I am a registered birth photographer with SABPA [South African Birth Photographers Association]. Only registered photographers are allowed to photograph in hospitals as there are many regulations that need to be followed.

Please ensure that your gynae and hospital are happy to have the presence of a photographer during your birth (not all are!) 

If birthing by elective c-section, I will arrive an hour before the procedure and stay there until mom is our of recovery and back in the room with baby. 

With a natural birth I come once mom is in active labour (about 6cm dilated) and stay until mom is settled in the room with baby.