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Baby photography comes to the delivery room, capturing the moment of birth

Baby photography comes to the delivery room, capturing the moment of birth
Date Published: Jul 17 2012
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Baby photography, even of newborns, is a well-established tradition, but now some pregnant women are bringing professional photographers into the delivery room to document the birth itself.

 “I think the whole birthing process is so amazing; I wanted to capture it,” says Nicole Redmond of Aurora, Colo., who first saw examples of birth photography in a magazine at her ob/gyn’s office.

She hired Denver photographer Kim Rodgers, owner of highly rated Brink Street Photography. For $1,000, Rodgers photographed baby Christopher’s entry into the world on April 25, 2011, during a C-section scheduled a few weeks before because of his breech position. Redmond’s contract with Brink Street guaranteed Rodgers’ time, a slideshow and printing rights, and included a pregnancy photo session and shots of Christopher a few weeks after birth.

“Kim beat me to the hospital,” Redmond says. “She took pictures of the room number, me getting in, laying in the bed, the doctors monitoring me. She took nice pictures of my husband holding my hand.” In the operating room, Redmond was barely aware of Rodgers’ presence, and appreciated her use of black and white and tasteful angles to soften the surgery images. “I don’t have a favorite,” Redmond says. “I love them all, from right when he was being born, to my husband meeting him, to me holding him for the first time.”

While Redmond’s decision to hire a birth photographer didn’t surprise friends, her parents and older relatives were skeptical, especially that she’d pay for something dads usually did. “But when they saw the video, my father said, ‘That’s priceless.’”

Rodgers, who has photographed 20 births in four years, says that aspect of her maternity and baby photo business developed after she asked a fellow photographer to attend the birth of her own second child.  “When I saw the slideshow I recognized how tremendous it was to have my husband be part of the story instead of, ‘Get the camera!’” Rodgers says. “We didn’t have a photographer at our oldest child’s birth and we have maybe three pictures from the whole day, and my husband’s not in them.”

Not a job for an amateur photographer

A birth photographer must be discreet and experienced, says Jennifer Driscoll, a highly rated Indianapolis-area photographer who’s done birth work for a few former wedding and family-portrait clients. “You have to be very respectful of the moments you’re capturing,” says the mother of three and former nurse. “I offer words of encouragement at the appropriate times, but for the most part I stay in the background. I don’t use flash; I know my cameras well so I don’t mind shooting in low light.”

Randi Neukam of Fishers, Ind., had hired Driscoll to shoot her wedding and maternity pictures, but was initially shy when Driscoll suggested birth photos. “I’m a very modest person, so it took me a while to think about it. My family reaction was kind of like, ‘You’re doing what?!’”

In the final weeks before delivering her daughter, Neukam emailed Driscoll updates after each doctor visit, and called her when she went to the hospital around 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 13.  Driscoll documented the hours before Preslee was born, and even sat with Neukam while her husband left to get something to eat. When labor grew intense, “I honestly had no idea she was there. And all the angles of the birth pictures were from above my head. The shots she took, including my daughter having her first feeding, I felt like my dad and grandpa could see. Before, I thought I wouldn’t show the pictures to anybody. Then, I thought, ‘There’s no way I can’t show people this. It’s so cool.’”

Sheri Van Wert, owner of highly rated Sheri Van Wert Photography in Foresthill, Calif., near Sacramento, expects to document her first birth this fall. The idea originated with a former wedding and family-photo client, Erica Schweigert of Galt, Calif.  “I emailed her, out of the blue, saying ‘This is the most random question ever, but would you like to be there on the day I give birth?’” Schweigert says. “I didn’t want my mom or husband to feel obligated to take pictures. It’s like having a big party and the person doing the barbecuing gets left out.”

Van Wert says she’s more than happy to explore this professional avenue. “I’m very honored,” she says. “Being a part of these huge moments is such a blessing.”

