I’m one of those people that are completely and utterly in love with Birth Stories. Having my child was such a life-changing experiences for me and i wish I had a photographer present for it. The idea wasn’t exactly popular at the time and many people looked at me weird when I talked about wanting someone to document birth of my child. We document all the important days of our life, graduations, family get togethers, weddings..

So why not a birth!

The very few images from that day that I have always bring me back to the excitement, the intensity, and all of the deep love that was present when my son arrived. They also help me remember exactly how his birth happened because I had complications and spent most of it in and out of consciousness. This is what solely led me to wanting to photograph other mother's births. Plus, I am a huge sucker for a cute, itty bitty, squishy baby.

I want every mother to feel as confident as she can when she hires me, which is why I put together this guide to answer any and all of your Birth Story questions. If I missed something, feel free to ask me. I am an open book!

So let's sit down, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and we can begin..

Absolutely nothing in the world compares to those first seconds when you and your newborn child lock eyes, when those tears come, and the happiness overwhelms you. After all of that hard work, you have a beautiful baby in your arms to hold and cherish. I'll be there to capture the details, the expressions and the unforgettable moments before, during and after you give birth.

My style of photography is a mix of  documentary with a lifestyle approach. It's very candid and raw. I do absolutely very little, if any, posing during births. My intention is to capture those images of raw emotion and real moments as they happen, so I do not do prompting unless there is a specific pose you want before or after the delivery. 

Every Birth Story Includes...

Along with some other goodies like...

• complimentary maternity session

• slideshow video for social media sharing

• customized baby book

• 25% off prints and wall art

I like to meet with every client that is interested in booking me for a Birth Story. This helps with the both of us getting comfortable with one another and lets us both know if we mesh well personality wise. Births are such intimate moments, that I like to make sure we are all comfortable with each other from the very start.

During our initial meeting, we will discuss what you have in mind for your baby's debut. We will go over specific shots you want, what you have currently for a birth plan and any other details you want captured during your story. We will also plan a good time frame for your maternity photos to be scheduled and the payment timeline for your Birth Story. 

I will also go over limitations with you as well. For example, do you want crowning images? Are you planning to breastfeed? If so, are you anticipating photos of little one latching on for the first time? We will go over all these important details and go over your birth story contract all during the pre-consultation.

To make your initial consultation to go smoothly, I recommended:

Ask Questions: I love questions, especially when it comes to births. I know it is quite an investment for a birth story with me, which is why I welcome all questions. I have a few common ones listed below, but if yours is not on there, do not hesitate to ask me.

Do some research: I mainly say this because each photographer is different. We are unique in our own ways. I love births with a passion, but I also know that not everyone is going to like my approach, or my style of photography. So I always like for clients to make sure I am their number one pick when it comes to these intimate moments. 

It is also important to make sure that your birthing center allows photographers. There is nothing worse than not asking and being told that your birth photographer cannot come in because of the hospital's policy. Many hospitals have a policy on the number of people in the room during delivery as well, I count as a person, so make sure that you know the limitations at your birthing center. These are all questions that can be answered when you consult your OB before looking into photographers, or call the birthing center directly. 

Know your limitations: Though it is not required at this time, since we talk about it I like for you to think about it. What do you absolutely NOT want covered in your story? It could be simple things like crowning, or nudity below the waist. Or it could be details, like the placenta. I try to capture as much of the full story as I can, but I also want to make sure that everyone is comfortable. Sometimes, that means not booking a full birth story and just booking a Fresh 48.

Your maternity session has came and passed and now you are so over that aching belly of yours, you just want that baby to make their appearance..

But before doing so, we meet one last time.

I like meeting with you and your partner at this meeting so in case we didn't meet before we can all get to know each other. This also lets me know if you have any last minute questions and concerns. We will go over your final birth plan and details, and if anything has changed from our previous discussions. This meeting is mainly just to wrap up any loose ends before your on call time starts.

At this consultation, I request that you have:

Finalized Birthing Plan: I like having a copy of your birth plan in case the two of you are busy, I help assist your doctors and midwives as much as I can while documenting your birth story. This helps in making sure you have the safest delivery possible. It also lets me know if anything happens what you would like me to do.

Contact Numbers for Everyone in the Room: I keep all birth clients "Favorited" in my phone to ensure that I do not miss a call or text from them. Having everyone's number ahead of time makes sure that there will not be a delay in communication come the day, or night, of.

