Barcelona breastfeeding photographer

Skin-to-Skin Photography: Embrace Your True Self, Love Yourself

The arrival of a child is a profound transformation, both internally and externally. Your body undergoes incredible changes to nurture your baby for nine months, but after giving birth, you may feel like a different person. The whirlwind of emotions can sometimes drown out your voice and sense of self. You may avoid looking in the mirror, and when you do, it’s hard to recognize the reflection staring back at you. Fatigue, exhaustion, and a sense of being lost may consume you. Yet, amidst it all, your body remains the safest haven for your baby – because you are home.

Whether you call it breastfeeding, postpartum, or an intimate portrait session, the intention remains the same – capturing your authentic self through the eyes of your baby. Treating yourself to a photo session with your child(ren) is a beautiful way to reconnect with yourself and rediscover the beauty of this new chapter. Regardless of whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed, co-sleep or not, the bond you share with your baby is undoubtedly precious. Allow me to capture these moments in timeless photographs for you.

When is the best time to take breastfeeding photos?

The immediate postpartum period, often referred to as the “cuarentena” in Spain, lasts only a few months after birth. However, the physical process of returning to your pre-pregnancy state takes much longer. Emotionally, the postpartum period can extend well past your baby’s second birthday. As such, there is no definitive “best” time for these sessions. Any time is opportune if you feel the need and desire to capture these precious moments..

In my personal view, the first three years of a child’s life mark the pinnacle of the physical and emotional bond between mother and baby. Whether your baby is just a few weeks old or already crawling or walking, the resulting images will undoubtedly vary. However, one thing remains constant – you are the unwavering source of safety and protection for your baby. In one word: you are home. Your chest, your lap, your face, your hands… your body is the sanctuary that cradles your baby.

A gift for life

Dr. Carlos González aptly describes breastfeeding as a gift for life, and I couldn’t agree more. Breastfeeding establishes an incredibly powerful physical connection with your baby. Your child caresses you, touches you, plays with your hair, your mouth, your navel, or even your other nipple while nursing. Witnessing your baby suckling is a truly magical sight.

While these moments may feel familiar, or even exhausting, now, the truth is that every breastfeeding journey has a beginning and an end. Memories fade faster than we realize, and all these little details that seem like normalcy now will eventually give way to other stages of your baby’s growth. That’s why I wholeheartedly believe that a photo session capturing these moments is truly a gift for a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions about skin-to-skin and breastfeeding photo shoots

What if I don’t breastfeed but bottle feed instead? What if my baby is weaning?

You do not need to be actively breastfeeding to enjoy this kind of photo session. Furthermore, your baby doesn’t need to eat/drink during the session at all. Skin-to-skin sessions portray your bond through touching and caressing, in a relaxed and intimate environment. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the experience, with or without boobs / formula bottles. Use it as a moment to reconnect with you and your baby; and simply forget about the camera.

Where do these sessions take place?

I offer you a cozy space in my natural light studio near the Sagrada Familia . In my studio you will find a comfortable bed, sheets, blankets and warm light. However, none of this matters. You and your baby are the real stars.

What do I have to do, will you give posing directions?

If you’ve never had your photos taken, you’re probably wondering “what do I do”, if there’s some kind of script to follow or if I’ll be directing you in any way. Most of the time I don’t like to give directions and I prefer you to be genuinely you, just let yourself go. I may suggest you to sit or lay down or try something different, but you are always in charge. Breast, caresses, tickles… depending on the age of the baby your interaction will be different, but I want to capture you as you are.

Do I need to take off my clothes?

You don’t have to. Although showing direct skin-to-skin contact reinforces the emotional side of your photos, you need to feel comfortable at all times during the session, so you decide how far you want to go. Some women undress completely in front of the camera, while others prefer to cover themselves lightly. It’s entirely up to you to decide. Your privacy and well-being always come first. Also, if you are concerned about privacy, there nothing to worry about: you decide if you want to keep the resulting photos to yourself, or if you are ok with me sharing my work on my website or social media. No pressure at all.

Can my partner or my other kids also come?

Breastfeeding / skin-to-skin sessions are very intimate and low key. It’s totally fine with me if your partner and your other kids want to join the session, so it’s up to you. No one knows better than you how you function when you’re all together, or whether you’ll be able to create a relaxed and relaxed atmosphere.

How will I receive my pictures?

Your photos are delivered in digital format. I will send you a link to an online gallery for you to download the resulting pictures, as well as purchase additional prints. The perfect add-on to this type of session is an album, so that you always have your pictures at hand. But whatever your preference, I recommend that you do something with your photos: don’t let them just sit on a flash drive. Prints, albums, wall displays… everything is possible. It makes no sense to store your precious pictures in a digital drawer and let them fade into oblivion.

From childbirth to postpartum: celebrating women’s bodies in photos

In my experience as a birth photographer, I know that feeling safe and cared for is essential for the birthing woman to relax and the birth to progress. When we release oxytocin, everything flows. I am aware that a photo shoot can feel pretty awkward, so I will do my best to make you feel at ease. We can play music, set up the space, and chat during the whole session. Achieving a relaxed environment takes time and dedication, and I am in no hurry.

Making the decision to have someone take such intimate photos of you can feel daunting at first, but it is an act of self-love.

What they say about me…