What’s best for you and your family?
The great debate! Deciding on what type of newborn session that is right for you and your family can be tough. There are many factors that go into choosing which is best for you! Thankfully, I offer both options to best serve my clients and their needs. Now let’s dive into some of the benefits of each option for your newborn session.
The primary reason my clients choose a studio newborn session is due to convenience. They do not have to clean their home, no moving furniture and clutter, no worrying about their pets, or they just aren’t living in their dream home yet and would not like their home put on display.
Studio sessions at my Lehigh Valley newborn photography studio are a great option because you simply show up to a clean area which is temperature controlled and perfectly set up for a lifestyle newborn session. My studio includes a bed and also plenty of seating. You will have full access to all of the items in the BreeIsForBeauty Photography client closet and all of the simple props available. The lighting and overall environment will be even more controlled in this studio setting.
In-home newborn sessions may be more of an investment for clients depending on where you are located in relation to the photographer and travel fees. All this considered, sometimes in-home sessions can be more convenient; you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home.
An in-home session is a wonderful option if you have the space and natural lighting available. There is no more real lifestyle feel than having a newborn session in your actual home. If you have other children, older siblings may also feel more comfortable having photos taken in their own home. And of course, one of the biggest and most special highlights of an at home newborn session is getting to put your baby’s nursery on display!
No matter which way you decide to go, your newborn baby will be the greatest highlight of your newborn session. And we can never go wrong in that!
Photos were taken by BreeIsForBeauty Photography, a Lehigh Valley + Bucks County Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer at her studio located in Center Valley, PA.
Having 4 daughters has made me no stranger to clothes shopping! Sure, we have lots of hand-me-downs, but we all know little ones can be rough with their clothing. As a small business owner myself, I love supporting other local small businesses, so I wanted to round up some of the best children’s boutiques in […]
I had the wonderful experience of speaking with Brooke Volpe, Doula and Mid-Wife student from Solace Birth Services. I’m happy to share a Q & A I shared with Brooke who serves as a Lehigh Valley Doula and Bucks County Doula.
What drew you to being a doula?
When I got pregnant with my first child, I had a vision of what I wanted my birth to look like. So I started googling….”Water birth near me….”
I landed at a Bucks County birth center in Huntingdon valley. I fell into midwifery care before I knew that’s what I wanted.
I started reading a book called “Gentle Birth Choices” by Barbara harper, which solidified my choices and what I didn’t want. A dear friend of mine at the time told me she had doulaed her sister in laws birth and offered her support. Fast forward, she was present at both of my births, and I started preparing myself by studying to begin my career in birth work.
What made you know that becoming a doula and helping other women through pregnancy was your calling?
My midwife told me it was a calling that was hard to ignore, and she was right. So I answered the call and felt comfortable in this work. I get along with everyone and can find ways to connect with people, so once that bond is formed, the trust is, too, and they would invite me to be in their intimate space in labor and birth. So much support comes from knowing what is normal and what someone is hoping for in labor, understanding their options, and guiding them to come together.
Where is Solace Birth Services located? Do you have an office, or do you exclusively travel?
Solace Birth Services is located in Perkasie which is in Bucks County, PA. I am taking my doula hat off as I study for midwifery and will be offering home birth midwifery to our community in 2024. I am actively finding us a home in this immediate area, so follow along to see where we land. We have great things planned in a collective community model.
How long have you been a doula? What kind of experience have you gained in this field?
I have been a doula since 2016 and have attended about 230 birth as of today.
My experiences include hospitals, birth centers, and home births. I have learned a lot with that experience as I scale down to one location. I prefer home birth and appreciate it’s not the best option for some. I have learned what birth yields as far as needs. Some births are straightforward and fast, while others are hard and long and require tools to help it along, like epidurals or surgery. There is a time and place for all of it; it’s just unfortunate because these tools in the hands of burnt-out providers can be abused and overused without repercussion to them but can leave someone feeling robbed of their birth experience. Bucks county has a unnecessarily high cesarean rate.
Do you have children of your own? If so, what were their birth stories?
I have two children and had two vaginal, unmedicated births with both of them. I ended up in a higher risk category for unknown reasons, but I had intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy with both. My first was born in a hospital setting with my midwife, doula, and husband, and my second was born in a birth center with the same team—both different experiences but beautiful and full of support. Knowing what I do now, I definitely would change some of the things that happened, but what knowledge I had then from what I was able to gather, process, plan, and learn was incredible and different from the many experiences I knew.
If you could give an expecting mom one piece of advice, what would it be?
Assess your risk – if you are healthy and low risk, please opt for midwifery care. Understand that hospitals are not created the same; the #1 risk is the doors you enter to have your baby. I don’t want to sound like an alarmist, but it’s true.
