7 Tips To Prepare For Your Baby’s Arrival: From A Huntsville Newborn Photographer + Mama Of 5!

Speedy synopsis: Hey, wonderful mamas-to-be! From must-have essentials to sibling prep, mama wellbeing to newborn photo session advice — I’ve bundled everything I’ve learned (as a Huntsville newborn photographer and a mama of five!) into this blog.

Getting ready to meet your baby soon? After nearly nine months of growing, nurturing, and loving that beautiful bump, it’s almost time to meet your little one. I’m SO excited for you — truly. There’s nothing quite like that moment when you lay eyes on your child for the first time. Kissing their soft little head. Marvelling at their eyelashes. Holding those tiny toes in your hands. That we made this feeling? There’s nothing like it.

So… do you feel ready, mama?

I’m not sure we ever feel 100% ready — and that’s okay. But I have picked up a few tips over the years (mom of five reporting for duty!) that I hope will make things feel a little calmer, a little clearer, and a lot more comforting for y’all. 

01. Pack Your Hospital Bag

Let’s start with a classic — because getting this done early always feels so satisfying. Here’s what I love to include before heading to your Huntsville-area hospital or birthing center:

• Your own pillow (trust me)
• Comfy robe and slippers
• Extra-long charger
• Jolly Ranchers, or another hard candy. Sucking on those saved my sanity during the nausea waves of birth.
• Snacks (for after the birth — y’all never felt hunger like it!)
• Lip balm FOR SURE. 
• Anything that makes you feel GOOD post-birth (like your favourite scent, face mist, or earbuds to listen to music)

And don’t forget: baby’s first outfit (or three!), your car seat safely installed, and any hospital paperwork you’ve been given. 

Talking hospitals, have you thought about Fresh 48 photography? This Huntsville photographer would love to be there for your first precious moments.

02. Build Your Fourth Trimester Nest

Focusing on the birth of your baby is only natural. But what comes after, mama? The fourth trimester (those first 12-ish weeks post-birth) is a whirlwind of hormones, healing, snuggles, and often sleepless nights. So making sure you’re as ready as you can be is so important. Like building a little nest for you and your chick(s)!

Here’s my practical favorite things:

• Create a feeding station (water bottle, snacks, burp cloths, phone charger — all within reach!)
• Prep ready meals, get easy-to-grab (one-handed!) snacks in and kindly ask family and friends to bring over food when visiting
• Gather comfy postpartum clothes (your coziest pajamas, loungewear and anything that makes your body feel like it’s wrapped up in softness and warmth)

03. Pick Out The Essentials You’ll Actually Use

You know how much you *could* buy for your new baby! From wipe warmers to diaper bins, you can buy every gadget out there… but honestly? In my experience, the basics go a long way!

• A good baby carrier — awesome for hands-free moments, especially if you’ve got other littles to look after
• Stretchy knit swaddles. All the stretchy knit swaddles. Need I say more?
• Lots of cosy sleepsuits – zippers only! All laundered and ready to go! 

04. Plan For Visitors (And Sometimes Say ‘No’)

And I say this with so much gentle kindness. Because often, we are so grateful for our caring families. But also, sometimes we need a little space and time to recoup after a new baby enters the world. Respectful boundaries can help you so much in those early days. So my tip to you – one mom to another – think ahead about how you want those early days to look and feel:

• Do you want visitors in the first week?
• If not, could you tell loved ones when you expect to see them?
• Are you okay with people holding the baby?
• If not, can you clearly communicate this before they head over?
• Would you prefer people bring food over gifts?

Make your wishes known ahead of time so your partner or family can help manage it for you. You don’t have to be the hostess — you just need space to rest and bond.

05. Book Your Newborn Photography Before Your Baby Arrives

The early newborn days fly by in a blur — so if you’d love sweet, snuggly photos of those tiny toes and sleepy cuddles, get your session booked while you’re still pregnant.

As a Huntsville newborn photographer, I recommend booking in your second trimester. That way we can pencil in your due date and plan your dream session — calm, cozy, and full of connection.

So, What Can You Expect From A Newborn Session With Me?

Hey, little one! You’re almost here. Let’s capture all those perfectly tiny details (just look at those eyelashes!) and create memories to last a lifetime for your family.

You’ll be welcomed into my warm, peaceful studio with your sweetest littlest one — no stress, no fuss. Sessions take place when your baby is between 7 and 21 days old, that beautifully sleepy, snuggly window. And the best part? You don’t need to bring a thing. All props and accessories are provided, so you can just show up, relax, and soak it all in.

I know those first weeks are full of adjustment and big feelings, so everything is thoughtfully planned and prepared to fit seamlessly into your new rhythm. My goal is to give you a gentle, joyful experience — and photos you’ll treasure forever.

Find out more about Huntsville newborn photography here, or get in touch to book your session. 

06. Prepare Siblings For Their New Big Bro/ Sis Role

Bringing a new baby home is a huge event for the whole family! And if you’ve got little ones at home already, I’m sure you’ll be experiencing lots of big emotions – from excitement (another little brother or sister to join their club!) to even some more challenging emotions, like feeling a little jealous.

It’s totally normal, of course! And a little preparation can go a long way. Here’s what’s worked with my kids:

• Let them “help” — picking out an outfit or folding baby blankets
• Read books about becoming a big sibling
• Give them a small gift from the baby
• Talk about what newborns are like (“They cry a lot. They sleep a lot. They love cuddles.”)
• Tell them about how mom may be a little more tired than usual

Of course, you know your little ones best! And everything from their age to their personality can impact how they take to their new little sibling. So go with your instinct, mama – and do what you think is best for your growing family.

Are You A Dog Mom?

You can start by playing newborn sounds in the background, and make sure they have a quiet spot to retreat to once your baby is home.

07. One Last Tip, Take Care Of YOU, Mama-to-be!

If you’re already a mom, you KNOW how hard it can be to carve out any time for yourself. Some days… impossible to even use the bathroom alone! 

So, for my final tip, I won’t tell you to relax and take time for yourself…because I know it might not be practical. But what I will say is that small acts of self-kindness and compassion can make a huge difference to your wellbeing as a mom. 

Here’s what I know works:

• Stay hydrated and nourished (easy snacks help so much!)
• Move your body gently when you feel ready
• Rest as much as you can (even if it’s 10 minutes of quiet with your eyes closed)
• Talk to someone if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or blue — there will be other Huntsville moms you can connect with!

With Love From Your Huntsville Newborn Photographer

I really hope these tips have been helpful. Y’all have so much to look forward to! Being a mom is truly the best. 

If you’re looking for a Huntsville newborn photographer who captures sweet, timeless photos of your babies while also being a mom herself (I get it!), let’s chat! My calendar fills fast, so get in touch while you’re still pregnant to reserve your newborn session.