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Looking for a Birth Photographer Vancouver has some of the best in the world.
“Not only is it amazing to document the day your child was born with your baby’s first breath, your first reaction to your baby’s tiny face, dad’s face when he touches sweet little toes for the first time, but you are also documenting the story of how you became parents. ”
Here is a list of some quick answers to common questions about doulas and birth Photographers in Vancouver, BC.
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Can you be both my doula and my birth photographer?
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I can and I love doing both. My doula philosophy is your partner should be the one supporting you. I am the person who is there to help your partner be the best support they can be. It is very easy for me to pick up my camera and shoot a great shot when I see it. I equate it to grabbing a client a glass of water. I have attended 85% of my births as both doula and birth photographer in Vancouver.
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How did you get started?
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With three kids, I decided I needed to do a job that came naturally to me. We held a family meeting, I asked my family to support me in becoming a doula. Thankfully they all agreed, as it was a perfect fit for me, so they all gave their blessings. The next winter, I took the doula training. I put my business cards and website together and realized there were a lot of doulas in Vancouver. It would be hard to get the first births lined up.
I cherish the images from my three births even if most are dark and out of focus. With that thought in mind, I decided maybe I could offer birth photography along with my doula services. Much to my surprise, no one was offering it in Vancouver at the time. A few months later, I was off to my first birth and at this point, no one knew what a birth photographer was, but when they saw what I was doing they thought it was fantastic. I was one of the first birth photographers Vancouver had.
After about 8 months, people started to get to know me a bit and accept this new form of birth support. Quickly my practice started to book up as people were talking about the magic of getting back their birth stories through the images I secretly snapped while I was giving support and love to my clients. Often, the time of your birth goes by so quickly you forget a lot of the little things and even the big things. After the days and weeks pass the clean, crisp images you are left with help decipher your birth story. I can easily say I am so blessed to have found my calling and my life’s work.
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Do I have to have it ALL photographed?
No, it is completely up to you and your partner. I do this for my clients so whatever you want to be photographed, you get photographed. Often that is just the moments after the baby is born.
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Do I need to have my images on your blog or social media sites?
It is always up to my clients to choose how much and what they want to share. There are lots of options available.
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My sister/mother/aunt/neighbour can photograph my birth, but I do love the way you capture the moment.
As a professional photographer with many years of training comes an adept ability to capture the right moments. I have seen what works photographically over the years so I am able to deliver a professional product while shooting less. You will get bright, crisp, sharp, in focus and meaningful images no matter what the lighting conditions are. I am familiar with the hospital policies and often the staff know me and my work. Birth is not easy to photograph. I have been to over 300 births and at each one, I learn a little more.
If you enjoy the quality of images you see here on my site, or on my facebook page then you probably want professional birth photography. It has been my experience that family and friends have difficulty enjoying the special moments of birth with you when they are focused on trying to work as a photographer.
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My partner doesn’t feel comfortable with birth photography Vancouver.
You are not alone since many partners don’t at first. Once they get the images of their reaction to their new baby or see themselves giving you a kiss for your amazing work, they tell me they are so blessed to have hired me and that they will cherish the images forever.
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I am having a hospital birth and I want medication. Can I still have a doula and birth photographer?
Of course! This is your birth and whatever your story is you should have lots of support. Birth photography is about documenting your story, whatever that story may be!
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What if I have a caesarean birth?
Every birth should be celebrated. Because of the strong relationships, I have built with hospitals and care providers, I have been allowed into the OR to document caesarean births. The times I have not been allowed in, I send my camera with the nurse/midwife or partner. I stay until after the surgery and take some close-ups of your new baby and some family shots. My families who have had caesareans have all walked away grateful they had me with them.
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What does a doula do that my partner doesn’t?
A doula is an emotional and physical support for both you and your partner. Most people think midwives or nurses will hold your hand and rub your back if it gets intense or hard, but that is not their job. They need to look after all of the medical parts of your labour and birth; they should rest if you are not at a stage where they need to be monitoring you closely.
I stay from beginning to end and I never go off-shift. Having a doula is like having a guide through the whole process. Your partner has probably never done this before; it can be a lot of pressure for them to know what to do in the moment especially when they haven’t slept. Much of what you learned in prenatal class can be forgotten in the moment. I am there to help remind you both of what is next and what can be done during your labour and birth. I bring a great sense of calm to the birthing couple as well as a great birth experience no matter what happens. Plus I have the magical TENS machine and other birth doula tricks that work like magic.
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What is a TENS machine?
During labour especially early labour the TENS machine helps increase your natural endorphins which are very important to help you with pain management, some people say endorphins are your body’s natural opiates. 90% of my clients love the TENS machine. I have the Elle TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) which is made specifically for labouring mothers.
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Do hospitals let you in?
Absolutely! I can work both at your home and at the hospital. The hospitals are getting to know my work and some of the nurses even follow my facebook page. Most care providers are happy to have me as part of the team. Sometimes, hospital policy will require that I do not photograph a procedure. When this happens I just pick up when the procedure is done. I have photographed many hospital births so I know the in and outs of what is allowed and how to work with the hospital staff.
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When should I book you?
As soon as possible. I only have 3-4 spots per month so once my calendar is full I cannot take more. On occasions when lots of births happen early I can take a last minute client, so don’t hesitate to contact me if you are late in your pregnancy I might be able to fit you in. Most clients book me between 6-16 weeks. Feel free to drop me a note to let me know you are interested; I would love to hear from you.
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Do you have payment plans?
I understand becoming new parents can be a very expensive time. Normally I receive two payments. If it is easier for your family you can pay in monthly installments. Please check out my packages here.
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Where can I see more of your work?
Come give my facebook page a little love. I post new images often.
If you have any questions I haven’t answered, please feel free to contact me. Birth Photographer Vancouver. I look forward to chatting with you about your birth. Email me at moraghastings@gmail.com or give me a call 778 836 6736.
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Want to hear more about why people choose to have their birth photographed. I recently wrote this blog post on why people choose to hire a professional birth photographer.
To schedule, a free consultation email me at moraghastings@gmail.com.