Stressed About Newborn Photos? Here’s What New Moms Really Need to Know | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Worried your newborn won’t sleep or that you won’t feel camera-ready? Lancaster PA newborn photographer Angie Englerth shares how to make your session calm, easy, and beautiful.

Bringing home a new baby is magical, but let’s be honest, it’s also overwhelming. Between sleepless nights, healing, figuring out feeding, and adjusting to a new rhythm, the idea of adding newborn photos to your to-do list can feel like a lot.

If you’re a new mom wondering:

• “What if my baby doesn’t sleep?”

• “What am I even going to wear?”

• “Will I even feel up for it?”

  You’re not alone and you’re not the first mom to feel this way.

I’m Angie Englerth, a Lancaster PA newborn photographer and mama myself. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns and walked families through this tender, beautiful season. And what I want you to know is this:

Newborn photos don’t have to feel stressful.
They can actually be peaceful, meaningful, and one of the most special parts of your postpartum journey.

Let’s break down five real reasons newborn sessions feel overwhelming and how to make the process easier from start to finish.

1. “I’m not feeling like myself yet. I don’t know if I want to be in the pictures.”

Choose a photographer who understands the postpartum season and gently guides you through.

You just had a baby. You’re healing. You’re not sleeping. Of course you don’t feel camera-ready. But you also deserve to be seen, not just behind the camera, but in the photos, holding your baby in the very first days of their life.

This season is fleeting, but these images last forever.

I use soft light, flattering angles, and gentle posing so you feel confident, calm, and cared for. You don’t have to know how to pose or “be photogenic.” That’s what I’m here for.

2. “What if my baby cries or doesn’t sleep during the session?”

Work with a photographer trained in newborn behavior and safety.

Here’s the secret: most newborns do cry or fuss at some point. And that’s okay. The best sessions are flexible, baby-led, and unhurried.

In my studio:

• The space is warm, quiet, and designed for comfort

• Sessions include time for feedings, snuggles, and soothing

• I handle your baby with care, patience, and expert safety practices

Your baby’s comfort comes first…always.

3. “I have no idea what to wear. Nothing fits and I’m too tired to shop.”

Let me take care of styling. You don’t need to lift a finger.

I offer a carefully curated client wardrobe with postpartum-friendly dresses for moms, simple classic pieces for baby, and outfit coordination help for siblings too. I can also help you curate your own wardrobe for the session.

That means:

• No shopping trips or last-minute panic

• No worrying if your dress will photograph well

• Just timeless, comfortable pieces that help you feel like you

4. “I want beautiful photos, but I’ll probably never get around to printing them.”

I help you turn your images into heirloom-quality artwork.

So many moms receive a gallery, love the images, and then feel stuck. What should you print? Where do you get it made? How do you design an album?

I walk you through every step so your photos don’t just live on your phone. They become prints you hang, albums you pass down, and reminders of just how small your baby once was.

My full-service process includes:

• A reveal and ordering appointment

• Custom design for albums, wall art, or keepsake boxes

• Easy ordering, with delivery right to your home

5. “I’m afraid I’ll miss the window.”

Book your due date in advance, we’ll stay flexible.

The best time for newborn sessions is between 7–21 days after birth, when babies are still sleepy and curled up. But you don’t have to schedule an exact date just yet.

📆 When you book during your second trimester, I reserve space around your due date and we finalize once your baby arrives. It’s flexible, simple, and one less thing to stress about.

What My Clients Are Saying

“We’ve used Angie for all three of our kids’ newborn photos as well as numerous family sessions and have always been extremely happy with the final product! I highly recommend her as she is patient, exceptionally kind, and a very talented photographer.”
— Katie Eberly

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Newborn Photo Experience That Feels Like a Gift

This is such a short season, even if it doesn’t feel like it at 3am. The haze of the newborn days will pass, but the images we create together will become part of your family’s legacy.