Tips from birth photographers and moms:

  • Be sure you’re comfortable with whoever you hire; you’ll spend hours with him or her during one of the most vulnerable times of your life.
  • Review work samples and check references. Also, ask about their equipment and how long they’ve used it, since flash is a distraction in the delivery room.
  • Discuss what photos you’d like to see, and what to expect if the unexpected happens, such as a C-section. Make sure the photographer will be available at whatever day and hour necessary, and has a backup, just in case.
  • Inform your doctor and birth facility that you want a photographer present. Be aware that not all facilities or doctors permit photography or video, especially in the operating room.
  • Clarify cost and what you’ll get. Some photographers charge a fee, in the hundreds of dollars, to secure their time, charging extra for slideshows, prints, books or other products. Other photographers charge higher initial fees, $1,000 or more, and provide clients a DVD with a slideshow and images to use as desired. Photographers may also include extras, such as maternity or newborn photography, or discounts on those services.
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Ellen Miller

Ellen Miller - Online Editor for Angie's List

Ellen Miller enjoys educating and entertaining consumers with online content for Angie's List, which she joined long before becoming a writer and editor there.

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Comments

Submitted by Josh on Thu, 2012-07-19 13:28
There is no way, no how, that we would've allowed some stranger in the delivery room for that moment. My wife is already in an incredibly uncomfortable position, and there would be absolutely no reason to for an unnecessary person to be in there. Secondly, no one else other than the mother and father, and medical staff, need to see what happens during that moment. It is a moment to be shared between the mother and father, and a moment in time that I will NEVER forget. I don't need photographs to remind me of that time. I also don't have a desire to share that moment with anyone else. It's a time that will be ours, and only ours forever.

Submitted by K. Oberta on Fri, 2012-07-20 10:00
I didn't want the forty-eleven hospital staff members in the room. I certainly wouldn't have invited another stranger in!

Submitted by DOROTHY C LANDERS on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:29
It is nol a show, it is private, tender, touching miracle. Watch a lovely dog have a little, She is not putting on a show for anyone and nearly always, things flow easily. Rarely needs a Dr., let alone a camera and a bunch of yucky relatives &/or photographger. I had easy births, when the OB let me alone. My mother had her 7 children at home siblings in th house , but not watching hr pubus. We had enough animals to watch, rarely helped them. These young people seem to want to be the center of attentios no matter what. Screaming is either for show, or because their muscles are too tense. Bearing down pains hurt, the pig or sheep grunts a bit, nothing else is very uncomfortable. OB's should go to a farms for a few months at birthings season. It would educate them. I am an 80 yr old g g mother,who grew up on a ranch. It is beautiful and miraculous, but not for a public show. No one really gives a damn anyway. I would throw the IV at anhyy photographer that ask me to pose for that. Lord sakes, chidren sense it, dont exploit it. Mayb,e this is one time when you should for go the center of attention. I am also po'd re: the reactions to the new head of Yahoo, Since when has pregnancy stopped women from doing their work. I am sure that she can also work from home for a few days. as far as motherhood, yes., I htink children need their mothers , but not around the clock. Some have hired help shile they are still at home, and many esp. in this high tech era can work form home. I didn't hear much about Sarah Palin, leaving all of her young childen, for what she & many others hoped would be fame and glory all over the world. Civilization has continued, under conditions much worse than being a new mother and a CEO at the same time. This country has got totally bananas. Contolling females is again bearing its ugly head. I am not anti'islamic, but manh are worried , well that is one things the heirarchy of the Muslims expect, is to have the woman wait on them, bear their children, & not get educated historically. I am not talkiing about extremist Muslims, their are many wonderful Muslims world wide that have kept up with the 21st Century. May God bless us all, we are humans, I think.

Submitted by Eve Hershkowitz on Thu, 2012-07-19 13:33
Hell no! I think people have forgotten that some privacy is a good thing, because it makes certain things special, to the handful of people who are really involved. Now these people's most intimate moment,s are shared with every casual acquaintance they have on Facebook & other social media .. not very special is it?!

Submitted by Kim Rodgers on Sat, 2012-07-21 09:43
Eve, (And several others) Please know that a photographer in the room doesn't change the privacy or intimacy of the moment. It is truly something that we cherish as those things, and want to offer the opportunity for it to be more intimate between the mother and her family. The images seen in public are specifically chosen by the parents to be shared- often there are whole births that never are seen by anyone other than myself and the parents. I respect the desire to keep those moments private entirely (thus the reason anyone will only see 4-5 of the 20 births I have captured shared online). Please know the desire to have a photographer isn't to make these things public, but more to have a story of the day, captured in a tasteful and beautiful way. If the photographer is a true professional they will respect not only the person's privacy, but they won't step over the line with capturing any part of the birth.

