January 14, 2025
Good, professional birth photographers should include a consultation before the birth to discuss things like labor history and birth wishes. I meet with all of my Mamas before their birth to get to know their heart better and to discuss the questions from my questionnaire. After all, I want you to be comfortable with me before I am in your scared birth space. Birth photographers will ask questions like: How long was your previous labor? What number birth is this for you? Are there any special circumstances? Will you be having a medicated or unmedicated labor? Where will your birth take place?
Knowing your labor history helps the photographer anticipate how quickly things may progress. With knowledge of the labor pattern, your photographer can work seamlessly with your birth team to arrive at the perfect time and minimize any disruptions.
There is no such thing as “bugging” your birth photographer. This is our job. For me, birth is my bread and butter, my passion, and the joy of my heart! I love to hear your updates and will reach out during you third trimester and the days leading up to your due date to check in on you. I signed up for the on-call life and I expect to be contacted at weird hours of the day. If you are updating your friends and family, just go ahead and update me too,. I am here to jump up and down with you when you feel those first contractions or other signs of labor. What if it’s a false alarm and only braxton-hicks? That is totally okay too! I promise I will not be upset with you if you send many texts. Better safe than sorry, right? Communication really is key!
Giving your photographer an early heads up and frequent updates is the best way to ensure they make it to your birth on time. Many birth photographers (me included) are on call almost 24-7. Therefore, we go on with our day to day life (taking kids to school, attending appointments, and shooting sessions) because it would impossible to sit twiddling our thumbs and waiting for labor to begin (although, it can feel that way sometimes!). If you provide an early heads-up, we can make sure to have our camera gear on us, stay in your area, and proceed to events with caution. Most birth photographers have kiddos themselves and have to arrange for childcare. Who cares if you already texted 15 times?! Please text as much as you want- you are NOT bothering us. We welcome alllll the updates! Giving us an early heads up will make certain that we are fully available to you.
If you have a history of precipitous (rapid) labors, you may want to call the birth photographer earlier. I have attended births where baby was born 30 minutes after the first contraction…Precipitous labors are a real thing!
If any of these occur, make sure to communicate with your birth photographer:
Generally, your birth photographer will come to your birth when you are in active labor. However, active labor can be different for every mom. While one mama may be zoned out in labor-land, the next may be giggling and talking through each wave. But, the biggest sign that you are in active labor is your contractions are consistent and growing in intensity. You will feel waves every 5 or so minutes without ceasing. You may have to focus through each contraction, use your breathing techniques, and look to your partner to support you. The textbook signs are: contractions every 4-5 minutes lasting for a minute each for one hour, or you are dilated to 5+ cm.
Here are some things to keep any eye on:
Side note: always save your birth photographer’s number ahead of time and give it to your doula, partner, or other members of your birth team in case you are not physically able to communicate yourself. If I am your birth photographer, you are welcome to text me. If for some crazy reason I don’t respond (this never happens), please CALL!
are a REAL thing and baby can be born within 3 hours of regular contractions. Here are the signs to look for: contractions start suddenly and are very close together right away, there isn’t a break between contractions, continuously painful contractions with no rise and fall, you feel an urge to push (some describe it as having to go #2)! This is not as common for first time mamas, but it is possible!
I wanted to include this on this blog, because epidurals can skew the “when-to-head-to-the-birth” plan. When you receive an epidural, the usual tell-tale signs of progression are hidden. In my experience , mothers who get the epidural fall asleep and wake up to intense pressure ready to push. One time, I went to the hospital on a hunch and when I arrived, I received a text saying “She’s pushing!” I wasn’t even informed she got the epidural. Thank goodness I trusted my instincts! Always notify your birth photographer if you get an epidural, so we can best estimate when to head your way.
For first time moms, the induction process can be rather lengthy. It is important to update your photographer as much as possible. Pitocin can cause contractions that are closer together and more intense for a period of time. This may differ from a normal labor pattern.
Blessings, Ally Davis
Allydavisphotography.com
Allydavisphotography@gmail.com
I'm a birth doula and birth photographer based in Conroe, TX. I have the privilege of serving families throughout the greater Houston area, including The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Houston, and Magnolia. As a birth doula, I’m here to support you through your pregnancy, during labor, and throughout your postpartum journey. My goal is to help you feel empowered, informed, and at peace every step of the way.
As a photographer, I specialize in capturing maternity, birth, lifestyle newborn, and family moments, preserving the beauty and emotion of these milestones for you to cherish for a lifetime. Whether you're preparing for your baby's arrival or celebrating your growing family, I am honored to document these precious moments with care, compassion, and a personalized approach.
I’m truly passionate about what I do, and it’s my greatest joy to be part of such an important time in your life.
I would love to get to know more about your journey and support you!
Ally Davis is a Birth Photographer and Doula based in Conroe, TX, proudly serving the greater Houston area. Known for her bold, emotional, and vibrant storytelling, Ally specializes in maternity, birth, newborn, and family photography.
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