On Being A New Mom | Why I Love Newborn Photography

I have a special place in my heart for first-time moms. When we meet before baby has arrived to plan the perfect session, moms are always happy and simply glowing, so excited to meet their sweet babe.⁠ So many dreams and expectations are wrapped up in this little soul they are about to meet.
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Then, at one of the most vulnerable times in life, I'm invited into their home to capture those first few weeks. Some moms are still so happy, some fight back tears, all adore their babies and love on them fiercely. ⁠ The reality of holding that little miracle in her arms comes alongside those dreams. This produces amazingly high and also sometimes really difficult emotions and everything in between.

Some moms are confident and can't wait to get out and about with their baby. Other moms, I'd like to hold their baby for them so they can nap and hold their hand and tell them they are doing great.⁠
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I struggled as a first time mom and felt like nobody ever really talked about it. And maybe that's why I'm drawn to newborn photography - so I have a chance to reassure those mamas that whatever they're feeling, they aren't the first ones to feel that way, that they are doing great, that they can ask for help.⁠

I have a chance to reassure those mamas that whatever they're feeling, they aren't the first ones to feel that way, that they are doing great, that they can ask for help.⁠

Having these moments of your baby’s first days at home captured is really a treasure. Yes, they showcase all of the perfect little details of your babe, but they can also remind you how you were shaped in those first days and weeks. The journey you took as you grew into motherhood and bonded with your baby, as tough or as easy as it may have been.

So for you mamas out there, I have a fun little challenge for you. Take out a piece of paper and make three columns. Write down three dreams or expectations you have/had for motherhood. In the column next to that write down one way reality came alongside each of those dreams. In the final column take a moment and reflect on how you grew through each dream/reality encounter. Bonus points if you can find a photo or two to put these words into images. If you’re an expectant mom, this would be fun to put in your keepsake book for you baby.

If you try it out, let me know how it feels and what you learn.