With a calm, guided process and someone who knows how to make it all feel easy, your newborn session can be one of the best decisions you make during your baby’s first weeks.

Ready to feel cared for and confident and walk away with photos you’ll treasure forever?
Let’s talk about your due date and design a newborn session that fits you perfectly.

👉 Click here to inquire about availability

From Bump to Baby: The Magic of Booking Both Sessions Together | Lancaster PA Maternity & Newborn Photographer

There’s something incredibly special about watching a story unfold in front of my lens from the gentle anticipation of pregnancy to the quiet awe of new life.

While I photograph many beautiful standalone maternity or newborn sessions, some of my favorite galleries…the ones that feel the most complete…are when families choose to document both.

Booking both sessions together is one of the best decisions my clients make. Here’s why.

It Tells the Whole Story

Pregnancy is just the beginning of your journey into motherhood (or into a new chapter of it). When you choose to document both your maternity and newborn seasons, you’re preserving not just what it looked like, but what it felt like. The wonder, the waiting, the love growing before your eyes.

Seeing those images side-by-side? It’s powerful. A full circle moment.

Your Experience Becomes Seamless

When you book both sessions at once, I already know your style, your preferences, and your heart. It allows us to build trust early on so that when baby arrives, you feel confident, relaxed, and fully supported.

You don’t have to start over or explain what matters to you…I already know. You’re not scrambling at the last minute. Everything is already in place.

Your Images Will Feel Cohesive

There’s a visual magic that happens when your maternity and newborn photos are captured with the same artistic eye. The colors, the composition, the emotion. It all flows together beautifully.

Whether you're planning to create an album, hang framed prints, or simply treasure your images, having that cohesive look makes your memories feel even more elevated and intentional.

You’ll Never Regret It

I’ve never had a mom say, “I wish I hadn’t done both sessions.” But I have heard more than a few say, “I wish I’d captured my pregnancy too.”

This season is so special. It’s fleeting. And it deserves to be remembered, not just the day your baby arrived, but the days your heart stretched to make room for them.

Ready to Tell Your Full Story?

If you’re expecting, now’s a great time to reach out. I’d love to chat about capturing both your maternity and newborn sessions so nothing gets missed in this beautiful season. Let’s make something meaningful together from bump to baby, and every tender moment in between.

Send me a message to get started!

A Cozy Evening with the Millen Family | Lancaster PA Newborn Photographer

Three Kids, One Cozy Evening, and a Newborn’s First Portraits

One of the best parts of what I do is watching families grow. When Rebecca reached out to book a newborn session for their third baby, I was genuinely so excited. I’ve photographed their first two little ones, and it felt extra special to help them complete this next piece of their story with the same soft, timeless look they already love.

They chose an evening session this time, which made a big difference. In Rebecca’s words, “We were able to keep our three kids (3, 2, and newborn) on their regular schedule, which helped the photo session go smoothly. They were able to nap, get baths, eat, and be in good spirits at their best part of the day.”

And that’s exactly how the Millens roll. They’re casual, home-loving people who enjoy the simple things: gardening, birdwatching, cooking, building with Legos, and exploring the world from their own backyard. I could feel that energy in their session. It wasn’t about perfect poses or looking a certain way. It was about being together, making each other laugh, and soaking in the sweetness of this season.

Baby Miles slept peacefully, wrapped in a soft blue, with one of the happiest little smiles I’ve ever seen. Rebecca told me that photo is her favorite and I have to agree it’s a good one.

Throughout the session, the girls took turns being silly and sweet. Amelia made us all laugh. Ainsley, true to her independent spirit, let us know exactly when she was done taking photos. I love moments like that because they tell a real story. These aren't just images to fill a frame. They’re pieces of your family’s life, just as it is right now.

Rebecca shared something that really stuck with me. She said, “I’d like to remember the unexpected hugs, kisses, ‘I love yous,’ and those random, sweet moments that come from little kids being so uninhibited.”

