Childbirth photography is a new arrival to Ireland

An increasing number of expectant mums are hiring professionals to photograph the magical moments of childbirth.

Photographer Claire Wilson said she introduced birth photography to the Irish market, having noticed how popular the service had become in the US, Australia, and the UK. However, stricter regulations in Irish hospitals, which limit the number of people in a delivery room, mean she can only record home births.

To ensure she makes it to the birth on time, the 42-year-old mother of two, who is based in Greystones, Co Wicklow, limits her customer base to within an hour’s drive of her home, and is on round-the-clock call two weeks before and two weeks after the due date. Yet Claire says that, despite the restrictions and the unpredictability, her service is becoming increasingly popular here.