Claire Saye Birth Services

I knew early on in my pregnancy that I wanted my birth photographed. The opportunity to look back on the experience once my partner and I had settled into parenthood was a big draw, also having a chronology of what happened when, as I anticipated not being able to remember too much afterwards about the birth.The hunt began to find someone who I felt comfortable being present at such a personal and private moment and could also deliver the shots I had in mind. I was extremely lucky to find Claire who happened to live between my home and the hospital. I liked the photographs featured on her website and how the style of each was clearly tailored to each birth and what the birthing women wanted from her photographs.My partner and I first met with Claire about six months into my pregnancy. She visited us at home and I immediately warmed to her, she is friendly and sincere. Claire speaks about birth and birth photography with the experience and understanding of a mum and a photographer. Her passion for birth photography was obvious from the moment we began talking, it quickly felt like speaking to a knowledgable friend.I had thought a lot before we met about what kind of photographs I hoped would be captured, and we spoke in depth about that. Claire was able to raise points that hadn’t occurred to me - when she would join us at the hospital, if I was happy for her to speak whilst I was labouring, when she would begin using a flash to capture images, etc. Discussing these details meant that I felt prepared and completely comfortable about what would happen on the day in respect of the photographs. Claire, my partner and I set up a WhatsApp group to allow us to easily communicate in the lead up to the birth.I attended a family member’s wedding in Cheshire at eight and a half months pregnant. To my astonishment, Claire was happy to discuss the possibility of traveling the four hours or so to me in the hope of capturing the birth if I went in to labour whilst away. This is an indication of Claire’s dedication - if she can capture your birth, she will, very little will stand in her way!I updated Claire via WhatsApp when my surges began and her and my partner continued to communicate over the next 20 hours before I went to the birthing centre. Claire joined us shortly after I’d been admitted and had got into the birthing pool. Claire was as quiet as a mouse, respecting the hypnobirthing techniques I had learnt before the birth. My daughter was born very suddenly and unbelievably Claire managed to photograph the key moment that she was born, even the midwife didn’t realise the baby was out! In the hours after the birth, Claire acted as a photographer but also as a friend. She was professional, respectful, helpful and reassuring.Claire sent us some initial shots in the first day or so to use to announce the birth as agreed and the remaining photographs were delivered within the week. I cried when I viewed them, they are stunning. I regularly show people who are interested (often curious!) to demonstrate how wonderful birth photography is. I have a beautiful record of my daughter’s first hours on this Earth and I can’t wait to show her when she’s older. Claire visited me in the weeks after the birth and I really feel I have gained a friend for life. If my partner and I choose to have another child in the future, there will be no question that Claire will be present.

Without a doubt, I would recommend Claire.Claire was my birth photographer for our two children, in 2019 and 2023, and I love her so much that I have also asked her to do a few documentary style newborn and family photoshoots over the years. She is so genuinely lovely, it’s delightful to have her around on any occasion.During a birth, Claire will get all the best shots but remain inconspicuous at the same time. In other moments she puts on her doula hat to give you the gentle guidance you need.I’m so grateful that she has caught many of the moments that I couldn’t during labour, like my babies’ first moments in this world and the look of overwhelming love and pure joy on my husband’s face.The photos are beautiful and I will treasure them for life.Thank you Claire, from the bottom of my heart, and no doubt I’ll see you again!

I recently gave birth and had Claire as my doula. It was my 2nd pregnancy and was a completely different experience thanks to Claire. Her knowledge, expertise and passion around birth is second to none and nothing was too much trouble. She guided me throughout my pregnancy, advised me of all of my birth options and created multiple birth plans for me in case of every eventuality. Claire truly went above and beyond to make me feel as calm and prepared as I could be for labour. I had the exact birth that I had wished for thanks to Claire!

We decided to investigate getting a doula when we realised we couldn't manage a home birth and a toddler on our own. After speaking with Claire on the phone I was sure she was the one as she seemed to immediately get how I wanted to approach the birth and my general attitude about birthing and interventions. And we couldn't of been happier with the support Claire offered during the meetings before and after birth and the birth itself.Our son arrived at 42 weeks and all the while up until this point Claire was reassuring and responsive. I definitely would have said yes (without wanting to) to things the docs were suggesting if Claire hadn't of attended and supported me in a hospital appointment towards the end.Talking to Claire during the early stages of contractions helped to figure out what was going on and make decisions, she then arrived at our home and supported myself and my partner in the perfect way and advocated for what we wanted /hoped for/ needed when we weren't able to. To top if off, she offered to take pictures of the birth which now having seen them I am so so grateful for, its helped so much with processing how different stages of the birth went as well as capturing the incredible moments and emotions, amazing! We feel really lucky to have met Claire and had her at the birth.

We originally considered hiring a Doula after deciding on a home birth. When stumbling across Claire’s page on the UK’s registered Official doula website we were amazed that we could have not only a Doula but a Birth photographer all in one. After an initial phone call and then meeting in person we just clicked and it was obvious that we needed Claire.Hiring Claire was the best decision we made and my partner and I look back on the birth of our son as the most incredibly positive experience and this was largely down to Claire and on top of that she was able to capture the poignant moments throughout.Claire was incredibly responsive and supportive in not just the labour but the build up and post care also. Throughout the 40hour labour Claire never left my side and went above and beyond to meet our needs. She stepped back when my partner and I needed space and stepped up when I needed a hand to hold, encouragement or even a Costa post birth.The midwives were all so incredibly complementary of how professional Claire was and the photos are simply breathtaking. I’m so glad we decided to capture the most important day of our life and have enjoyed since sharing these with family and friends. Also the ability to be able to look back and see my partners emotions which isn’t possible in the moment of giving birth means the world to me. Thank you so much Claire