Those are the moments that often go unnoticed but mean the most. It reminded me of what so many of us want to hold on to as our babies grow…those genuine, unplanned bursts of love.

To the Millen family: Thank you for coming back to me time and time again. It means the world. Watching your little ones grow and getting to freeze these sweet memories for you is truly an honor.

If you're reading this and thinking about booking a session, I’d love to work with you too. I am currently booking due dates through September with the rest of the year opening very soon! If you want in, now’s a great time to reach out. We can plan something relaxed, real, and totally you.

Let’s make some magic together.

How to Prepare for Your Newborn Photo Session

Preparing for your newborn photo session is an exciting time, and a little preparation can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Timing

As a newborn photographer, I recommend scheduling your newborn photos when your baby is around 10-14 days old. However, at Angie Englerth Photography, I understand that life happens, and I am very flexible if you cannot get your baby in before then. Newborns are typically sleepier and more amenable to posing during the first two weeks, which helps us capture those precious, peaceful moments, but we can still create beautiful images beyond that timeframe.

2. Feeding and Sleep

A well-fed baby is a content baby. Plan to feed your little one right before the session to encourage a full tummy and a restful sleep. This helps us achieve those serene, sleepy poses that parents love in their newborn photos.

3. Creating a Comfortable Environment

Our studio at Angie Englerth Photography is designed to be warm and cozy, ensuring your baby feels secure. We maintain a comfortable temperature and provide soothing sounds to mimic the womb environment, helping your newborn relax.

4. What to Bring

• Outfits and Accessories: While we provide a variety of props and outfits, feel free to bring any special items you'd like to include in your newborn photos, such as a cherished blanket or heirloom.

• Essentials: Pack extra diapers, wipes, and any feeding supplies you may need. Having these on hand ensures you're prepared for any situation.

5. Family Involvement

Including parents and siblings in the session adds a personal touch to your newborn photos. Coordinate simple, neutral-colored outfits to keep the focus on your family's connections.

6. Patience is Essential

Newborn sessions can last up to 2 hours to accommodate feeding, changing, and soothing. We take the time to ensure your baby is comfortable, allowing for natural and beautiful moments to unfold.

By following these guidelines, we aim to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience, capturing the tender moments of your newborn's early days. If you have any questions or specific requests, please don't hesitate to reach out to your trusted Lancaster Newborn Photographer.

Addison | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Addison

Danielle and Andrew joined me in the studio back in October. Their sweet Addison had arrived and big sister Veronica came along as well! I often get asked if siblings are able to join in on photos at a newborn session. The quick and easy answer is YES! Absolutely! I always include sibling and/or parent photos in every newborn session that would like them! Veronica got started by playing in the playhouse and exploring the studio a bit and then when she was warmed up, she came right over and jumped in some photos with her new baby sister! Addison was an absolute gem to work with and pulled off each and every setup flawlessly! Now I know you came to see some newborn photos and we’re almost there, but I wanted to share some of what Danielle had to say when asked about her experience.

What was your favorite part about our session together?

“I really enjoyed how Angie took control of the session from the start. She took our daughter and began getting her prepped for the session. My husband and I were looking to have our older daughter in some photos and Angie was extremely patient and flexible. She told us she will start taking the newborn photos and when our older daughter was ready and comfortable enough to be in pictures she would accommodate. When our older daughter was ready, we walked over and Angie stopped what she was doing and got her right in the pictures!”

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

“I felt very unprepared for the photo shoot. I didn’t have outfits picked out or planned. My husband and I were blown away when we saw how many wraps and outfits Angie had to offer for all ages! This immediately calmed my nerves of my pictures coming out terrible because I didn’t plan ahead. Our experience was fantastic. The best part for our older daughter was the little toy kitchen area. That kept her busy while newborn photos were going on. Angie also had a tv on with our daughters favorite show and snacks! Very welcoming for siblings!”

