Giving Birth During Coronavirus
This worldwide pandemic hit and suddenly I was only a month away from giving birth during coronavirus. I had a photographer for the birth of my second child, but this third time around I wouldn’t be allowed more than one person during labour and delivery here in Calgary, which meant that Curtis would have to DIY our birth photography this time around.
As a photographer myself, I knew exactly what photos I wanted and what few pictures would accurately summarize the story of my baby’s birth. I kept this list of photos to 15 must haves, making it small and manageable because above all, having my husband present with me and just as involved in experiencing the moments as they happened was my top priority, not having him worry about getting all the right shots.
I want to share this list of photos with you, so that if you’re also giving birth during coronavirus, your partner can easily DIY your birth photography (make sure to remind them not to take photos looking up at your chin, all the photos should be level with your face or from an angle above your head).
Once the baby is born, healthy and safe, your nurse or midwife is usually more than happy to help snap a few photos for you if you ask, so that you can get photographs of your partner and yourself seeing your baby for the first time, and of your partner cutting the cord.
If you need newborn photos, I’ll be offering limited outdoor only sessions, beginning in late June, so send me an email to book a date!
DIY Birth Photography List
1. A last photo of Mom with her baby bump before you leave the house.
2. Mom during a contraction.
3. Mom relaxing between contractions.
4. A detail shot of the heart monitor readings or details around the room.
5. Close up of Mom’s hands during contractions.
6. Close up of hospital bracelet on Mom.
7. Mom being helped by her nurse or midwife.
8. Dad/partner helping Mom.
9. The clock at the time of birth.
10. Mom and baby’s first moments / tears of joy.
11. Mom and Dad enjoying the baby's first moments.
12. Cutting the cord.
13. The baby’s first time nursing.
14. Nurse or midwife weighing and measuring the baby (have the weight and measurements in the photos).
15. Baby swaddled in the bassinet.
If you’re about to give birth during COVID-19, as I did, I hope that you don’t let any extra worry and fear overshadow what is an incredible experience. The front line workers we are blessed to have will be there for you as they always were, they’re just wearing a mask.
Once you’re in labour and in the hospital (or wherever you choose to give birth), you’ll be in your own world with room only to think about what you are experiencing in the moment. You are just as ready as you ever were, just as brave, just as strong, and just as blessed as any woman ever was to bring life into this world. You are never, ever alone in this moment or any other as you become a mother.
Even with all of the changes that have occurred, if you asked me what it was like to give birth during a pandemic, I would have to honestly tell you that the pandemic didn’t factor into it once we were screened at the hospital, and it was my best birth by far. I still feel so empowered when I think about it all.
Life continues despite all, and you are about to bring a beautiful light into this world and into your life. There’s such a peaceful cocoon that surrounds you and your family during those first few moments, those first few weeks of life, that muffles the outside world for a time. Enjoy it and treasure it.
I wish you all the best as you give birth. You’ve got this, incredible Mama.
