Did anyone read this article about cameras in the delivery room?
I have to admit that I’ve always wanted more photographic documentation of my labors and births. Pictures help shape and solidify your memories, and birth is one of those peak life experiences that to me, felt worthy of documenting. I wanted to see and be able to reflect on my labor, my vulnerability, my baby’s entrance, our first moments together, and the family reunions after birth. My husband took pictures during labor, although I always wanted more.
But the article describes birth photography as both an unnecessary luxury, and a result of social pressures to “not just cherish the birth experience but to promote it as this beautiful thing…Then you’re going to get into your skinny jeans the next day and have a beautiful photograph of you looking absolutely beautiful and well rested with your perfect-looking baby, like all the celebrities”. At the same time, the piece describes this new genre of photography as part of our society’s habit of over-sharing on Facebook. Is it really all these things? While I could probably not afford a birth photographer like those described in the article, I can definitely see the benefits of having one!
What do you think? Did you have a birth photographer? Would you consider one?
July 6, 2012 at 12:05 pm
I’ve hired a birth photographer for my upcoming birth in November. It’s hard to put the reason into words, but it’s certainly more like what you’ve expressed in your post, and nothing at all to do with skinny jeans! The birth of my first son was one of the very best days of my life, but I have a grand total of about 8 rather blurry photos of that day. I so wish there were more photos. To me, your child’s birth day is a lot like your wedding day because there is so much more going on than you can fully absorb while you’re living it. Wanting to have photos to sit and look at afterwards, when you’re not fully consumed with your role of birthing, is not shallow in my opinion. It’s just a desire to see and understand more of a really important moment in your life. And like your wedding day, it’s a day filled with so much love. I want to have those photos to sit and look at when I’m old and reflecting on my life (not to post them on Facebook!)
July 6, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Leah,
Thanks for your comment! I feel the same way. During those peak moments, you rarely can step back (especially from the work of labor and birth) to reflect on the enormity of what’s taking place. Pictures help give you the time and opportunity to reflect on the day afterwards.
Amy