CAN I HAVE MY BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHED OR FILMED DURING COVID-19?
The short answer: YES!
Here in British Columbia, especially Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health regions, there are many hospital restrictions in place that are not allowing additional people in the birthing room if you are having a hospital birth.
Home Births with Midwives are a bit different; they do recommend limiting the amount of people present, but there are no hard rules, and it’s ultimately your birth and your choice.
So how have I been able to photograph not only home, but also hospital births during this entire pandemic?
I am also a Birth Doula! The Doula Services Association of BC has worked incredibly hard with Hospitals to allow certified doulas (with a DSA badge) to be there in addition to the birther’s one chosen support person. Every one of my hospital birth clients have added *Doula Services to their package, and I have been allowed in multiple hospitals to support my clients, and also document with no issues.
During your birth, my doula support includes use of my Tens Machine and other tools, constant verbal/emotional support of both you and your partner, physical support when needed (counterpressure, hip squeezes etc.), and help with things like breastfeeding post birth.
*Feel free to reach out to me if you think you may not need all the prenatal/postpartum visits included in my doula package, or if you have any other questions.
WILL MY BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHER OR DOULA WEAR PPE? IS IT SAFE?
Yes of course! I wear clean clothes or scrubs, a mask and sanitize often, making sure not to touch my face or personal belonging without cleaning my hands before/after. I do carry protective eyewear and gloves, for times they may be needed. I wipe my camera with Alcohol wipes to keep it sanitized. I always do a Covid symptom check on myself before I see any client.
We are a pretty cautious family and have been wearing masks and taking precautions this whole pandemic, however there is always a risk to adding an additional person to your birth space, so it’s something you definitely have to make an informed choice on.
WHAT ABOUT OTHER PHOTO OR VIDEO SESSIONS IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND MY BIRTH?
Even with current restrictions (no visitors outside of your home), I am still allowed in your home, just as a plumber or contractor would be allowed in your home! It’s my job! I do as many photo sessions outdoors as possible, but as long as everyone in your family is healthy and I can keep some distance indoors, I am comfortable with masking up and still photographing your family. Time is still passing, your kids are still growing and reaching milestones. It’s so important to keep documenting these days!
A FEW MORE INCREDIBLE PANDEMIC BIRTHS I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHED THIS YEAR…
*note that this was early during Covid, and Savannah’s Midwives are both close friends of hers who were actually in her same social bubble, so Savannah chose to have her birth team not wear masks.