Ok, SUPER random question but as a first time mom I'm hoping someone can help me out with this. I'm due with my first baby in early Feb and just trying to figure out how long I should wait to start shooting again. I have a wedding in early May, which will be three months so I think that will be fine. But how long did you wait? Was it difficult physically? I just shot a wedding at 4 mos. prego and it was definitely more taxing on my body than normal. Any advice for this new mom from those more experienced is greatly appreciated!!

Congratulations! I think it all depends on the person. With my first, it took me nearly 6 months to get to feeling like a person again. With my second, I was up and running a couple of weeks out. I started shooting small portrait sessins first and worked back up to shooting weddings. The only real advice I can give, is to take it slow if you can. Weddings will always be there, but your baby will only be a baby for a little while.

Good luck

Hey - we are expecting our babies around the same time! My baby is due February 5, give or take a few days! Good luck to us!

Anyway, with my first baby - I gave myself one month to acquaint myself with the little bugger before going back to work. I also breastfed exclusively which made it extra challenging. Yes, I excused myself for fifteen minutes during the reception to pump milk!

I believe the general rule of thumb is recovery for a normal delivery is about 2-3 weeks. If you have a caesarian section, 4-6 weeks. But each woman is different as regards to rate of recovery. If you're giving birth in February, and have a booking for May - I think you're giving yourself sufficient time.

I just had my (second) baby 5 weeks ago and I just shot my first job today(which was a portrait sitting)- and I have a wedding next weekend. I felt fine, and I think I'll be just fine shooting a wedding. I wasn't doing photography when I had my first though, and it took me alot longer to feel back to "normal" when I had her. I would say wait at least 6 weeks to bounce back! And don't schedule alot of work when you're really pregnant I had to shoot a wedding when I was 9 months pregnant and my body was screaming afterward! and congrats!!!!

congrats to you!! how exciting.

in my experience i actually took a break mid pregnancy (with my second) because i was really tired and just lacking creativity. i didn't want to settle doing uninspired work so i took time to enjoy my first daughter (before her world was totally rocked!)
we moved to a new city, so not only have to go back to work, but start from square one.
i took a slow route back (thankfully my husband can support us both) and
just did jobs here and there at about 6 months. it was really nice to get ease back to work as it is quite an adjustment working w/ kids under feet.

i work from home (post), so i have to squeeze work in here and there and appreciate any set time i can work without interruptions (which tends to be late at night while they are sleeping!)
you should be fine at 3 months, (perhaps a little sleep deprived unless you are super lucky and get a great little sleeper)
i personally wouldn't try overbooking yourself and see how it goes at that time. you will be about to gauge it better after your little one is here.

congrats again! what an exciting time for you!

Wow, lots of February babies. I'm due in early February as well. February 8th! My first wedding is scheduled in early May. However, I will take weddings in April. I'm a little nervous since this is my first as well, but I think I'll be ready to get going by then. I'm also taking a light load next year. I think I'll only book around 15 - 20 weddings at the most. Good luck!

I was wondering if I should do this! I've been pretty large in the chest department by the end of a wedding. I pump just before I walk out the door, and the second I get back in.

Congratulations to everyone.

My first son is Feb 4th. Winter babies are nice, cause you kind of want to hibernate a little, and they're good to go for the summer.