Welcoming a new life into the world is an extraordinary experience, but the postpartum phase can feel overwhelming. From the relentless, sleepless nights to the joys of holding our babies in the quiet of the day, new mums often experience conflicting and contradictory emotions. Amidst the chaos and the rollercoaster of this time, postpartum photography aims to shine light on the highs and the lows and encourage mothers to embrace their journey and celebrate their transformative experiences.
Postpartum photography goes beyond capturing newborns in posed pictures during a newborn photoshoot; it celebrates the mother’s journey after childbirth in real, emotive images. In an age where social media often highlights perfect moments, postpartum photography shifts the focus back to mothers, emphasizing the beauty and the power in their challenges and triumphs.
For far too long the societal focus has always been on the baby. Once the baby is born, we often forget about the mother. We forget about the person who birthed the baby and all that they have been through to bring this much loved life into our worlds. We rush in to welcome and hold the baby however, it is the mother’s role to hold and nourish her child. Leaving us to question ‘who holds the mother’?
Mother Centred, Considerate Capturing of the Transition
As a mother and a doula I know and respect how important and precious this period is. When we truly honour the postpartum period, mothers AND babies thrive. When there is time given to rest, the maternal body is allowed to heal from the transformation and transition of pregnancy and birth. When there is understanding for the depletion that has taken place to grow a brand new human, there is respect for the need to nourish and fuel the mother with nutritionally considered food that is often prepared by others. When the realities of this period are shared openly, there is a realisation of the support that is needed to help ease the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges that all mothers face. When there is compassion and care for all that has happened for a mother to reach this stage in their journey, there is focus on holding the mother not just the baby.
A Holistic Approach to Capturing the Journey
My photography aims to honour and capture all of the real, raw, intimate and vulnerable parts of this journey. My images act as a mirror to the mother who has been submerged into a world of relearning herself. A world where she may feel weaker than she actually is, less important than she was before and more vulnerable than she has ever been. My lens shows her the majesty of this transition, the connection in the chaos, the wonder in the wild ride that is motherhood.
And these images also speak to the world. A world that has been built on making women and especially mothers feel small. Making them feel that this postpartum is for bouncing back, sucking it up (and in) and cracking on like the power of birth never happened. Because if we stopped and lay and rested in the power of what creating life means, we would be more powerful than our capitalist society would have us believe.
Diversity in postpartum photography also plays a crucial role in empowering women. Mothers come from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. By showcasing different stories, we create a richer narrative surrounding motherhood. When women observe authentic portrayals of each other navigating our motherhood journeys, our own confidence and compassion for our journeys grow and we create space to connect with one another.
This imagery is a political passion piece. It is a protest against the systems that are designed to keep us small.
Making Memories
It is an intimate capturing of the moments that are beautiful and fleeting and precious and few. It is a reflection of all the things that happened to create and grow, me and you. This work is powerful and passionate, sensitive and considerate.
Postpartum photography embraces the messiness of motherhood. It offers a powerful perspective that contrasts sharply with the polished images often seen in maternity and newborn sessions.
A postpartum session may capture the chaos in the spaces whilst highlighting the contentment of the family that lives in it. This raw portrayal reflects the everyday realities of motherhood. It tells stories of vulnerability, strength, and personal growth—highlighting those intimate moments that shape our journeys.
My postpartum photography is not just about capturing the cuteness of newborns (even though they are exceptionally cute). My postpartum photography focuses on YOU, all of you. Your experience, your connection, your intimacy, your reality, your vulnerability, your transition, your journey.
So where do we begin?
Taken in the comfort of your home, respecting the sacredness of this postpartum period, my photography aims to capture you just as you are exactly where you are in the transition of becoming a mother.
And we are forever postpartum, so no matter if you are 3 days, 3 months or 3 years into your mothering journey, my photo sessions are for you.
If you're navigating the challenging waters of motherhood, I encourage you to explore my considerate postpartum photography. These session and the images they produce are a celebration of not only your child but your journey as a mother. It’s an opportunity to connect with your transforming self and appreciate the moments that often go unnoticed.
I am passionate about helping you document your postpartum story. So let us play and create images that showcase the beauty, the power, the resilience, and the raw truth of motherhood.
Get in Touch
To find out more about my photography services, book in a free chat with me using the button below or drop me an email to:
I look forward to meeting you and capturing your stories soon.
Lorraine
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