Dear Second-Time Moms: Don’t Skip the Maternity Photos

Because this baby—and this version of you—deserves to be remembered too.

Hey mama,

I know you’re busy. Probably way busier than you were the first time.

There’s laundry. Meals. School drop-offs. A tiny human tugging at your shirt every time you try to sit down. So when someone brings up maternity photos, it’s easy to wave it off and say, “Been there, done that.”

But can I gently nudge you to pause for a second?

Because as someone who’s worked with hundreds of families as a Sacramento maternity photographer and newborn photographer, I’ve seen one thing time and time again:

Second-time moms often skip maternity photos—and later, they regret it.

Let me tell you why this bump, this chapter, and this version of you deserve to be seen.

1. This Pregnancy Is Different—Even If It Feels Familiar

The cravings might be the same. The baby kicks in the same spots. Maybe even the same heartburn (sorry).

But you aren’t the same. You’re wiser now. More grounded. Maybe more tired—but also more powerful.

You’ve seen how quickly that baby turns into a toddler who asks “why?” 300 times before breakfast. You know that this pregnancy won’t last forever, and it won’t come back the same way.

That’s exactly why it’s worth capturing. Not because it’s your first, but because it’s your only time carrying this baby.

2. The Bump Isn’t Just for You—It’s Their Beginning

Think back to your first child’s baby book. Maybe it’s packed with bump photos, ultrasound prints, and shower cards.

Now think about this little one. Will they grow up and ask, “Mommy, where was I when I was in your tummy?”

Your photos become their proof. Proof that they were loved before they were born. That they were awaited with joy—even in the middle of a messy, full life.

Some of my clients print one maternity photo for each child’s room, right beside the newborn picture. It’s like a quiet promise: You’ve always had a place here.

3. You Deserve to Be Seen (Yes, Even Now)

I get it—your body may feel different. The bump might be lower, the energy a little dimmer. Maybe you haven’t had time to think about makeup or dresses.

But I promise you this: you are still worthy of being photographed.

And more than that—you might need it. Many moms tell me after a shoot, “I didn’t know I still looked like that.”

Not because we used filters or fancy tricks. But because someone finally pressed pause and showed them their own strength, their softness, their beauty—all at once.

4. The Session Can Include Your Firstborn, Too

One of the most beautiful parts of second-time maternity sessions? Including your first child.

They get to touch the belly. Listen for kicks. Laugh into your neck. You get to see their wonder—and feel it again, yourself.

Some families use this time to take their first official portrait as a growing family. Those images become part of their story—framed in the hallway, saved in photo books, passed down over time.

One mom told me she booked her second session just to get a photo of her daughter kissing the bump. That photo now sits in a frame on both of their nightstands.

5. You’ll Never Regret Having the Photos—Only Not Taking Them

It’s a cliché, but a true one: time moves fast. The baby arrives, life gets even busier, and before you know it, that belly is just a memory.

Photos make it tangible again. Not for the likes or the holiday card, but for you—on the quiet days when you want to remember who you were before your heart grew a little bigger.

And if you’re still on the fence, know that working with a maternity photographer doesn’t have to feel like a big production. Many offer relaxed, low-pressure sessions with kid-friendly environments and even wardrobe support—so you don’t have to worry about what to wear or how your toddler might behave.

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection. A good maternity session simply captures the love, the anticipation, and the story already unfolding in your family.

A Few Tips If You’re Thinking “Maybe…”

• Aim for 28–34 weeks. That’s usually the sweet spot—bump is round, but energy is still hanging in there.
• Wear what feels like you. Whether that’s a flowing gown, jeans and a tee, or a cozy robe.
• Keep it simple. A 30-minute session can be just as powerful as a full shoot.
• Let your partner or child join. Or not. This can be your moment, or a family one.

There’s no wrong way to do it—only your way.

Final Thoughts, From Someone Who’s Seen Hundreds of These Stories Unfold

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from working with so many expecting moms, it’s this: they rarely put themselves first. They’re doing the work, carrying the weight—literally and emotionally—and still asking, “Do I really need to be in the picture?”

But capturing this chapter isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.

It’s not about showing the world your bump. It’s about honoring the space you’ve made—physically, emotionally, and in your heart—for the life you’re about to meet.

So here’s your reminder: this pregnancy counts.

This baby counts.

And you still count, too.