Submitted by Beryl on Fri, 2012-07-27 17:27
Yes it does change everything. The photographer may be professional, but she or he is still there, seeing all, and I mean ALL.

Submitted by Sally on Thu, 2012-07-19 13:34
No I would not let a photographer in the delivery room. This is a very personal, family experience and outsiders should not be a part of the "picture"

Submitted by Aladdin on Thu, 2012-07-19 13:40
Birth photographing is indeed a lifetime memory, I personally joined my wife during 2 C Section delivery of both daughters and have took full HD video and still photos of the whole Opeartion and cleaning of baby.

Submitted by Paul Sheridan on Thu, 2012-07-19 13:59
Well written article, Ms. Miller. I would like to see one about (expected) death and aftermath/funeral, etc. I know that it can be common in some cultures, but seems frowned upon in the US. Thanks.

Submitted by Evelyn Lewis on Thu, 2012-07-19 14:00
Yes I would allow photos while having a child for this is magical and something you could never get back.

Submitted by Perry Lusk on Thu, 2012-07-19 14:56
Seeing that it is impossible for a male to give birth to a child. This is not really a feasable question to ask . I joined Angies list hoping to get pre-knowledge of companies or person with whom I was considering to engage iin certain types of work for me. So far Angies list has been a REALLY BIG DISSAPOINTMENT. Mrs Miller, is there another Dreamers Job available with Angies list?

Submitted by Ron Zielinski on Thu, 2012-07-19 15:30
I was a professional medical photographer for 31yrs at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif. I was in the delivery room for many actual births but at the request of the hospital or physician. However, the mother did have to sign a legal Photo Release to agree. As many births as I saw it never ceased to "awe" me. My first one brought me to tears because of the amazing beginning of life and its process.

Submitted by Margie Bauman on Thu, 2012-07-19 15:53
on request of the birth mothers, I have to date photographed three deliveries in hospitals, including one C-section. A friend of mine, also a professional photographer, photographed the birth of my son. My friend was filming for a larger project, which was apparently never completed, on women in transition. The photographs I took were given to the parents, who were very satisfied with them, and, for the C-section--- with permission of the mom --- also to our local public health clinic. No money was paid to anyone for any of these events. As a photographer I found them all to be wonderful experiences and would do it again for friends.

Submitted by Shane on Thu, 2012-07-19 16:41
We had a photographer at both of our kid's births and the photos are amazing. The visuals bring back emotions in a way nothing else can. Our OB was very open to it, but it wasn't until minutes before going into the OR for a C-section did we know for sure if our photographer would be allowed to go into the OR with us. I've heard concerns about privacy or modesty... what you do w/ the photos and who you show is up to you. But if you don't get the photos taken you don't have a choice at all!

Submitted by Logan E. Claycomb on Thu, 2012-07-19 19:14
The world is changing.I think childbirth is so personal that I don't have a way to describe it so I am saying "no" to having childbirth photographed by anyone. Down the road this might go wrong.How solid is a relation ship especially during "hard times" for a family? Considering that there is always a possible break up of a relationship. Would these photos be used Negatively by some party? How much squabbling is going to go on?

Submitted by Rimfoto Imagery on Thu, 2012-07-19 19:19
no, This is a private time for the family not a photo op .Iam a photography and i would not use my camera for that

Submitted by Marie Reynolds on Thu, 2012-07-19 19:23
Yes, I might do birth photos. The chances of getting really good images would be better if one hired a pro. As a nurse, I have worked in labor and delivery and also helped with c-sections. Generally, the staff is busy and don't pay attention to things like photographers. I have also seen fathers take photos that a mother would not be able show friends and family.

Submitted by CarolPa on Thu, 2012-07-19 19:44
ABSOLUTELY NOT CAMERAS IN DELIVERY ROOM. WE MOTHERS AND FATHERS DON'T NEED ANYBODY IN THE ROOM AT ANY TIME. IT IS NOT A PLACE TO INVITE CRITIQUE REST OF EVERY BODY'S LIFE.

