Julie Kulbago Photography

I want to start supporting new moms more . . .

What questions do you remember having or what info would have helped you most when you were a new mom.

11 ways to help a mom after she has a baby:

Ask what she needs most . . . if she won't be specific or says "I'm fine" . . . here are things that are most helpful.

✅ send a meal (send it in disposable containers that do NOT have to be washed or returned)
✅ do her dishes
✅ do her laundry
✅ watch her older kids / take them out of the house and keep them busy
✅ drop of groceries (ask what she needs and if she says "nothing" drop off basics / easy to eat things like cut up fruit & veggies, yogurt, bagels, lunch meat, protein bars etc
✅ bring HER gifts (cute pjs, nice lotion, dry shampoo etc)
✅ talk dog on a walk
✅ run errands for her
✅ listen to her - ask about her and not just baby
✅ let her shower while you keep an eye on the baby
✅ help with thank you notes . . . and tell her / encourage others to tell her she does NOT have to send thank you!

What did I miss? What did you find most helpful when you had a baby?

My baby is hungry even after he eats for 45 minutes . . .

Umm . . . I hate to be the bearer of this news . . . but your baby is NOT eating for 45 minutes . . . you have become a human pacifier!

If you are a first time mom and wondering how to know if your baby is ACTUALLY eating when you are nursing here are my experienced mom tips:

✅ Nursing babies will suck & swallow, suck & swallow, suck & swallow
✅ If your baby "sucks, sucks, sucks, sucks, sucks . . . . (pause) . . . swallow . . . he/she is NOT eating - you are a human pacifier.
✅ Nursing babies have a certain "intensity" and comfort nursers are just much slower.

Any other experienced moms have advice for new moms?

Have a newborn who won't sleep at home?

Newborns are actually pretty simple creatures and have pretty basic needs.

Go through this checklist the next time you are exhausted and your newborn is partying on . . .

First - is the baby hungry? Babies are not clocks - - even though the book says they need to eat every 3 hours . . . if it's been 2.45 hours and baby is giving you clues - - they might just be hungry!

So - assuming baby just ate - - and truly ate - not just played around - - (we can talk about that tomorrow) - -

Remember these "S's"
Swaddle
Sway (Side position or stomach also helps)
Shush
Suck

9.9 times out of 10 - - baby will sleep when you follow those simple steps!

Have a great day friends!

If you had newborn photos taken - - what was your "must have" image?

When you have two babies and they are both adorable 😍

I spent 14 years learning how to artistically pose newborns BUT . . .

But parents ALWAYS love awake images!

If you are thinking of getting fall family photos done - - NOW is the time to schedule!

I definitely wanted to keep her . . . but her mom wouldn't let me :)

A little joy to start your day.

This image was from a mini session in my yard . . . . we can find beautiful light anywhere!

Grace's 8th Grade Dance! Some day I will have to find my 8th grade dance photos . . . I did NOT look like this :)

Warning - if you haven't worked with me before - here is what I want you to know:

1 - You might want to carbo load before our session . . . I will ask you/your kids to run, jump, twirl etc 99% of the time
2 - If your kids are not having fun we are doing it wrong
3 - If you want "every hair in place in every image" - I'm not the photographer for you.

But if you want Joy, Laughter, Fun & Energy . . . then let's chat!

This - right here - sums up what I want to capture for you!

3 things I will NOT do during your family session:

1 - tell your kids to say "cheese"
2 - tell your kids to "stand here"
3 - tell your kids to stop moving

Bring on the movement and JOY!!

Who is ready for that gorgeous streaming light again??

It's outdoor photography season . . . let's go!!!!

They will never fit in your hands again . . . make sure you capture it!

Question I often hear from moms . . .

"Why is my baby sleeping so well for you and he/she won't for me?"

I always jokingly say "it's because I offer them nothing" . . . meaning, they can't smell milk on me and they know I'm not their mom!

That's part of it but I also set an environment for sleep . . . my studio is warm, there is calm music playing, baby is fed (no baby goes hungry on my watch) & I channel my most zen self . . . and babies pick up on that.

If you are stressed - baby is stressed . . . I know it's easier said than done . . . but babies truly can sense stress.

Oh - and these sessions are also done in the morning - - babies get grouchier as the day goes on!

Pink and grey - - a super sweet combo.

Beautiful girl in my favorite pose:

So many wide awake babies lately . . . .and I don't mind :)

My advice to new moms . . .. from a very "experienced" (i.e. old) mom . . .

Everyone will tell you that you should "enjoy every minute" . . .

If you are NOT enjoying every minute - there is nothing wrong with you.

It's REALLY hard to enjoy every minute when you are leaking from every or***ce, sleep deprived & haven't showered in 48 hours.

So my advice?

Be kind to yourself.

Kindness might mean handing the baby to your husband / mother / MIL and taking a REALLY long shower . . . your baby will be fine without you for 60 mins.

Kindess might mean giving your baby 1 bottle a day so that you can run to Target or Starbucks and feel like a human.

Just because you are mom now doesn't mean that you have to suffer.

And yes, enjoy them (as much as possible) when they are this little because it does go by crazy fast and you will miss their squishy butt & newborn noises. 😍😍

I think she loves her sister!

So many gorgeous girls in my studio!

Her hair!

baby smiles mid-week. 🥰

A few from a fantabulous session at Mellon Park!

She is perfection.

He was wide awake for a big part of our session - and I LOVE his eye contact!