Hospital policy


DO I AS THE PHOTOGRAPHER TALK TO THE DOCTOR OR DOES THE MOM/DAD INFORM THEM OF ME TAKING PICTURES?

I normally have the family consult and inform the doctor of their wishes and desires to have birth story photography in the room as part of their intended birth plan. I haven’t run into any issues or concerns from the doctors but have been informed of c-section procedures. Meaning if mom goes to an emergency c-section or even a planned one, typically only one additional person is allowed in the OR. Families normally opt for their partner/ father of the baby. I have been allowed into an OR for a scheduled C-section, and I've seen others welcome. This all depends on the medical provider and the hospitals rules.  

Medical charts and documents laid out on a wooden surface in dramatic lighting.
Hands rest gently on a patient's abdomen in a medical setting.
Hand holding vintage black and white photographs showing intimate family moments.
Medical professional holding patient's hand during hospital care.

Communication

MOST IMPORTANT!

For all my L&D sessions I remind you of consistent communication to keep everyone on track and in the know of any surprises. From the time you book your session I am keeping in touch with you. Medical changes during pregnancy that may lead to early delivery is a must know for me!

  • Starting at week 36 if I have not had any updates I will be in touch with you some time about your birth plan you've made for the hospital and we've made for your session.
  • If you are thinking about going into the hospital and is decided that you're going, let me know BEFORE you get there if possible or ASAP! False alarms are okay! I would rather have a false alarm than risk losing time resulting in the potential missing of the birth.
  • I suggest a trustworthy person to put in charge of updates and communication with me for if/when labor or your health becomes priority before updating your photographer.
  • Day or night you may text with updates or call if necessary. If at night please CALL! If I have not responded to a text within 15 minutes to you going to the hospital, CALL the number provided. (618-513-4113). In the unlikely chance that I do not answer my backup number is my husbands number who will find a way to reach me. (Yes he is aware he is my backup contact for you! Just ask for Emily-Me) (812-870-8678).
Medical staff attending to patient in delivery room while holding hands for support.
Healthcare provider assists patient during medical procedure in hospital room.
Medical team gathered around patient during delivery in hospital setting.
Medical professionals providing care to patient during intense moment.
Close-up of medical instruments and gloved hands during medical procedure.

Once you arrive

When you arrive at the hospital, I do suggest that I come up and get some images for the start of your timeline. I recommend this for a couple reasons as I do not stay the entire labor for most. Some do call for me to go and stay due to fast labors or previous births.

  1. This allows more images in your gallery. Adding those initial details of your room number, the emotions you're feeling at the start, those intimate moments between you and your partner.
  2. In the event that your delivery is missed due to unforeseen circumstances. This can vary from emergency deliveries, complications, fast deliveries.

When do I go in?

As stated above, I suggest I come in when you initially get in and settled. If you choose for me to wait then that is all and well. I can come up later in the labor process and start there. That stage can be different for all women in labor. As you are getting cervical checks (if you are) I will need updates to help time my arrival. Your history plays a huge roll in when I arrive as well. If this is your 3rd or 4th baby I will likely go in earlier as births usually tend to happen quicker. If this is your first baby I will be looking for that 6/7cm and waters broken. I may also go in before depending on circumstances.

Black and white image of medical care being provided in dimly lit room.
Dramatic black and white photo of medical procedure in low light setting.
Medical staff attending to a patient in a hospital bed during what appears to be a delivery or medical procedure.

What's to be photographed?

For me, it truly is about documenting a birth which means getting the entire story within the birth photos. I have included a little bullet list of what I try to aim in getting at each birth. The details in a final gallery really set the scene and give you a timeline of the events. Those details would be a reminder of “when we were waiting, anticipating, expecting” a baby.

You will also have the option of 2 separate galleries for those more detailed, crowning, baby coming out images that will be discussed prior to your session.

  •  The Outside (hospital building, birthing center, home birth)
  • I also capture images as I am walking to the family’s room, signs (labor and delivery, floor, room number)
  • Details, don’t forget the details!
  • Time of the birth on the clock
  • The machines monitoring the heartbeat
  • The ivs
  • Bags of medicine
  • Baby’s bed
  • Baby warmer
  • Laboring shots of mom
  • Images of dad
  • Nurse visits
  • Any other significant moments that come up
  • I try to always capture the details and love/ support between the expected parents.
  • When it’s time to Push .. usually my camera is going back and forth from mom, to dad, to professionals until the baby comes out.

Be prepared for “the moment” when baby comes out and is displayed to mom for the first time—oh it’s my favorite, and always brings me to tears. 

During this time emotions will be flooding.. dad’s emotions, mom’s reactions, and anyone else in the room that has been anticipating the baby.


Medical procedure being performed under bright surgical lights in a darkened room.
Medical professionals in blue scrubs working together in a clinical setting.
Close-up black and white image of medical equipment or monitoring devices.

When to stop shooting

During L&D sessions we are obviously in a hospital for medical intervention if needed. During the event that something comes up and I am to need to leave the room, I will remain in the hospital waiting room until its determined to come back in or call it a day depending on your preferences and circumstances.

After delivery

After delivery I will be shifting my focus from mom to baby. Following baby to get weight checked, measurements, foot prints. I typically stay up to 30 minutes once baby is born and then allow mom + dad/parents to bond. All my L&D sessions come with a fresh 48 session. For those depending on time of day I will stay or return the following day. Refer to Fresh 48 prep guide.

Healthcare providers working together in a hospital room with medical equipment.
Medical monitoring equipment displaying vital signs and data charts.
Healthcare workers in blue protective gear preparing for a medical procedure.
Medical team providing care in a clinical setting with hospital equipment visible.
Medical professionals in protective gear attending to a patient during a procedure.
Healthcare providers in a dimly lit medical room performing patient care.
Medical staff in red scrubs attending to a patient in a hospital bed.
Patient wearing glasses rests comfortably in a hospital bed while receiving care.
Medical professionals in blue and white scrubs walking down a hospital hallway.
Healthcare workers gathered around a hospital bed during a medical procedure.
Empty hospital corridor with medical equipment and beds visible.
Surgical team performing an operation in a modern operating room.
Medical staff working with equipment in a hospital operating room.
Patient resting under light blue surgical drapes during a medical procedure.
Medical team performing surgery with blue surgical drapes visible.
Surgical procedure in progress with blue medical drapes and equipment visible.
Medical team performing surgery in an operating room with surgical drapes and equipment.
Close-up of medical procedure being performed with surgical instruments and protective gear.
Newborn baby wrapped in white hospital blankets receiving medical care.
Hospital room setting with medical equipment and striped blankets visible.
Close-up view of tiny newborn baby feet on white hospital bedding.
Medical professional performing surgical procedure with blue surgical drapes.
Healthcare workers in protective gear and masks performing medical procedures.