Submitted by Pam Young on Thu, 2012-07-19 20:27
No, I would not, absolutely not! First, it is the ultimate private, even possibly spiritual experience for a woman and to have a stranger or anyone else except the father for that matter with her at that time seems outrageous to me. Second, birth is an event that has taken place countless millions of times all over the world from time immemorial and in that sense professional photography in the delivery room is a sign of the " Me, me, I'm so special" trend today.

Submitted by Pro Shooter on Thu, 2012-07-19 20:38
In typical right wing fashion, your question seems to be another attempt to rile the extreme religious crazies out there who want to tell others what they can and can not do with their own bodies. Who cares if parents want a photographer in the birth room? It's their decision, same as it's their decision to have, or not have children, or whether they want to use birth control, have abortions or boob jobs. IT'S THEIR DECISION TO MAKE, not mine, not yours. Personally, I would not want to see photos or video of myself being born. I know how the female plumbing works and I'd rather not see myself exiting my mother's you-know-what. But if there are couples who want to do it, I don't care, it's their choice. If you do not want a photographer int he birth room, don't hire one. Pretty damn simple huh? Let's keep it simple by staying out of other people's personal lives. -uf

Submitted by Donna on Thu, 2012-07-19 21:12
NOT IN A MILLION YEARS would I ever let that happen. Photographers are known to going a little to far with their cameras -NO WAY IN HELL

Submitted by Ronald Wohl and... on Thu, 2012-07-19 23:42
If I am correct my wife and I were the first couple in Miami, Florida to be allowed into the delivery room together for the birth of our first child on October 3rd,1967. It was a miraculous experience that changed my life forever. We had taken a series of four classes which were preparatory but not Lamaze classes. The doctor was a Polish Jewish immigrant to Cuba who then fled Castro as well. He was only kind enough to do it because my wife was also a Cuban who came to America in 1954. Sent by her parents who were teachers and knew Castro was going to be horrendous. I took pictures of this birth, and also recorded it. It was nothing short of a miracle. Three months later I went back to college at UF in Gainesville 350 miles north of Miami. While studying Engineering there our second child was conceived and by the time he was ready to be born I had had a crisis about Engineering, finding the job I had in Engineering that summer very boring, and not who I was personally. We decided I would change my major to Nursing and pursue a career as a Nurse-Midwife. That never came to pass as I was a bit to early for the nursing leaders to accept a male into that roll. I was allowed into the delivery room, again as the first husband at the Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida on November 14th of 1969, and experienced another incredible experience. Eventually I went back into the Air Force as a Nursing officer, and was allowed to serve for 2 years in a Labor and Delivery. However when asked how I was going to be chaperoned during my exams I blurted out, "Why I will invite the husbands into the labor room." They all stopped smiling, and had no retort for that solution. I coached a couple of hundred labors, and attended their consequent deliveries while at that duty assignment, but was told I would never be allowed to attend the USAF Nurse-Midwifery program. I did attend the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics (A.S.P.O.) Certification classes, and became a Certified Childbirth Educator. (C.C.E.) Lamaze instructor during that time. During those two years In the military my third child was born in the back of a VW Bus. It was 1974 and the gas crisis was in full swing. You could only get gas every other day determined by the odd or even number at the end of your licence plate. Goldsboro would not even allow one of the OB doctors from the base into the delivery room when his wife delivered at the town hospital instead of the base hospital. Raleigh, N.C. was the closest city and none of their hospitals would allow husbands in the delivery room. So we went to 80 miles to Durham N.C. where one of their hospitals would allow me in the delivery room. The day of his birth was chaos. I had worked all night and begged my wife to let me sleep a couple of hours before the drive to Durham. She did. As sweet as she is she let me sleep about 6 hours, but then awakened me at 2 PM. While putting the kids with neighbors, and then getting her overnight bag in etc. she broke her water. I asked her if she wanted to go to the base hospital and she said NO very definitively. I had taken out the center seat in the bus and set up a plywood bed with a double mattress in the back. When we left the base it was just after 3 PM and the traffic into and out of the base was totally unexpected. All our previous monthly trips had been out at 10 AM and back by 2 PM. The one mile road to highway 70, the main road to Raleigh and Durham was packed with cars bumper to bumper. I drove off onto the shoulder of this road and bumped along while cars beeped their anger at me. Seeing the intersection of our road and hwy 70 I knew I could not expect to get into that situation without a fight so there was a very large Gas station which lay in front of me with a fully black topped surface. Just what I needed. I dashed catty whompus across that open road and never saw the unmarked speed bump put in to discourage such adventures. We hit it at a good rate of speed and flew in the air just like they do on Dukes of Hazard. My wife screamed, my head hit the ceiling, and I knew a bit more about this gas station and its owners, who must have laughing like "ole Boss Hogg." Only a few miles down hwy 70 I knew my wife was pushing. I stopped to see how far along she was and she was "crowning" the baby's head was right there. I pulled off of hwy 70, away from the tobacco fields just before Clayton, N.C. into a semi-circle of trees, and 20 minutes later we had a 9 lbs 3oz baby boy. He is now a 38 year old ER doctor in Fort Myers, Florida. The local VW dealer sent her 24 red roses, 21 more then I did, and VW America sent a $100 savings bond, telling us he was the 264th baby born in a VW since their program Bonds for Babies had been developed. I eventually left the military and went to Charleston S.C. and applied to their Midwifery Training program there a few times before abandoning the effort. Yet I taught Lamaze classes for 5 more years there. The next child was born at home when my wife's water broke just as she sat in our station wagon which was not set up to give birth and, she said, "Oh NO! Not again." So on July 20th of 1979 he came into the wold while our daughter prepared to bath him, and the oldest boy filmed it. I just think that birth is a beautiful miracle that needs to be documented. Yet I do not think there is a woman that I can remember who would want anybody there but her husband, or today her significant other. My oldest boy was in with his wife's births, but we respectfully stayed outside the door while it happened. Just a professional courtesy we extend them. The youngest boy's wife had c-sections and he is a semi-pro photographer, and he was in the operating room for both births, as she was given an epidural and was awake for both. It has to be each couples decision, but I would not expect to make a living doing it as I feel there are few couples interested as there are privacy concerns. I went on to get into Emergency Medicine and eventually became a Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP).

