Delivery Pictures

[Anonymous]

This is our first baby, we do not have family that lives in the area so they will most likely not be at the birth. I had decided that I didn't want anyone but my husband at the birth in the actual delivery room anyway so I am ok with not having family around at that moment. But I am wondering are we going to need someone in there with us to take pictures? Or would my husband have the time to do that? I have a couple of close friends who I know would be willing to be there. Would they be able to come in right before the baby is born or would thay have to be in the delivery room the whole time? I don't want the whole world watching as I give birth but I don't want to miss out on getting the first pictures because I know I will probably not be paying much attention to picture taking at that time.
Any advice would be welcome, Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Are you planning on having a doula? The one I knows takes pictures and I am sure most would be happy to if you ask.

I did not have a doula and pictures were the last thing on my mind when I was pushing. The nurses said "Now would be a good time to get the camera" to my partner right as she was delivered. I doubt any pictures would have been taken if they hadn't reminded us.

[Anonymous]

I don't know the rules at all hospitals... I delivered at INOVA Fairfax. Visitors have to wait in the waiting room (on a different level) so although they can come in to the delivery room at any time, someone (your dh) would need to call them at the moment you want them to come up. Coordinating the right moment might be a little tricky if things progress quickly. I would suggest your DH bring his own camera just in case you have to have an unexpected C-Section (I did.) because nobody but him will be allowed in the operating room.

[Anonymous]

I second the suggestion of hiring a doula. You could even get a "student" doula who has a low fee, and then get some labor support PLUS someone who knows just when to pull the camera out and take lots of pictures. Or, go ahead and hire an experienced doula and get fantastic labor support in addition to a photographer.

[Anonymous]

OP here,
Thanks for your advice, can anyone tell me a ball park figure of how much a doula costs? Also do the nurses and MD offer any support while in labor or is it basically up to you and your partner. I guess a doula would just be more focused on you and more helpful than the nurses?

[Anonymous]

The few minutes after the baby was born (right after she was cleaned up, weighed, etc.) we asked one of the nurses to take a picture of all three of us. Then DH was able to take a few pictures of baby and me, baby back on scale, baby getting footprint, etc. as I was getting cleaned up. I nursed pretty much the instant the baby was given to me so DH was in charge of photos.

So, you do have about 30 min. or so (at least I did) from delivery to being rolled to the post partem room.

Once I myself was a little more cleaned up and comfortable in the post partem room we took more pictures.

hope that helps. You don't really say which moments you want to capture - the really intimate moments like when the head is crowing or more like the moment when your DH holds your precious baby for the first time. Either way, good luck.

[Anonymous]

You do not need to hire a doula to take pics. My husband was the only person there for the delivery of our baby, and he got lots of shots right after she was born. He just had the camera out when I was pushing so that he wouldn't be fumbling to find it. Worst case scenario, you could always ask a nurse to take a few pics a little while after the delivery. But I'm sure your hubs will be able to take a few. Good luck!!!!

[Anonymous]

I think experienced doulas are about $800-$900. I am not sure about the new or student doulas.

[Anonymous]

We didn't have anyone else around to take photos, but the nurses were great or maybe it was the midwives. but we have a great picture of DH cutting the cord, and I know I didn't take that one.