By Sarah McLean Photography based in Longridge near Preston, Lancashire

​What to take to your newborn baby photo shoot....

As a parent myself I understand how it can be a challenge to get out of the door with young children or a young baby – you feel as everything but the kitchen sink is packed in your bag ready for your outing, and we have all been there when we realise what we have forgotten too!
 
I have put together this handy check list of items to bring along with you to your newborn baby's photo shoot to help relieve the stress of forgetting an item off the list.
 
I send a helpful prep guide to parents when they book me for their newborn session, here are my top tips on what to bring to your newborn session.
 

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1. Spare Milk – If you are bottle feeding your newborn baby you will need to ensure you have enough spare milk for your baby. Babies tend to feed more during a photo shoot so always bring extra milk, my studio has equipment to make bottles here, a perfect prep machine, bottle warmer and kettle are all available.
2. Spare Clothes – for you and baby. Your baby is photographed in skin for most of their session without a nappy on, and yes accidents do often happen.
3. Heirlooms – Don’t forget your personal items which make your photos unique. I provide all props and backdrops – it’s these sentimental items which make your photos personal and unique.
4. Snacks – The studio offers complimentary bottled water, cold soft drinks and tea and coffee with plenty of biscuits please bring along snacks or packed lunch for yourself and siblings.
5. Nappies and Wipes – Extra nappies and spare baby clothes/grows as accidents do happen. I do have spare nappies and wipes in the studio should you run out.
6. Dummy – Even if your baby doesn’t normally take a dummy these can be very useful during your session to settle your baby in between posing with- out needing extra feeds.
7. iPad, Books, Newspapers – Sometimes shoots can be a little longer than planned so having activities for siblings especially can take away the boredom – or use the time I have your baby to catch up on your favourite book, I am very hands on during your session, and will handle your baby for most of their session.  I do have Netflix available in the studio too.
8. Sit back and relax – Enjoy and take in your baby’s first professional photo shoot, it’s a magical time watching me pose your baby for a lifetime of memories – enjoy your session.

To find out more on Newborn sessions, for your baby photo's in Lancashire - click below.

Introducing a new baby to your toddler.
 
However you approach the way to tell your Toddler about your news, it will depend on your toddler how the process the information of the arrival of a new baby brother or sister.
 
I have put together some handy tips for when your new baby arrives and dealing with your toddler below.

• Keep up routines & activities

Keeping up with your toddlers current routine will ensure your toddler isn’t left feeling left out and will reassure your toddler. This may just be your toddler’s daily walk, bed time story or playgroup activity.

• Accept that your toddler may not love their new baby brother/sister at first

They may not be as excited as you at first, and it’s great if they do. Just don’t expect them to love them straight away. They need time to adjust to the new baby in their life too.

• Extra Demands

Your toddler may need more attention, and your friends and family can help, but don’t forget to give your toddler some one on one attention too.

• Encourage them to take an interest

Toddlers may not love their new sibling straight away but they will be interested in them. Take this opportunity to go through their own baby photo’s and toys – dig out those photo albums and let them ask questions about babies.

• Distract your toddler during feeds

Toddlers may feel left out or jealous during feeds, try and distract your toddler before feeding, a great way is a book which you can read to them at the same time.

• Babyish Behaviour

Be patient with babyish behaviour – your toddler may start asking to be carried, or for a bottle, or even wetting themselves even though they are potty trained This is normal behaviour please do not punish them.

• Encourage your toddler to help

Turn looking after the baby in to fun, encourage them to talk to the baby and help with feeds and changes, and make it fun being involved. 


Please see our FREE printable photo checklist of must have hospital photo's for dad to take CLICK HERE


Sarah Mclean Photography
14a Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston PR3 3JA
01772784499

​Specialist Maternity, Newborn Baby and Family photographer based in Longridge, Preston, Lancashire.
Surrounding areas: Clitheroe, Blackburn, Chorley, Leyland, Blackpool 

Congratulations, your pregnant!
Pregnancy is such an exciting time in any ladies life - every day is a step closer to meeting the little bundle of joy you are growing patiently inside of you.

Maternity sessions are so much fun, and towards the end of my pregnancy I remember I practically lived in jogging bottoms and t-shirts, and nothing fit, and I was tired and hadn't actually got dressed up for quite a few months.

My Maternity sessions not only capture and record professional photo's of your baby bump as a keepsake reminder, but  my sessions are designed to make mam's to feel super glam and amazing!