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

“The pictures of both my daughters together just melts my heart! I also love how Angie captured ONE picture of our newborn smiling!! It’s so hard to capture those moments.”

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

“You do not need to bring anything with you to this session!! Angie has everything you need! Maybe a pacifier to calm your newborn through out the session if needed!”

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?  

“Seeing our girl and her heartbeat at every ultrasound appointment!”

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?

“Chocolate chip pancakes!!”

Do you have other children? How do they react to the pregnancy?

“We have a 2 year old daughter. We would talk to her about her baby sister everyday. Now that she is here, she is the best helper to mommy and daddy!”


What is your best advice to other moms regarding this age?

“Soak up every second! It’s amazing how quick time goes.”


And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Addison’s newborn session!

Ainsley | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Ainsley

When Zach and Rebecca reached out about booking a session for their newest baby girl, I was thrilled! Amelia was in the studio last spring and now I had the privilige of capturing sweet Ainsley!

I asked Rebecca a few questions and would love to share what she said with you all!

What was your favorite part about our session together?

“Seeing all the cute outfits Angie picked for our girl! It was also fun getting our first daughter into a few pictures with her new sister.”

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

Angie had done our first baby's newborn shoot, so we knew we wanted her to do the second, too. We wanted the same "tone" to the pictures so we could display them side by side and didn't want to go to another photographer who didn't have the same vision.

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Yes! Angie found a beautiful lace wrap with a dusky rose / floral pattern on it and a matching headband and photographed Ainsley in a basket with dusky pink lining - it's BEAUTIFUL.

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

If you have any preferences as to how you want your pictures to look, talk to Angie either before or during the session. She's really good about working with your tastes and what you're envisioning for poses/colors/props/etc.

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?

I was SHOCKED. Our first baby came after years of unexplained infertility, tests, and treatments, and I was not anticipating a second one being so uncomplicated. I found out I was pregnant again when my first baby was six months old.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?  

This pregnancy was significantly more challenging, as I was already taking care of a baby, but there were plenty of good moments - most memorable was announcing that Amelia, my first daughter, was going to be a big sister and finding out on Christmas morning that we were having another girl! We used hot chocolate bombs with pink marshmallows inside to tell our family members.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?

This time around, I loved Taco Bell chicken quesadillas (same as with my first pregnancy) and iced coffees.

Do you have other children? How do they react to the pregnancy?

Yes, I have a fifteen month old named Amelia - she was thrilled when we brought Ainsley home! From the first day we introduced them, Amelia referred to Ainsley as "May May" so that is now her name around the house. Amelia is a great helper and likes to rock her sister in the swing and the car seat, and she helps me change diapers and give bottles. We are working on being "gentle" with the baby, and so far, she's doing a great job!


What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time?

I thought she looked exactly like her big sister!


And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Amelia’s newborn session!

Rachel & Weston | Lancaster PA Maternity and Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Rachel & Weston

I first met Rachel and Ryan for their maternity photo session. They were busy with new puppies and snuck away for the session. Rachel looked beautiful in every shot and we talked in anticipation of their newborn session. Fast forward a bit and it was time to come back for their newborn session. Weston was wonderful and his session went flawlessly! Ryan and Rachel and their families are big college football fans! Scroll through the favorites to see which team they wanted to feature with Weston’s photos!

Just for fun…here’s some Q&A with Rachel herself:

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

We didn't do much in preparation for the newborn photos besides venture outside the house. We had a great experience; Weston was totally comfortable with her and all the props and outfits. We could not have been happier with the end results!

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

Do it! We did maternity and newborn and very thankful we did so we have those memories forever.

Have we done a session together before? If so, why did you decide to book another?

We originally booked as a package but if we didn't we would have definitely rebooked for newborn shots after our fun experience getting maternity shots done in some not so ideal weather.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?

My pregnancy wasn't easy but having maternity shots done highlighted such a monumental time in our lives as a married couple about to welcome a new family member.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?

Chick Fil-A everything

And now for the part you’re really here for….here are some favorites from their sessions with me!

