In Bloom Doula Services

One of the most important but often overlooked parts of labor prep is hiring of a birth “team.” My team consisted of my midwife, doula, my husband, of course, and also my birth photographer, Stephanie Shirley.

If I could give pregnant women any advice at all (and lets be honest… I clearly have a lot of opinions, especially when it comes to birth) I would hands downs say it’s to hire a birth photographer, or have someone designated to take those birth action shots. Understandably, a birth photographer is not in the cards for everyone because it can be very expensive to hire a birth photographer to be on call. Honestly, I can’t afford it either, but have made it happen anyway because in my mind, I can’t afford not to have those moments documented. Thankfully, for Waylon’s birth I have a video too and to me my birth photography and videos are priceless. I plan on having a few more births and I will have them all filmed and photographed too. I wouldn’t go through a birth with out one.

Here’s why:

1. I was focused on labor:

Once I was caught up in labor I was in pain. Pain so consuming that things like taking photos never crossed my mind. Once my birth photographer came and started documenting the process it was just another thing I didn’t have to worry about. She took pictures I would have never considered taking, and that I now love. My mom, and husband didn’t have to be bothered with a camera and could instead be in the moment with me. I was worried that we’d be so caught up in the moment that we’d forget to snap pictures, and we did. We forgot to film Holden’s birth and I’m still devastated about it. The silver lining is that I have beautiful photos taken by my birth photographer that captured everything… which leads me to my next point.

2. I got to capture the expressions on everyone’s face:

Had I made Nathan be my designated picture taker, I wouldn’t have any pictures of his reaction when Holden was born. And those pictures are some of my favorites. My birth photographer just blended into the room. I never noticed her snapping important moments nothing was intrusive or awkward. The labor just progressed and was.  Afterward, we were so caught up in the excitement of it all, and all of that is photographed too. Holden and I’s first moments together. Nathan becoming a father. Holden meeting his grandparents. Waylon meeting Holden. Those moments can’t be recreated. The tears, the genuine looks of excitement, joy, exhaustion, love. It is all wrapped up in the expressions on the faces of everyone who got to witness it and fortunately I will have those photos forever. All of those pictures would have lost something special had they been posed and intentional, but candid moments that are taken without warning get the best results. I didn’t see the look on Nathan’s face seconds after Holden was born. I was focused on Holden, his face, his well being, and the fact that labor was over. Weeks later when I got my photos back I got to see Nathan’s reaction on film and it was so special.

3. I have photos to remember the little things because it begins to blur:

This month marks three years of consistent pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. My body has done the most incredible thing-TWICE. And I now know that the memories of labor and birth are fleeting. I thought I would remember it forever. These vivid snapshots of moments that I hold dear to my heart. But… it fades. I remember a lot, but I also have forgotten a lot. The labor begins to blur as time passes. I was also so deep in the throws of contractions that I didn’t get a full shot of what my body was accomplishing. I don’t want to miss seeing my body in action. I want to see the good, bad and ugly. I want to see the agony on my face and how big my belly was. I want to see the sweat, blood and tears literally. I want to see the labor- the work it took to push another human into the world through my body. Seeing myself in action made me proud and surprised at myself that I DID THAT. It is so cool to relive it.

4. It’s beautiful and worthy of being documented:

Birth is something we all experience because we were all born, but the more I see it, the more I learn and know the more I am certain it is nothing short of a miracle. It just gets cooler every time. There is nothing more wonderful, insane and incredible in the world that the entrance of a new life. Bringing a new life into the world isn’t an everyday occurrence for us as mothers, for most of us it’ll only happen a few times. I take pictures of way less monumental things everyday, why wouldn’t I have beautiful photos of the most sacred days I will ever experience?

I hear women say really horrible things about themselves as they approach labor. They don’t want to have pictures take of themselves like that; “fat, swollen, big, messy, sweaty, gross.” In my opinion there is nothing gross about it. Birth is your most powerful moment no matter what kind of birth you have. There is no amount of sweat, blood, fat, or bodily fluid that could negate the beauty of birth. I am quite modest and never even wanted to be in a swim suit in front of anyone, let alone naked and pushing in front of anyone. Now here I am posting my birth photos for all the world to see. I get it that not everyone wants to share it with the world, but I don’t get not wanting a photo to keep that moment forever.

If you are in the Houston area and are interested in birth photography please check out my amazing birth photographer, Stephanie Shirley. She captured both Holden’s and Waylon’s birth. She has an amazing way of capturing the most beautiful moments without being noticed. It didn’t feel like my hospital room was crowded or full of people bustling and snapping pictures obnoxiously. Stephanie has a calm and easy going demeanor that blends in seamlessly with the energy of the room. I can’t imagine having a birth without her as apart of my birth team, or giving birth without photos being taken at all.

Video adds another element as I can hear the sounds and watch my body language as I moved through the contractions. I loved hearing my first words to Waylon and that peak of noise and energy as he entered the world. It’s indescribable. How could I not want that on film?! I went through all of my birth photos between both births and was reminded of little moments, saw different photos in a new light, fell in love with new pictures I didn’t think much of before. If you’re on the fence about it – GO FOR IT. You won’t regret it.

Alexa <3