I have photographed a few families expecting their first baby, shooting the traditional pregnancy style photo's wearing casual clothes, and maybe your partner's shirt, and I still capture these as part of your maternity session, but I want to my  mama to be's to look and feel......GORGEOUS!

Do something for you, before you time is taken up with your new baby when he or she arrives into the world.

As females, we always feel that we need to have an occasion or an excuse to do something and never much for ourselves. Maternity portraits are often overlooked because of the impending arrival of your baby - maybe you don't feel nice, or your scared of feeling huge - why not celebrate this magical time of what your body is doing...... creating life!

Your body is changing, so embrace those curves and feel super confident and stunning in front of the camera, get those 'WOW' pictures for your facebook or Art work for your home.

I provide a selection of stunning slips, dresses and lacy garments for you to wear during your session
you can wear as many of the items as you wish to change up your looks during your time in the studio, and you can wear as much or a little as you want. 
My most requested maternity pose is an implied nude in black & white showing off your new baby bump curves - your body is amazing! 
I know how to flatter and poses ladies to look their very best.

Partners and baby's siblings are more than welcome to be involved in your maternity session, making your images much more intimate and special with your family.

Your pregnancy is a very special time, and much like the newborn baby stage, it's an irreplaceable time too. 

Nothing to wear?
Don't worry - choose from our ever growing collection of slips, dresses and gowns to wear at your shoot. 

Maternity sessions all take place at my studio based in Longridge Nr Preston, Lancashire.
The studio is warm & welcoming with a growing selection of slips, gowns & dresses to wear during your photo shoot.

With a private changing area, you can try on as many of the dresses as you wish to choose the perfect one for you. 

I have contacts of local Make up artists should you wish to have your hair and make up professionally done before your shoot.

If you are still un-decided about booking your maternity photo shoot - why not take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

For all ladies who pre-book their newborn baby photo shoot on or before 30 weeks pregnant, you will receive a complimentary mini maternity session at around 36 weeks.
Then simply view your baby bump pictures together with your newborn baby ones, and combine your favourite images into your chosen package.

Some of my client's opted for the complimentary mini maternity session option, and when they saw their images they were happy they had the option to do it as they would not have considered it otherwise and they are so glad they have these memories.

​Find out more CLICK HERE 

Sarah Mclean Photography
14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
01772784499

Congratulations! your new baby has arrived!
A much awaited arrival after patiently waiting to meet him and her. 
You have been so busy with prepping for your new arrival, deciding on which pram to purchase, what colour to paint the nursery, not to mention stocking up boxes upon boxes of nappies - that you forgot to book your little one in for their professional newborn photo shoot.

So after searching the internet you are finding that Newborn photo shoots have been booked in advance so there is no sessions available, or you may be even told that a 3 weeks your newborn is too 'old' to be photographed for a 4 hour bespoke photography session.

You only want a few keepsake pictures of your baby at this fleeting time, and every day your baby is growing and changing.
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​Don't fret! here at Sarah McLean Photography, we have designed a new all inclusive package for busy mums in mind. 
Our shortened down Newborn session is 'Pure & Simple' - just focusing on the most important part of - Recording your newborn baby as a set of timeless portraits before they grow and change any more.

These sessions also do not require advanced booking unlike our bespoke session, and can be booked when you have a spare hour one afternoon (subject to availability).

This session is suitable for babies up to 12 weeks - perfect for those who missed the initial fleeting two week newborn phase.

The Pure & Simple package also includes your favourite Five images as Hi resolution digital files, which are perfect for printing ans sharing your new images with family & friends, and this complete package makes an ideal Gift for someone who is expecting a new arrival or just had a baby.

All of the sessions take place in our baby friendly studio in Longridge, near Preston where you can sit and relax whilst we capture your babies first portraits.

With over 7 years experience in the speciality of Newborn Photography you can be guaranteed your baby is in the best hands for having their baby pictures taken.

For further information on our Newborn Baby Photo sessions, please call Sarah at the studio on: 01772784499

Or feel free to pop in for a chat over a coffee and have a look around.

I look forward to hearing from you. 

Sarah McLean 
Your Newborn Baby Portrait Photographer

Studio: 14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​Guide on what to pack in your birthing hospital bag
 
Packing your hospital bag can be a very exciting time in your last trimester; it’s one more step closer to meeting your little bundle of joy that's been growing & wriggling inside you.

I started to pack my own hospital bag at around 35 weeks, just so it was ready to grab and go straight
to the hospital when my labour started, and we all know babies rarely arrive on their due dates.
 
