Should You Bring Your Older Children to Your Maternity Photo Shoot

Each pregnancy is so special for every member of your family. Whether it’s your first or your fourth, those nine months of anticipation of wonder go by so fast. I’ve had potential clients reach out because she is interested in a maternity session, but she’s hesitant. 

She might hesitate because she didn’t have a maternity session with her first, and she might feel guilty about having a maternity session with her second. I want to assure you that you don’t need to feel guilty at all! Let me share why I feel this way and if you should bring your older children to your maternity session. 

Mom Guilt About Maternity Sessions 

I don’t think you should feel guilty if you didn’t take maternity photos with your first baby. Maybe you just didn’t know it was an option, or you simply couldn’t due to other circumstances. Here’s the truth, you’ll never ever regret having professional photos taken of your family. I’ve never had a client see their portraits and go, “Oh, I wish I hadn’t done these.” Revealing a client’s images is always such a joyous occasion! 

If you want maternity photos taken, then you should have them. If you feel guilty over not having them with your older child, we can include them in the session to make it special for your whole family. 

Should You Bring Your Older Children to Your Maternity Session?

I spoiled my answer above, but the answer is yes! You definitely can bring your older children to the session. Documenting your entire family’s excitement over the new baby is the perfect way to celebrate this new family member. We can even come up with important jobs for your older kids to do so they feel important throughout the session. I’ll still be able to capture those maternity portraits that you’re dreaming of while snapping photos of your family. 

So, if you’re feeling guilty about a maternity session at all, I want you to know that those feelings are very normal, but you can let go of them. Your whole family will have a wonderful time, and you’ll have portrait artwork to treasure forever. 

How to Prepare Your Older Children for the Maternity Photoshoot

Now that you’re excited about including your older children in your maternity session, I want to share a few tips with you. I have another resource for you with what to expect at your maternity session. Here, I’ll share some tips on getting your kids excited for the session. 

Depending on their ages, you’ll want to prep them for the big day. These might be their first professional photos since their newborn photos (or ever). You can talk up the session like it will be the most fun thing ever. You can assure them that they’ll have a great time hanging out with your friend, Rachael.

And don’t worry if you feel that you have a rambunctious toddler. You’ll be surprised at how well the session goes. My play-based style makes the entire experience fun for your child! I have beautiful wooden toys to play with, stickers, and bubbles handy for fun play. Your toddler will have so much fun that they won’t even realize I’m snapping away, capturing every laugh and squeal. 

Your Woodstock Maternity Photographer 

I hope this helps answer any questions you have about including your older children in your maternity photoshoot. I would love to be your maternity photographer and document this precious time for you! Please send me a message here with any questions or to schedule your session.