10 Things Parents Wish They Knew Before Their Newborn Session

Ok, come on, Let's be honest here...

Those first few weeks after having a baby are kind of a beautiful blur.

I remember some moments VERY vividly, but mostly it’s all mushed into one big season.

You're learning your baby.

Your baby's learning you.

You're surviving on coffee (or cold coffee because you forgot where you put it), snacks you can eat with one hand, and wondering if you remembered to brush your teeth today.

So when I hear parents say...

"I'm so stressed about our newborn session."

I immediately want to give them the biggest hug.

Because, oh man... this is supposed to be FUN.

Not another thing sitting on your never-ending to-do list.

After photographing so many newborns (and spending countless nights supporting families as an overnight postpartum doula), I can tell you there are a few things almost every parent wishes they had known beforehand.

So let's chat about them.

1. Your House Does NOT Have to Be Spotless

Can I say that one more time for the people in the back?

YOUR HOUSE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE TIDY!!!

Seriously.

I am not coming over to inspect your baseboards.

I'm not judging the dishes in the sink.

I'm not secretly wondering why there are seven water bottles on your nightstand.

You just had a baby.

Your only job right now is healing, feeding your little one, and soaking in these tiny moments.

If I need to move a laundry basket, straighten a blanket, or shift a burp cloth out of the frame...

I've got it.

Promise.

2. Mom... Please Take a Little Time for Yourself

I know.

You're probably thinking...

"The baby comes first."

Always.

But hear me out.

Take a shower.

Wash your hair. Do your hair.

Throw on a little mascara if that's your thing.

Paint your nails.

Wear something that makes you feel beautiful.

Not because you have to.

Because you deserve it.

You just spent nine months growing a tiny human and then brought them into this world.

Lord have mercy... that's pretty incredible.

You deserve to feel cared for too.

And if all you manage is brushing your hair and putting on clean leggings...

Girl, we're celebrating that too.

3. Feed the Baby Whenever They Need It

Forget the schedule.

Forget the clock.

If baby is hungry...

We feed the baby.

Period.

A happy, full baby almost always means a happier session.

We'll stop as many times as we need.

There is never any rush.

4. Your Baby Doesn't Have to Sleep the Entire Time

This surprises people.

Everyone thinks newborn photos have to be sleepy poses from start to finish.

Honestly?

Some of my favorite images are when babies are wide awake.

Those curious little eyes.

The funny expressions.

The stretches.

The tiny yawns.

The way they stare right at you like they're already trying to figure out this whole world.

Whoa...

Those moments are pretty special.

5. Let's Lower Our Expectations About "The Perfect Pose"

Can I tell you a secret?

I don't care about the perfect pose.

I care about your baby.

Every baby is different.

Some babies love being swaddled.

Some would rather let the entire neighborhood know exactly how they feel about that idea.

Some sleep for two hours.

Some decide today is the day they're going to supervise the entire session.

Guess what?

They're all perfect.

I'm never going to force a pose your baby isn't comfortable in just because it looks cute on Pinterest.

We'll follow their lead.

Because your baby's comfort will always matter more than recreating someone else's photo.

I was their overnight doula as well, she texted me before the session, I don’t think our oldest daughter will cooperate. Well, she did, and had fun in the process. There were some pictures (as any toddler) with a serious face, but those make AWESOME memories lol.

6. Older Siblings Don't Have to Be Perfect Either

If you've got a toddler...

Take a deep breath.

I've got you.

If they want to kiss the baby every thirty seconds...

Amazing.

If they want to show me every dinosaur they own before we even start...

Also amazing.

If they decide running laps around Mom and Dad sounds like a better idea than smiling at the camera...

Honestly?

That's pretty normal.

Kids are supposed to act like kids.

I'd much rather photograph genuine belly laughs, goofy personalities, and spontaneous hugs than force a smile that lasts all of three seconds.

Some of my favorite sibling photos happen when they're simply being themselves.

7. It's Okay If You Feel Emotional

You've been through a lot.

Your hormones are all over the place.

You're exhausted.

You might cry.

You might laugh.

You might do both within five minutes.

Dang...

Welcome to postpartum.

There is absolutely no judgment here.

These days are emotional because they're important.

Baby was gassy and mom was trying to calm him as he was very uncomfortable, I asked her to stand close to the window and continue what she was doing <3

8. The Best Photos Usually Aren't the Ones We Planned

Some of my favorite images happen when nobody realizes I'm taking them.

Dad rocking the baby.

Mom smelling that sweet newborn head.

A sibling gently reaching for baby's hand.

Everyone laughing because the baby just made the funniest little face.

Those are the moments that make me smile every single time.

They're real.

And real never goes out of style.

9. Your Session Is About Your Family, Not Just Your Baby

Of course we're going to photograph your beautiful little newborn.

But I also want photographs of YOU.

The way you hold your baby.

The way your partner looks at both of you.

The way your family already fits together, even though you're all still figuring things out.

One day your baby will look through these photos.

They won't just want to see themselves.

They'll want to see you loving them from the very beginning.

10. Relax... I've Got You

This might be the most important one.

You don't have to know what you're doing.

You don't have to practice poses.

You don't have to stress about your toddler.

You don't have to apologize because the baby cried.

You definitely don't have to spend hours cleaning your house.

My job isn't just taking beautiful photographs.

My job is creating a space where you can breathe.

Slow down.

Love on your baby.

And let me preserve this season exactly as it is.

Because years from now, you won't remember whether the blanket was perfectly straight.

You won't remember if your toddler sat still.

You won't remember if your baby slept the entire session.

You'll remember how tiny they were.

How perfectly they fit in your arms.

How fast it all went.

And goodness...

You'll be so grateful you decided to freeze those moments before they slipped away.

If you're looking for a newborn photographer in Lowell, Boston, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Acton, Littleton, or anywhere throughout Massachusetts, I'd love to create a relaxed, joy-filled session that celebrates your family exactly as you are.

No pressure.

No perfection.

Just genuine moments, genuine connection, and memories that will only become more meaningful with time.