How to Tell Your Child’s “Birth Story”

“Every child loves to hear about the day they were born,” says Jennifer Reagin, who had Visual Arts by Jessica photograph the time before, during and after the birth of her and her husband Chad’s son, Jack Parker Reagin, in 2014. “I have something in real motion to show him (Jack) and his future wife, and it will be another wonderful memory,” Reagin adds.

 

Reagin’s friend Anna Maple heard about Jack’s birth story, watched it over and over again and cried like a baby. “It was honestly the most beautiful, well-put-together video showing the story of that day!” Maple says. “I remember showing my husband and saying, ‘I have to do this, I cannot imagine not being able to replay the day I give birth over and over again.’”

 

“Birth stories” are usually a photographic accounting of the time before, during and after the birth of a child, and many photographers who do them put these photographs into a slideshow, with captions, music and even some audio, that they can enjoy and relive later. Jessica Marshall, the photographer who did both the Reagin and Maple birth stories (Palmer Kate Maple, 2014), says it is a way to capture a pivotal moment in life for a family really becoming a family. “It’s also an overwhelming moment in life that you may not really remember all the details of, “Marshall says. “This is something you will have later to enjoy and even show your child.”

 

HOW TO SCHEDULE A BIRTH STORY FOR YOUR CHILD’S BIRTH

Rachel Smith of Rachel Smith Photography, who specializes in birth stories and newborn/maternity photography says it is important to choose a credible, experienced photographer – and one who fits your style and personality. “And as cliché as it sounds, you get what you pay for,” Smith says. “Cheaper is rarely better in the photography world.”

Book as soon as you find out about your due date, Marshall adds. “Babies come when they come…you need a photographer who will be on call for the entire month the baby is due – two weeks before and two weeks after.”

            

Keep your scheduled photographer updated on any changes to the due date or if you go into premature labor, says Christy Pierce of Christy Pierce Photography, who does birth stories, lifestyle, posed newborn and maternity photography. “Make sure your photographer knows the plan, the hospital, and if you are having a scheduled C-section or natural birth.”

            

Be sure to check with the hospital for birth story and newborn photography permission, all the photographers stress. “It is becoming more commonplace, so most will be fine with it,” Marshall says, “but be sure to clear it in advance.”

 

You can talk with your photographer about what you want in your birth story, but typically you will find the hospital, the lobby, the date, the nurses, doctors, family waiting, dad in his many jobs during the birth and everything in the process from ice chips to pushing, to mom and dad holding the baby for the first time, the baby getting cleaned up and weighed, etc., Marshall says. “It’s like I’m a fly on the wall.”

            

This is one of the reasons you need to be very comfortable with the photographer, Marshall adds. “They are going to see and experience everything with you. Decide in advance what level of ‘intrusion’ you are comfortable with, get to know the photographer and look at their previous work. This is likely not for you if you are an extremely private person.”

            

Rates can vary greatly, so ask in advance what the charges will be for everything, and keep in mind you are hiring a photographer to both be on call and be there for the duration of labor and birth.  Many start at $1,000, but it is a long-term investment in a lifetime memory, Marshall says. Check with your photographer for what his or her pricing is and what is included.

“Many photographers will work with you on pricing and payments,” Pierce says. “Ask about this in advance. Many photographers will require a signed contract, which also details what they expect from you as the client and what you should expect from them in return.”
            

Pierce also suggests you pick a professional photographer who can give you a full service from start to finish on this once-in-a-lifetime event. “It cannot be relived in order to get another shot at doing these pictures over,” Pierce adds.

 

THE “FRESH 48”

If the birth story is not for you, another option taking off in popularity, known as the “Fresh 48,” is basically a photographic memory of the first 48 hours of the baby’s life. “For a Fresh 48, the photographer comes to the hospital the day after the baby is born (less than 48 hours old) and does a photo session,” Marshall says.

            

“Some parents like this because the mom can do her hair and makeup, everyone is more relaxed,” Marshall says. “This is a way to capture these memories that have deep meaning to you – and it is candid, as well, like the birth story.”

            

“The Fresh 48 photos are normally taken with the parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and anyone else that the parents want included,” Pierce says. “They include all the details from head to toe!” Typically, Fresh 48 sessions are less expensive than a birth story, the photographers say.

 

WHAT ABOUT MATERNITY PHOTOS AND NEWBORN PHOTOS?

“As time goes on, photographs will be all that’s left of our special moments so it’s super important that we invest in them wisely,” Smith says.

            

While there are many photographers in our area, Smith says each is special and unique in their own way, but it’s important to choose a photographer that fits your style and personality.

            

Don’t wait, Smith says. Many photographers book a month or two in advance. “Maternity pictures are best if captured between 27 to 37 weeks pregnant,” Pierce says.

            

When it comes to newborn photos, ask the photographer about their experience with newborn photography, Pierce adds. Make sure you see examples of their work. Also ask: Is the photographer is insured. Does the photographer do composites when doing a “dangerous” pose (one that involves assistance because of a newborn’s inability to hold its head up)? How long are the sessions? Are breaks included in the time, and do you charge separately to include siblings or adults? These are all questions Pierce says you should ask in advance, as well as the turnaround time for photographs.

            

“Typically parents do newborn photos, then photos at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months in short sessions,” Marshall adds. Ask about booking in advance for these sessions and multiple session discounts.

            

“The more questions you ask, the better,” adds Smith. “Ask about session fees, minimum orders, what the package includes, etc. Get to know your photographer beforehand.”

           

I am beyond glad we did a birth story,” says Maple. “I don’t remember anything that happened except when my water broke and they checked us into the hospital. With all the pain, emotions and excitement, there was just a lot going on, including the birth of a child! It was one of the best decisions we have ever made,” Maple says.

            

“My husband and I watch (our birth story of Jack) just about every time my son has a milestone,” Reagin adds. “It’s amazing to watch it and think how far he has come in such a short amount of time and how much we have grown as parents since that day.”

 

Carol Muse Evans is the publisher of Birmingham Parent.