Final Balances Resolved: I cannot start on call overage until the balance of your birth story is paid off. I have it due before on call coverage starts so that you do not have to worry about it come the day of, because no one wants to be pulling their checkbook out after 12+ hours of active labor.

Once you hit 37 weeks gestation, I will be on-call, 24-7, until baby arrives.

This means that I do not travel more than 30 minutes from the city. If I do anything with my family, I drive separate in case I have to leave in the middle of our activities. I have my babysitters on call and I do not take any other special events during the on call time. It is completely devoted to making sure I am there for the arrival of your precious bundle of joy. I even have my camera bag all packed and ready to go so I can leave on a dimes notice of your phone call.

I have my ducks in a row for your delivery, now, it's your job to let me know as soon as you are officially in labor. You know, the point of no return. I usually say when the hospital finally admits you for good, or if a home birth, when you call your midwife.  After that, I have you keep me up to date with the progress of your labor, so I can prepare to head that way when the time is right.

When you reach 5-6cm, I will arrive so I can capture from 7cm on. At this point, I will be there for the duration of your labor until you finally get to meet your little beauty, and trust me the long hours are so worth it. After delivery, I will stay about another hour, this way I can photograph their height and weight, as your family meets and gets some cuddle-time in, and for their little details.

Birth is just too intimate of an event not to have a tiny and probably forever bond with each person who is present during your experience. So, if I shed a tear, don't mind me, I get fully engulfed in the experience.. But honestly, that's my favorite part of this job and I think that is what makes it so powerful and meaningful to those who I have worked with.

I love sharing motherhood with other women, I love talking through the tough stuff and cherishing the beautiful pieces of this chaotic journey together.

To ensure the best coverage for your birth story..

Contact: I require the first contact of active delivery to be a phone call. This was I can assure you that I got your message and we spoke, especially if it is late at night. After that, I do not mind getting text messages with updates. I know births can be distracting, so if you want to, I recommend having someone be your designated update deliverer, that way you can focus on your delivery and not worry about if you called me or not.

Have your birthing center informed: I often get caught up with getting into a birth center at night because I am not on the list of approved visitors ahead of time. Since birth photography is still relatively new, some centers do not have experience with photographers just yet. Letting your center and your doctor know ahead of time makes things run as smooth as possible with assuring I get up to your room quickly.

Know that births are unexpected: Some mothers deliver in 3 hours, some in 36 hours. Birth itself is a miraculous things, and thus so, very unexpected. I cover as much of your birth story as I can, but if there are circumstances that prevent me from being in the room, I will have back up options to make sure you are as covered as you can be. This could be anything from handing off my second camera to your Husband or a Nurse to make sure you have moments in the OR if I am not allowed in, to stepping out and waiting for you to be comfortable for me to continue documenting. I will not do anything that you do not want me to do.

Hey Dads: We see you over there making sure she's comfortable, giving her that support she really needs, helping her bring your baby into the world alongside her. This is your moment too.

I want to photograph your relationship during her labor. Your love, encouragement, strength, both emotionally and physically. I want to capture those first moments you hold your baby in your arms. This is your day as well, your moments to be cherished. I want you to have these moments in photographs so you can remember it forever. So, yes, you will be included in photographs.

Within 48 hours, you will be sent a gallery with your birth story. I have you pick out your favorite moments for a slideshow you can share with your friends and family. It is the perfect way to introduce your new bundle to those that are not aware of their arrival and gives you a nice show of your images and the ability to relive that beautiful moment all over again! 

Even after your birth, will definitely be keeping in touch. Two - three weeks after your favorites are chosen, I'll hand-deliver your custom baby book in-person, that way you can continue adding photographs of your Little as they continue to grow and learn. I love doing this in person so we have a chance to talk about how things are going and how you feel about how everything went... And maybe you'll let me hold your little babe? No pressure, of course! 

I know time after delivery is a blur of days and hours with moments that you don't want to let time take away from you, but I have a few recommendation to ensure a fast delivery of your products,

Select your favorites right when you view your gallery: It is as easy as clicking the "heart" button when you open it up. That way you have them all done and don't have to think about it afterwards, because trust me, you probably won't remember in the chaos of all the excitement. Without your favorites, I cannot continue to make your slide show for social media, or start on your baby book.

Share, Share, Share: When you get your gallery and video, share them! Who doesn't love precious babies flooding their newsfeed? You did something amazing, do not be afarid to share it.