The Journey of Parenthood…

BFBN Day: Why I Loved Having a Birth Photographer

Today is Babywise Friendly Blog Network day! I’m blogging over at Chronicles of a Babywise Mom about preparing siblings for a new baby. Today Claire is guest blogging about something I personally have experienced: having a birth photographer!

For Duke’s birth, I didn’t really know what to expect.  I had no idea what would happen or how it would feel.  Getting a birth photographer seemed like too much as a first-timer.  However, when Nova came along, I knew I wanted her birth captured.  A birth photographer may sound like something that is completely unnecessary or maybe even silly.  (I thought all of those things before kids were on my radar.)  But after having Nova and seeing the beautiful pictures, I wouldn’t want it any other way.  I absolutely loved having a birth photographer.  Here’s why:

NO PICTURE PRESSURE

The duties of unofficial birth coach, ice cup getter, contraction bearing helper, constant emotional supporter, and photographer without missing a moment are a lot of hats to wear.  Colt wore them all so well during Duke’s labor and delivery.  But knowing that he could drop the photographer title for Nova’s birth was a welcomed change.

With a photographer, you don’t have to think one bit about whether or not your husband or mom or best friend will capture all of the photos you’re desperately wanting.  There’s no pressure on you and there’s no pressure on them.  The only one responsible is the photographer and that is a weight lifted!

THE BIRTH CAN BE SHARED

(Opinions differ here, and that’s okay.  If you see childbirth as a thing that should be kept 100% private, I totally respect that.  Everyone should always do what makes them feel most comfortable.)

Childbirth is such a unique event.  It’s a holy experience.  It’s life-changing and it’s faith-testing.  It is extreme pain followed by extreme joy.  To know and feel those moments of labor and delivery is a blessing.  I know that with Duke’s birth, my family (brother and sister in particular) were very affected.  Being on the other side of the door when a family member is in labor is something they won’t forget.  That experience gave them some new perspective.

However, for the friends and family that were not there, I have the pictures.  I am a pretty open book, so letting people in on a process that God created is an honor.  I have loved being able to share my experience through photos.  I love that others can step into this time and place with me and grasp on to as much of it as they can.  They can actually see it.  I believe birth changes people and that makes the sharing worth it to me.

YOU CAN REMEMBER

Of course the day will always be remembered in your heart, but having photo documentation of it is a real gift.  Even though it’s only been about 6 months since Nova’s birth, there are specifics that I notice in photos that would’ve otherwise been forgotten.  While there were some traumatic parts to her birth story, I’m so grateful that I can re-live the beauty of her finally arriving.

Our birth photographer was amazing.  She got every single picture I could’ve ever dreamed of – ones I asked to her capture and ones she captured on her own.  She was quiet and we hardly noticed she was even there.  She was willing to do whatever we asked of her.  If we wanted her around for a specific moment, she was there.  If we needed her to step out for some privacy, she did.  It helps that I’ve practically known her my whole life, but we were truly so comfortable with her. 

A birth photographer isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re leaning towards it, I say go for it.  I am so grateful to have that day captured so well.

And … to celebrate those of you who are about to give birth, have just given birth, or just know someone who needs a little something special for the kids in their lives, I’m giving away a copy of my lullaby album, Tucked In.  My mom, sister, and I (aka The Night Nights) recorded this together and released it this past January.  It’s got some classic lullabies, a few hymns, and even some original lullabies.  Remember, this would also make a great Christmas gift!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this blog post!  Simple!  The giveaway will run through next Wednesday, the 19th, the winner will be announced on my blog on Thursday, the 20th.  Good luck!  (U.S. entries only)

Claire is a SAHM of 2 and blogs at My Devising.
All photos in this post were taken by the lovely Makenzie.

Emily Parker
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