Packing your hospital bag with these essentials will help you feel more comfortable, with these little home comforts to really help you through your labour.
 
I have split the guide into essential items for Mum, and for baby, and  don't forget to claim free printable checklist if you wish to check off your items as you pack your bag - so nothing is forgot!

​Items for Mum;

• Hospital Notes and Birth Plan
• Dressing Gown, Bed socks & Slippers
• TENs machine (if this is your choice of pain relief)
• Nighties x 2
• Comfortable clothes to go home in, jogging bottoms, t shirts, jumpers
• Black Comfy Knickers
• Maternity Pads (I used night time sanitary towels), Breast Pads – even if you are not breast feeding
• Toiletry Bag, Tooth brush & Paste, Shampoo, Shower Gel, Deodorant, Hair Brush & Tie, Cooling Mist Spray (very useful when in labour)
• Towel & Bikini Top (if you are considering a water birth)
• Camera or mobile phone/tablet with a camera and enough memory space! (Camera Shot list coming soon on the blog).
• Phone Charger
• iPod playlist – soothing music for your labour
• Books & Magazines
• Snacks & Drinks – I forgot to pack these in my bag, and I was famished! And we had no change for the vending machine, snacks such as water, chocolate, sweets and cereal bars come in handy for both you and your partner.

​Essentials for Baby;

• Vests x 3 (I would recommend bringing a tiny baby one too, if your baby is 7lb and under the standard newborn sizes may be too big, which happened to me)
• Sleep Suits x 3 (and one tiny baby) choose the ones with the inbuilt mittens to prevent scratches. (Believe me, I went through 3 sleep suits in hospital)
• Hats x 2
• 10 Nappies, and cotton wool for wiping your baby
• Blanket – keep baby cosy on the way home
• Car Seat

 
I hope you have found this blog useful, and don't forget to enter your email address below to receive your free printable checklist to help with your packing. Please give us a like & share on social media.

​​Guest Blogger – Maureen Burton
The Benefits of Baby Massage

I am delighted to have Maureen Burton as our guest blogger to share her hints & tips of the benefits of her baby massage sessions.
 
Maureen Burton is the founder of Maureen Burton’s Baby Massage and Support Group based in Preston Lancashire.

​​Introducing Maureen,
Maureen is 62, and a mother to two adult boys, and has worked alongside the Health Visiting Team for 16 years, using baby massage as part of the post natal after care to new mums.
Over the years her passion for Infant Health grew and I focused on providing mums with a Baby Massage & Support centre at two local venues in the community – Grimsargh Village Hall, and Ribchester Club in Preston, Lancashire.
Maureen’s sole aim was to not only help mums bond with their babies, but to also create a meeting place for mums and parents to meet and have a network of friends and extra support. The need for support is greater after the NHS services were reduced.
 
Adjusting to life as a new mum can be a daunting yet such an enjoyable time with your new baby.
Maureen’s Baby Massage classes not only give you that crucial bonding time with your new baby, Maureen also shares tips on other popular topics such as weaning and sleep routines, and can signpost Mum’s to G.P’s for any medical advise.

​A little more about Baby Massage
 
What is baby massage?
Baby Massage originates from old Indian Culture and evidence has found that baby massage has been practised dating back over 3000 years, as routine part of childcare from the moment of birth until the baby is weaned and walking.
Since the late to mid 1900s baby massage has become popular here in the U.K and more emphasis on the physical bonding between the parents and baby that more and more professionals are encouraging parents to make baby massage a part of your daily routine.
 
Your baby has spent 9 month’s growing inside your womb with constant touch and contact on their skin, even during their birth your baby is still experiencing contact, and touch therapy has benefits to both parent & baby.
 
What are the Benefits for me and my baby?
There are many additional benefits from practising baby massage – such as;

• Eye to Eye contact – bonding with your baby
• Enhances bonding & attachment
• Stimulates, strengthens and regulates the respiratory, digestive, circulatory, musculature and nervous systems
• Helps relive Colic, wind and constipation
• Relax and Calms your baby
• Helps baby feel secure

• Support group with other mums & parents
• Make new friends
• Relives Tension - You time to relax with your baby

 
Maureen’s Baby Massage class teaches parent’s how to massage their baby – Here you learn essential massage strokes which soothe colicky babies and help relieve that stubborn trapped wind & constipation.
 
Babies from as early as birth start her classes, and attend up until they start crawling.
 
Her massage moves and strokes are sequenced with popular Nursery Rhymes which your baby will come to recognise the more they develop and one of Maureen’s moves which is set to the Rhyme ‘Pat-a-cake’ brings your babies arms out and opens the chest which helps your baby’s respiratory system.
 

