Ideal Timing for Mother + Infant Breastfeeding Photography
The unspeakable bond between a mother and her infant child is unquestionably one of my favorite things to photograph. From the way the infant fits perfectly in its mother's arms to the confidence the mother has in holding and caring for her baby is both beautiful and spiritual. With breastfeeding being such a beautiful experience between two connected hearts, it’s no wonder why mother’s want to have special memories captured of this precious process.
Many mother’s wonder when they should book a breastfeeding photo session, and there is, in fact, an ideal time!
For most babies, the breastfeeding process takes a bit of learning and perfecting over the first few months. Then, as they get older, breastfeeding becomes familiar and easy, often looking slightly more wiggly and distracted.
The ideal time to book a breastfeeding session would be in the sweet spot between baby learning and adjusting to breastfeeding during the first few weeks and baby getting older and more distracted. Between 2-4 months old would be an ideal time for a breastfeeding photography session.
What to Expect During the Session
During your breastfeeding session, the goal is to capture you and your infant bonding at the breast. This can be an intimate experience but one that you should be so proud to have photographed!
As a professional photographer, I can assure you that the emphasis will always be on capturing the beauty of the moment and the camera should not make you feel uncomfortable. However, to aid in feeling as comfortable as possible, your photographer will ask you to position yourself in a comfortable and natural breastfeeding position, ideally in a chair or laying down (if preferred).
The photographer will focus on lighting and angles that show off your bond as well as the beauty of your baby close to you. Sometimes this will look like shooting from above you and looking down on you and baby, and other times this could be from directly in front of you with the back of baby’s head to the camera.
While we hope that baby will be content during the feeding, it is normal to expect occasional disruption during this type of photo session. To help it go as smoothly as possible, aim to have baby ready to eat but not starving when you arrive. This might mean coming to the session well before baby typically eats and setting things up with your photographer nice and early.
Additionally, keep baby in comfortable clothing so that they are not prone to getting fussy or agitated during the nursing session. A simple blanket or swaddle can be helpful if you feel that it will help baby to stay calm.
What to Wear
What you wear during your breastfeeding photo session is entirely up to you. However, there are a few suggestions I would make to help you feel as comfortable and beautiful as possible.
Avoid wearing too many layers as this can make things look cluttered or bulky.
Consider complimentary colors to your baby’s outfit or blanket, but not identical so there can be contrast.
If wearing a nursing bra or bralette, consider one with a plain pattern or texture.
Feel free to wear jewelry around your neck, but note that if it is not something you normally wear, your babe may want to play with it.
What to Do with Older Siblings
Older siblings are always welcome to be a part of the nursing session. Keep in mind that it may involve more shuffling and posing for the older siblings while they observe the baby nursing with mom.
Older siblings can be a beautiful addition to the session as they showcase the growth of your family. If you are interested in having your other children at the session, make sure to tell your photographer in advance so they can plan accordingly. Additionally, explain the process of the session to your children so they are aware of what to expect.
If you have older siblings that get wiggly or easily distracted, a suggestion would be to invite them in for the first few minutes of the session and feeding and then allow them to be outside of the frame.
Your experience with breastfeeding is unique to you and your baby. Capturing this process for mothers and their babies is a privilege, and one that I would be honored to do for you!
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT or CONTACT ME with any questions.
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