More Than Just Mom: A Photographer's Journey Through Postpartum Struggles Midland, TX

Hey mamas! Let's talk real for a minute.



I have had this on my mind for a while and I need to get it off my chest. There's this picture-perfect image of motherhood out there, right? All sunshine and snuggles. But let's be honest, those first few months after birth can feel like you're drowning in diapers, laundry, and questioning your entire identity.

That was me at one point. I was a new stay-at-home mom in Midland, TX, feeling lost and completely overwhelmed. I went from having a full-time job, having the freedom to do as I pleased to being almost solely responsible for this new life I made... and everything revolved around him. Don't get me wrong, I love my son. I loved all the sweet little moments in his first few months of life watching him grow and learn about this new world. But motherhood was a whole new adventure, and frankly, I was struggling. Pretty sure I had a case of PPD, if I'm being honest.

I desperately wanted to get out of the house and do anything but sit at home and pump and clean those very same pump parts. But when I thought about it, I felt so overwhelmed. Getting my baby in the car seat, getting the car seat in the car, making sure I had his diaper bag packed with everything we needed. Oh, and what if he cried, and what if he had a blowout in his car seat and I have to make sure I'm back in time to pump... It was a very stressful time for me. And I was alone. I really didn't have anyone to help me.

Then, photography, my old friend, came back into my life. I kept seeing my fellow photographers doing these amazing creative sessions and I just wanted to be there with them. Shooting alongside them. Being a part of the creative process. Man, I missed that. And I got the itch.

I started a small body positivity shoot, one that celebrated the amazing things our bodies can do, even after giving birth. It celebrated womanhood, the good and the bad, and recognized that a lot of us have the same struggles. That shoot, you guys? It landed me the cover of Bold and Beautiful Magazine in 2022! Talk about a confidence boost!

Following that shoot, I got the inspiration to show motherhood in all it's messy, beautiful glory. And I wanted my camera to capture that raw emotion. So next, I convinced my husband to be my sous photographer (is that a thing?). We set up some shots that captured the pure, unfiltered love between a mama and her baby, but also the exhaustion, the vulnerability – the real stuff. Those pictures ended up being published in Sugar and Snail Magazine, another incredible moment in 2022.

Here's the thing, mamas: seeing my work published wasn't just about the recognition. It was about rediscovering myself. It was about remembering that I, as a woman, could still have dreams and passions outside of motherhood. It was about feeling alive again.

And guess what? This year, 2024, has been even more incredible. My work is gracing the pages of Sugar and Snail Magazine again, and I'm so honored to be featured in The Photograp[her] Magazine for my newborn and maternity work.

Being a published photographer is a dream come true, but more importantly, it allows me to tell the stories of motherhood – the highs, the lows, the messy middle. Because mamas, you're not alone. It's okay to feel lost, overwhelmed, and like you're not the same person you were before. It's okay to crave something more than just diapers and dishes.

I am saying all this to say, hold onto those passions, mamas. Chase your dreams, big or small. We are strong, we are resilient, and we can do amazing things. And remember, we are more than just moms. We are women, and we are worthy.

I encourage you to go out there and capture your beautiful story, whatever that may look like. And hey, if you're ever in Midland, TX, maybe we can create some magic together!