Parents share experiences of controversial photography service in Northampton’s maternity wards that has now been axed

A number of parents have shared their experiences of an in-hospital photography service that has recently been axed.

Bounty is a company that takes pictures of newborns with their parents on maternity wards and regularly divides opinions as to whether it is intrusive or welcomed.

Northampton General Hospital confirmed last week that the contract was terminated after feedback from staff and patients.After Chronicle & Echo shared the news that the company was no longer operating in the hospital, hundreds of comments were left on social media.

Some parents were glad to see the service go and labelled it ‘intrusive’, whereas others were thankful for the ‘precious moments’ that were captured.

One mum said: “Had a really bad experience with them after both my births opening curtains when I was semi-dressed and trying to establish feeding, waking baby or me up and generally being so intrusive.

“I am glad they're gone from the wards, if they have to be in hospitals it would be better they have a little studio and if you wanted a photo you went to them rather than them barging onto wards.”

Another added: “With my first, they just came bursting in the room after I'd just had an emergency section under general anaesthetic.

“They came into my room three times a day for five days when my middle daughter was in neonatal.

“I kept crying after they left because I felt bad for not having her with me. It was one of the good things about the restrictions in place when I had my daughter 12 weeks ago.”

Another parent commented: “I found them very intrusive and pushy.

“Trying to rest and recover then you get a pushy Bounty lady coming in waking everyone up on the ward!

“It could have been done so differently, and better arranged it’s a shame the service isn’t available to those that want it.”

One more mum said: “I felt it was very intrusive when I was feeling vulnerable, exhausted, in pain and on my own.

“I had newborn photos taken privately when I was ready. At the time it seemed like a funny service to be providing in hospital.”

Although many commenters found the service to be ‘intrusive’, other parents were glad the company was on hand to capture important moments.

One mum said: “We had a lovely lady take our Bounty photos, some truly precious images of our daughter that I will treasure forever!

“After having a c-section I was definitely not fit to take those pictures myself so I’m so glad she was there to capture them for us. Such a shame they have been removed.”

Another added: “I had brilliant experience with both mine.

“My first born 2012 the lady popped her head in and said who she was and asked if I would like some doing if not it was OK and she was super polite about it.

"I didn't have a great time myself and she said if you would like we would make arrangements for you to come back and have them done with her and we booked in the following day to have them pictures, which were beautiful.

“The only downfall is the price for just one image chosen.”

Another mum commented: “Oh what a shame. I have had such beautiful photographs of my babies over the years. Photos that we treasure.

“The lady that took the photographs was amazing. So kind.”

Bounty was contacted for comment on the removal of their service from the hospital, but has not responded.

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