I’m going to go out on a limb here and say something that might be unpopular…..

 

I feel like most birth photographers (myself included) are perpetuating this idea of the “perfect birth” in new moms’ minds.

 

Let me explain: with more and more people choosing to hire a birth photographer, pregnant moms are noticing their birth photos and videos and they’re expecting to have a “perfect birth” like that birth they saw in a blog post or on their newsfeed. Now, they have a literal picture of what their birth should be. It’s the “pinterest birth.”

 

And, just as social media is famous for, everyone posts the best for the world to see..

 

Laboring with full make up and hair done.

Baby coming immediately to mom’s chest as she squeals with delight.

Big brother comes in with his newly ironed “big brother” shirt to greet his new sibling and happily smiles for photos.

 

There is nothing wrong with highlighting these joyous moments. We all do it! But, what I want expecting moms to understand is… 

 

All birth is birth!

If you planned a home birth, and ended up at the hospital….

If you planned a natural hospital birth, but ended up with a cesarean….

If you wanted to go into labor naturally, but ended up being induced….

THAT IS OK! Your baby’s birth is unique, beautiful and definitely worth photographing.

 

Birth is raw and real. You can’t stage any of it. Sometimes baby doesn’t go straight to mom’s chest after delivery. Sometimes big brother is throws a tantrum and isn’t interested in holding his new baby sister. Sometimes mom is so exhausted & shocked when she sees her baby, so she doesn’t smile and giggle with delight immediately.

 

Please do not feel pressure to look or act a certain way because of the birth photos you see online, birth images posted by friends, or posted by birth photographers. However your birth unfolds, whatever may happen, this is your baby’s birth day and it’s amazing.