Birth Photography of a San Antonio Family-Centered Cesarean

As a doula and birth photographer, it is a priority of mine to improve the c-section experience in San Antonio one family at a time. Doula support and birth documentation shouldn’t stop at the Operating Room doors. Cesarean birth is birth. That means families still need support and the growing of a family should be captured. Some hospitals in other countries and other states are making steps in the right direction to make cesarean birth a positive, family-centered experience. I hope through advocacy and spreading awareness, our city can make those positive changes too. These changes include things like allowing a doula in the OR, allowing a birth photographer in the OR, offering clear drapes or to lower it, delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin for the duration of the surgery, and even maternal delivery if requested.

But big changes happen in small steps, and I’m grateful at least a few local providers are focusing on family-centered c-sections. As the doula and birth photographer for this client, I was able to join her and her husband in the OR. As their doula, I provided emotional support to my client during surgery, helped her partner know where he could go and what he could do, helped facilitate communication throughout the room, and assisted in prioritizing skin-to-skin. As their birth photographer, I obviously was able to capture the special moments a family grew!

Another step being made is to start collecting impact statements from families who either had birth support in the OR (via a doula or birth photographer) or didn’t. These stories will be shared as impact statements on social media, in discussions with local providers, and more. If your doula was denied access to the OR, please explain the impact that had on your birth experience. Please click the link here to leave your statement.