Professional Photography

Women & Newborns Center
2827 Fort Missoula Rd.
Missoula, MT 59804
P: (406) 327-4100

Community Medical Center and its staff are delighted to be part of the birth of your baby. Because the birth of a baby is a special time that many people like to record with pictures and video, we want you to be aware of Community Medical Center's policies regarding photography.

Videotaping & Still Photography in Labor & Delivery

May we take pictures during labor and delivery?
You may take pictures before and after the birth of your baby. If you wish to have pictures or video of the events surrounding the birth of your baby, we encourage you to arrange for one of your support persons to bring a camera and be in charge of picture taking or you may hire an independent photographer to join you for birthing and/or newborn photos. It is a good idea to discuss ahead of time which pictures you would like taken and which ones you would not.

Here are some important points for successful recording of these events:

• Make sure your camera / phone is charged.
• Cameras must be battery operated – electrical cords are a safety hazard.
• You cannot use a tripod in Labor & Delivery
• Please ask staff before including them in your photos and respect their decision if they do not wish to be in a picture.

Are there times when we cannot take pictures/video?

For numerous reasons, including patient safety, infection control, and respect of staff’s rights, no photography is allowed during the following times in Labor and Delivery:

• During medical procedures in labor, such as placement of an epidural or checking of the cervix.
• Photos can be taken in the operating room of the baby after birth (please do not photograph staff members or the procedure area)
• If the staff becomes very busy because of a problem, please turn off your cameras and follow any directions given by the medical team as they work; they will let you know when it is safe to continue taking pictures
• During medical procedures on the newborn – ask the care providers when you may take the first picture of your new family member
• After a cesarean birth, the mother will be taken to a recovery room. There may be another patient in the recovery room at the same time, and you are asked to respect the privacy of the other patient.
• Under no circumstance may a patient/visitor take a photograph/video of another patient/visitor
• Due to safety concerns, the provider reserves the right to determine if photographs are appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

Videotaping and Still Photography in Antepartum, Mother & Baby and NICU

You may take pictures and video of the events surrounding the birth of your baby on these units with these things in mind:

• For patient safety and respect of staff’s rights Community Medical Center does not allow direct filming of medical procedures. Please turn cameras of any kind off during these times.
• If the staff becomes very busy because of a problem, please turn off your cameras and follow any directions given by the medical team as they work; they will let you know when it is safe to continue taking pictures
• Please ask staff before including them in your photos and respect their decision if they do not wish to be in a picture.
• Should your baby go to the NICU you may also take pictures there. The staff in this unit will give your instructions on how to successfully get the pictures you wish to have.

If you have any questions about photography and our policies, talk with your physician or midwife. Again, we are pleased to share this important event with you.