You’ve heard it before, and it’s so true — when it comes to kids, time flies! Whether you’re holding your tiny newborn in your arms or still counting down the days to meet them, these first two weeks are incredibly special. They’re fleeting, beautiful, and often a little bit overwhelming (okay, maybe a lot 😅).

As a Cape Town mom of one — a preemie baby born 3 months early with a visual disability — and a professional newborn photographer, I’ve lived it both personally and through the lens. So here are some heartfelt, tried-and-tested tips to help you soak in the magic of these early days — and survive the sleepless nights!

1. Give Yourself Grace

Be patient with yourself, mama. Adjusting to this new rhythm takes time. There will be days when you feel like superwoman and days where everything feels upside down. It’s normal. Don’t chase perfection — just let yourself be in the moment, whatever that looks like.

💛 2. Don’t Rush Back Into “Doing”

If you’re like me, you might feel an itch to “get things done” after a few days. But your body — and your baby — need you to just be. Slow down. Rest. Snuggle. Heal. This time isn’t about productivity, it’s about presence.

💤 3. Sleep When the Baby Sleeps

Cliché, I know… but honestly, it’s gold. You’ll be up for late-night feeds and early-morning cuddles, so grab those naps when you can. Your body is healing and adjusting — give it the rest it needs.

🧖‍♀️ 4. Make Time for You

Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day — do something that fills your cup.
☕ A quiet coffee on the stoep.
📖 A quick read.
🚶‍♀️ A walk around the block.
🛁 A long soak in the tub.

Need ideas? Ask yourself:
– What did I love doing pre-baby?
– What’s saved on my Pinterest board that I’ve been dying to try?
– If I had 1 hour all to myself, how would I spend it?

🫶 5. Ask for Help (Yes, Really!)

Your people want to help — sometimes they just don’t know how. So be specific.

• Ask someone to hold baby while you nap or shower.

• Let them do a load of washing or bring you a meal.

• Tag your partner for a night feed or a nappy change.

• Tell a friend which time of day is hardest, and ask if they can pop by.

Trust me, you don’t have to do it all alone. It takes a village — so lean on yours.

👶 Just... Stare at Your Baby

Seriously. Hold them. Watch their chest rise and fall. Memorize their little fingers, their eyelashes, that tiny nose. This version of them — this sleepy, squishy, curled-up newborn — will change faster than you can imagine. Soak it all in.

📸 Capture These Moments

You’ll never regret having beautiful, professional photos of this chapter. Let me help you freeze these memories in time. You can enjoy them for years to come — in albums, frames, or simply scrolling through on a quiet night.

✨ Book your newborn session early to make sure you don’t miss this magical window!

📧 Email: hello@samanthajacksonstudio.com
📱 WhatsApp: 079 405 2980
🌍 Website: www.samanthajacksonphotography.co.za