Birth photographer- need input

[Deleted User] · September 2013

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CaitS07 · September 2013

I don't plan on having a photographer at the birth. Just a word of advice, I would check with the hospital's policy. Through our birthing classes we found out that our hosp does not allow them in during delivery for liability purposes and HIPPA compliance. They can be in the room right up until pushing and right after the baby is delivered, but not during the actual live birth.

GopherBaby13 · September 2013

I would give anything to be able to afford a birth and newborn photographer. Every set of birth photos I have looked at make me sob like a baby and incredibly jealous that I cannot have those photos to look back on.

So, basically, what Im saying is that you definitely should get them! And your maternity photographer obvs. takes beautiful photos. If she does them, Id go with her.

Kara&BrianSteiner · September 2013

I'm considering a family friend who does minor photography on the side. I've heard through others that a professional photographer is ridiculously expensive due to the crazy hour requirements.

I know my family would take pics but my mom is not be best with her camera and I know she'll be so wrapped up in the moment she may miss something I really want (like the cutting of the cord).

lamo1210 · September 2013

I'd love to do this, but my hospital only allows 2 in the room. Plus, I dont know anyone to take the pictures and I am not willing to spend money on it. (If I had the money I would) I do want the cord cutting and will ask my mom (the other person from DH to be in there) to snap a pic. BUT when she took a picture for my sister years ago she got the va jay jay and unless there is way to crop it I wont even want that printed to keep for myself.

christinacox2384 · September 2013

We actually had a video camera sitting on the table next to me (facing the wall) so it would pick up sound of DD1 being born and then my mom had the still camera... When it was time for her to actually come out my husband picked up the video camera and got her being put on my chest then when it was time to cut the cord the nurse took the video camera and my mom still had the still camera... My mom is not the best photographer she couldn't figure out the zoom but its better than not having the picture... This time it will only be me and my husband so I'm still trying to figure out all the details of pictures this time... I'm hoping my nurse is nice enough to help again like last time!

babymama619 · September 2013

I don't think I'd want a relative stranger in the room personally. I hear the nurses will usually take a shot or two if you ask. Now you me given me some food for thought though...I want my mom to "experience" the birth, not watch it through her iPhone, ya know? Hmmmm...

Edvoncupacake · September 2013

Definitely check hospital policy, because they don't all allow it. My then SIL took pics AND video of DS's birth. She's not a photographer and I didn't want pics or video. Needless to say, no special moment was captured. I never look at them. It was such an intense and emotionally difficult time that I just can't look at the photos and have never watched the video.

If you do want to try to capture it, definitely hire a pro or at least someone who knows their way around a DSLR. Discuss it with the photographer, your support team and the nursing staff when you arrive to ensure that whoever is shooting is allowed in at the right time. Make sure they know any details you've requested that could affect timing like instant skin to skin, etc..

fiddlefern · September 2013

We are hiring a birth photographer. She has done pictures for us a few times over the last year and a half and is very excited to cross this off of her bucket list.

When we had DS I felt like we missed a lot of photos in the hospital. In fact we only have one of the three of us which makes me really sad. I would say do it. Maybe you can get together with the photographer for coffee or something in the meantime to get to know her a little better?

BSnipes35 · September 2013

We hired a professional photographer. I wish I had done it the first time. But this is our last pregnancy, so I def want to capture everything I can. Specifically, I want DS1's first reaction to DS2.

My hospital is fine with photographers. They'll even let her scrub in for the c section, but I don't know if I want to pay for that extra hour or not. She'll go into the nursery with DH and DS2 and then come into my room for pics of the four of us before any family comes in. It'll be worth every penny!

MsCrispy · September 2013

I did not have a photographer and I do not regret it. I don't think every moment needs to me photographed and would have found the extra person in the room annoying. IMO, it is way too personal to invite a stranger to snap photos, I just would not have been comfortable.

I also had a long labor (about 3 days in the hospital before she came out). We took some pictures and I look horrible and our newborn didn't look much better. I'm glad we didn't spend money to get more pictures that I don't like looking at.

hegriff · September 2013

We are hiring someone who does these professionally (this is a plus because she is on call until you deliver) so as soon as you head to the hospital she goes and is there with you until the birth and after catching all the important moments. I'm so excited about it! We've met with her once already, but we will meet probably a few more times just to be more comfortable with her, but I'm very laid back and new ppl don't really stress me out.

But I would just advise it being someone who has done them before and make sure with your OBGYN that they are okay with photos being taken and with the hospital. Some places are very picky.

hegriff · September 2013

We are hiring someone who does these professionally (this is a plus because she is on call until you deliver) so as soon as you head to the hospital she goes and is there with you until the birth and after catching all the important moments. I'm so excited about it! We've met with her once already, but we will meet probably a few more times just to be more comfortable with her, but I'm very laid back and new ppl don't really stress me out.

But I would just advise it being someone who has done them before and make sure with your OBGYN that they are okay with photos being taken and with the hospital. Some places are very picky.

Zilly13 · September 2013

Honestly, I would not feel comfortable having an extra, unnecessary person in the room. I personally don't think there's any way to avoid them from seeing/capturing some private parts either.

My DH was the only support person with me in the room, and he was able to take plenty of shots of DD. If you want a shot of him cutting the cord, I'm sure one of the nurses could take it. I just feel like there's already a zillion people in the delivery room and one more is just a pain.

bmqcmg · September 2013

My mom took pictures. I had my ex and my mom in the room with me and this time around I will have SO and my mom in the room. SO will cut the cord and stay with me and when the baby is taken over to the nurses for checks, my mom will go with the baby. This is what we did with DD. My mom did a great job at getting those first moment pictures and I think she will do great again.

lizzylou714 · September 2013

I had a c-section with my first and the nurses in the room were fantastic and took about 40 pictures of my son being lifted out, my husband cutting the cord, the weighing and cleaning off, etc., but because it was a c-section, there were a lot of extra people in the room, so that may not be something you can depend on. I would imagine one of the nurses would be willing to take a pic of your DH cutting the cord and then he could take the rest of the pictures himself.

Jmccabe12210 · September 2013

My hospitals policy is 2 in the room for vaginal birth 1 allowed in the room for a c-section. So it's not an option for us. But I'm not against the idea. Whatever you feel most comfortable with.

KatieintheCity · September 2013

My doula will take pictures, both during labor (not during actual delivery!) and immediately following the birth (us meeting LO). She's not a pro, but I don't need anything fancy, and she'll already be there. And it's included in her fee.

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