Rachel & Stella | Lancaster PA Maternity and Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Rachel & Stella

Where do I begin? When Rachel and Jared told us they were expecting, I may have let out a scream! Rachel is Ben’s younger sister and we have been looking forward to this moment for so long! After their long journey to get to this point, we were all thrilled for them! Fast forward to being able to capture Rachel’s maternity photos as well as Stella’s newborn photos, I was honored! I may be biased, but my niece is the cutest!

We had a lot of fun incorporating Mark (their first baby/fur baby) into their maternity session! Then we included their favorite sports teams into Stella’s session! My kids took advantage of the session to sneak a few extra peeks at their cousin! Let’s just get right to it, shall we?! Here are lots of favorites from Rachel’s maternity session as well as Stella’s newborn session!

Amelia | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Amelia

When Zach and Rebecca reached out about booking a session for their baby girl, I was thrilled! We used to go to church with these two and seeing them become parents was such a joy for me! Their baby girl Amelia is clearly their world…and rightfully so! She is the sweetest!

I asked Rebecca a few questions and would love to share what she said with you all!

What was your favorite part about our session together?
My favorite part was being able to rest and trusting Angie completely with our daughter - changing, posing, adjusting - and knowing she was safe the whole time. Even that two hours gave us a little break from the stress of being newborn parents!

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?
We have known Angie for years and were very comfortable with her skill level and expertise. Before the shoot, we fed our daughter so she was sleepy and cooperative, knowing that even if she wasn't, Angie would be able to work with her anyway. She was the perfect client, and we were all were very happy with how the shoot went and how Angie kept it fun the whole time and worked with props we brought along.

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Yes! The pictures with Daddy's bird feathers came out beautifully. I did not even anticipate our daughter looking like an egg in a nest, so that was an awesome surprise - just a testament to Angie's eye!

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
I was surprised and relieved and scared all at the same time. We underwent fertility treatments and eventually an IUI procedure and got pregnant on our first round, which I was not expecting, so when the nurse called and told us it had worked and we'd have a baby in nine months, my whole world suddenly changed. I knew my body worked, I was capable of bringing a baby into this world, and that we had gotten what we had prayed for for years!

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
I was blessed to have a very easy pregnancy, so I really enjoyed it! I loved feeling my daughter kicking and moving around and sharing those moments with her daddy. Watching my bump get a little bigger each week and documenting it in my daughter's baby book was really fun. I also can truthfully say I loved the birth experience, meeting my girl at the end of it, and getting to see my husband become a father.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?
In the very beginning, I wanted feta cheese on everything. Then I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes around 30 weeks and craved everything I wasn't allowed to have. Taco Bell quesadillas were a favorite throughout my pregnancy, though!

And now, the part you’re really here for…here are some favorites from Amelia’s newborn session!

Emerson & Leona | Lancaster PA Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

Emerson & Leona

Twins are always exciting and when Leesha reached out to schedule her maternity and newborn sessions with me, I was thrilled. Her maternity session was magical and the twins session did not disappoint!

Ellie | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

ELLIE

Better late than never, right?! When Lauren & Jeremiah reached out about booking a newborn session for their newest addition, EXCITED is an understatement! I was so happy for them to have another bundle of joy and honored that they chose me to capture her for them! Ellie was due on Christmas so I could relate to Lauren with that because my Sawyer was due and came on 12/23! Ellie ended up arriving a little ealier though! Maddie is the best big sister to sweet little Ellie and capturing them was an absolute joy! Here are some favorites from their session with me!

**Take note of one where Ellie was on the beanbag posing and sweet Maddie came to lay her hand on her as to reassure her that all is well! It was the sweetest moment!!!

Wyatt | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth

WYATT

Cheyenne came to be just before her due date and thankfully, I was able to fit them in. I’m so glad it worked out because this family was so easy to work with and fun to chat with! Wyatt was just the sweetest and slept through his whole session. We finished everything in record time and the photos turned out wonderful! I will of course share some favorites, but first, here is a little Q&A with Cheyenne.

