3 things NOT to stress about for a newborn session | Cambridge MA Newborn Photographer
I often remind first time parents during a session that the reason why I spend two hours (and sometimes more) with them is because I factor in all the moments where a baby needs to be fed, sometimes multiple times during a session as cluster feeding is the norm for many brand new babies. Additionally, when a baby is awake, more times than not they are using their main form of communication---crying—to be fed, have their diaper changed, moved into a different position, or soothed in the ways they are discovering work best for them. This is all NORMAL and expected during a newborn shoot. The last thing I want new parents to feel is stress, anxiety, or pressure during a session. You already got through labor, a c-section, or the tedious adoption process so I want you to simmer into the momentum of becoming a new parent without any more weight than you already have in your hands! Here are a few things I suggest not to worry about during your session:
A perfectly clean space!
Though I do recommend families clear their living room, bedroom, and nursery of excess clutter, if you aren’t able to get around to doing so, do not worry! I can help you arrange furniture, quickly vacuum, or move those everyday necessities or trinkets out of the way. I have no issues getting hands on during a session so I see this as a collaborative process. As a mom of two girls, my bathroom is rarely ever clean between accidental pee on the toilet seat or tooth paste on the counter…so do not feel you need to clean for me like I’m a guest who has no idea what it’s like to be parent!
Long nursing sessions or exposed breasts
Too often, a new mom apologizes to me while she is feeding for more than a few minutes or when she can’t quickly click that nursing bra back into place after a feed. I am quick to say “absolutely no need to apologize!” I’ve had two babies so I completely understand and want to normalize the nursing process that is still so stigmatized in public!
Stress tied to having a gassy, frequent pooper, colicky, or hard to soothe baby!
As mentioned, a baby’s main form of communication is crying so I expect them to be doing this more than gazing cutely into the camera lens when awake! I encourage new parents to take their time soothing their newborn and not feel a pressure to get them to quiet down quickly for the sake of photos. Remember, we have two hours and all we really need is a few moments of calm in between everything else to get a great set!
