Dear mom-to-be who will have a c-section,

I know it’s important to you to have a birth photographer. C-section births are beautiful and all births should be photographed.

So, I’ll do my best to get into the OR to photograph your birth.

I’ve had a c-section, and I know what a blur the whole experience is. I didn’t see my son for over an hour after he was born. I had no idea what was happening in that time.

I know you love birth, and you want to remember each detail of your baby’s surgical birth. His first cry. His daddy holding him for the first time. You deserve those memories!

But, I’m sad to tell you … it’s very unlikely I’ll be allowed into the OR to photograph your birth. Hospitals have blanket policies that do not allow a photographer in the room at all.

Why won’t they allow photographers into the OR? I can’t say for certain, but I would venture to guess it’s a liability. Just so you know, I am a fully insured business and after photographing 100+ births…. I understand when to take photos, and when to stop if there is an emergency.

I want you and your husband to relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Not fumbling with the camera while your photographer has to wait outside.

It doesn’t have to be this way. See, you’re the customer here. You’re paying the hospital for a service. You can speak up about how important it is to have a photographer in the OR… things can change.

What if you mentioned it to your doctor? What if 1000 people mentioned it to their doctors? What if 10,000 people wrote letters to their hospital? Is it a matter of a liability form being signed by the photographer? The photographer agrees to stand in 1 spot throughout the surgery? I think we need to open this dialogue with our service providers.

Mama, if this is something that’s important to you … let’s be the change. Your birth is beautiful, and deserves to be photographed!

Signed
– Your birth photographer