As a new mother it is easy to be inundated with advice from people who have the best of intentions. Thanks to the internet, we can now google anything and get an “answer” from a range of sources including unqualified blog authors, fellow mothers, doctors, and even peer-reviewed scientifically supported case studies. It is really on us, as mothers, to obtain the soundest advice from qualified professionals and then determine what is best for our baby. I completely appreciate this, and respect this, however I also want to help my clients get the most out of their photography session. After all, capturing these most precious early days of your little bundle of joy is very important and they grow out of their womb like characteristics very quickly.
I recently watched an online tutorial by the renowned newborn baby photographer Ana Brandt, wherein she discussed the importance of a mother’s diet 48 hours prior to the photoshoot. She mentioned a number of foods that mothers ‘should’ avoid to help reduce breastfed baby’s wind. I did my own brief research on this and found an article published by baby experts Karen and Gale Pryer. Karen and Gale have a wealth of knowledge on the topic of breastfeeding and work on maternal and infant health issues for international non-governmental organisations. For a description of Karen and Gale’s experience, please go to: https://www.babycenter.com/expert-karen-and-gale-pryor
I am not saying that Ana Brandt or Karen and Gale Pryer have all the answers to ensuring your baby is wind-free and settling easily. But I do believe that these women are successful in their field for a reason, and that their advice should be considered and at least used leading up to the photoshoot.
With that in mind, foods to avoid while breastfeeding, at least 48 hours prior to baby’s photoshoot, to help alleviate baby’s wind/gas include the following:
- chocolates
- spices such as cinnamon, garlic, curry, chili and pepper
- citrus fruits and their juices, like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit
- strawberries
- kiwifruit
- pineapple
- the “gassy” veggies such as onion, cabbage, garlic, cauliflower, broccoli, cucumbers, and peppers; and
- fruits with a laxative effect, such as cherries and prunes
You can read Karen and Gale’s full article on nutrition during breastfeeding here: https://www.babycenter.com/404_are-there-any-foods-to-avoid-while-breastfeeding_8906.bc
We want you and your baby to feel calm and relaxed during your newborn photoshoot. Additionally, we understand how sleep deprived you may be and appreciate that sometimes as a new mother, there is nothing quite like the comfort of your own home. Therefore, to get the most from your session and to help things move along efficiently, we strongly recommend abiding by these recommendations at least 48 hours prior to your photoshoot. Doing so may be the difference between a two-hour photoshoot that captures multiple set ups, a variety of poses and comfortable family photographs compared to rushing 2 set ups and being limited to simple poses.
If you are finding breastfeeding a challenging (you would certainly not be the first, even this author had huge struggles with nursing) I recommend speaking with your doctor and also the Australian Breastfeeding Association to find yourself a qualified and suitable lactation consultant. After all, nothing compares to qualified, personalised advice.