What was your favorite part about our session together?
Everything, watching my newborn smile and her capturing us and him.

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out? 
Our experience was great. She knew her stuff, was quick, didn’t have to think, and was gentle with my son. The photos were AMAZING!!!!!

What is the first thing that ran through your mind when you found out you were pregnant?
Finally!! I am so excited and happy!!

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
Feeling him kick. Rubbing my belly, not getting morning sickness.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings? What were they?
Rice crispy treats, lol, but I really wanted Savory foods.

Beckett | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

BECKETT

Ashleigh first came to me back in 2016 (I think?) when her and Trevor were expecting their second child. They returned for more photos and then moved away for a few years. I was obviously thrilled to find out they moved back to PA and were expecting another sweet babe! This family is seriously the best and every session together just feels like hanging out with friends! Here are some favorites from Ashleigh’s latest maternity session as well as Beckett’s newborn session. Yes, these were from earlier this year. Yes, I have been a serious slacker with blogging. I’m sorry! I will try very hard to do better! Enjoy!

Rose | Lancaster Newborn Photographer

ROSE

Elizabeth reached out to me before the pandemic and had her sweet baby Rose right in the middle of it all. On top of that, Rose had to spend some time in the NICU since she came quite early and was only 3.8 pounds. I cannot even imagine how difficult that truly was for them. I was so excited when she reached out again that she was ready to try for a newborn session. Rose was six weeks old by then, but since she was not at her gestational age yet, she was still itty bitty and a great sleeper! I can’t wait to share my favorites from her session! First, here is a little Q&A I did with Elizabeth.

What was your favorite part about our session together?
How sweet and gentle you were with our baby and how much she loved being swaddled.

What have been the most memorable parts of this pregnancy?
I had a lot of complications which were very frightening but otherwise I loved being pregnant and feeling her kick, especially.

Did you have any pregnancy cravings?
Eggs, peanut butter, and tacos. I was never sick.

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out? 
This was one of our first outings after she got home from the NICU and we were nervous about taking her out but SO excited. It turned out beautifully and was so relaxing.

And now for the part you came for….photos from Rose’s sweet newborn session!

Marabelle | Lancaster Newborn Photographer

Marabelle

Marabelle is my sweet niece who is now no longer a newborn (whoops), but I felt her session still deserved to hit the blog! She is a rainbow baby and the sweetest little sister to her bigger brothers. She fits into our giant cousin crew (now nine kiddos) perfectly and I, for one, cannot wait to see the young woman she grows up to be! Now for the fun part, here are some favorites from her session!

Alexander | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Alexander

Alison reached out to me just before Christmas and we were able to get her and Alex in at the beginning of the new year. He was the first newbie in the studio in 2020 and did a great job for his session!

Now, enjoy some favorites from Alexander’s session!

A Birth Story | Isabel Marie | Angie Englerth Photography

Where do I begin? I suppose our birth story begins right around 37 weeks. I began having contractions that I originally assumed were Braxton Hicks. They were consistent and strong so we made the decision to go into triage (those of you who are local understand the 222 trouble lately so we didn’t want to wait too long to get in). Long story short, it was a false alarm. Fast forward a few days and I’m still experiencing contractions, but also intense back pain. We went into triage again, again it was a false alarm. The following day, contractions are still strong and consistent, but this time we wait to be seen in the office. The car ride is misery and when we finally get there, I am bent over in so much pain. I will shorten the story as best I can to spare you the details. The midwife checked me and I was barely dilated. After more questions and examining, she suspected something related to the kidney or bladder and sent me over to triage…..my third visit in a week. This time, they ordered an ultrasound of my kidneys and bladder and discovered I had Hydronephrosis, or a swollen kidney. This explained all my pain and they suspected my body was contracting as a reaction to the pain. It took about a week and a half to recover, but I was finally feeling okay again. Then, two days before my due date, contractions started again. Back to triage we go. Again, they sent me home. The next day, I cleaned the house top to bottom - like on my hands and knees scrubbing the floor kind of cleaning. I couldn’t sleep that night because the contractions were getting stronger. Ben woke up for work at 5:00 and could tell things were picking up. He left for work and told me to keep him updated.

