Help me decide whether to have a birth photographer or not

KateLouise

So just found out I'm pregnant! Super excited!

Whilst we've been TTC, I've kept thinking I'd quite like a birth photographer this time around.

Part of my hesitation is that when in labour I love the shower and tub and love to be naked. Being naked makes me wonder if they'd end up being a lot of unuseable photos. Not that I intend to splash the photos all over facebook, but I wouldn't want to spend money only to be unable to show photos to people because there's no sense of modesty. I know I could wear a bikini, but even that sounds awful to me.

My other fear is that another person in the room could feel intrusive. With DD1 it was, DH, MW, and OB came in for the last 5 minutes. DD2 was DH and two ambulance officers who arrived after she was head out. So I'm used to very few people around.

Any thoughts? Maybe talk to the photographer about how she deals with naked mums? At what stage of labour she tries to arrive? Anything else to ask or consider?

Thanks

aylafsu88

I agree with PP, talk to a couple of photographers and see what they have to say. They probably have some experience/ideas for working with you and what type of images you may want. Maybe you could have the photographer take pictures in early labor when you are more likely to be dressed and contractions are easier. Then she could wait/go away while you are in transition and come back to get a few right when LO is born. To me the pictures of mom/dads face when they see/hold LO for the first time is amazing. These types of pictures would also cover up your nudity.

sschwege

Not sure where you are having the baby, but if it is a hospital you might want to ask about their rules. Mine was pretty strict.

kindacrunchy

I've been debating this myself. I even have a friend that is an amazing birth photographer and while part of me says yes absolutely, another part says no because of the modesty aspect. I know my friend is very respectful of her client's wishes though. I've ended up delivering naked both times and don't want to feel self conscious or restricted because I'm worried about how the photos will turn out, though that will likely be far from my mind in the moment. But this will likely be our last which means it might be my last opportunity to capture it. I don't know! I do agree with the other posters who suggested meeting with a photographer to explore your options.

Ladyburd

While I didn't have a photographer my doula took pics and I'm thankful she did. I'll say that I didn't even realize that she took them. Some of them were while I was nude but I was covered by my H body in the pic or at a tasteful angle.
Checking with your provider is a good idea. While I'm not sure if this is true for everyone, one of the MW in our practice caution against photographers as some woman may feel the need to perform during labor for the photos which may impact labor progress.