Why Every Pregnant Woman Should Have Maternity Pictures Taken

I am SO not the woman who loves being pregnant.  The second I pee on that stick, I’ve gained 10 lbs, puked my breakfast, and depleted every last ounce of energy.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the end result, and I’d do it again and again (and have done it again and again) for my babies, but I just never felt that radiating glow that other people feel.

That is… until Jeanna Hayes got a hold of me.

Many moons ago, Jeanna and I worked together at a bridal shop where we dressed women up and helped them pick out their dream dress for their wedding day.  Jeanna has always had a knack for making women feel like they’re in a fairy tale.  Now, she captures these beautiful moments through photography with creativity and talent that I think is unmatched.

To be honest, I had no real intentions of getting maternity pictures taken.  Did I really want to remember myself 50 pounds heavier?

Now, just a few short months later, as I hold what will probably be my last baby in my arms, I realize the answer is 100% YES.

It’s hard to process pregnancy.  Knowing that my Oliver, Milo, and Siege started their life in my womb still boggles my mind.  Even at 9 months pregnant I remember feeling like it almost wasn’t real.  I’d be running errands, working out, chasing my kids around, and I would almost forget the magnitude of what I was experiencing.  It is no coincidence that my faith has grown exponentially since becoming a mother.  After all, pregnancy really is a modern-day miracle.

I’ve always dreamed about becoming a mother.  My body (as the female body does) had been preparing to carry a child my entire life, and yet in comparison pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye.

Jeanna made me see and experience pregnancy for the miracle that it was.  

And while I know that I won’t forget the countless trips to the bathroom, my swollen ankles, and hot flashes, these pictures capture what I will remember most… the miracle.

I asked Jeanna why she was passionate about Maternity photography and this is what she had to say.

“Pregnancy is such an amazing, wonderful, exciting, challenging, unique, and QUICK time in a woman’s life! Motherhood is something I think most women dream of, but in the grand scheme of things, goes by faster than we realize – especially the baby years. I love the femininity and glow of a mother-to-be. I want to not only photograph expectant mothers for their own remembrance, but for their children to have and cherish as well. I remember always wanting to see photos of my mom when she was expecting me. I think it’s neat to see that part of your mom’s life.”

One of my favorite things about this process was dressing up in all the stunning dresses Jeanna had available for me to choose from.  I showed up in my usual pregnancy wardrobe: sweat pants and a tank top, and she had everything there waiting for me; tulle, lace, flower crowns, and more.  From start to finish, I felt pampered and enjoyed every minute!

 You can contact Jeanna Hayes through her website at JeannaHayes.com.  You can also check out and follow her beautifully artistic instagram feed at @JeannaHayesPhoto.

Jeanna,

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for capturing our miracle.