I did not want to get sent home from triage again so I did everything I could to stop the contractions. I took a warm bath, chugged a ton of water, laid down and put my feet up, but alas, they were getting much more intense and close together. I labored as long as I could, but when Jackson began to appear worried about me, I knew I had to make the call. The midwife told me to come in for a labor check. Ben was ready to leave work, but wouldn’t make it home in time to get me in to see the midwife. Lucky for me, I am blessed with sweet friends and family in my life and one of these friends didn’t hesitate to jump in her car and head over. She was at my house in less than ten minutes, packed up the boys and started driving us in. She was timing my contractions the whole ride and by the time we arrived, they were a solid three minutes apart and I was not able to talk through them. She dropped me at the door and took the kids to play at the mall for a bit. Ben was on his way so I just went in to get started. Fast forward a bit, I was 5 cm and fully effaced! I broke down in tears just relieved to not be sent home again. They brought Ben back to me when he arrived and off to triage we went again.

It took some time for a delivery room to open up and for them to get my IV started so there I was in triage breathing through contractions as best I could, but I was so ready for that epidural. Once I got to my room, got the epidural and was checked, I was 7 cm. The midwife broke my water and then we waited and rested. My nurses (shout out to the awesome nurses at Women & Babies!!!) had been with me from the start of their shift and would be leaving at 7:00 so the running joke was that we had to get her out by then so they could meet her.

It was probably around 6:30 I started feeling lots of pressure and let my nurse know. It was time! I was 10 cm and ready to go! The midwife was with another mama at the time so she told my nurses to help me with a practice push. Ben was on my right and my nurse was on my left. Here we go….I began pushing, but immediately was met with wide eyes from both of them and being told firmly to “Stop, stop pushing.” Apparently, Isabel was ready to come out and didn’t want to wait any longer. (She had made her appearance during that practice push, but we didn’t have our midwife in the room yet). Our midwife came in and quickly got ready. I had to breathe through the next contraction which proved to be very challenging. Then when the midwife gave the go ahead, I gave a big old push and Isabel joined us…at 7:01….just in time to meet the sweet nurses that had supported me all day. After pushing for over two hours with each of the boys, one push was a pleasant surprise. She was absolutely perfect and hung out on my chest for the next hour.

We arranged for the boys to come in right away to meet her and let me just say, there is nothing sweeter as a parent than watching your children become big siblings. Jackson was in awe and kept loving and kissing on her. Sawyer wanted to snuggle and hold her right away. The night will not leave my memory anytime soon. We were a finally a family of five and I can’t explain the feeling that rushed over Ben and I of feeling complete - as if Isabel was always meant to be ours, we just needed to trust God’s timing.

I have shared so much of our journey from our miscarriages to secondary infertility to my tumor and so much more. I pray that somehow our story can encourage another mama out there and if you are currently struggling with infertility or anything for that matter that is challenging to you and your family, please know we are praying for you. We are on the other end of it now, but going through it, I remember all to well the raw feelings and emotions. I am so grateful for the family God has blessed me with and I promise you that I am not taking a single day of it for granted.

Now for some fun…here are some shares from our hospital stay (phone pictures) and then some of my captures of Isabel in the studio.

Theodore | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Theodore

When Jenna first told me about her pregnancy, I may have let out a little squeal! I have had the pleasure of working with Jenna since she was a mom of two and now she has FOUR beautiful blessings! Theodore was so mellow for his session and his older siblings just adored him which made for smooth sailing when it came to pictures! Here’s a little Q&A with Jenna and then some favorites from his session!