Maureen’s excellent support group is an added benefit of attending her classes where mums can come and socialise with other mums, and make lots of new friends.
 
“Even when their babies have grown up and start nursery or even school, its lovely seeing the mums still keeping in touch, they have created lasting friendships”
 
After attending one of Maureen’s classes I got a first look on how beneficial her classes and her friendly advice given to the new mums who attend.
 
Maureen’s group also enjoy organising evening’s out, and meet ups so mums/parents can enjoy getting dressed up and socialise with their new friends – it’s such a friendly network of new parents. 

Find more information on Maureen's Baby Massage here on her facebook page below.

Maureen Burton - Baby Massage & Support Group

Following on from Maureen’s Baby Massage classes, are her “Learn through play” classes.
These classes differ from your general playgroup and toddler groups – they focus more on early learning development, using interactive toys to develop your toddler’s co-ordination and social skills with other children.  

https://www.facebook.com/Maureen-Burtons-Learn-Through-Play-1683566071907497/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
 
 
Using sensory objects that are sticky, tactile or varied textures helps in your toddler’s next stage development.
 
The Baby Massage classes start Mondays at 10am – 12 noon at Grimsargh Village hall, Grimsargh. Lancashire
and Wednesday’s 10am – 12 noon at Ribchester club. Ribchester, Lancashire

Contact: 07702826051
email: maureenburton1955@hotmail.com

There is no pre-booking system, Maureen likes parents to be able turn up as she understands that appointments and family life can sometimes clash with class days, all up-to-date class information can be found on her facebook page. 

Maureen Burton - Baby Massage & Support Group

Congratulations, you’re Expecting!
 
The next 9 months are going to be so exciting, full of new experiences, changes and first’s,
Especially if this is your first pregnancy.

• First Scan
• First Craving
• First Kick
• First Contraction
• First Labour
• First moment when time stands still as you meet your child

Pregnancy is such a beautiful time, feeling this little tiny human growing and wriggling inside you, seeing your body changing to accommodate the growing baby inside.
 
I remember when I was expecting, there was a million and one questions buzzing around my head, there is so much to think about, and to do ready for your new arrival. 
 
As a leading newborn photographer in Preston, Lancashire I get to hear so many recommendations from my clients during their newborn session about the Items they couldn’t possibly live without during their pregnancy.
Our newborn sessions are completely baby lead meaning your baby's safety and comfort comes first - this gives me a lot a time to chat to mums during their newborn photo shoot and love hearing all of their stories and different experiences.

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​WATER
It’s essential to keep hydrated during your pregnancy.
TOP TIP: if you’re suffering from swollen feet & ankles during pregnancy, up your water intake – it may relieve some of your water retention, and reduce the puffyness.
 
RENNIES (anti-acid remedies)
It’s very common to suffer from heart burn and acid reflux during pregnancy, and yes I had my fair share of it having to sit up at night time. Somehow drinking glass after glass of milk didn’t help me as much as these bad boys, and Gaviscon (no, I'm not on commission)!
 
COMFY PJ’s / UNDERWEAR
As your body is changing and your baby bump is growing, the need for comfortable ‘Jammies’ and ‘undies’ is necessary along with comfy shoes. I don’t mean you have to live in your PJ’s for the entire duration of your pregnancy, but yes it is more rewarding getting into them when you get in from work and heading straight into a pair of comfy PJ’s to relax, or nod off in straight after your Tea.
Pregnancy can be very tiring. Zzzzzzzz
 
MOISTURISER/ OIL
As your baby tummy start’s to grow, you may have heard a few of the many old wives tales on how to help, prevent or ease stretch marks which may form during your pregnancy.
A lady I once worked with, who had birthed five children, didn’t have a single mark on her body and swore by Olive Oil. She advised me she used it on her tummy as soon as she became pregnant every day. It was claimed it had the similar effect to bio Oil without the price tag.
I did use this during my own pregnancy, was it was a coincidence? Or was it was prevention? –
However it worked for me.
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CHOCOLATE (cravings)
Now this one is very debatable, most ladies will get their own pregnancy craving fix from a range of different options such as Chocolate, Gherkins, Cheese, Ice lollies, to the more unusual Bath sponges, Charcoal and Chalk.
Personally I craved Pork Scratching’s – never liked them ever before until I was expecting!
 
Do you, or did you have an unusual craving?

