All posts tagged maternity photography

34 weeks / 8.5 months pregnant

It’s been 4 weeks since my last pregnancy update. While we are waiting for little girl’s arrival, time has gone rather quickly.

Over these last couple of weeks, baby has improved her breathing and sleep cycles. She is breathing more like a newborn and waking and sleeping like one too! She also has her own immune system. She will weigh around 5 lbs and be approximately 18 inches long. Wow.

Milestones and growth aside, it hasn’t all been positive. Even though I have felt less worry and more confident during this pregnancy as opposed to my others, I feel as if there should be more to be stressed about. Around 27 weeks I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. This is something that I have not experienced before and hearing it came with a lot of tears.

At first, I felt completely defeated by this news. You try so hard to do everything “right” while you are pregnant. I ate healthily, avoided all medications, stayed away from household cleaners, kept my children germ-free, exercised twice daily, and more. To then hear that I had GD was, to me, like hearing, “Oh no, actually you’ve been doing a terrible job and you’ve been putting your body and baby in distress this entire time.” It was a huge blow.

That being said, after speaking with my doctor and nutritionist, they informed me that I was just barely over with my blood sugar levels. They were confident that it had nothing to do with my diet and exercise and everything to do with my age. The nutritionist told me not to change what I was eating or the amount that I was exercising but rather to start testing my blood sugars 4x a day. So I did.

My levels were always fine after my meals. It was that morning fasting number that I could not keep consistently down. Some mornings it would be above what it needed to be, and others it would be below. Because there was nothing that I could do to control it, I was then referred to a second doctor. Two weeks ago she prescribed a pill called Metformin. Rather than having to take insulin, I only have to take half a tablet each night to help regulate my morning blood sugars. So far, it’s working!

Next week I have a third ultrasound scheduled just to check on baby and her growth. All the prayers she is still strong and healthy.

Before I got pregnant (but while we were trying), I was always terrified that there would be something wrong with this pregnancy. I don’t know why, I just had a feeling. If it turns out that GD is the only issue and it’s with me and not our baby, then I will gladly accept that. Worries aside, we are still so excited to be here with our little girl. Whoever said pregnancy is easy was lying!

Here’s my 34 week update with Wilder and again with Remy.

Emory

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by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 10/25/2021  •  Permalink
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Posted by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 10/25/2021

https://helloscarlettblog.com/2021/10/25/34-weeks-8-5-months-pregnant/

managing those pregnancy cravings

Source – CCO Licence

It’s one of the most common things that people talk about when they are pregnant, or even just when they are asking you about your pregnancy. But pregnancy cravings are commonly misunderstood, and it is actually not often the case that they are all that strange or out there. That being said, this does happen, and if you are keen to try and eat as healthily as possible, you might want to learn how best to manage those pregnancy cravings from the start, as they start to come. Let’s take a look into this in some detail right now.

Understanding Cravings

First of all, it can be helpful to try and learn a little about cravings to help to understand what they are about, why they happen and so on. That in itself is often an important aspect to gaining more control and improving how you approach your own pregnancy cravings, so it is certainly something that you are going to want to think about. Cravings occur most likely because your body is simply desperately trying to nourish the baby, and it probably also has something to do with the fast-changing hormones in your body at the moment. These hormones can make your sense of smell stronger, meaning that food tastes all the more delicious!

Eating A Good Breakfast

One of the simplest ways to help with cravings is to ensure you are eating a good breakfast every day. Eating a hearty, healthy breakfast makes it much less likely that you will have the desire to snack throughout the day, whereas if you skip breakfast you are opening yourself up to more and more cravings as you progress through your day. So it really is important that you are eating a healthy breakfast every morning to try and keep some control over this as best as you can.

Allowing Snacks

Even if you are trying to be the best possible pregnant mother you can be, there is nothing wrong with a very occasional snack and once or twice giving into your cravings. That doesn’t mean that you are a terrible mother, unlike some might have you believe, and it doesn’t mean that you are going to fall down into uncontrollable territory either. If you like, you can cook some home-made snacks to help make them healthier – check out this donut recipe for instance if you are after something sweet.

Gently Exercising

There is a lot to be said for having some gentle exercise when you are pregnant. They say you should get about 30 minutes of exercise a day, so if you can manage that you are doing well. You will find that exercising helps to reduce your need for eating so much, and your cravings are likely to go down because you’ll be regulating your hormones a bit better too. Get some gentle exercise, and you can see how much easier it makes it to keep your cravings at bay every day. This is a simple and effective approach you can take.

** This was a contributed post.

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by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 09/20/2021  •  Permalink
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Posted by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 09/20/2021

https://helloscarlettblog.com/2021/09/20/managing-those-pregnancy-cravings/

how to take beautiful maternity photos while on a budget

Your body while it’s carrying your baby to be can make for some amazing photos. If you’re an up and coming mother, you should consider taking a few portraits that capture the emotions you’re holding while you wait for your baby’s birth.

With that said, professional photos can be expensive. A skilled photographer has to have compensation, and rightfully so. It’s their job. If you’re budgeting for your parenthood, you may not want to spend too much on photos. Luckily, there are ways you can take some beautiful photos on a budget. Here’s how.

Negotiate

Have you found a great photographer whose style matches what you’re looking for, but their prices are too high? You may feel tempted to back down and try someone else. However, before you do that, talk to them. They may be willing to cut you a deal, a payment plan (more on that later,) or recommend a cheaper photographer. It doesn’t hurt to inquire about the services. Just remember that some photographer’s prices are firm. You can check out FamilyHype.com for more information on this as well.

