Q+A: Should We Videotape the Birth?

Q. I want my husband to videotape our baby's birth. He thinks that's gross. Who's right?

A. You both have a point: While childbirth is a beautiful thing, it definitely can get kinda yucky. But before delving into the pros and cons, first talk with your obstetrician about your hospital's rules. Some flat out won't allow video cameras in the delivery room for legal reasons. "Our hospital only lets families videotape the birth if all parties involved -- from the doctors to the nurses to the anesthesiologist -- give their okay," says Shieva Ghofrany, MD, an ob-gyn in Stamford, Connecticut.

Consider, though, that your husband may have other reasons for not wanting to be the cameraman. Maybe he doesn't want to view the birth of his child through a lens, or perhaps he'd prefer not to have a "job" at such an important time. In those cases, if you're really bent on documenting the event, maybe your mom or best friend could do the honors. But check out that option in advance too, since some hospitals have a policy limiting the number of people allowed in the delivery room.

Originally published in the February 2009 issue of Parents magazine.

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