Hey there mama-to-be! So, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed with all the information (or lack thereof) about giving birth. But don't worry, I've got you!
Here are 5 things your doctor probably didn't tell you about giving birth that will help you feel more prepared and in control.
(And hey, if these pique your interest, bring these up to your doctor at the next appointment!)
1. You will probably poop during labor (and that's okay!).
So yeah, we had to start with that one! It was my biggest fear of birthing, go figure haha, But don't worry! It's a normal and natural part of the birthing process, and your nurses and doctors are used to it. They will whisk it right out of the way before you even know you did it! I actually asked my husband if I did, and he didn't even know, lol, they keep things all cleaned up down there! Don't let this concern hold you back, it's nothing to be embarrassed about.
2. Birthing positions - there are many different positions that can help make the birthing process easier.
There are various birthing positions that can help make the birthing process easier, such as standing up, sitting down, on your hands and knees, or even lying down. Experiment with different positions to find what feels most comfortable for you.
Question for your doctor: In what positions are you willing to help me birth my baby?
I personally wish I had advocated for myself more here. While I was in early labor I felt the best on my hands and knees, and I feel like I would have loved to give birth that way, but my last baby was 15 years ago, and laying on your back was the standard and I didn't question it. QUESTION IT!
3. Doulas are a great support and aren't only used for birth.
A doula is a professional trained to provide emotional and physical support to a woman and her partner during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum period. A doula can help you with relaxation techniques, provide emotional support, and advocate for your wishes during birth.
Question for your doctor: Do you work with doulas often? Are there any you recommend?
4.The power of the mind - visualization and other relaxation techniques can help during labor.
Visualization and relaxation techniques such as hypnobirthing, yoga, and meditation can help you stay calm and focused during labor. It can also help to lower stress hormones and increase endorphins, which can make labor more manageable.
Question: Is there anything I can do now to learn how to cope with labor?
5. Cesarean sections are not as scary as they seem.
C-sections are a common form of delivery and can be planned or unplanned. Your doctor and nurses will take great care of you and your baby during the procedure. It's important to remember that a c-section is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it, but it can also save the lives of both mother and baby in certain situations.
Question: In what circumstances do you perform c-sections?
So, there you have it, mama. You're armed with some new information that will hopefully help you feel more confident and excited about your birth!
And if you happen to be looking for an Indianapolis Newborn Photographer or any of the surrounding areas, I would love to work with you! Go check out our portfolio here!
This little guy! Oh my goodness! I had so much fun with him! He was awake a LOT! As you can see in the photos, but he was so so chill! Even with eyes wide open, he let me pose him and he just stayed there! I honestly haven't experienced a little one quite that easy before lol. Check out some of my favorites from his adorable gallery and then be sure to book yours asap!
Did you know we offer payment plans on newborn sessions? All you have to do is pay the $200 deposit to hold your date and we can work out the remainder of the fee in a payment plan that works for you! Don't let price be the reason you don't get amazing newborn photos! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call or text 317-319-6045 to book your newborn session!
You asked, and we listened! We are now offering new newborn session options. All options include some digital images and options to also purchase prints and products at discounted prices when you purchase one of our larger sessions. We recognize that many people want the digitals, but also, that many of you would like to be able to order from our high quality product menu.
You can view each of these newborn sessions and our grow with me plan on our main page www.shawnamariephotography.com
Each session requires a $200 deposit to hold your date, then the remainder is due 2 days before you session date. This means, if you book early, you can make multiple small payments towards your session. This makes it more doable for many more people! Just ask when you book and we will set up your plan!
It's been awhile since I have posted any of my new babies! Here are a few of my favorites from recent sessions <3 If you are looking for a Newborn photographer who has tons of patience and experience and does everything as safely as possible, shoot me an email or give me a call and let's chat about your own unique custom session! This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 317-319-6045
Shawna Marie Photography has been nominated as Best Photographer in Hancock County!
Voting begins today at www.bestofhancockcounty.com ! If you love my pics, I would love it if you go vote! Photographer is the very last category at the bottom of the page! ❤ Thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time!
I have had a huge influx of newborns lately ... quarantine babies? lol. Who knows, but I am LOVING IT! This little guy did great, and you can see how proud his big brother is too! I am booking newborns a good 1-2 months out right now, so be sure to get ahold of me by around 30 weeks if you'd like to ensure a spot for your newborn! Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call/text 317-319-6045
I had this adorable little guy in last week! He was fantastic, didn't make a peep during our session! I could have played and played all day. We got a lot of great images! Here are a few of my favorites! If you'd like to book your own newborn session, call or text 317-319-6045 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more info!
I absolutely LOVE babies and everything about photographing them! I recently had this little doll in my home studio! She slept like a dream, and I believe it was the shortest newborn session I have ever had. We got some gorgeous images in that time!
