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Shayna VanDamia PHotography BLOG
If you’re a mom who feels like time is moving way too fast, you’re in the right place. This blog is where I share thoughts on pregnancy, newborn life, family, and motherhood, along with simple tips to help you feel prepared and a little more supported.
As a Pittsburgh maternity, newborn, and family photographer (and a mom myself), my goal has always been to make this whole experience feel calm and taken care of. This space is an extension of that—honest, helpful, and real. Grab a coffee, stay awhile, and know you’re always welcome here.
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How to Prepare For Your In-Home Newborn Photoshoot in Pittsburgh (Without a Full Deep Clean) If you’ve been putting off booking a newborn session because your house “isn’t ready,” I want you to take a breath. I want to let you know what you need to do and what you don’t need to do for […]
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If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum in Pittsburgh, you already know the feeling…there’s a lot to figure out, and it’s hard to know who to trust. Which doula actually answers her texts back? Is there a pelvic floor PT near Wexford? Where do North Hills moms go for a coffee meetup that doesn’t feel awkward? […]
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Pregnancy is beautiful, but let’s be honest — it can also be a lot. That is why a prenatal message in Pittsburgh could be a wonderful benefit. The sore hips. The swollen ankles. The back pain. The feeling of needing to pee every 14 seconds. The weird sleep positions. The constant question of, “Is this […]
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If you’re expecting, chances are your brain feels like a never-ending to-do list. Nursery. Registry. Pediatrician. Car seat. It’s a lot. The good news? Choosing the right Pittsburgh newborn photographer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let me walk you through exactly what to look for—and what you can expect—so you can feel confident capturing this […]
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Choosing your baby girl’s name is one of the very first big decisions you’ll make as a parent — and somehow it feels huge. Many parents look for rare baby girl names to find something truly special and unique for their child. When I found out we were having a baby girl, we were so […]
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Postpartum recovery isn’t talked about nearly enough—and I hear that all the time from moms here in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. As a North Hills Maternity Photographer and a mom myself, I’ve had countless conversations that start with, “I wish someone told me this.” So today, I’m sharing the honest postpartum truths—the real, unfiltered […]
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Postpartum mental health is something many new moms struggle with, yet it’s often misunderstood or pushed aside. My hope today is to gently open up this conversation — especially for moms here in Wexford, Cranberry, and across Pittsburgh — so you know you are not alone, and you’re never “wrong” for feeling the way you […]
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Whether you’re a first-time mama or adding another little one to your crew… I know exactly how you feel. It feels like you have a million things to do to prepare for your baby in Wexford. When I was pregnant with my first, I was so overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done. I […]
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If you’re expecting a baby, you’ve probably got a long to-do list — from setting up the nursery to picking out the perfect name. But one thing many moms-to-be forget to plan early enough is their maternity and newborn photos in Pittsburgh to capture these special times. Don’t miss the opportunity for stunning maternity photos […]
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The 5 Stages of Pregnancy (Including the Secret 4th Trimester!) from a Pittsburgh baby and pregnancy photographer and mom of 2. Did you know there are actually more than the typical three trimesters of pregnancy? As any Pittsburgh baby and pregnancy photographer will tell you, capturing these moments is precious. Today I’m sharing everything you […]
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