BEAUTIFUL CESAREAN BIRTH STORY

Originally posted JULY 7, 2017

It has been a while since my last cesarean birth story. I was so excited when they got the OK from their doctor to attend their delivery. Photographers aren't always welcome in the operating room, so it was refreshing to have a doctor so inviting!  I arrived and began photographing a few details outside of the hospital before heading inside where I was met with security, who immediately demanded my equipment and rolls of film (yes, rolls of film from my digital camera). All of the sudden my fun and excitement turned into defensive panic. I explained what I was doing, who I was there for, and where I was headed. Up until stepping inside, I was photographing public space.  I was finally "let go" by security after several minutes of being demanded everything from my personal belongings to who I was and who I was working for (he wouldn't accept that I was in fact  just me, working for myself).   I finally made my way up to labor and delivery where I found not only my clients, but my favorite L&D nurse!  Luckily my first ten minutes inside the hospital were not indicative of the rest of the day. 

The labor and delivery staff were very accommodating in the operating room, even more so than I was anticipating. I was situated in my little corner, out of the way and with plenty of view as I waited for them to hold baby up. When they delivered her, they invited me up to the curtain to photograph her before cutting the cord and handing her off to check vitals. I was thrilled!  Baby girl needed a bit of oxygen and was taken to NICU for a little extra O2 and monitoring. Her big sister waited very patiently in the waiting room. It was so sweet when they finally met! Isn't she just perfect?!