Father holding newborn son and looking out the window
Mother bottle feeding newborn boy. Older sister strokes the baby's hair.
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Newborn

Welcoming a new baby in the family

As a mother of twins, I often get to experience things only once, or twice in a short period of time. I find myself lucky to have two children without having undergone the toughest stages of early parenthood more than once. I’m sure it has saved me from getting a few extra grey hairs, and I’m also sad I never got to go through the fun parts all over again. The decision of not welcoming a new baby in the family was mutual. Yet, I would have loved to hold and care for another one of my own, to relive the best moments, to see my baby discover the world and learn all about life one more time…

And I would most likely do a few things differently! On many aspects, being a parent often looks easier the second time around. Several people say they are more relaxed because of the experience acquired with their first baby. But of course it all depends on each child’s personality!

I also wonder how my older children would react to a new sibling. Would they easily adapt to the changes? Would they be caring, nurturing, indifferent, or jealous?

Newborn laying on couch

Thomas and his sisters

Thomas was born 6 days before I met him. I have a feeling his parents had prepared his sisters to the joys and challenges of welcoming a new baby in the family. The girls were 5 and 7 and looked like they had already started to adapt to their new life. They were curious about him, they wanted to hold him and they were happy to help with various chores. During our time together, I saw them assist with changing him, feeding and giving him a bath. They both loved to hold, kiss and sing to him. I was only there for a short amount of time, but I’m sure they are great sisters and that Thomas and his parents feel lucky to have them around!

Girl looking as father changes baby brother on change table

Newborn baby on change table

Family around newborn baby

Mother holding newborn son

Mother's hands making newborn burp

Mother's profile with newborn boy

Girl with soother in her mouth
The youngest sister pretends to be a baby again. According to an article by Dr. Tovah Klein, regression is quite common when toddlers or bigger children welcome a new baby in the family.

Father and newborn son

Father's hand touching baby's foot

Girl looking as dad undresses newborn baby brother for his bath

Family giving a bath to newborn son

Big sister's hand holding newborn brother's hand at bath time

Mother drying newborn baby in towel

Mother and daughter looking at newborn baby

Big sister kissing newborn brother on the forehead

Big sister singing to baby brother

I will not experience the joys of parenting a newborn again, but I have many great memories to hold onto and numerous photos that can take me back to those moments. Every time I photograph my clients’ story, I feel lucky to witness unique moments of interaction between a newborn child and his or her family. I also know even though this might be their last child, they will remember and cherish those times forever when they flip through the pages of the photo album we designed together.

Are you a little worried about how your older child or children will react to the arrival of your newborn? Here is a useful article with a few tips to get them prepared. And you know you can contact me to make sure you remember all about the arrival of your newborn in the family!

I'm Marie-Pierre, an easygoing mother of two and a documentary family photographer. I believe we can all learn and grow from other people's experiences. Real life stories help us relate to each other, open our minds and feel better about ourselves.

this blog is a collection of featured client stories, tips, and articles on various family related topics. I hope you will find some inspiration!

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I'm Marie-Pierre, an easygoing mother of two and a documentary family photographer. I believe we can all learn and grow from other people's experiences. Real life stories help us relate to each other, open our minds and feel better about ourselves.

this blog is a collection of featured client stories, tips, and articles on various family related topics. I hope you will find some inspiration!

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