Why have a photographer at the birth of your baby?

I had first experience with hospital photography long before I ever decided to become a professional photographer, when my sister gave birth to my nephew, Josh. Those moments right after his birth were so precious and amazing! Now, almost 11 years later, births are one of my favorite things to photograph.

9 days ago, my best friend, Devan, delivered her baby girl. Devan photographed the birth of my son just over 4 years ago, and to be able to return the favor was an incredible experience! To follow her on this journey and be a part of the day was something I will never forget.

So often, I hear, “Why? Why would I want someone at the hospital when I have my baby?”

Well, lots of reasons!

First and foremost, you are there for one specific reason – to have a baby.  Your husband, boyfriend, significant other, mom, sister, best friend, whoever you choose to have in the room with you, are there for one reason – to support you while you go through one of the biggest experiences of your life. The nurses and doctors are there to make sure your baby and you make it through safe and healthy. The last thing anyone should have to worry about is remembering to take pictures!

Second, there are so many moments that go unnoticed. The dips and rises on the contraction tracker. Your significant other holding your hand as you push through a contraction. The moment your baby is born, and the look on your face when you hear him cry for the first time. The look on your mom’s face when she realizes you are now the mom, and she is the grandmother. Daddy standing over the warmer as the nurses clean up your new baby and get her ready for the big outside world.

Things also move very quickly in the delivery room, especially after baby arrives. The cord cutting happens in seconds, and the baby is only on your chest for a few moments before being put under the heater to be cleaned up and measured. ID bands are strapped, baby’s first diaper is put on, footprints are made – and then, baby is placed back in your arms, and the rest of your life begins.

These are moments that will be hazy and foggy days and weeks and months after your little one’s life begins in the outside world, but with professional birth photography, are moments you will never forget. Daddy should be able to enjoy these moments and not have to worry about working a camera. Chances are, he’ll be crying (even if he doesn’t think he will) too much anyway!

If you are in the fence about whether or not to have a photographer there during the birth of your baby, check out the images below.

 

And now…introducing Lauren Kay! Devan, I am so incredibly proud of you and happy for you!!!!!

 

Contractions

Check out Rusty’s face, he was pushing right along with Devan!

 

Baby Lauren is here!!! Mommy getting to hold her for the first time!