Please tell me some small details of your birthing process. When did you go into labor? Time of birth? Who all was at the hospital with you?

We decided to keep this pregnancy a secret from family and friends. I had a lot of health issues and we thought we were going to loose him that were unrelated to my health issues. We didn’t want to worry anyone. Let’s just say everyone was shocked after he was born! We had a c section scheduled at 36 weeks  and he was born at 2:25pm. Since it was a surprise, it was just my husband and I.

What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time?

I was really worried if he would have to go to the NICU since his sister was also born at 36 weeks and needed to. He ended up needing to go and I was so emotional since I knew the road we had ahead of us.

What was your favorite part about our session together?

My favorite part was knowing that Angie was capturing these precious moments and of course catching up with her!

Do you have a favorite image from your session? Was there any favorite setups or props used?

There are so many to choose! I love the ones with one of the kids and him. They show there personalities and how in love they are with him.

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

I was worried about what everyone was going to wear and having the time to actually fix myself up. That comes very rarely now a days! I also was hoping everyone was going to behave since I have four kids. Thank you Angie for the candy! They all did wonderfully!

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken?

To try and relax and know you are in good hands. Angie takes so many different photos that there are many to choose from. It’s always so hard to decide!

Do you have other children? How do they react to the new baby? Feel free to share a little about them here.

I have three other children besides him, four total. They all want to help and hold him. The last two are 18 months apart and she is constantly loving up on him, kisses galore! I’m really lucky they have all been so good with him.

Anything else you'd like to add about your session and final images?

They all were so precious! And now I have them to look back on for years to come. Thank you, Angie

Now, enjoy some favorites from Theodore’s session!

Jenna | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Jenna

Devon reached out to me early on in her pregnancy about a newborn session. I was thrilled because way back in 2014 when I first started my business, I captured their engagement pictures. I was honored they sought me out to now capture their first baby’s newborn photos. Jenna was awesome for her session and barely made a fuss! I asked Devon some questions about her experience and here is what she had to say:

Please tell me some small details of your birthing process. When did you go into labor? Time of birth? Who all was at the hospital with you?

I went in on December 27th to be induced for medical reasons. Jenna was born two days later via c-section at 4:50pm. My husband David was with me when she was born, but my mom And in-laws where at the hospital with us.

What was the first thing you thought when you saw your baby for the first time?

I couldn’t believe how alert she was! As soon as the nurse put Jenna on my chest We Locke’s eyes and it was the most incredible feeling ever. She was her safely and she was wide awake and looked right at me.

What was your favorite part about our session together?

I loved how sweet Angie was with Jenna. She worked with whatever Jenna was willing to give her. She captured all of the sweetness of her newborn smirks and was so patient.

Do you have a favorite image from your session? Was there any favorite setups or props used?

My favorite image is the naked one that is focused on Jenna’s face. She was on the beanbag with a coral headband on. My favorite prop was the tiny wooden drawer.

How did you prepare for our photo shoot? How was your experience? Were you nervous or worried before? How did it turn out?

We prepared by following Angie’s instructions, we absolutely loved our experience, because we had worked with Angie before we weren’t nervous or worried at all. We just love how all of the images turned out!

What would be your advice to someone getting newborn photographs taken?

Do it! After getting our photos done, I think it was so worth the price! We’ll cherish these images forever!

Now, enjoy some favorites from Jenna’s session!

Adelaide | Lancaster Newborn Photographer | Angie Englerth Photography

Adelaide

This summer was the summer of girls and Adelaide was one of them! She was a rock star and slept through the majority of her session. Her big brother and sister were excited to be a part of it all as well. I had the privilege of photographing all three of Nate and Alyssa's beautiful children and I can't even put into words how much that means to me. To be trusted with anyone's newborn pictures is an honor I do not take lightly. I can't believe I waited so long to blog Adelaide's session because there are just so many to share! Take a look for yourself!