Newborn Photography in 2020

Newborn Photography & Covid-19

Bringing home baby during a global pandemic is not something any of us saw coming when we were ringing in the new year a few months ago…

Many mamas schedule their newborn sessions months in advance (some probably before this pandemic stuff happened) and some just days prior to their due date… no matter when you booked, social distancing rules are making photo sessions more challenging these days.

To ensure you and your family are safe during a newborn session with us, we have implemented some changes in the way we do things but our lifestyle/documentary approach has actually worked to our advantage.

I am able to keep a safe distance from you and your family as we photograph your family in a very vulnerable time of your life. You’re free to be in the comfort of your own home which adds a wonderful level of relaxation to your experience. No need to do anything special either, we’ll find a cozy corner on the couch, the bed, or outside to create some beautiful photos.

In the past, I may have adjusted your hair or wrapped up baby in a blanket for you, now I simply allow every move to flow organically and I am able to provide you the space to do these things yourself so that I never come in contact with you or your sweet new baby. (Trust me, there’s nothing I love more than being able to wrap your adorable little ones but your safety will always be my #1 priority.)

So what does a session with me look like?

See for yourself. Here, you’ll find a couple of families who have opened their homes for us to document their new little humans.

If you are looking for a photographer for your upcoming newborn photos, feel free to reach out to us! We’d love to come by and document this season of your life while keeping your safety in mind.

~Norma H.

Why skin to skin is so important at birth.

Skin to Skin/ Kangaroo Care at Birth

McAllen Birth Services

World Breastfeeding Week is August 1-7, 2019. This week on my social media pages, I have chosen to focus on highlighting breastfeeding mothers all over the Rio Grande Valley. I’m a firm believer that normalizing breastfeeding is soooooo important.

How can we normalize breastfeeding? Imagery being shared with friends and family helps. It opens up dialogue on the subject to break up myths that still plague some of our families. Share your experiences, or personal photos and have a conversation with your loved ones (including your kids!)

Today I wanted to focus on the importance of skin to skin time immediately postpartum. I have a FREE PRINTABLE at the end of this post for you too!

Most times, when baby is born, he or she can be placed on your chest moments after being born. In fact, The WHO recommends early and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mothers and infants. Mothers should be supported to initiate breastfeeding as soon as the first hour after delivery according to their website and recommendations. You can read the full set of recommendations here.

How can you make sure you’ll be respected when you request immediate skin to skin with your newborn? There are some steps you can take.

First, you can hire a doula to help you navigate your birth preferences and to support you at your birth or postpartum.

Second, ask questions. Ask your provider if immediate skin to skin is something they promote. Ask your birth facility if the facility itself sets these practices into motion when a baby is born. Ask ask ask.

Your birth team matters and if your provider is not supportive of your preferences, maybe it’s time to look into switching. It’s not too late to switch it up to get the birth you hope for.

Finally, I want to say that skin to skin not only helps you as you establish your breastfeeding relationship with your little one. There are many more benefits that you can read about here.

Thanks for stopping by the blog today! Here’s the free printable I promised you.

Have questions? Reach out to me anytime. I’d be happy to help you or point you in the direction of someone who can assist you if I can’t.

~Norma H

Planning on requesting skin to skin after your birth? Here’s a FREE Printable for you! Click the image to download.