STM+ Birth Photography

Ampip2270 · August 2016

Wondering if any mommas in here have used a birth photographer before? What was your experience like? Did it feel "weird" to have her in the room too? I won a package and I've decided to hire her. It will just be my husband her and I for most of my labor aside from doctors (we don't intend to call parents/in-laws until it's "too late") I'm just curious about your experiences if you've used one in the past. TIA!

mrsvoorhees-2 · August 2016

I haven't used one, but if they are birth photographers first, everything else second, they are usually really discreet and you don't notice them. You'll have a bunch of nurses and random staff in the room too, and you'll be so wrapped up in what's going on, I really doubt you'll notice! So jealous!!

ivassaq · August 2016

Has anyone had a male birth photographer?

Shiva14 · August 2016

Haven't used one but I so wish we could!!! I'm just too cheap to shell out for newborn and birth, but the pictures I have seen are so, so beautiful and like @MrsVoorhees said, if they are pros you really won't notice. I forget if you are a FTM, but personally once I was giving birth I could have cared less if the entire resident program and their family were in the room - I was super focused on getting DS out. I know everyone is different though.

I would ask if she'd be in the room the entire time, or go in and out a bit, or if she's only there for the pushing part. If you end up with a long labor I can see it being weird if she's there the whole time.

drabong88 · August 2016

My aunt is a photgrapher and my sister used her as a birth photographer for her second kid. I know it's a little different since they were related but my aunt truly just faded into the background and we hardly noticed she was in the room. The pictures were absolutely beautiful and my sister wished she would have had it done with their first child.

Rebelyelle · August 2016

My DH is a photographer, and I'm honestly regretting not getting a birth photographer for this baby. For DS1 (6 years ago) DH took a ton of photos, and I have some really amazing gems that I never, ever would have had if he hadn't been such an incredible photographer. Obviously there are many moments he missed because he was also playing the role of birth partner/dad. This time around, I very seriously considered hiring a photographer, but I'm not sure why I didn't go through with it. I'm sitting here right now wondering if we can still get some. Anyway, I would say for the memories alone, it's worth it. My own memory fails me terribly regarding DS's birth, so to have that time documented with photos is so precious. And like others have said, if you're hiring a pro, they'll know to stay discreet and out of the way.

Flowr4246 · August 2016

@Shiva14 - ITA that once you're in hard labor, you don't care who's in the room and hardly notice who's touching you, when or where. I joked after both kids that the janitors could have come in and offered to help and I would've let them so long as the babies got out safe and fast.

As for birth photography, I've never done it. But I know many who have (one even got special permission for a photographer to capture her c-section) and they've all said it was the best decision they've made to have those memories recorded forever.

Sarafuss · August 2016

I would love to have a birth photographer this time but it just wasn't in the budget so we will just be doing newborn photos. We did hire a birth photographer with baby #3 and I was texting her throughout the night during labor keeping her informed. She planned to come to the hospital at about 7cm and be there at delivery and for about 2 hours afterwards. Well I went from 7cm to delivery in 30 minutes and she missed it! We did get all but our deposit back but it was upsetting. Obviously not her fault though! I would suggest having the photographer there sooner than later to avoid the same situation.

Bibliobebe · August 2016

While I love the idea of having professional pictures of the labor/birth/afterbirth (I've seen some very beautiful and touching photo compositions for birth stories) I'd be too uncomfortable with a stranger in the room with me. Plus, I'm already nervous how cranky/snappy I'm going to end up being to everyone that I KNOW during labor. The last thing I need is to feel guilty later for screaming at a birth photographer who I asked to be there.

You ladies who are doing it though are going to have some really awesome photo memories.

Ampip2270 · August 2016

Thanks ladies. This is baby #2 and my husband was great at getting some good shots the first time but I'm so excited for this professional experience. I really am looking forward to pics of him cutting the cord since that wasn't captured last time. And my husband did get some shots of our first nursing session, but HE is what's missing from all those the first time around. I'm so glad he will get to be part of it this time and not the one behind the camera. She is a pro and I do feel she will be very discrete so I'm not worried anymore. I will be back to share some of them after labor :-) be sure to keep an eye out.

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