Leapfroggroup.org publishes hospital statistics, showing how hospitals vary in outcomes. The main difference is providers and how they choose to practice. Sure, insurance and liability can guide some of that.
Consider an out-of-hospital birth location if you have no plans to use epidurals or need extra surveillance in labor/birth.
Educate yourself with an out-of-hospital birth class.
Hire a doula! The best way to find a bucks county or lehigh valley birth or postpartum doula near you would be using DONA.org website and/or doulamatch.net.
Lastly, I wish you the best in meeting your baby.
It’s a fantastic experience becoming a parent. I never knew who I was until I was a mom.
Love Brooke and want to connect with her and Solace Birth Services?
You can find Brooke and Solace Birth Services on her website. You can also follow her on Facebook here.
If you are interested in documenting your Maternity and Newborn journey, I can help you. You’ll never regret having these precious moments captured before they are gone. As a Mom to 4 little girls, I know how fast it goes.
Photos were taken by BreeIsForBeauty Photography, a Lehigh Valley + Bucks County Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer at her studio located in Center Valley, PA.
Family is everything. If there’s one thing I want my children to know when they grow up, it is that their family will always love them, support them and be by their side. One of our greatest blessings is when your family grows. I had the best time photographing this beautiful family for Taylor’s Maternity […]
I took to my local Mom group and asked the important question of “who is your favorite pediatrician in the Lehigh Valley?” As a Mom, one of the first decisions you will make for your child is which Pediatrician they will see. Being poked and prodded at can be a scary experience for you and your baby, so you want to find someone who is knowledgeable, gentle, welcoming and who you can trust with your child’s health. Also someone who doesn’t make you feel rushed and truly listens to your questions or concerns!
I recommend scheduling a tour or visit with a local pediatric office to get a feel for the staff and environment before your baby is born. You’ll also get a good sense of the distance and if it’s conveniently located to your home. I’ll never forget the excitement during my pregnancy while visiting my pediatrician office and just envisioning my next visit with my new baby. As a Mom, you’ll soon discover that you know your child better than anyone, and we really are their biggest advocate; especially when it comes to their health and wellness.
LVPG Pediatrics in Richlandtown. I wanted to start with my own Pediatrician. I am a Mother to 4 little girls, and have had the same Pediatrician since my first born was just a baby. Dr. Jill E. Colabroy, MD from LVPG Pediatrics in Richlandtown has been so wonderful to work with. My girls always look forward to seeing Dr. Colabroy and we feel so comfortable during our visits. She has young kids herself and is very relatable while providing the best care.
A large number of Mom’s sounded off for their love of Dr. Laura E. Darrow, DO who is also a Pediatrician with LVPG Pediatrics in Richlandtown. New Mom Samantha shared, “she is great for a new mom. She always makes us feel supported!”
Children’s Healthcare. Located off of Pond Road in Allentown, Children’s Healthcare has 8 Pediatric Providers, Dr. Kenneth Toff, DO FAAP FACOP IBCLC, Dr. Laurie Cohen, DO FAAP IBCLC, Dr. Lydia Boateng, MD FAAP IBCLC, Dr. Anna Linderman, MD FAAP, Mr. Brian Pepe, MSPAS, PA-C CAT, Mrs. Brandi Burns, MMSPAS PA-C, Mr. Michael Flowers, MMSPAS PA-C and Mrs. Katelyn Weeber (Dane), MMSPAS PAC. Mother of 2, Sam shared, “they are just so friendly and caring.”
They also have the Lehigh Valley Breastfeeding Center right upstairs.
St. Luke’s Coopersburg Pediatrics. Dr. Elizabeth A. Gibson, MD, Dr. Eva M. Mayer, MD and Dr. Samone E. Nore, MD. Kelly, Mom of 3 shared, “Dr. Gibson has a special place in my heart for being so caring and understanding during the newborn and postpartum stage. She along with Nurse Sam gave me special care and attention during my son’s well check when my postpartum was acting up and I was in tears nearly the entire appointment. Dr. Eva Mayer was also amazing! She is always talking with the kids and making them feel comfortable before she begins an exam! Always so patient and kind.”
Joudi, Mom of 3 shared, “Samone Nore from St Luke’s Coopersburg Pediatrics! She is the best! I can’t recommend her more.”
Miller Heights Medical Associates. Dr. Brian D. Kuronya, D.O.
Dr. Brian Kuronya, DO is a Family Medicine Specialist in Bethlehem, PA. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest and St. Luke’s Hospital – Bethlehem Campus. Although he is in Family Medicine, I was blown away by how many Lehigh Valley Mom’s referred Dr. Kuronya for their newborn and pediatric care.
