I'm so excited to be on your birth team!
This guide will walk you through some of the most common questions I get from clients during the prenatal period. It also serves as a bank of information and resources you can turn to anytime during your pregnancy.
That said, please remember that I am here for you! If you have questions at anytime, please feel free to call, text, or shoot me an email at Leslie@novitaphoto.com. I will respond to non-urgent questions within 1 business day, and urgent questions as soon as possible (if not immediately!).
*This guide is meant for both doula & photography clients. If you've only hired me for photography, please scroll to the "photography" section!
For Doula Clients
FAQ
What does the process look like during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, I am available to you as a resource, so please use me! Whether that's questions after a prenatal appointment, wanting to bounce ideas about your birth plan, or simply to say hi!
We will meet in person (or via video chat for long distance) at least once before your due date to talk in depth about your birth plan and how I can best support you. I am also available to meet up more often if you wish, whether that's for coffee or a walk in the park just to chat. My goal is that by the time you're in labor, we're already well acquainted and you feel 100% comfortable and safe with me.
When do I call you in labor?
I am ready to support you in labor as soon as you'd like support! That can look like phone/text support, me coming to your house to offer physical support, or meeting you at the hospital. It's totally up to you!
I do ask that you send me updates after prenatal appointments, and if you're noticing any symptoms of early labor (nothing is TMI!) so that I can be as prepared as possible to join you when you're ready. Depending on your birth location, it can take me up to 1.5-2 hours to join you once you're ready for me.
What will my partner's role during the birth be?
Your partner and I will work together as a team to support you! Your partner knows you best, and I know birth - so together we will be able to offer comfort and support in a way that works best for you.
While most people believe that I am the doula only for the mother, I am also the doula for your partner! Part of my role is helping to make sure your partner is taking care of themselves during your birth, so they can better care for you and your new baby in the postpartum.
Are you able to join my prenatal appointments?
If I have enough notice of prenatal appointments, I am happy to attend them with you - whether that's in person or via video chat (like FaceTime). Some clients find comfort in having their doula present during prenatal appointments to help remember what was said, ask clarifying questions in the moment, and help advocate for your desires.
What happens if you get sick or otherwise can't make it to my birth?
GREAT question. Birth is unpredictable. Sickness happens. Bad weather happens. While I put every protection in place I possibly can to make sure I'm available when you go into labor, it is impossible to guarantee I can be there. I have a list of back up doulas that I trust to care for you as well as I would. In the event that I am unable to attend your birth, I will send an available backup doula to attend your birth. If you also hired me for photography, I will do my best to send a backup photographer as well.
What resources do you have to help me prepare for birth?
I have a TON of resources and I love sharing them! A lot of them are listed below in this guide. I also tend to share resources as things come up during your pregnancy, so that the resources match your unique situation.
I also have an online childbirth education/preparation class that I recommend to all of my clients. It is a unique course that covers everything you need to know about birth, plus how to navigate the medical system while maintaining autonomy and self-trust. It's a game-changer!
Childbirth Preparation
My most successful clients are the ones who actively engage in the process and put in the work to create the experience they want. And those who have gone through my online childbirth prep series often share that, even when birth doesn’t go according to plan, they still walk away feeling empowered, informed, and deeply grateful for their experience.
A lot of birth courses focus on teaching you how to achieve one specific outcome. Ours doesn’t. In The Birth Alchemy Course, taught by me and my birth bestie Kayla Baker (Mother Knows Birth Doula), we teach you everything you need to know about birth—plus how to navigate a system that isn’t designed to support natural birth.
Most importantly, you’ll learn how to keep coming back to your own inner compass so you can make decisions that feel right for you and your baby. Because at the end of the day, you know your body and your baby best—and you’ll continue making those decisions long after you leave the hospital.
Photography Clients
FAQ
When do we call you?
I ask clients to keep me updated as their due date approaches. Please shoot me a text after your midwife / doctor appointments, as well as if you notice any potential signs of early labor. Nothing is TMI, and more communication is always better!
Unless you've also hired me as your doula, I will plan to arrive at your birth location when your labor is well established. If you no longer are able to call/text and your partner/doula has to make the call, that's probably a good time!
Text updates are fine, but please CALL when you're ready for me. It can take 1.5-2 hours for me to reach you, depending on your birth location.
How long do you stay?
In most cases, I will be with you from the time I arrive at your birth location through about 2 hours postpartum.
What if you can't make it to my birth?
Birth is unpredictable. Sickness happens. Weather happens. If I am unable to come to your birth, I will contact my backup photographers to ask them to come in my place. If none are available, then we will transfer any money paid towards future photo sessions - which could include a Fresh 48 session, newborn, or family sessions.
Do you use flash?
Yes! I use flash on about 90% of the images I take during a birth. This is how I can capture crisp, clean, high quality photos in often very poor lighting conditions. I use a professional flash that directs the light so it's not flashing directly at you. I tell all of my clients to let me know if the flash bothers them - however, I've never had any complaints! Many women are surprised that they didn't even notice it going off.
How long does it take to receive the final edited photos?
It's soooo exciting to see the final images and I know the anticipation is real! I do my best to get you a sneak peek within 48 hours of your birth. The rest of the photos will be emailed in a password protected online gallery within 3-4 weeks after your baby's birth.
Birth films can take a bit longer - up to 6 weeks for the completed film to be delivered.
Do you do other types of photography sessions too?
Yes! I offer lifestyle maternity and newborn sessions, as well as family sessions as your baby grows. It is the best compliment to be invited back to capture important milestones in your baby/family's life.
If you're interested in scheduling another type of photography session, please reach out and I'll get you the info you need!
What to Wear
It might seem a little silly to talk about what to wear for birth - and truly, you can wear whatever you want. But here are some things to consider for your photos:
things to consider
Wear your own clothing
A lot of people are surprised that you do not have to wear a hospital gown to give birth! You can bring whatever clothing you like. There are a lot of really beautiful birth gowns you can find online. Just remember that birth involves a lot of fluids that may or may not be easy to wash out ;)
Consider modesty / how much you want to share the photos
If you're planning to show off these photos, I recommend deciding how much you're comfortable showing. A lot of my clients choose a pretty bralette to labor/birth in to keep their top half covered (and beautiful!). If you plan to use the tub/shower, a swim top (or two) is perfect to add to your hospital bag. I recommend bringing multiple options in case one (or more) gets wet/dirty.
for dads / partners
I know dads love their hats, but try to leave them off for the occasion! Hats often block the face in photos, and we don't want to miss any precious reactions! I also ask dads/partners to bring a dark-colored shirt for a very special photo I like to get with partners and their brand new baby.
Still have questions?
Please reach out! You can call/text me at (402) 217-1495 or email me at Leslie@novitaphoto.com.