As a Newborn photographer in Austin I get to work with Mammas when they are in those early vulnerable days and I wanted to talk about what those early days of motherhood are REALLY like? I have 2 little ones, now 9 & 11 but how I wish someone had told me what it would be like riding an emotional rollercoaster – one minute I’m melting with joy watching my tiny human sleep, the next I’m crying over spilled breast milk at 3 AM (literally and figuratively!). Real talk: nobody warned me how lonely those long days could feel, or how my body and mind would feel like they belonged to someone else. Looking back, I so wish I’d hired a doula or lactation consultant. You know why? Because while my family was amazing, having a professional who actually gets it – someone who could have said “this is normal” or “let me show you how” – would have been a game-changer. Instead of fumbling through the fog alone, trying to figure out this whole new-mom thing, I could have had someone in my corner who’d seen it all before. So if you’re reading this while pregnant or planning ahead, do yourself a favor and look into birth professionals. Think of them as your motherhood tour guides – they’re there to help you navigate this beautiful mess of becoming a new version of yourself. Trust me, your future sleep-deprived self will thank you!

When it comes to recommendations here in Austin, I believe in going beyond just a simple Google search. What truly matters to me is having met the person behind the business and witnessing firsthand their approach to working with new moms. That personal connection makes all the difference – seeing how they bring genuine empathy and sensitivity to what can be such a transformative and vulnerable time in a woman’s life. It’s not just about finding any service; it’s about connecting you with people who truly understand and honour your journey into motherhood.

I’m so excited to introduce you to my favorite birth professionals in Austin! These amazing individuals aren’t just experts in their field – they’re the kind of people who truly “get it” when it comes to supporting new parents. I’ve had the joy of getting to know each of them personally, and I can tell you with complete confidence that they bring both heart and skill to their work. Whether you’re looking for support during pregnancy, birth, or those precious early weeks with your little one, these are the wonderful people I trust to care for growing families in our community.

Postpartum Doula and Baby Sleep

Kristen is a compassionate postpartum doula and baby sleep coach with nine years of experience supporting families in the perinatal space. She specializes in guiding parents through the first year of parenthood with a personalized, non-judgmental approach, helping them navigate this transformative time with confidence and ease. In 2024, she was honored as a Best in Birth Austin winner in two categories—Postpartum Doula and Sleep Consultant.

Kristen offers the following services:

Postpartum Doula— Available for both daytime and overnight shifts to provide hands-on support for new parents.

Baby Sleep Coaching— Customized sleep support options to address your baby’s sleep challenges, including: Sleep consulting calls, one-week sleep coaching, two-week sleep coaching package.

Contact her here:

http://www.kristenlucasdoula.com/

Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant – Heather

Breastfeeding Lactation Consultant. Heather is the owner of Oxytocin Perinatal Support, through which she provides lactation consultant care and perinatal mental health coaching. She offers in-person lactation support in-home and at her clinic space in South Austin as well as virtual support. Partnering with The Lactation Network and Wildflower Health, she is in-network with many major insurance companies. Her approach to care is compassionate, inclusive, evidence-based, and individualized. She has multiple certifications in perinatal mental health and neurodiversity and applies this knowledge to her lactation and coaching work. You can book an appointment with her through her website, oxytocinperinatal.com, or reach out via her contact form for more information!

Chiropractic & Wellness

At BirthCo. Chiropractic + Wellness, the vision is to empower families as a whole, with a special focus on perinatal women + infants. Offering chiropractic, massage therapy, and physical rehabilitation, they aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for all who come through our doors. Their goal is to help you experience life at the fullest, empowering your journey to health + well being.”