Submitted by Elizabet on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:13
I would! It is not about my body but about my baby and their first expressions of their life. It is a priceless moment that only a professional could capture in a artistic manner.

Submitted by melissa lewis on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:18
i am editing a batch of birth photos right now:) i have been a doula for 8 years and love capturing the labor and birth:) its an individual choice, not everyone wants photos of this, but i have taken them for hesitant mamas before ( with their camera instead of mine) and they were in aww and greatful to have them! we are so out of it when we work so hard, that it is really interesting to see what was going on around us while we were in labor land! i get pictures of more then just the baby;s head comming out, i feel that my pictures capture the whole story of the labor and birth in a more emotional way that video ( or a dad snapping quick shots between holding a leg) just cant do:)

Submitted by Matthew on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:22
Odd my 3 kids were all born at different hospitals and NONE of them allow cameras during the delivery process. My wife is an ER nurse at two different hospitals where we now live and none of them allow cameras during birth either. It's not a dr thing it's a hospital policy to protect itself.

Submitted by Terri P on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:28
Seems that some will do anything to make $$. My husband took pictures of our daughter's birth and I can't imagine hiring an outsider to do it for payment. If you don't have a family member or friend you feel comfortable with taking pictures, then why bother.

Submitted by jon bellotti on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:35
I would do my best with my digital...

Submitted by Anne on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:39
Almost thirty years ago, a photographer named Mary Motley Kalergis photographed a book in Charlottesville VA called "Giving Birth." I was one of the moms who participated. Mary photographed numerous women both at home births and at hospital births and I will be willing to bet you that thirty years later those photos are treasured by every family who has them. I know I do. Anyone who doesn't want this doesn't have to do it.