Seek an Amateur Photographer

Photography is a profession that has a low barrier of entry because of how cheap cameras are nowadays. Chances are, you can find an aspiring photographer in your area with a DSLR and a passion for shooting. Ask around. You may find someone with some skills, but perhaps not all the equipment a professional has.

With that said, the photographer should have somewhat of a portfolio. Even an amateur has probably shot a few people in their day.

Also, pay your photographers. Even if they are willing to do it for free to build up their portfolio, a tip can show them that you care about their work and can appreciate what they do.

Be Simple

When you’re taking photos, you may feel the temptation to be a little extra. Props, extravagant locations, a huge set like you’re shooting in a movie. These can be fun, but let’s face it, you’re on a budget. Sometimes, it’s okay to be simple. Shooting at a creek, a backyard, a field, or any other location that’s easy to access may be for the better. It’s more affordable, and simplicity is the best solution at times.

Edit Later

When it comes to photos, digital retouching and editing can be an extra cost that breaks the bank. It’s possible to ask for retouching later on the road. You can edit them anytime, but your pregnancy only lasts for so long.

Ask for a Payment Plan

If you do want to hire a more expensive photographer, perhaps you can offer a payment plan. It may be easier to pay off your photos over time than it is to pay all at once. Some photographers may be more empathetic towards expectant parents, as long as you can make your payments on time.

Try a Phone

This may sound a little too low budget, but honestly, you can get some beautiful photos out of phones nowadays. Newer phones like the Galaxy S9 have some DSLR options, and there are filters to correct any blemishes and make them look beautiful. You can make your photos rich in color, make them beautiful black and white, and much more. While they are not a complete substitute for a professional camera, it’s a worthier replacement as time marches on. We say that it may be worth a shot if your budget is extremely tight.

Look for Discounts

Finally, there is always a chance a photographer is having a discount or a deal. For example, they may offer so much off if you recommend them to someone else, or they may have coupons. Some photographers may charge less if you sign up for an email newsletter. Discounts and deals are one of the biggest ways a business can reel in new clients, and one near you may be offering. Try it and see what you can find.

Striking that balance between a beautiful maternity photo and a photographer that doesn’t charge much can be a challenge. However, if you play it smart, you may a photographer that’s suitable for what you need. Talk to a few and see what you can find.

** This was a contributed post.

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by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 02/04/2019  •  Permalink
Posted in baby, guest blogger
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Posted by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 02/04/2019

https://helloscarlettblog.com/2019/02/04/how-to-take-beautiful-maternity-photos-while-on-a-budget/

30 versus 30

As I am settling into my third trimester, I am starting to reflect on my journey into motherhood. I am constantly comparing this pregnancy to my first. I was incredibly ill during my first pregnancy. I lost weight from vomiting more than 10 times per day between weeks 4 and 14. I began to feel better from 18 to about 28 weeks, and resumed a normal schedule. Then I was put on modified bed rest from 31 to 38 weeks due to contractions, dilation, and effacement. I swore that it would be my last pregnancy, only because I felt betrayed by my body at the time. Little did I know how much love and happiness children really do bring into your life. A few days after giving birth, I told my husband that I wanted 3 children, and immediately put that terrible pregnancy out of my mind.

Reflecting on previous blog posts, I really had no idea on what to expect. I bought so many items that I didn’t need, and was lacking on the essentials that I did end up needing. I knew that sleepless nights were ahead of me, but I didn’t realize the extent of that sleeplessness. Also, the sleep regressions that occur every few months during their first year. Those are so difficult! I was terrified of breastfeeding but definitely wanted to try it. That was the one thing that came so naturally to me, and we were able to successfully breastfeed for 19 months. (I hope to go longer with this baby.)

I was able to look back at the last maternity photos that I posted during Remy’s pregnancy. I said that I was 7.5 months at the time, but I think that I was a bit closer to 7 months. I still had that same dress tucked away, so I thought that it would be fun to recreate that session to the best of my ability.

I had this session outdoors, among the trees, in the same dress, with a similar floral crown, 2.5 years apart. My stomach is lower, my face is rounder, and I’m carrying more weight. This is me, at roughly 30 weeks (a little before) versus 30 weeks (a little after).

In the end, the fear, the love, the guilt, the ups, the downs, the everything. I didn’t expect any of it. Motherhood is messy and yet, so beautiful. My life truly began when I had Remy. I cannot wait for our rainbow baby!

Emory

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by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 09/11/2018  •  Permalink
Posted in baby, Photography
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Posted by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 09/11/2018

https://helloscarlettblog.com/2018/09/11/30-v-30/

maternity session in my home studio

Last month I had offered a free maternity session in our home. I wanted to see if our newest bedroom would make a good studio space. I ended up choosing this mother as my model because she seemed like such a kind soul. I was not only excited to photograph her, but was also excited because she was pregnant and was about to welcome a child into this world! Her son is very lucky and will be so loved. What a beautiful thing to witness.

To book a session, please visit Prudence + Me Photography.

Emory

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by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 11/16/2017  •  Permalink
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Posted by Hello, Scarlett Blog on 11/16/2017

https://helloscarlettblog.com/2017/11/16/maternity-session-in-my-home-studio/

  • Hello! My name is Emory. I am a wife, mother of four (three on earth in heaven). This is our life on the Canadian prairies.
    email: helloscarlettblog@outlook.com

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