If you're thinking about having a breastfeeding photography session, one of the first questions you might be wondering is when is the best time to book it?
The short answer is: there really isn't one perfect age or stage.
Every breastfeeding journey is different, and that's exactly why I don't believe you need to fit your session into a particular timeframe. Whether you're feeding a tiny newborn, breastfeeding an older baby or continuing your breastfeeding journey with a toddler, your story is worth documenting.
As a family photographer in Dorset, I love photographing the connection between parents and their children, and breastfeeding sessions are such a beautiful example of that connection.
Should I book a breastfeeding photography session with a newborn?
You absolutely can.
Some mums choose to include breastfeeding photographs as part of their newborn photography session. These images can be a lovely way of documenting those early days when everything is still so new.
Your baby may be tiny, sleepy and spending a lot of time feeding, cuddling and being close to you. Rather than trying to pose everything perfectly, I prefer to let those moments happen naturally.
There is something incredibly special about photographs that capture the quiet moments between feeds – the cuddles, the little hands, the sleepy faces and the connection between you and your baby.
If you're planning a newborn session and would like breastfeeding photographs included, it's worth mentioning this when you enquire so that I can make sure we allow plenty of time and create a relaxed environment for feeding.
What if my baby is older?
That's absolutely fine!
In fact, some families prefer to wait until breastfeeding is more established and their baby is a little older.
By this stage, you may feel much more confident and comfortable feeding your baby, and your little one may have developed their own personality and way of interacting with you.
They might look up at you while feeding, reach for your face, play with your hair or hold your hand. Those little interactions are beautiful to photograph because they are completely unique to your relationship.
There is no need to worry that you've "left it too late".
If you're still breastfeeding and you'd like to document that part of your journey, it's not too late.
Can I have a breastfeeding photography session with a toddler?
Yes!
Breastfeeding doesn't suddenly become less meaningful because your child is older.
Some of my favourite photographs are the ones that capture the relationship between a mum and her child exactly as it is at that particular stage of their lives.
With toddlers, sessions can be particularly relaxed and playful. We can photograph feeding alongside cuddles, playing, exploring and all the little moments that make your child who they are.
You don't need to spend the whole session feeding.
Instead, we can simply document breastfeeding as one part of your relationship and your everyday life together.
Do I need to book before my baby is born?
Not necessarily.
If you already know that you'd like breastfeeding photographs, you can certainly book in advance. This means we can get your session in the diary and you don't have to think about it once your baby arrives.
However, you can also get in touch once your baby is here and you've settled into your routine.
I know from my own experience that those first few weeks and months can be a bit of a whirlwind. Sometimes the last thing you want to do is plan a photography session!
That's why I want the experience to feel easy and relaxed rather than like another thing on your to-do list.
What if breastfeeding hasn't been easy?
This is something I think is really important to say.
Breastfeeding doesn't always look like the picture-perfect version we see online.
It can be emotional, exhausting, messy, beautiful, frustrating, rewarding and challenging – sometimes all in the same day.
And that's okay.
I breastfed my own children, including continuing until they were three and tandem-feeding my younger two, so I understand that breastfeeding is about so much more than simply taking a photograph of a baby feeding.
It's about comfort, closeness, reassurance and connection.
You don't need to have had a completely straightforward breastfeeding journey to have photographs taken. You don't need to feel like you've "mastered" it, and you certainly don't need to feel self-conscious.
My job is to create a calm, comfortable environment where you can simply be yourself with your baby.
So, when is the best time?
Honestly?
Whenever feels right for you.
Some mums want to capture those precious newborn days.
Some want to document breastfeeding once they feel more confident.
Some want to celebrate reaching six months, one year or another milestone.
Others suddenly realise their breastfeeding journey may be coming to an end and want photographs before that chapter closes.
There is no right or wrong answer.
If you're still breastfeeding and you've been thinking, "I'd really love some photographs of this," that's probably a good enough reason to book.
You don't have to wait for a particular milestone.
You don't have to look a certain way.
You don't have to have a perfect breastfeeding journey.
And you don't need to know exactly what you want the photographs to look like.
We can simply capture you and your baby, exactly as you are, at this moment in your lives.
Because one day, your baby won't be this little anymore.
They won't fit quite so perfectly into your arms.
And this chapter of your relationship will eventually change.
Photographs give you the chance to remember it.
Breastfeeding Photography in Dorset
I offer relaxed, natural breastfeeding photography sessions for families across Dorset.
My approach is very much about connection rather than posing. I want your photographs to feel like you – the cuddles, the little details, the laughter and those quiet moments that you might otherwise forget.
If you're thinking about documenting your breastfeeding journey, you can find out more about my breastfeeding photography sessions in Dorset and check my availability here. I'd love to hear from you.
You can get in touch to chat about your ideas, ask any questions or simply see whether a session feels right for you.
You don't have to have everything figured out before you contact me. We can work it out together.