Submitted by Beth Stearns on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:49
We did it - 37 years ago! As I was working as a journalist, it began as an assignment to highlight Lamaze techniques which was a fairly new concept then. It morphed into a full photography exhibit by a very talented photo journalist. We didn't talk about it much with our daughter, so imagine her surprise 13 years later when she opened her freshman health textbook and saw a copy of a photo of her birth.

Submitted by Stephanie on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:50
Delivery room photography/video is not a new concept. Way back in the 70's and 80's when I had my children it was a huge trend and many people had a friend or relative in the delivery room doing just that. You would then be "treated" to a photo album or slide show at a friend's house after the birth. I declined to do this for the simple reason that I knew it would take me out of the moment. I didn't want to be concerned about the presence of a camera trained upon me at my most vulnerable. I went through all of the pain and discomfort of a "natural" childbirth willingly - partly because I wanted to be as aware as possible during this once in a lifetime experience. Photography changes things. Your memories are of the photos, not your internal perceptions of the actual event. You have to ask yourself which of these kinds of memories you want to take through the rest of your life. If it matters to you, do without the photographer in the delivery room.

Submitted by Robert on Fri, 2012-07-20 09:56
I am a retired professional photographer. I shot hundreds of weddings. But only one delivery. My daughter's. Now, 26 years later, I would love to shoot her baby's birth this August. Of the thousands upon thousands of rolls of film I have shot in my lifetime, none are more important than that one roll from 26 years ago. By all means find a reputable photographer with good references that you feel like you can be comfortable with in an intimate situation. You will not regret it.

Submitted by Laura on Fri, 2012-07-20 10:34
I dont think i could you can tape it your self cheaper that would mean mor

Submitted by Nansie Ahlgrim Whitt on Fri, 2012-07-20 10:35
The labor and delivery of my third son, Asher, was very quick (only about 90 minutes) and very scary. I am SO thankful my friend Rachel Vanoven (a professional photographer) made it to the hospital shortly after I did and was able to catch the whole event for us in the midst of the chaos. Her gorgeous pictures (taken from bedside, nothing graphic) show perfectly the scary moments when Asher's heart rate dropped, my pain and tears as I delivered my 9.2 lb. baby boy WITHOUT the epidural that I was hoping for, and the relief on our faces when Asher's bruised and purple face started to pink up. Rachel's pictures are so very special to us - remembering the amazing way Asher entered our lives. I highly recommend having a photographer in the delivery room! Schedule them for maternity pictures beforehand so you can get familiar with the photographer. Then just talk with them about the KIND of pictures you want. Across the room, only get our faces, or get in there, I want EVERYTHING on camera. With the right person, it's an experience you won't forget.

Submitted by Alan L W Gunsul, MD on Fri, 2012-07-20 10:41
As a retired family doctor that did about 2200 deliveries I would not allow any photographs in my delivery room for the simple reason in this litigenous society it would be use in a lawsuit if anything went wrong in the eyes of the patient, her family and a malpractice attorney. I liked having the father present and if the father was experienced at viewing the delivery from the ladies end he could be beside me on her third delivery and even cut the cord on instruction. The legal side is too perilous to allow pictures or even worse a movie of delivery. I do not think the doctors insurance carrier would allow it either. Even if a disclaimer paper was signed ahead of time.

Submitted by Bobbi Curtin on Fri, 2012-07-20 10:51
NO... I would not want a professional photographer in the delivery room. There is enough risk of infection in any hospital setting that I don't think you need to add "non-sterile" camera equipment in the delivery room. Also, delivery rooms are not huge rooms. In the event that "something goes wrong", every inch of available space is needed for medical personnel to intervene to assist the mother and the baby. This is not an event that needs to be filmed by an outside photographer nor does he/she need to be "in the way" during emergency interventions.

Submitted by Jan on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:01
Absolutely not. Some things should remain private in life and between 2 people.

Submitted by Renee on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:10
I think it's a personal choice on whether to do it or not. The people that are against it, fine don't do it. But don't be judgemental about people that DO want to. For many mothers this is an opportunity to see the birth like you never would've before. The pictures can still be private, something the parents are able to look over when the child is older. They aren't going to neccesarily put them on facebook for petes sake.

Submitted by Beryl on Fri, 2012-07-27 17:39
@Renee, It's kind of similar to the way the Trojans and wildcats roll.

