Times are uncertain, that’s for sure. Our country got hit with a HUGE blow with this Covid-19/Coronavirus and there is a huge panic across the land.
One thing remains… babies are still being born every day and I am still here to document them. What does this look like now? I have many birth clients wondering if I am going to be allowed in the birth space. The answer is, I don’t know. Things change on the daily right now. I’m told a spouse and a support person (AKA doula) are still allowed in, but it depends on each hospital and staff. Since I am acting doula in many cases, the chances are better. Again, it’s up to the clients to advocate for me to be present, just as before the virus breakout.
There is always uncertainty in the birth community, and this definitely throws a little wrench in things, but doesn’t make it impossible.
Here are some options to consider if the answer is no to having your birth photographer in the room with you in a hospital:
1. I can document you laboring at home/away from hospital . Laboring images show how hard you worked to bring your sweet babe earthside. They are full of emotion and love and connectiveness (yeah, I made that word up) between you and your support person.
2. Allow me to come at end of labor/delivery and swap out with dad/support person just after birth to capture bonding with mom, weighing and measuring, The Golden Hour, as its known, is a treasure to document. That hour just after transition.
3. Fresh baby images hours after or even the next day
4. Fresh baby at home (where you control who visits)
I absolutely practice safety and social distancing, using longer/zoom lenses, cleaning my equipment often, washing my hands often.
Of course, if at any time you are choosing to not have me present at your birth, we may transfer your funds to any session you’d like later in the year, though I know this is not ideal.
My goal is to preserve your precious memories of this most amazing time.
It’s easy to get caught up with fear and uncertainty, so I urge you to still enjoy LIFE as best you can, smile and laugh with your children and family, “play” via FaceTime when you can (I am reading to my grandchildren when I cant see them!”), Go take a walk (you don’t have to walk in a pack) and breathe in some FRESH air.
I will be happy to photograph your family in your home if you’ll have me. Actually, these are my favorite sessions!
be safe everyone!! xoxo
