Guest Writer

Fort Worth photographer Bree Perez of Bree Linne Photography answers four questions about birth photography you were too polite to ask.

As I watched the monitor and Dr. S. moved on to Baby B, I remember feeling an immediate sense of dread, just knowing that something was wrong. The change on his face confirmed it. His voice choked up: “That baby is dead.”

Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing event, coupled with anxiety and so, so many questions. It’s a process, and thank goodness it is nine months! I know I certainly needed the time to adjust to the thought of having a little one, not to mention, get used to the idea that my body was changing so much. So, realize this is a tiny window into some things to focus on in your pregnancy. There are a ton of important topics to cover that I won’t be able to touch on with this post, but I wanted to highlight some things to plan for, and other things you shouldn’t worry too much about.

You’ve made it through months of pregnancy hormones and cravings while being the most supportive partner ever (right?). Now it’s time for labor and this is your moment to shine. At a minimum, this is the time for you to be a kind, supportive partner that is helpful, and not hindering during labor. Here are some useful tips from a guy who has been there a few times.

I question if I am making the right decision for my children to live in a house that is occasionally ripe with tension, knowing they pick up on my unease and feelings of uncertainty. I worry about the day when things fall apart and they are old enough to really understand. I ask myself if it would be better if we separated.

For a while, I felt as though I wasn't "allowed" to feel happy or excited about my completely accidental, contentiously conceived pregnancy. I felt as though I shouldn't talk about it, shouldn't acknowledge the horrible symptoms that come along with the first trimester, should try to pretend it wasn't happening.

Leaving your child can be the best way to help him or her establish the necessary skills successful adults possess. We aren’t talking about a sleep-over or a weekend with the grandparents. No, this is much more than that. This is summer camp.