Welcoming a baby into the world is a day you’ll want to remember forever (obviously ☺️). While the feelings and emotions of this moment are unforgettable, birth images have the incredible power to transport you back to those first precious hours—bringing the sights, details, and connections to life again. Whether you hire a professional photographer or capture these memories with your own camera, having a plan for documenting your labor and delivery moments can make all the difference.
As a labor nurse, mom, and storyteller, I know how much these photos mean to families. My own birth photos are some of my most treasured possessions, and I’m so thankful for the expertise of photographers like Monet Moutrie, who specialize in documenting these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Monet’s ability to capture the raw, powerful beauty of birth is unmatched, and her images remind us just how sacred and transformative this time truly is. If you’re considering a birth photographer, I can’t recommend her enough if you’re in the Denver area! Unless otherwise noted, all photos here are from her!
Whether you’re working with a professional like Monet or handing off the camera to a trusted support person, this guide will help ensure no special moment is missed.
A quick note: if you don’t have a birth photographer, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! I did not for my first 2 babies! You can still DIY these and they will still be such a sweet and treasured piece of your birth story. Hopefully this post will give you some ideas to capture exactly what you want to capture! ❤️
But before we dive into all these birth image picture ideas – Who is The Labor Mama and Why Am I Here?
Hey friend! I’m Lo – also known around here and social media as The Labor Mama. I’ve spent my nursing career in labor, delivery, and postpartum, have birthed 4 of my own babies, have labored thousands of mamas at the bedside, have taught thousands of students online, and have even delivered a few speedy little babies with my bare hands (oops).
Here at TLM, I offer online classes about birth, postpartum, newborn care, and breastfeeding to empower you the way everyone should be. The education + support I offer gives you experience, evidence, and empathy; you’re getting all of my years of “clinical” RN knowledge, honestly combined with my real experiences as a mama, nurse, and CLC. These are not your average hospital classes (those won’t do it, I promise), and honestly, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding don’t follow a textbook or protocol anyway. You need to know so much more than that!
If you want to connect with me further, head to Instagram. There are hundreds of thousands of us over there learning together daily.
Labor & Birth Images You Don’t Want to Miss
Support in Action
Birth is often a team effort, whether it involves a partner, doula, or another support person. These photos highlight the ways loved ones step in to provide strength and care during labor. Think about capturing moments like a partner applying counterpressure to ease contractions, holding mom’s hand during a tough wave, or offering her a sip of water between pushes.
Don’t overlook quieter moments of teamwork, like a partner rubbing mom’s back or simply sitting nearby to offer silent encouragement. These shots reflect the bond and dedication that define the birth experience and remind you of the love and effort that surrounded you during this time.
Mom Handling Contractions Alone
Childbirth is a deeply personal and transformative experience, and some of the most powerful photos come from moments when mom is fully in her own zone. Look for opportunities to capture her breathing deeply, leaning over a bed or counter, moving into the OR, or swaying through contractions.
These images celebrate her strength and resilience, showcasing her journey through labor. Whether she’s using a birthing ball, pacing the room, or focusing on affirmations, these solo moments are often the ones that reveal the raw power of birth.
The Room’s Details
Your hospital room becomes a sacred space during labor, and the small details you add make it uniquely yours. Capture photos of the affirmation cards taped to the wall, the soft glow of a string of lights, or the diffuser gently filling the air with calming scents.
If you’ve brought items from home, like a favorite blanket or pillow, these personal touches deserve a spot in your photo collection. Even the placement of snacks, water bottles, or birth tools like a TENS unit or peanut ball can tell the story of how you prepared to welcome your baby.
The Day Baby Was Born
The world outside the hospital adds context to your birth story, giving you a sense of the day and time when your baby arrived. Capture the weather—whether it’s a sunny blue sky, a gentle snowfall, or even a dramatic thunderstorm.
If there’s a significant feature nearby, like a park, city skyline, or the hospital entrance itself, include it in your shots. These images serve as a backdrop to your story, grounding your memories in the day your baby came into the world.
Love in the Little Things
Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures that carry the most weight. The way a partner places their hand on mom’s back during a contraction or the tender way they look at her while she rests speaks volumes.
Capture close-up shots of hands entwined, a gentle forehead kiss, or even a smile exchanged during a quiet moment. These relational details highlight the emotional connection between mom and her support team, offering a glimpse into the love and care that surrounded her during labor.
The Last Belly Photo
Pregnancy is a journey worth celebrating, and the final moments before baby’s arrival mark the end of this chapter. Whether you take a mirror selfie in your hospital gown, a candid shot while walking the halls, or a posed photo with a partner, this image is a meaningful keepsake.
Consider adding playful touches, like cradling your belly with a sign that reads “Baby Day” or documenting the date with a whiteboard in the background. This photo captures the anticipation and excitement right before everything changes.
Birth and First Reactions
There’s nothing quite like the moment your baby is born. While some hospitals may have restrictions on photography during certain parts of the delivery, if you’re able to document this time, the emotions captured will be unforgettable.
Photos of baby being placed on mom’s chest, their first cries, or even the look of relief and joy on mom’s face are some of the most treasured moments. These images don’t have to be perfect—raw and real is what makes them so powerful.
