Giving Birth at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus | Looking Back

Birth Photography at the Ottawa Civic Hospital

A past client and now friend answers some questions about what it’s like to look back at birth images from her birth at the Civic Hospital years later (many years - ha ha). As you consider hiring a birth photographer I invite you to read about past clients’ experiences with their photos and what they mean to them - then and now.

She also shares about her choice to birth at the Civic specifically and about what it’s like to have a baby there.

Why did you hire a birth photographer?

I hired a photographer because I was always enamored by the raw, powerful, and beautiful images I'd seen of other births. I knew we were done having babies after this one so it seemed natural to commemorate the event with images taken by something better than a smartphone.

Tell me about your choice of birthplace. What led you to the Civic Hospital?

I work in obstetrics/gynecology as an ultrasound tech. I knew I wanted to deliver at the civic because I work closely with many of the doctors in the call group. That increased my chance of having someone I knew and trusted at my birth. Lucky for me, I knew my OB at this delivery, and I was delighted to see her when the moment came.

What are the rooms like at the Civic Birthing Unit?

I'm not going to lie - they are hospital rooms. Bigger than I thought but nothing fancy. I didn't use the tub except to quickly clean up after delivery. There were lots of props - balls, slings. I ended up with an epidural and didn't use the props after that. The nurses were generally good, some better than others but all were professional. Honestly, I wasn't looking for a home/spa / calming environment. During labour I was way too focused on my task at hand to be concerned about the room's ambiance - I could have been in the middle of the floor at Costco and I wouldn't have noticed.

What pain management options did you choose at the Civic Birthing Unit?

I laboured as long as I could at home and wanted few interventions. However, I succumbed to fatigue after over 24 hours of no sleep so I opted for an epidural. I had had a bad experience with my last pregnancy's epidural but this one was amazing. I literally didn't feel anything during the delivery after my epidural.

Did you look at your birth photos immediately when they were delivered? What was your experience?

Yes, I looked at them as soon as I could. I liked the sneak peeks but the final product was amazing. I felt so grateful for them after seeing them - they brought back many positive emotions.

How does it feel to see your birth photos six (eight) years later?

I still get teary when I see them. And nostalgic for such a fleeting moment.

What would you share with someone considering a birth photographer?

This is a moment you will never get back. To have the experience captured is worth every penny. I regret not having a photographer for my first delivery.

Thank you Marie! (Marie Avila RDMS (FE, OB) , RYT)

If you are considering birth photography for your birth, there are birth photographers in Ottawa and Gatineau who offer this service! (I’ve retired - but have worked with many and I do offer birth photography workshops for doulas and photographers looking to transition into this beautiful profession).