As an expectant mother, you have probably planned every detail of your birth. You know where you will deliver, who your provider is, how you hope to give birth, and you may have even picked out the cutest coming-home outfit for your baby. This day will be one of the biggest of your life, so it makes sense that you want to be prepared. But here is one question to consider:
If this is the day your life changes forever—the day you meet the baby who has been growing inside you—have you thought about capturing those first precious moments? Who will document the moment you first see the love of your life? You would not get married without a photographer capturing your big day, so why not have a professional capture the day you become a mother, whether it is your first, second, or fourth birth?
Birth is incredible. I have attended hundreds of births, and not one has been the same. Each birth is its own story: raw, vulnerable, empowering, and real. On this momentous day, I cannot imagine not capturing these memories to cherish forever. This is why I am such a big believer in birth photography and why I think it is worth considering for your own experience.
Why You Should Hire a Birth Photographer
Hiring a birth photographer allows you to preserve the moments, emotions, and details of your baby’s arrival in a way that you can treasure for a lifetime.
1. Remember the details of your baby’s birth.
If you ask women who have given birth if they remember all of the details, they will probably say no. They may remember some of the details, but not all of them. And, of course they don’t! They are working really hard and don’t have the energy to remember every single detail that happened. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I don’t even remember this!” after viewing some of the photos I’ve taken for some of my clients. (As a birth doula, I offer to take pictures for my clients if they don’t hire a birth photographer. I am not a professional photographer, though! But at least they have something to remember their baby’s birth-day.)
So, in my opinion, just as you documented your wedding day, the birth of your baby should be, too. It’s one of the most important days in your life and deserves to be documented in detail as well.
2. Professionals Know How to Capture the Best Photos
A professional not only has the experience and knowledge to capture the best picture but has also invested money and countless hours in learning how to edit your photos so they can enhance the beauty of the day to be exactly as you remember it.
Even if you have a great camera, an awesome lens, and know how to shoot manually, you usually still end up with poor lighting in the birth room. (As seen below.)
A birth photographer will capture those special moments and return with incredible images you will cherish forever.
3. Remember the people who helped you during your labor and childbirth.
Years down the road, sometimes even just months or weeks, it’s difficult to remember who was there supporting you during your labor and birth and all the things they did. Having photos to remember who your nurses were, who your doctor was (if you had a doctor on call), what your midwife looked like, the doula who supported you, who your visitors were, and the actions and emotions shared are priceless. It shows what everyone did and how they participated (or did not participate) in helping you give birth to your baby.
4. Allows your birth partner (and doula) to help you more.
Hiring a birth photographer also allows dads/birth partners to support you better. By removing the responsibility of taking photos, they can be 100% present to help you, which is when you will need their help the most. We have to remember that they, too, are going through many emotions and are probably not the best person to take photos since they are experiencing their wife/partner going through a challenging and emotional time. They will be distracted and forget to document the moments you want to be captured.
When you have a birth photographer, your partner (and, if you have a doula, she too) doesn’t have to worry about capturing those important moments. It allows them to be fully present for you, both emotionally and physically. They can then focus on massaging you, helping with your breathing, helping you change into different positions, and more.
5. You get to relive the moment and the emotions over and over again.
You always want to remember what it felt like when you first saw your baby. It’s a powerful moment—the look on Dad’s or your partner’s face when he holds his child for the first time. The photos truly capture the love in the room.
I also love that you can share the story of your child’s birth with them in the future. They may not be interested until years down the road, but I promise that it will be special to them and that they will appreciate it.
6. It is not limited.
Many photos that people see and find of birth photography are vaginal births, but I am here to tell you that birth photography is not limited to just mothers who are planning a natural birth. Hospitals are increasingly allowing photographers to be present in the operating room during C-section deliveries. If a woman has a C-section or other emergencies happen, birth photography can help a woman have fond memories of her birth, even when things don’t go as she had planned or hoped.
7. It can allow women to heal.
Birth photography can serve as a beautiful tool in helping a mother cope with births that didn’t go as planned. While initially seeing the images may be difficult for her, many mothers have found that having those images is empowering. Images of C-sections are just as beautiful as images of vaginal births because it’s birth, and it’s the moment your baby came into the world. These photos allow mothers to see things they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to see — such as when baby was taken to be cleaned after the C-section or when they may still be sleepy from medication.
8. Appreciate How Incredible Birth Really Is
Childbirth is the most amazing, miraculous event EVER. The moment your child enters this world is something you never want to forget. If you’re going to document your baby bump and sweet newborn photos, why not document the moment your child is born? It really makes you appreciate how beautiful it all is and the miracle of giving birth.
Not everyone feels that birth photography is right for them, and that is perfectly okay. But I encourage every family to capture those first moments after birth. A photographer can come to your hospital, birth center, or home once you are settled to document your baby, your first cuddles, siblings meeting the baby, and loved ones visiting. These images often become some of the most cherished memories families hold onto.
If you decide to hire a birth photographer, look for someone whose style matches what you envision and who understands the unique flow of labor and delivery. A quick conversation or consultation can help you feel comfortable and confident in your choice, giving you peace of mind as you welcome your baby into the world.
