Caesarean Birth in Glasgow, Princess Royal Maternity Hospital

This story begins with a bit of a pre-epilogue. When my wonderful client, Bailey, first reached out to me, we envisioned capturing a beautiful birth at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital. Every conversation we had in the months leading up to the big day revolved around that plan.

But as fate would have it, everything shifted at 34 weeks. During a routine scan, Bailey received the news that her little one was in a breech position—meaning the baby was positioned feet or bottom first in the uterus.

While there was still time for the baby to turn, discussions soon began about the possibility of an elective caesarean birth.

A date was set, and as the weeks flew by, the baby stayed breech.

As a birth photographer, I felt a wave of panic. While I’m always welcomed with warmth on the maternity wards, the operating theatre has been a different story—gaining access as a photographer is rarely allowed, if ever so far in Scotland! Determined to be there for Bailey, I reached out to the hospital multiple times a day, advocating for permission to capture this special moment.

Despite my efforts, my calls went unanswered for days. We came to terms with the reality: I would still accompany Bailey and her partner, Landon, to the hospital, documenting everything up until the birth, meeting them again afterward to take the precious moments with the little one. But the chances of being allowed inside the theatre remained slim.

So, we made a decision—I'd go along, camera in hand, and we’d see what happened. Little did we know just how this story would unfold…

The Waiting Game and a Glimmer of Hope

The day had finally arrived.

At 7:30 AM, I met Bailey and Landon at the maternity hospital, both buzzing with excitement. Today, they would finally meet their little one! As Landon went off to park the car, I walked with Bailey to the ward.

As we approached, a midwife opened the door and greeted Bailey with a warm smile. “Today’s the big day!” she said cheerfully. Then, noticing me, she asked who I was.

With a grin, I responded, “I’m her birth photographer.”

The midwife let out a laugh. “Ah! You’re the one we’ve heard so much about!”

Bailey and I exchanged glances, both thinking the same thing—Well, that’s a good start!

But then came the uncertainty. The midwife explained that I couldn’t be in the ward during Bailey’s initial checks and that she’d need to confirm whether I’d be allowed any further access. There was no clear answer yet.

So, I did what birth photographers often do—I waited.

I settled onto a chair in the hallway, making myself as comfortable as possible while Landon rejoined Bailey inside.

Waiting… and More Waiting

Time passed slowly. Minutes turned into hours.

Landon sent me occasional texts from inside the ward—Still waiting. No word yet on whether you can join us.

Then, finally, a flicker of hope. A midwife told us that I might be allowed in once the ward was cleared of other couples awaiting their caesareans. It wasn’t a guarantee, but it was something.

At 12:30 PM, Landon suddenly appeared at the door, grinning. “You can come in now!”

That was my cue! I eagerly stepped into the ward and started capturing what I could—though, admittedly, there are only so many photos you can take of people… waiting. So, I settled in beside Bailey and Landon, sharing in their anticipation while bracing myself for the possibility of being asked to leave again.

Then, momentum picked up.

A midwife returned, asking Bailey to change into her hospital gown. “It won’t be much longer now,” she reassured us. Still, no one could confirm if I’d be allowed in the theatre, but she mentioned that someone would be coming to talk to us soon.

The Moment of Truth

Before long, a woman in scrubs approached us. “What are your wishes regarding birth photography?” she asked.

Bailey, without hesitation, beamed. “Anything! We have no special requests—we just really want our photographer there.”

I quickly chimed in, “That’s me.”

The woman smiled and introduced herself—she was the anesthetist who would be in the theatre during the birth. My heart raced. I knew I had just struck gold.

Wasting no time, I carefully explained what I wouldn’t do, reassuring her about my role and how I would work discreetly. She listened intently, then gave a small nod and smiled.

“I think we can make that work… I’ll check with the others and let you know.”

As she walked away, the three of us sat there, stunned.

“At least it’s not a no!”

Bailey, now dressed in her very fashionable hospital gown, beamed with excitement. The reality had finally set in—soon, she would be holding her baby in her arms.

Very, very soon.

The Final Wait Before the Big Moment
A midwife approached us again, this time with instructions. “Can you please follow me to the waiting room just outside the theatre?” she asked. Then, turning to me with a warm smile, she added, “You’re welcome as well.”

I was stunned. I had been preparing myself for rejection, yet here I was—granted access to document this once-in-a-lifetime moment for Bailey and Landon.

