Planning the Perfect Maternity Session with Comfort and Ease by Peyton Olivia Photography
So you’re finally ready to schedule your maternity session but there are a few things you should be highly aware of before scheduling. Most maternity sessions are scheduled close to the end of pregnancy in order to see the best baby bump possible. However, having a photography session so close to your due date may cause a few issues, so be aware of them.
Some things to make note of:
-Sciatica: If you have sciatica you might not want to schedule a session outside of your own home. Also, don’t try any crazy poses like laying down on the floor or having your partner dip you. That would be crazy and quite painful. Plan a session in your home where you can sit comfortably and take breaks when needed.
-Swollen feet, face, and hands: These aren’t that big of a deal but if you think you are going to be wearing those 4 inch heels during your session, think again. Try going more natural, barefoot, and comfortable. These are your maternity photos, not prom photos.
-Irritability :I get it. Irritability is something we can’t really control. However, take some deep breaths before your session, do some soft yoga moves, take a nice nap before your session, and take it easy. The last thing you want is to start your session in a bad mood- it will show in photos.
-Fatigue / Insomnia: If you’re having trouble sleeping, schedule your maternity session in the afternoon. Take a nap before your session and make sure you’re ready to pose.
-Hot Flashes: If you are the kind of person to get hot, hot, hot out of nowhere, tell your photographer beforehand. They may be able to bring a small portable fan or have the AC on before you start. Wear light and breathable clothes to your session, not a wool sweater or a tiny dress that will suffocate you.
-Shortness of breath/ exhaustion: This. Is. Common. Don’t push yourself. Instead of planning a mountain top maternity session, stay at home or drive to an easy to get to location. Also, don’t try crazy positions or repetitive movements like standing to sitting and repeating. This will exhaust you and might possibly put you into labor. Stay simple.
-Heartburn: Stay away from spicy, hot, acidic, and chocolate based foods. No jalapeños, no chillies, no milk chocolate bars. Eat clean and healthy before your session so you aren’t feeling sick the entire time. Bring water to your session too… like a lot of water.
-Pressure/ having to pee constantly: Make sure you are prepared. It’s totally okay to be aware of this small issue. You have a baby pushing on your bladder constantly which means you might have a little leak, or big leak, during your session. Don’t be embarrassed. Wear an adult diaper to your session if you need to, no one is going to judge you! If you don’t want to do that, make sure a restroom is close by during your session and don’t do any crazy moves/ poses.
-Breast pressure/ discharge/ leaking: Wear pads under your blouse/ outfit to catch any leaking that may occur. If you are having a lot of pressure, use extra support during your session to help with the pain (like doubling up on sport bras). Also, massage your breasts before your session with lotion or oil to add elasticity to your skin and lessen the pain hopefully. You can also add a soft, heated towel to your breasts before hand to release blocked milk ducts/ pain.
Who is your Rock? If you have a partner, your partner should be there for support, even if they aren’t going to be in the photos. Make sure they are there to give you an extra hand at all times during your session. Your photographer should be there for support but it’s actually more of your partner’s job. They should be the one to help you get in and out of position. They should be the one driving you to your session. The should be the one dressing you, feeding you, cooling you down, and massaging you. Make sure they are your ROCK. If you have a partner who is your rock then your maternity session should go smoothly.
If you don’t have a partner, no worries. Tell your photographer in advance and make sure they have an assistant to help during your session. Their assistant will be your rock! Bring a close friend or family member with your to your session as well. They will also be your rock! Don’t go into a maternity session alone, you don’t need to put that kind of pressure on yourself, nor do you need to do it alone.
Some other things to think about:
-Clothing choice: Wearing something that will flatter you but also keep you comfortable. Try wearing clothes that breath, stretch, and will keep you cool. If you have a partner with you, have then wear something that compliments you. Stay away from crazy patterns, bright colors, logos, and words.
-Props: Bring props with you if you are going to another location. If you are staying at home, round them up before your session begins. Think about items like: baby clothes, baby shoes, tiny diapers, sonogram photos, due date board/ name date board, baby books, baby blankets, and/or gender release props (like a colored balloon or toy).
-A Go-To bag: Bring with you extra make up, hair accessories/ product, baby wipes, hand towel, back up clothes and shoes (especially comfortable clothes and shoes for you to change into after your session), water, snacks, medication if needed, and lotion.
Expand your garden.
With blooming flowers, next come seeds. Those seeds will drop to the Earth's surface and start to grow. Your garden is expanding and so is your journey of love. Look how far you’ve come! With just a little self-love, you were able to broaden your “garden”. Within 9 months, your journey of love will grow significantly; before your little seed sprouts, I will capture the secret, quiet moments you have together. When it’s time, I will be there to capture your little one during their first moments with you too.
Feel ready to schedule your session?
Schedule your maternity session with me, Peyton Olivia, today!
It will be perfect, I promise!
Take a moment to view Leslie and Paul’s in-home maternity session, celebrating baby Eleanor., below.
