait for her scheduled induction.
A maternity photo from Kara’s session, taken during wildflower season.
THE WAITING GAME
April 8, 2024
At 4:30 PM, I received a text from Will: Kara was scheduled for induction at 8 PM.
Knowing her history with her first two boys, I expected things to progress quickly once labor truly started. I decided to head to New Braunfels, arriving around 8 PM to be ready when needed.
I waited in my car until about 10:30 PM when Kara and Will gave me the green light to come up. As I entered the room, I started capturing early labor details while chatting with them about their boys at home and the excitement of welcoming Baby Jetson soon. The anticipation was everywhere!
LITTLE MOMENTS TO REMEMBER
At one point, Kara got up to walk around, but Baby Jetson wasn’t a fan of staying on the monitor. While up, she removed her blood pressure cuff, and when she returned to bed, we didn’t realize it was missing. The machine still tried to take a reading, causing the cuff to inflate—except it wasn’t on her arm! It looked like a tiny pillow moving around, which shifted her IV pole and gave everyone a moment of panic before erupting into laughter.
Image above of the blood pressure cuff completely blown up.
LABORING THROUGH THE NIGHT
Labor progressed slowly, with the nurse coming in every 30 minutes to increase Kara’s Pitocin and check on her and Jetson. Her nurse, Dakota, was amazing, keeping the mood light. At one point, we started talking about food—Kara had been craving Mama Margie’s bean and cheese tacos.
Between contractions, we passed the time with stories. Will shared a hilarious childhood memory about his mom sleep-talking after he nearly got kidnapped walking home one night. Instead of reacting to the near-kidnapping, she groggily asked if he packed his ramen noodles!
CALLING FOR THE EPIDURAL – 12:53 AM
Kara wanted to labor naturally as long as possible, but since Jetson wasn’t staying on the monitors, she had to remain in bed. She ultimately opted for the epidural before the pain intensified.
During the procedure, I stepped out, as most anesthesiologists only allow one extra person in the room.
MONITORING BABY JETSON
By 1:10 AM, the room had quieted down, with everyone trying to rest—except Jetson, who wasn’t tolerating the monitors well.
Kara, who is hypoglycemic, began feeling unwell, and her dropping blood sugar levels affected Jetson, causing signs of distress. The nurses worked quickly, adjusting Kara’s position, breaking her water, and inserting an internal fetal monitor for more accurate readings. They also gave her juice and IV fluids to stabilize her sugar levels.
She was placed in the Flying Cowgirl position—a technique designed to help babies move down the birth canal while opening the pelvis. We hoped this would encourage progress.
THE NEXT FEW HOURS
Despite all efforts, Kara’s sugar levels continued fluctuating, and Jetson’s heart rate remained unstable. Around 4:15 AM, her OB arrived, explaining that a C-section was a possibility if things didn’t improve.
By 7 AM, Kara’s progress had stalled, and the nurses decided to try an amnioinfusion—a saline transfusion to help cushion the baby. They also stopped Pitocin to allow her body a break before reassessing.
A CHANGE IN PLANS
Two hours later, the OB returned. Despite all interventions, Kara hadn’t progressed, and Jetson’s heart rate remained unstable. The decision was made—a C-section was the safest option.
A wave of disappointment filled the room. No one plans for things to go differently than expected, and it’s okay to grieve that change.
The nurses prepped Kara and Will while I helped Will set up his phone to capture the OR moments, as only one support person was allowed inside.
WELCOME, JETSON KADE POSTALWAIT!
April 9, 2024 – 11:50 AM
7 lbs 4 oz | 19.75 inches long
In the OR, Will captured the first moments of Jetson’s life—his first cries, being weighed, and swaddled.
The following images are taken by Will on his iPhone in the OR, edited by me to match their gallery.
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE
At 2 PM, I reunited with the family to meet Baby Jetson and hear about the delivery.
Will shared a shocking revelation—the C-section saved Jetson’s life.
Jetson had his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, arms, and shoulders. Had he descended through the birth canal, he likely wouldn’t have survived.
Even more astonishing, Jetson had a true knot in his umbilical cord. While knots can form in utero, true knots occur in less than 1% of pregnancies. Most resolve on their own, but his remained tight.
FRESH 48 SESSION
I stayed with Kara, Will, and Jetson for two hours, capturing his very first moments earthside.
I’ll see them again in May for his newborn session, and I can’t wait!
🎉 Congratulations, Kara and Will, on the birth of your beautiful baby boy!