Submitted by Freaky Fred on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:11
If I was giving birth, sure!

Submitted by Freaky Fred on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:13
If I was giving birth, sure!

Submitted by Dee on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:14
For myself the answer is NO! If my husband wanted to take a picture, that would be fine, but no strangers allowed. I do understand and support the right of others who wish to have DVD's or photos to look back on. I prefer to keep this special moment private.

Submitted by mieke solari on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:15
My baby was born at home with a doctor. I had requests from a professional film crew and a professional photographer to come and film a home birth. I am glad that I refused both of them and had a very private experience, with husband, close friend and doctor. Every woman should be able to choose what is right for her.

Submitted by Joe OConnor on Fri, 2012-07-20 11:56
Good luck trying to have a "professional" photographer take pictures of what should be an intimate moment between mother and baby (and father). We were told that under no circumstances could video/pictures be taken while the birthing process was occurring and could only be done after the child was born and checked by the medical staff. This was at a very well-known community hospital and I'm positive they have that "rule" in place to protect themselves against malpractice should something go wrong...as it would be documented on your film!! In my opinion, it's a CYA for them...not to mention the fact that they partner with a 3rd party "vendor" that goes in afterward and "sells" you on a picture package of your new addition. Nice way to show the child how the world worships the almighty dollar from the get-go... In any case, I'm with Josh on this. Wake up, people! Use the brain that God gave you to "remember" what should be one of the GREATEST days of your life!

Submitted by Beverly Arnold on Fri, 2012-07-20 12:03
Absolutely not. Very private time

Submitted by Ruth on Fri, 2012-07-20 12:05
Is nothing sacred??? I almost lost my lunch when I saw that there was a SHOW ON TV following birthing women (and in my own city, no less). Needless to say, I did NOT tune in. Nor do I have children of my own. Enough said.

Submitted by Janice Root on Fri, 2012-07-20 12:23
Thirty years ago it was standard practice for my OBGYN to photograph the birth of his mothers. Of course, my permission was required, and one of the nurses photographed the glorious event, however, unlike the photos that appear in your article most have the likeness of medical text book photos. The photos were delivered to me as slides and have pretty much been relegated to my dresser drawer. My children have never had a desire to see them. Maybe that will change when their own children are born. They just might consult Angies List for a great referral. Not much has changed in 30 years.

Submitted by Susan Kline on Fri, 2012-07-20 12:55
If both parents are in agreement, I think it should be their choice. We are constantly hearing about the increase in C-sections though, and I wonder if this practice wouldn't encourage more of them. It would make it easier for the photographer and the parents to schedule the delivery ahead of time rather than the photographer being on call at all hours of the day and night. This could contribute to more premature births and complications for the newborn..

Submitted by rezdog on Fri, 2012-07-20 12:55
As someone who takes care of that laboring woman and her family, and have had people trying to photograph that "special moment" I can say that it's not something most women want. Women are too focused going through a very physical and exhausting process and the last thing they want is to have some strange person in their face, or other regions, trying to "get the shot". The dads or partners are able to take photos, but in my experience, even if the woman thought it was a good idea before labor, they are NOT wanting a stranger there when they are so vulnerable and exposed. Your nurses or birth partners are always happy to take photos, but have your professional photography after you and your partner and child have had their "special moment" together.

Submitted by harold Burger on Fri, 2012-07-20 12:59
Having a professional photographer in the delivery room is a decision that should be up to the parents subject to approval by the delivery doctor and with the understanding that the doctor can exclude the photographer if it is demed medically unadvisable. However, having been present during the delivery of my son, I am glad we do not have a rcord of the actual delivery .

Submitted by Laurie on Fri, 2012-07-20 13:09
I did it! After horrible photos taken by family for the first two, I brought in a "ringer". It was wonderful to have my husband's undivided attention and to have photos that included actual heads this time. I had someone we knew very well, not a stranger, that's important. But let's face it, if you're worried about privacy now, you will not care about it in the delivery room. You won't know the nurses who are getting a very close look! I have beautiful photos that I put into a gorgeous book that anyone can see without embarrassment...except of course my daughter who turned out to be a son! That picture was worth everything!

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