Shared with permission from TLM Student
Shared with permission from TLM Student
The First Connection
Finally getting to know baby, on the outside, is one of the most emotional and awe-inspiring moments of the birth experience. This is when the long-awaited connection finally becomes tangible—baby’s tiny body placed on mom’s chest, their skin touching for the first time, and mom’s expression filled with love, relief, and wonder.
Capture the rawness of this moment: the way mom’s arms instinctively wrap around her baby, the first kiss on their forehead, or the tears of joy in her eyes. Include close-up shots of baby nestled against mom, their tiny head resting on her chest, and even details like mom’s hand cradling their back.
Skin-to-Skin Moments with Parents
Skin-to-skin contact is one of the most intimate and bonding experiences after birth. These moments are not only beautiful but also crucial for your baby’s adjustment to life outside the womb. Capture mom holding baby against her chest in those first few moments of connection—the way baby nestles close, the look of peace on mom’s face, and even the tiny details of a hospital blanket draped over them.
Don’t forget to include dad or the non-birthing parent, too! Skin-to-skin with dad is just as special and offers unique photo opportunities, from the strength of his arms cradling baby to the tenderness in his expression. These moments showcase the beginning of a lifelong bond and are some of the most meaningful photos to treasure.
Details You Won’t Want to Forget
In the early hours after birth, everything about your baby feels precious and fleeting. Capture their tiny features—the wrinkles on their feet, their curled fingers, and their scrunched-up nose. Don’t forget to include close-ups of the hospital bracelet, swaddle, and even their first outfit.
These small details change so quickly, and photos of these moments will bring you right back to your baby’s first days.
First Feed and Measurements
The first latch or bottle feed is a milestone worth documenting. Whether it’s mom gazing down lovingly at baby while nursing or dad holding the bottle, these photos reflect the care and connection that starts in these early moments.
Pair this with a photo of baby’s weight on the hospital scale, their tiny footprint stamped on paper, or their length recorded on a birth record. These measurements may seem like just numbers, but they’re part of your baby’s story.
Guests and Joyful Introductions
If siblings, grandparents, or close friends visit the hospital, capture the magic of these introductions. Photos of big siblings meeting the baby for the first time, grandparents holding their newest grandchild, or family members peeking through the hospital bassinet are the sweetest memories.
These photos not only celebrate your baby but also the community of love welcoming them into the world.
Personal photo from our collection
First Family Photo
Before you leave the hospital, take your first official photo as a family. It doesn’t have to be posed or perfect—messy hair, tired eyes, and wrinkled gowns all add to the authenticity.
However, if you are looking for some cute pj’s for your photos, I do have a blog post with some of my favorite (and super cute!) options.
Whether you’re sitting on the hospital bed, standing near the window, or snuggled up on the couch, this photo represents the start of your journey as a family.
Fresh Postpartum
The first hours after birth are raw, tender, and filled with emotion—a time of transition and bonding as mom, baby, and the birth team adjust to this new chapter. These moments offer an incredible opportunity to capture the reality and beauty of postpartum. A photo of mom resting with her baby in her arms, her expression a mix of joy, awe, and exhaustion, tells a powerful story. Document the small details, like the warm hospital blanket wrapped around mom, the bedside tray with her first postpartum snack or drink, and the way she gazes at her newborn with wonder.
This is also a special time to capture the partner’s bonding moments—holding the baby for the first time, whispering softly, or simply gazing at them with pride and love. Early feeding attempts, whether nursing or bottle-feeding, are another meaningful milestone to document, showcasing the beginning of mom and baby’s connection.
Leaving the Hospital
The moment you leave the hospital is a monumental step. Capture baby snug in their car seat, the packed diaper bag by your side, or a photo of your family standing outside the hospital doors.
This image marks the transition from your birth story to the beginning of your life together at home.
Personal photo from our collection
To wrap up this post about labor and delivery pictures…
No two births are the same, and that’s what makes your photos so special. They tell the unique story of your journey to meeting your baby—the moments of strength, love, and joy that define this sacred time. Whether you’re framing these memories, tucking them into an album, or revisiting them on your phone during late-night feeds, these images will be a reminder of the incredible day your baby was born.
Capturing these moments doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little planning and a checklist of the photos you’d love to take, you can ensure your story is beautifully documented. Speaking of planning—if you’re preparing for birth, I’ve got you covered. I have courses for everything you need to know from prepping for labor and delivery or vaginal birth after cesarean, to breastfeeding and the fourth trimester.
What moments are you most excited to capture during your birth? Or if you’ve already welcomed your baby, what’s your favorite photo from their birth story? Share in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! xx-Lo
Loved this blog post? Here’s some others you’ll probably like:
- My First Birth Story: Unmedicated, Midwife Birth
- My Second Birth Story: A Precipitous Hospital Birth
- A Peaceful Unmedicated Hospital Birth: My Third Birth Story
- Newborn Must-Haves: 13 Items My Family Has Loved
More resources (and freebies!) for you to take a peek at:
- Comprehensive Birth Plan and Birth Priorities templates
- A complete Third Trimester Checklist
- The RN + mama of 4 Ultimate Packing List
- The Labor Mama online birthing classes for every family
