Maternity leave is this strange mix of exhaustion and wonder, isn’t it? The days feel endless with feedings, diaper changes, and naps, but somehow the weeks fly by before you even notice. As a Pittsburgh professional maternity, newborn, and baby photographer and a mom to three boys, I know how quickly these early weeks slip away. They aren’t about checking off a list of activities or making maternity leave “productive.” They’re about slowing down, being present, and soaking up the sweetness of life with your new baby.
Here are some gentle, meaningful things to do during maternity leave: shared from the heart, not a parenting manual.
1. Simply Being Together
The most important thing you can do during maternity leave is also the simplest: just be with your baby. Those endless hours of feeding, rocking, and skin-to-skin cuddles aren’t interruptions; they are the moments that matter most.
It’s easy to feel like you should be “doing more,” especially when people ask how you’re filling your days. But your baby doesn’t need complicated enrichment activities. They need your voice, your touch, your presence. That’s more than enough.
2. Slow Walks Around Pittsburgh
When you’re ready, getting outside can make a big difference for both you and your baby. A short stroller walk around the block, sitting on a bench at a neighborhood park, or wandering through one of the South Hills trails can feel refreshing.
It’s not about exercise or reaching a destination. It’s about fresh air, gentle movement, and remembering that the world is still out there, even in this bubble of early motherhood.
3. Capturing the Fleeting Moments
Here’s the truth: these newborn weeks go by faster than you think. And while phone snapshots are wonderful, there’s something priceless about having a professional baby photographer in Pittsburgh capture your story.
So often, new moms get left out of the photos because they’re the ones taking them. But you’re a part of this story too. This is why I love Pittsburgh photography. It’s not just about pretty pictures, it’s about preserving the connection, the love, and the little details of your life right now.
I offer a client wardrobe with beautiful dresses (including maternity and postpartum options) so you can feel both comfortable and lovely, plus professional hair and makeup add-ons if you’d like a little extra boost of confidence. You don’t need to look perfect; you just need to be present.
4. Creating Simple Rituals
Some of the sweetest maternity leave memories come from the tiniest routines. These little rituals become anchors in days that often blur together.
Maybe it’s morning cuddles by the window, reading your favorite book out loud even if your baby doesn’t understand the words, singing during diaper changes, or ending the evening with skin-to-skin snuggles before bed.
They don’t have to be big or Instagram-worthy. They’re just quiet rhythms that bring comfort to both of you.
5. Letting Go of Expectations
No two postpartum experiences look the same. Some babies sleep soundly, others don’t. Some moms recover quickly, others take longer. Some families have lots of help, others are navigating it mostly alone.
Whatever your maternity leave looks like, it’s enough. If the only thing you manage in a day is keeping your baby safe and fed, you’ve accomplished something huge. You don’t need to make it perfect or productive. You just need to love your baby and yourself through it.
Final Thoughts
One day, you’ll look back and realize how quickly these weeks disappeared. You’ll remember the weight of your baby asleep on your chest, the sound of their tiny sighs, and how impossibly small their hand looked wrapped around your finger.
That’s why Pittsburgh photography means so much to me. Whether it’s in my cozy studio or out in one of Pittsburgh’s beautiful outdoor spots, my goal is always to document this chapter just as it is: raw, real, and full of love.
Maternity leave is a gift. Not always an easy one, but a gift nonetheless. It’s permission to slow down, to fall in love with your baby, and to step into motherhood one tender day at a time. However it unfolds for you, know this: you’re doing enough, and these moments are worth holding onto.
