By Valerie Maria Photography, Newborn Photography – Malvern, PA

Becoming a mother is one of the most profound experiences in life. During pregnancy, you’re focused on the baby registry, birthing plans, and tiny clothes—but many moms will tell you there are a few things they really wish they had known before the baby arrived.

As a newborn photographer serving families in Malvern, PA, and West Chester, PA, I spend a lot of time with new moms in those first precious days. I’ve listened to countless stories, and one theme comes up again and again: “I wish someone had told me…”

So, from one supportive voice in your village, here are five things new moms wish they had known before baby arrived—and a few resources to help you feel more prepared and supported.

1. The First Few Weeks Are a Beautiful Blur—Document Them.
Those early newborn days pass in the blink of an eye. You’ll be sleep-deprived, healing, and learning how to care for a brand-new person. One thing nearly all moms say: “I wish I had taken more photos.”

🍼 Helpful Tip: Schedule your newborn photography session while you’re still pregnant—ideally in your second or early third trimester. https://valeriemaria.com/newborn The best time to photograph your newborn is between days 5–14, when they’re still super sleepy and curly.

📸 Local Resource: Valerie Maria Photography offers relaxed, baby-led newborn sessions in a warm, cozy studio here in Malvern, PA, so you can just show up and soak in the moment. www.valeriemaria.com/contact

2. Your Postpartum Recovery Deserves as Much Planning as Your Birth Plan!
Many moms spend hours crafting their birth plan, but overlook what comes next. Postpartum healing—both physical and emotional—is a journey that needs time, rest, and support.

🍼 Helpful Tip: Build your “postpartum village” while you’re still pregnant. Line up help for meals, household support, and schedule rest just as intentionally as you do your delivery.

🌿 Local Resource:
The Shoshana in Philadelphia is a luxurious postpartum retreat designed specifically for new mothers and their babies. It’s a modern-day sanctuary where you can recover, bond with your newborn, and receive expert care in a calming, supportive environment. Think of it as a spa-like experience for postpartum healing—truly an oasis for those first days or weeks. Learn more at https://www.theshoshana.com

🤱 Also nearby: Main Line Family Education in Ardmore, PA offers postpartum classes, lactation support, and other resources to guide you through the fourth trimester.

3. Sleep Isn’t Just About the Baby
We all hear about newborn sleep, but what’s rarely discussed is the impact on your sleep—and how deeply it can affect your well-being.

🍼 Helpful Tip: Learn about wake windows, safe sleep practices, and how to create a calm nighttime routine before the baby arrives. Consider hiring a postpartum doula or night nurse for support during the early weeks.

🌙 Local Resource: Babies on the Mainline. https://babiesonthemainline.com/ They offer personalized services such as overnight doula support, newborn care assistance, and 24/7 care shared between team members to ensure restful recovery for parents. Their birth doula services provide evidence-based support throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. Additionally, they offer classes on topics like breastfeeding, infant care, and childbirth to help new mothers feel confident and supported during the early stages of motherhood.


4. Feeding Your Baby Isn’t Always Intuitive—and That’s Okay.
Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or a combination of both, feeding a newborn can be more emotionally and physically complex than expected.

🍼 Helpful Tip: Take a prenatal breastfeeding class or connect with a lactation consultant before your due date, so you have support ready if you need it.

🥛 Local Resource: The Lifecycle Birth Center in Bryn Mawr offers breastfeeding support and private consults just a short drive from Malvern. You can find more information here: https://lifecyclewellness.org/

5. You Deserve to Be in the Photos Too!
You’ll take thousands of pictures of your baby—but make sure you’re in them, too. You’ll want to remember how tiny they felt in your arms, the way you looked at them, and how deeply you loved—even in those messy, tired moments.

🍼 Helpful Tip: When choosing a newborn photographer, ask if they include family and parent portraits in the session (we do!). Don’t worry about your hair, makeup, or outfit—we’ll help you feel confident and comfortable. We have a “just show-up” process!

📸 Local Resource: Our full-service newborn sessions include styling guidance, access to a curated wardrobe for moms, and heirloom-quality prints you’ll treasure forever. https://valeriemaria.com/experience

You’ve Got This, Mama
Pregnancy is a whirlwind of to-dos, but taking time to plan for the emotional and physical realities of new motherhood can make all the difference. Trust your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and don’t forget—you are doing an incredible job already.

If you’d like to learn more about capturing your baby’s first days in a relaxed, joyful way, I’d love to chat. Our Malvern, PA studio is a warm, welcoming space where moms can just exhale and be present.

👉 Book Your Session Today! Contact Me with Questions here: https://valeriemaria.com/contact

With love and light,
Valerie Thomas
Newborn Photographer, Malvern, PA