LVPG Pediatrics-West Broad of Bethlehem and LVPG Pediatrics-Palmer Township Dr. Abigail J. Klitsch.
Dr. Klitsch also came highly regarded by other Lehigh Valley Moms.
There are many, many providers and choices when searching for a pediatrician. I hope these recommendations give you a strong starting point when searching for the best Lehigh Valley Pediatrician. During your pregnancy, checking with family and friends on who they recommend and making sure the office accepts your insurance is a great starting point when finding your best match. You’ll soon discover that having the right medical professional caring for your child is a very important decision and all providers are unique in their care.
Photos were taken by BreeIsForBeauty Photography, a Lehigh Valley, Bucks County, Mainline and Philadelphia Maternity, Newborn and Family Photographer at her studio located in Center Valley, PA.
Lehigh Valley Zoo This zoo is the perfect size for smaller kids and is located in Schnecksville, PA. The Lehigh Valley Zoo has some fun events coming up in the Fall including Ottertoberfest and a Boo at the Zoo. They also have a Fall Wine Festival on Saturday October, 1st!
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom The kids are back to school, but Dorney still has plenty of exciting events happening! Halloween Haunt begins September 16th for the bigger kids and the Great Pumpkin Festival starts September 17th for your little one and runs every Saturday and Sunday until Halloween. You’ll find family-friendly activities, games, play zones, costume contests, dance parties and more! Around every hay bale you can catch toe-tapping, live entertainment and grab a comfy seat to just kick back and take it all in.
Da Vinci Science Center Be sure to check out the Da Vinci Science Center for their science clubs and scout programs. They also have Jack-O-Lantern Lane, an interactive Halloween experience for the whole family beginning on September 28th.
Allentown Fish Hatchery This is a great spot to check out with your little one before it gets too chilly out. There is plenty of signage around sharing information about the fish, and also fish food vending machines to feed the fish.
Lost River Caverns Experience Nature’s Underground Wonderland in Hellertown, PA. The guided walking tour typically lasts 30-45 minutes and people of all ages are welcome! Be sure to visit a complete jewelry, mineral and lapidary supply house providing a variety of stones, crystals, findings, and tools for all your collecting, stone cutting, and jewelry making needs after your tour.
Saucon Rail Trail This is a great time of year for a bike ride or nature walk along the Saucon Rail Trail. The trail spans from Quakertown to Hellertown and has plenty of beautiful natural scenery along the way.
Crayola Experience Beginning September 24th, you can check out the Crayola Experience’s Screamin’ Green Hauntoween for some spooky family fun! There’s also Toddler Tuesdays throughout the remainder of September. Enjoy toddler friendly attractions including Toddler Town, Scribble Square and Stomp and Play. The perfect place for them to burn off some energy!
Hausman’s Fruit Farm Located in Coopersburg, PA, Hausman’s Fruit Farm will be kicking off their Fall Farm Festival September 24 and it will run until October 30th. It’s free admission, free parking and free hayrides! There is also pick your own apples and pumpkins.
Grim’s Orchard Visit Grim’s Orchard for loads of Fall activities, located in Breinigsville, PA. Try your luck in their corn maze which is cut into their 8 acre field, pick your own pumpkin or apple, hop on a hay ride tour or enjoy some sweet treats in their farm kitchen.
Have any other fun spots you’d like to share in the Lehigh Valley? I’d love to hear your favorite Fall things to do with your kiddos in the comments below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Photos were taken by BreeIsForBeauty Photography, a Lehigh Valley + Bucks County Family and Newborn Photographer at her studio located in Center Valley, PA.
Hi Mama! Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I am so excited to work with you and document such a special time in you and your family’s life. Having a new baby is quite the whirlwind. You blink and they are suddenly 1 month old. You blink again and it’s their first birthday. […]
I was so happy when Brittany reached out to me to photograph her family to celebrate their daughter Mia turning one! I photographed Mia’s Newborn Session at my studio located in Center Valley, PA last year, and was very excited to see how much she has grown.
This beautiful family joined me at the Trexler Nature Preserve and we enjoyed some beautiful golden hour light for this family session. The weather was absolutely perfect. I had so much fun watching Noah and Mia play while their Mom & Dad chased them around. So much beauty surrounded us and witnessing this family just be themselves was so lovely.
If you are looking for a Lehigh Valley light and airy family photographer, I would love to serve you!
Thank you Brittany and family for letting me photograph you all.
Photos were taken by BreeIsForBeauty Photography, a Lehigh Valley + Bucks County Family and Newborn Photographer at her studio located in Center Valley, PA.