We followed the midwife into a new room, and—surprise—more waiting.

Not long after, the familiar face of the lovely anesthetist peeked around the corner. “Bailey and Landon, it’s time,” she said gently. “We’re going to take you in so Bailey can get her spinal anesthesia.” She then turned to me with an apologetic look. “You won’t be allowed in for this part, but once the birth begins, we’ll bring you back in.”

I watched as Bailey and Landon disappeared behind the doors, a mix of excitement and nerves written on their faces. Meanwhile, a midwife led me to my new waiting chair and handed me a hospital hat and a scrub-like gown for over my clothes. “You’ll need to tuck your hair away and change into these,” she instructed.

I quickly changed, then received one final rule—I could only bring in the essentials.

Sitting down, I held my camera in my lap: Alright, you better not let me down in there—I won’t be able to adjust or switch anything once I step inside.

The hallway had an unexpected, almost lighthearted energy. Whoever was in charge of theatre music had great taste—upbeat songs filled the space, adding a cheery vibe to the air. As I waited, surgeons passed by, giving me polite nods.

But doubt started creeping in. Can I do this? Who am I to step into a surgical theatre? What if… they don’t come back for me? Have they forgotten I’m here?

Before my mind could spiral any further, a midwife suddenly appeared around the corner.

“It’s time. You can come in now.”

My heart pounded as I stood up, took a deep breath, and followed her through the doors into the theatre.

The Birth

As I stepped into the theatre, the moment we had all been waiting for was finally here.

Bailey was prepped and ready, a surgical screen in front of her. Landon sat beside her, holding her hand, whispering words of love and reassurance. The air buzzed with anticipation.

I was led to—surprise—another chair! But this time, I knew this was my spot. From here, I had to capture everything. I snapped photos of Landon supporting Bailey, soaking in the emotion of the moment. Then, suddenly, I noticed the surgeons making rhythmic, pulling movements behind the screen.

It reminded me of someone kneading dough— I knew exactly what that meant.

It was go time.

I quickly adjusted my camera, ensuring my settings were perfect. Then—at exactly 13:52—the theatre filled with the most incredible sound.

A baby’s first cry.

Joy erupted as the little one was lifted into the air, making their grand entrance into the world.

Everything moved quickly—cord clamped and cut, tiny hands reaching, warm blankets wrapped snugly. Within moments, the baby was placed on Bailey’s chest, their first meeting as mother and child.

Then, the anesthetist turned to me with a smile. “Feel free to move around now.”

I followed as Landon accompanied his newborn for their first checks and weigh-in. Once everything was confirmed to be perfect, he returned to Bailey, where their baby was gently placed against his chest for those first, precious moments of skin-to-skin bonding.

Love filled the room as this new family of three took each other in.

- The photograph has on purpose dark edges to ensure the privacy of the medical staff involved -

After the Birth

Bailey and Landon were soon taken to the recovery room, where I continued documenting the raw beauty of these first hours together. After capturing all I needed, I stepped back, giving them space to soak in their new reality.

Not long after, Bailey was moved to the ward, while Landon left to pick up their eldest daughter—someone very excited to meet her new sibling!

I stayed with Bailey, ensuring she was doing well while also giving her time to rest. A few hours later, Landon returned, hand in hand with their daughter, who was beaming with excitement. Granddad and Grandma soon followed, completing the picture of a growing, love-filled family.

Then came a true birth day celebration—cake was cut (a classic Colin the Caterpillar, of course!), congratulations were shared, and the joy in the room was undeniable.

At 6 PM, I made my way to my car, my heart full. Documenting these moments for Bailey and Landon was an absolute privilege.

Recognition

None of this would have been possible without the incredible staff at the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital. Because they welcomed me into the theatre, this family now has priceless memories of their baby’s birth, forever captured.

As a beautiful full-circle moment, one of the images from this birth later received the Commended Award by Birth Photographer of the Year.

To express our gratitude, I had the opportunity to return to the hospital, meet with the wonderful anesthetist who made this all possible and present them with a framed photograph—a heartfelt thank-you from both the family and me.

So, to everyone at Princess Royal Maternity Hospital, to the incredible anesthetist, and, of course, to Bailey & Landon—thank you.

-Bailey mentioned that reading and seeing others' birth stories and photographs helped her prepare for her own. By sharing her own story and photos, she hopes to pay it forward.-

Would you also like your birth beautifully documented just like Bailey & Landon?