Melbourne Birth and Newborn Photography

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Well, exciting news!!  Melbourne based Spikey Hedgehog has branched out and is going to be specialising in newborn and birth photography!! This may leave many of you thinking “Ewwwwwwwww”. Don’t judge too quickly though my friends as this area of photography is becoming increasingly popular with our northern mums-to-be.
Imagine capturing those beautiful moments during delivery and birth, when the cord is cut and your baby is gently placed on your chest? Tasteful, black and white images capturing not just the event, but, the raw emotion of that moment you were handed your precious little one for the first time.

At this time we are only able to offer this service to Melbourne mums-to-be. So if you are in the Melbourne area, are pregnant and would love this opportunity please contact me at jill@spikeyhedgehog.com.au for more details.

As a mother of four and a mothercraft nurse for over 16 years this is an area I know I am going to enjoy!! I have some beautiful births to attend soon so watch this space for some gorgeous images……… I am sure you will agree there really is nothing more beautiful!

Melbourne Birth Photography- Baby Scarlett

Well Easter weekend was an exciting one for Ms Spikey.  Another baby girl arrived in the world.  Very,very quickly I might add.  Poor mum had already endured watching her due date come and go and no sign of baby.  Eventually though, the show got on the road and baby Scarlett’s arrival was superfast!!  So fast I might add, that I actually walked into the room about 5 mins too late!!  There she was lying on her mummy wide eyed and full of gorgeousness!

I have a few special images to share with you all though and a slideshow which can be seen here

I hope you enjoying viewing these as much as I did taking them.  A huge congratulations to C and E for allowing me to share such a precious moment in time with everyone.  It was so lovely to have been a part of your little ones arrival.

Have I mentioned how much I love birth photography?? *sigh*

Birth Story of Mon and Doug Melbourne

Autumn Photography Shoots Melbourne

Autumn has got to be one of the loveliest times of year here in Melbourne!  I think it is one my favourite seasons to do family shoots.  The kids running through orange, crunchy leaves and the beautiful bright jumpers, hats and scarfs makes for a wonderful family portrait.  If it is coming up time for your family portrait to be done, contact Jill from Spikey Hedgehog Photography to make a booking.

 

Look forward to meeting your little hedgehogs soon!

Jill xo

Beautiful Wedding Melbourne by Spikey Hedgehog Photography

Well we had a ball yesterday photographing the wedding of Naz and Raksa.   Raksa was a stunning bride as you can see from the images.  The weather was gorgeous with just the right touch of wind to make a veil flow beautifully!!

Congratulations Naz and Raksa…. 

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Dates to bring on labour and birth??

Hahah now that intrigues you yes??  Well it intrigued me?  I have had 4 as you all know by now and NEVER have I heard about dates  ( as in the fruit, not a dinner , wine and dancing with a hottie… although that could probably work too ) being used to induce labour!! Over the years I have heard all kinds of old wives tales about how to bring on the baby. Sitting around being “overdue” can be just about all a mum can handle, and although obviously leaving baby to come when it is ready is advised, there have been times when I have been threated with inducement and decided to take matters into my own hands.  I always have opted for acupuncture as for me it worked a treat…. saved me from inducement and was natural… which is right up my alley, but DATES??

If you are interested in reading the study with facts and figures go HERE.  I can just see bunch of 40+ week mums-to be rushing for the dried fruit section in the local supermarket right now for their stash!!  Has anyone else heard of this for natural inducement??  Maybe I have been locked in a cupboard and missed this one….. ( I thought dates were used for other issues…. or is that prunes??)   Anyway would be very interested on hearing your thoughts on this one.

Jill xo

Deciding your done having babies.

Well I came across this very interesting read today here. This blog has many interesting subjects covered, but this one really stood out to me.  As a mum to four, I often feel that the “switch” that most women have that tells them they are “done” in my case must be broken, or possibly completely missing???

I  often look at my four and think I could have more, its easy enough….. thats on the days when I have slept completely through the night, managed to do all my chores, do school run, cook dinner and all that without screaming like a banchee and telling everyone to “Hurry up!”  The reality however, is that it is hard work raising children… whether that is 1,2,3, or 4 of them…. although I have to admit by the time you get to 4 you kind of feel more like you have a bunch of free range chickens that you are constantly rounding up and so whats one or two or even six more???

Many of my friends have more than the standard two kids, so I feel quite at home with my brood tagging along with me everywhere.  I still get the tug at my heartstrings when I hear someone is pregnant, or when I attend a birth to photograph….  its something I find hard to shake…. well, at least to the point when I am telling my daughter for the 50th time that morning to “please put your shoes on”… or my sons..” Please stop leaving your rollerblades in the kitchen !!”

Then I think… “maybe my switch is there and not broken!”

As for closing that chapter in my own life….. I say “Never say never!!”

 

 

 

Happy Due Date Liz! Birth Photography Melbourne with Spikey Hedgehog Photography

Happy Due Date Liz! Birth Photography Melbourne with Spikey Hedgehog Photography.

Happy Due Date Liz! Birth Photography Melbourne with Spikey Hedgehog Photography

Well our next Spikey Birth is any time now.  Our next mum is due and Ms Spikey has all gear ready to go at the drop of a hat!!  This next birth we have been anticipating for a while, I met Liz a while ago now and am very excited about being present to capture the arrival of her precious new baby!!

Liz is kind enough to allow me to share some highlights with you so over the coming weeks we will have a few beautiful images to share with you all.

Sending you beautiful labour vibes Liz from all of us.  I look forward to seeing you soon!!

Jillxx

Birth Support and Doula Melbourne, a new partner of Spikey Hedgehog Birth Photography.

I just wanted to share with you all a new partnership Spikey Hedgehog Photography has with a very experienced nurse and doula.  Clare Kinsey, from Inspired Birth has been a nurse for 24 years working in the nursery at major Melbourne hospitals, as well as a doula.  She specialises in Calm birth and Postnatal support.

Clare focuses on the eliminating the fear sometimes associated with birth, both for the mum and the dad.  Clare feels the support of the woman and the family unit at such a special and often overwhelming time, is imperative to a good birth experience and postnatal period.  Understanding what is happening to a mums body during labour, delivery and postnatally, helps to alleviate fear that can take over.  Education is the key to a good birth experience, no matter what kind of birth you have in mind.

Clare supports any birth experience and feels very strongly that it is about supporting the woman and not just the experience itself.

Spikey Hedgehog is very proud to be associated with Clare Kinsey from Inspired Birth.  For more information please contact her on 0409 413 758 or email her  at clarek@bigpond.com.

Fresh and Fun.

What a lovely day for some family fun at the park.  This  family were such a pleasure to photograph and the girls were beautiful little models as you will see!  We had some funny moments today as random dogs kept trying to get into all their shots!!   It was like the “Where’s Wally” book, spot the dog in this picture

Family creative sessions are one of my favourite types of shoots, I hope you enjoy your previews Kim and Ian

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