If you're pregnant and thinking of hiring someone for a newborn session, I'd love to be considered! I take pride in being very safe and knowledgeable on handling babies. I've been called a baby whisperer more than once! I am always taking online classes and working to elevate my experience to the next level! Go ahead and give us a call or text at 317-319-6045 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to inquire or set your session up! Here are a few of my absolute favorites from little miss Nora's session!
I have been busy busy this summer, and as always I am behind on putting sessions on my blog. While I'm over here trying to get it together, here are some super adorable pictures! Not responsible for any baby fever they induce! <3 If you want your own amazing newborn pictures, be sure to get your appointment booked as soon as you can! The beginning of your 2nd trimester is a great time to get this process started! Just give me a call or text at 317-319-6045 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can discuss your session!
I had so much fun photographing this little sweetie and her family! She may have pooped on literally EVERYTHING and everyone haha, but she was seriously the cutest! If you're looking for some fun and unique newborn photos, give us a call 317-319-6045 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set up your session!
I know I have been blogging lots of seniors lately, as it's that season, but I had to take a minute to get these super sweet twins up here! First of all, as some of you know, on Black Friday this past year, my then 17 year old son was in a terrible car accident. His first responder team came to visit him in the hospital, and while there, they said they have never come up on an wreck like that and been able to visit the person in the crash after (as in most don't survive that sort of crash) I am SO SO incredibly thankful for that team, and all of the nurses and doctors who cared for my son and got him back to where he is today (which is WONDERFUL and Normal!) So, imagine my surprise when the daddy of these precious littles walks in and happens to be one of the men on the first responder team that saved my son's life <3 Yes, they got a discount! haha And yes, I do always offer a first responder and military discount. You just have to ask! Now who's ready to check out all of this adorableness?
Had a great shoot a few weeks ago with baby Lucas and his family! He was such a great sleeper and his big brother, Benjamin was so good too! I love the family photos so much! And check out the little Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and his pizza! If you want fun, unique newborn pictures like these, be sure and call while you are still pregnant! I like to get my little guys/girls in before they are 2 weeks old if possible! Just shoot me an email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 317-319-6045 for an appointment!
Did you make a cute pregnancy announcement for Christmas? If you did, go to our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/shawnamariephotography and follow the steps on this photo!
1. Like this post, share this post and post your video in the comments here! On January 5th at 11:00PM the video comment with the most likes will win a $200 gift card for a newborn session at Shawna Marie Photography! ALL other entries will get $50 off their newborn session if they book by Jan 30th, 2017! Only one entry per person! If you didn't, but you know someone who announced their pregnancy for Christmas, please share as well!
1. Like this post, share this post and post your video in the comments here! On January 5th at 11:00PM the video comment with the most likes will win a $200 gift card for a newborn session at Shawna Marie Photography! ALL other entries will get $50 off their newborn session if they book by Jan 30th, 2017! Only one entry per person! If you didn't, but you know someone who announced their pregnancy for Christmas, please share as well!
I'm a little behind blogging my newborns as I got super crazy wrapped up in Senior sessions this past Fall. I just loved this little guy's session and his parents were great:) I am looking forward to filling my 2016 Calendar with Newborn sessions! I got some cute new props for Christmas and can't wait to try them out! Give me a call if you are expecting! It's never too early! 317-319-6045 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule your consultation and session :) Now for the good stuff ... Check him out :)
In the midst of the many seniors I have been shooting lately, I have had some newborns as well! This is the beautiful baby Maya with her Dad and her Mom as well :) If you are looking for a newborn photographer, we like to schedule you while you are still pregnant if possible! If you've already had your baby, it's ok! We will do our best to work you in. Babies photograph best in the first 10-14 days in order to get the curled up beautiful shots you see throughout my page. Give me a call 317-319-6045 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to set your newborn session up!
I can't get enough of newborn shoots! I have so many I need to add to the blog! Here is little Mr. Payton! He is such a cutie! You just want to pinch his adorable little cheeks :)
This is sweet little Jade:) She just celebrated her first birthday. Watch carefully because there are live and still moments:) Want one of your own? Give me a call! 317-319-6045 or Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Want to get some quick, cute and very affordable Christmas pics of the kids while helping others too? For $50 you are going to get a session, 5 digital images with print release drop boxed to you within 48 hours of your session! And, if you bring a new unopened toy for toys for tots, I will throw in 3 extra digital images for free! Also, if you host a "Portrait Party" at my studio, you get your own session free! All you have to do is gather 5 friends, fill up 5 slots in one day, collect their money and get it to me to secure your day and you earn your session!
I have had the pleasure of working with this family a couple of times. I did Miss Delainey's newborn photos 2 years ago, and they brought her and her newborn baby sis, Ellerie, for photos this time. We did Ellerie's newborn photos and a couple of photos for Delainey's 2 year pictures. They are such adorable little girls. I had a great time with them :)
This little guy was the first New Years baby at his hospital and my first newborn of the year 2012. He was such an adorable little guy with a wonderful family! I had such a great time photographing him! How can you not want to squeeze this cuteness?
