13 Must-Take Pictures from Labor and Delivery

The monumental arrival of your baby is approaching! 

As a photographer, I cannot help but encourage you to hire a birth photographer to capture these must-take pictures from labor and delivery.

Before you throw your hands up in the air and shake your head “no” with eyebrows that say I’m crazy, hear me out: you will never relive the birth of your child. It only happens once.

As a doula, time and time again I have heard moms [and sometimes dads] express their deep opposition towards having images captured during labor and delivery, only later to deeply regret not having those intensely intimate moments captured as a keepsake. No one’s labor and delivery images are glamorous. If you’re worried about it, ask your photographer to not post any on his/her website or social media forum. Or maybe have him ask you to approve which images are shared.

Remember that as the keeper of those precious images, you can choose to never show anyone or look at them yourself. But if you do not have them captured, you have left yourself zero options of visual memorabilia.

You may be surprised at how much you will appreciate hiring a birth photographer. Just be sure to hire someone you’re very comfortable with so they don’t disturb your labor.

Pictures are important during labor and delivery. Your comfort as a birthing mom is even more important!

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, HERE ARE 13 MUST TAKE PICTURES FROM LABOR AND DELIVERY:

1. Location and Atmosphere

There’s so much going on from the moment you get to the hospital that you may not remember the atmosphere. Take a quick picture to remember.

2. Dad Supporting Mom

These are heartfelt moments that you’ll want to cherish.

3. Equipment and Labor/Delivery Tools

While this may seem a bit odd, you won’t remember any of the equipment around you, so why not take a picture?

4. Mama’s Belly (the Final “40” Week Belly!) 

The final “40” week belly is something you’ll want to remember and even show your child once he gets older. Tell him he once grew inside!

5. The Clock at Various Important Moments: Start of transition/pushing/Baby’s arrival

You will lose all track of time when you’re in labor. While it may seem like an eternity you may be surprised at how time actually elapses.

6. Mama Laboring

You can’t really see yourself and your facial expressions while you’re in labor. Having someone take a quick shot may not be a bad idea, just as long as they’re not constantly in your face!

7. Baby’s Arrival / Mom & Dad’s First Glimpses / Bonding

There are so many emotions circulating that you’re going to want to capture the moment you first laid eyes on your baby.

8. Baby’s Weight and Measurements 

This is the info you can use for baby’s scrapbook because chances are you won’t remember the exact size.

9. Hospital Bracelets (if at the hospital) 

While you’ll likely keep your child’s hospital bracelet it doesn’t hurt to also have a picture of it.

10. Cutting the Cord

11. Dad’s First Hold

The first time dad holds the baby is just as important as mom’s first hold. That sense of pride and joy is unmatched.

12. Baby’s Footprints

You won’t believe how tiny your baby’s feet are so you’ll want to have an image you can always look back on.

13. Meet the Siblings

A sibling’s reaction can be comical and sweet. Be sure to capture it!

What are your favorite must-take pictures from labor and delivery?