When to Call Your Birth Photographer
Conroe Area Birth Photographer
I get asked a lot: "How do I know when to call you?!" I understand the worry...trust me! When I was in labor, I wasn't sure when to call either. It's normal to feel nervous and to question the onset of labor. Of course you want your birth photographer to be there when the birth happens...so how do you know when the right time is to ask them to join?
Pre-Birth Meeting
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.
Early Labor
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...
If any of these occur, make sure to communicate with your birth photographer:
- You have a change in labor plans such as a scheduled induction, change of birth center, or you are having a c-section now instead of your planned vaginal birth
- Your water broke, or you THINK your water broke and you're going to be checked out (It can be rare to feel a huge gush like the movies, often times it is just as slow gradual trickle)
- You have bloody show
- You cannot talk through your contractions or are becoming very vocal
- You are heading to the hospital or birth center
- You're having contractions every five minutes, lasting for 1 minute for one hour (5-1-1). For second time + moms this may look more like 4-1-1
- Your midwife is on the way to your house (if having a homebirth)
Active Labor
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:
- Contraction Pattern: For first time mamas, we are looking for a pattern of contractions 5 minutes apart, lasting for a minute for about one hour. For a second time mama, this may be more like 3-4 minutes apart.
- Contraction Intensity: Contractions will grow in intensity. You may have to focus inward through each wave, use your breathing techniques, and look to your partner for support. You may become vocal during contractions by moaning, humming, or taking deep breaths.
- Dilation: Typically, if your cervix is more than 5cm dilated, I want to be there. However, dilation is not always a good indicator as it is possible to change from 3cm to pushing in as little as 30 minutes.
- Effacement: This is the process of the cervix thinning and stretching to prepare the body for delivery. Effacement can differ for each mother, but 80% effacement or higher is a good sign things are progressing
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!
Precipitous labors
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!
Epidurals
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.
Inductions
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.
TLDR: Too Long, Didn't Read...
- Communicate with your birth photographer about your labor history
- Contact your birth photographer A LOT!! You are NOT bothering them!
- Give your photograph enough time to make it to your birth (usually 1-2 hours)
- Every labor is different, so pay attention to changes in your body
- Look for Contractions that are growing in length and intensity
Blessings,
Ally Davis
Allydavisphotography.com
Allydavisphotography@gmail.com
