Guide to Having your Birth Photographed
Dallas Fort Worth Birth Photography
Hey Mama
The beauty of birth photography is found it’s documentary style. This means my goal is to tell your birth story exactly as it unfolds. But this guide walks you through some of the most common ways you can prepare and plan for the best birth photography experience as well as some of the important ways we can make everything run as smoothly as possible.
I’ll chat about things like when to contact me and details I might want to know to determine when it’s best for me to head your way. Also topics like what kind of images you can expect and tips on clothing options for you and your partner. But ultimately birth is exciting and unpredictable, if nothing goes according to this guide then we roll with it, and guess what... the images turn out just as amazing!
When to Contact Me in Labor?
One of the biggest questions I get is when to get in touch once labor has started. Here are some main contact points.
It’s time! I think.
When you think today might be the day… You might be having mild contractions or be experiencing other signs of early labor.
It’s really time now!
When you know today is the day… Labor is progressing, contractions are becoming stronger and closer together. You have called your provider. If you have a doula they are likely joining you soon.
On the way
When you are heading to your place of birth or your midwife is headed to you. At this point we will decide if its time for me to join you.
Details I may Ask About
Here are a few things I might ask to help evaluate how your labor is progressing.
Contractions
How far apart. How long. How intense. Mild - you can walk and talk. Strong - they require you to stop what you are doing and focus on breathing through them.
Dilation & Other Numbers
If you are getting cervical checks, especially with an induction I will likely ask about dilation, effacement and station. Most providers will say something like… You are 4cm dilated, 80% effaced and baby is at a -2 station.
Your Mood
How you are feeling. In early labor most people are happy and excited. As things progress the mood often changes to a bit more serious.
Example text exchanges in labor
“What should I wear in labor?”
What you wear, or don’t wear, is completely up to you. If you are looking for more modest images selecting a few clothing options for labor, birth and postpartum can be helpful. But if you end up in the hospital gown or nothing at all, your birth images will still be beautiful.
Some top clothing picks include, a comfortable bra, light weight robe, nursing nightgown, cotton dress or skirt. Items that are breastfeeding friendly and have easy access for monitoring and skin to skin work best.
“What should my partner wear?”
No shame in setting out a "birth outfit" for your partner. I did it with all three of my births and have no regrets. Neutral colors with minimal words or graphics are always great. And I get it, hats are wonderful for hiding bed head but they also cover the face so unless your partner is a die hard hat wearer I would refrain from wearing a hat.
More Helpful Ways to Prepare
What images can I expect?
Prior to your birth, we will discuss your unique birth plans and preferences for things like crowning shots, nudity, placenta photos, etc.
I always do my best to capture the things most important to you!
Herbal Baths
I love herbal baths! If your place of birth offers herbal baths, its important to request that your bath take place within 2 hours postpartum so we can be sure I am there to document it.
If your birthing location doesn’t offer herbal baths or you’d prefer to do it at a later date, we can always chat about including a bath during a Fresh 48 or Newborn Session.
We will need
some Light
It’s common for birth to happen in dimly lit spaces but as your photographer, I will need ‘some’ light. This might be string lights, a few lamps turned on or windows opened. During my time in the space, I may need to adjust the lighting discreetly in order to capture moments or in some rare cases use bounced flash.
Cesarean Births
If you are planning a birth via cesarean or in the hospital it is important to be ready to advocate and voice your desire for me to accompany you into the OR as a professional birth photographer. Thankfully many hospitals in the DFW area are comfortable with photographers during a C-section but in some situations, it is necessary to make your wishes known in order to have me in the OR birth space.
Sibling Meeting
If you would like to include older siblings or family in your birth photos, it is important to make plans for them to be available within the 2 hours after birth. If timing doesn’t work for this meeting at the place of birth we can always book a separate Fresh 48 or Newborn session to celebrate these precious sibling connections at a later time.
I hope this guide was helpful as you prepare for your birth. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. You can find some more birth faqs here.
Kathryn Johnson is a Dallas Fort Worth Birth Photographer who celebrates motherhood through maternity, birth, fresh 48 and newborn photography.