Comment below and share with other mums which 5 things you could not live without during your pregnancy - I'd love to hear your stories.....


And once the 9 months are over and you can finally meet your newborn baby -
 that moment when time just stands still......... Congratulations!

I will leave you with some adorable newborn baby photos from our client's newborn baby photo shoots from our Newborn Baby Photography Studio based in Preston, Lancashire.


© Sarah McLean Photography
Specialist Newborn Baby & Family Studio
14a Berry Lane, Longridge PR3 3JA
01772784499
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​What to Expect When I’m Expecting You.......
The diary of a newborn and baby photographer is a complicated place!
Nobody told your baby that they are expected to turn up for their portrait session and while some can’t wait to get here, some are fashionably late. This makes my diary a wonderfully fluid place!

When you first book your session you will be required to pay the session booking fee to reserve your place in my diary.
I only take a limited number of newborn sessions each month so that I can ensure I can fit everybody in and work around midwife and health visitor appointments once your baby is here.
Once your baby arrives and you have settled back in at home just give me a call/email me and we can then confirm the best date and time for your session.

Your portrait session will take place in my comfortable purpose designed studio.
Newborn studios are not like traditional photography studios - they are designed to be warm and comfortable.
I want you and your baby to feel relaxed and comfortable so you are able to feed on demand and put your feet up with plenty of refreshments and a magazine (I even have some new dads who take a quick nap on the sofa!)
​Our studio has two separate shooting areas, one is fully dedicated to the newborn sessions which has a comfy sofa to relax on whilst I work my magic. Bottle warming facilities are available should you require to warm your baby's milk, and we are also breast feeding friendly. We also boast a bathroom/changing room should you wish to change outfits, or freshen up. 

The studio 

​So that I can capture your baby perfectly while they are still so brand new, for most of the session your baby will be in their birthday suit. Newborn clothes never fit correctly so we don’t get to see all those beautiful details that say ‘hey I’m brand new!’

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However, one of the downsides of this, is your baby is guaranteed to poop and/or pee on props, blankets, perhaps even me or you! This is just par for the course, something I’m used to dealing with on a daily basis and something I allow for.
All of my blankets and props are washed after each session and I have plenty of cloths and towels to hand. You might want to pop a change of clothes for yourself into your changing bag, just in case the worse happens.

Your newborn portrait session can take up to 4 hours and the reason for this is your newborn will need feeding, cuddles and cleaning throughout the session which is baby led rather than photographer led.
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I hope this article answers the many common questions but if you would like to book or discuss a session please contact me; CONTACT ME LINK

​Studio Tel: 01772 784499
website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

Here at Sarah McLean Photography, we like to create a bespoke images which include your new little bundle of joy, and your past times. 

Little Peggy came into the studio at just 9 days to have her newborn pictures captured.

Her mummy has grown up around horses and I am pretty sure little Peggy will follow suit once she is old enough to ride in a saddle. 

So instead of waiting years to capture Peggy in the saddle - I captured her on it!

Carefully positioning her onto the sheepskin cover, fast asleep I posed her safely on there with mum and dad spotting her at all times. 

I could not wait to start editing this session once it was finished, knowing that I had created something spectacular and extra special for mum. As eager as I was to post a sneak peek, I didn't want to ruin the surprise and waited until their next appointment in the studio to come and see their beautiful images for the first time. 

After the slide show finished, Mum & Dad were thrilled! if not a tad emotional with happy tears streaming down their cheeks, mum couldn't begin to explain how happy she was with her custom image and how well it turned out her little newborn girl, sleepy and posed upon her saddle.

It's moments like this when my clients are extremely happy with their precious images, and their emotions like this show this, I get that warming feeling inside knowing my work has made them this happy. 

This is little Peggy upon her mum's riding saddle. 

​This portrait will look stunnning on one of our high end acrylics across any living room wall - for maxium visual impact. 


Call Sarah, and see what bespoke piece she can create you for your own newborn photo's.

Tel: 01772784499 or mobile: 07580128801

website: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk

​Facebook: www.facebook.com/smcleanphotography

Over the last few months I have been getting this exciting new collection ready for reveal.

Belly Beautiful is a combined Maternity & Newborn Session which also includes a keepsake belly cast of your beautiful bump.

The casting is taken care of in my studio, so there is no need to make a mess in your home with a home kit, everything is provided here at Sarah McLean Photography. 

It's magical how this little one used to grow inside your tummy. 

For more information on Belly Beautiful, contact Sarah at the studio on: 01772784499
or visit: www.sarahmcleanphotography.co.uk
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