Melissa Rasmussen

This sweet mama spent her whole pregnancy without her husband by her side—he was deployed overseas. From her glowing desert maternity session to newborn photos filled with meaningful details, every moment was about telling their family’s story. And when dad finally came home to hold his son for the first time? Tears all around. That’s the heart of personalized newborn photography in Surprise, AZ.

Ready for some real talk about postpartum life? I’m not here to sugarcoat things or give you the glossy Instagram version of motherhood. Nope. In this post, I’m dishing the honest, unfiltered truth about what to expect after giving birth—the stuff that somehow never makes it into the hospital discharge packet. Buckle up, because we’re about to get real, raw, and maybe even a little bit TMI. But hey—that’s what friends (and your favorite Surprise newborn photographer) are for, right?

Breastfeeding is one of the most beautiful and rewarding experiences of motherhood, but it can also be one of the most challenging. (Can I get an amen?!) Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, there may come a time when you need a little extra help with breastfeeding — and there’s no shame in that. In this post, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from experience and conversations with clients, to help you know when to seek breastfeeding support and where to find it.