Some Thoughts on Feeding Babies
At many of my newborn photo sessions, the newborn needs to eat once (or more!). So we pause the photos, and I ensure the parents that we’re in no rush. Some moms nurse and some parents grab a bottle. I’d like you to know 2 things:
I am placing no judgements. I don’t care if you breastfeed or give your little one a bottle. I don’t mind sitting in the hallway to give you privacy, I don’t mind chatting with you while you nurse, and I don’t mind waiting for a bottle to heat up.
I will happily take a few photos of you feeding your newborn (in whatever manner you choose), but I will always ask first, and I’m not upset if you say no. If you say yes, I won’t post those photos anywhere, unless you tell me explicitly that you are comfortable with that. I go with the assumption that you don’t want those shared.
I’m a firm believer that fed is best. In the last 2 years, I have witnessed and also personally experienced the guilt that comes along with feeding your baby. And in fact, if you ever need someone to vent to about those big emotions, feel free to email, DM or text me about it (regardless of whether you’ve hired me for newborn photos). I’m here to listen!
I applaud the mommas who nurse their babies. I applaud the mommas who feed their babies formula. I applaud the mommas who do some combination of both. That was me, and I didn’t always feel applauded. So please know that whatever corner you’re in, I’m cheering you on! Because it’s hard, no matter what you choose. And I want to support you.
In one of our few family outings with a newborn, we visited Simmons Farm for flower picking when Thatcher was just a few weeks old!