Polokwane nurse turns passion into birth photography career
Former Polokwane nurse Christine Breedt now captures life's first moments as a birth photographer, blending healthcare experience with storytelling.
POLOKWANE – Christine Breedt has found a new way to serve families – by capturing one of the most significant moments of their lives as a birth photographer.
Breedt discovered birth photography in 2022 while working as a full-time registered nurse.
Although she valued serving the community, she longed for a healthier work-life balance. “I wanted to remain in healthcare while stepping into something that allowed for balance, as shifts can be long and demanding,” she said.
“Birth is beautifully unpredictable”
The combination of birth, storytelling and supporting families resonated deeply. While finances initially delayed her plans, she pursued the dream two years later during maternity leave, resigning from nursing to focus on photography full time with her husband’s support.
She completed the Essence of Birth course through Birth Becomes You and joined the South African Birth Photographers Association, which upholds professional and ethical standards for hospital birth photography.
Breedt credits her nursing background for helping her establish credibility with hospitals and medical teams. She met with hospital management and midwives, building relationships that granted her official access to photograph births in medical settings.
To gain experience, she initially photographed home births, hospital births and caesarean sections at no cost. Since January 2025, she has worked full time as a birth photographer, limiting bookings to remain available around clients’ due dates. “Birth is beautifully unpredictable,” she said.
She describes witnessing motherhood as extraordinary.
“The courage, surrender and love in the room is something I never take for granted. When families invite me in, it’s built on trust.”
Breedt adheres to a strict code of ethics. Cameras are lowered during emergencies, and no medical procedures are photographed. “My priority is always the well-being of the mother and baby,” she explained.
In addition to labour photography, she offers Fresh 48 hospital sessions, as well as maternity, newborn and family shoots in her private studio.
