Filming childbirth in photo and video format is becoming an increasingly common practice worldwide, but the situation in Latvia is different. To find out what rules must be followed and how often families choose to film or photograph childbirth, the portal Jauns.lv contacted several medical institutions.
In the Riga maternity hospital, it is noted that the desire to film or photograph the childbirth process has not significantly changed in recent years, writes Otkrito.lv. From time to time, families indeed want to capture the childbirth process itself, but most often, expectant parents prefer to photograph or film the baby and mother immediately after birth.
Important requirements for participants
The maternity hospital emphasizes that both the accompanying person of the birthing woman and the birth photographer must have undergone a chest X-ray to exclude the risk of tuberculosis. If a photographer is planned to be present at the birth in addition to a close person, the medical institution must be notified in advance.
During the flu epidemic, the presence of a photographer at the birth may be limited to reduce the risk of infection spreading.
Filming — only with the patient's permission
Photo and video recording is only possible with the consent of the patient. The same rule applies to medical staff: a midwife or doctor can only be filmed if they do not object. If any of the medical personnel do not wish to be captured on camera, the filming must be organized in such a way that only the mother and/or newborn are in the frame.
The main thing is not to interfere with work
The maternity hospital supports the desire to preserve this special moment in life, but emphasizes that the filming process should not interfere with the staff's work. Tripods and other equipment may restrict the movement of medical personnel, so the most delicate and unobtrusive solutions should be chosen.
Experience of the Vidzeme Hospital
Currently, there is no trend in the Vidzeme Hospital for expectant mothers wanting to film or photograph the childbirth process. In most cases, parents prefer to focus on the childbirth itself and meeting the newborn. Hospital representatives emphasize that the main thing is to ensure a safe and calm environment for both the mother and the baby.
In Latvia, filming childbirth is possible, but specific rules must be followed, and the requirements of medical staff must be respected. The primary importance is the patient's desire and safety, as well as avoiding interference with the work of medical personnel. Photo and video memories of childbirth are most often created after the child is born, allowing parents to preserve special moments without stress and unnecessary restrictions.
