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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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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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If you’re pregnant with your second baby and already imagining the chaos of trying to wrangle a toddler during your Wexford, PA maternity photoshoot, take a breath. I’ve got you. I’m going to be honest with you: toddlers are unpredictable. They will probably roll in the grass, decide they suddenly hate their shoes, or ask […]
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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 the idea of a maternity photoshoot in Pittsburgh makes you want to hide under a blanket instead of stand in front of a camera, I want you to know something: that feeling is one of the most common things I hear from moms before we even meet. You’re growing a whole human, your body […]
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When Waiting “Just a Little Longer” Almost Costs You Everything Can I tell you about a session that had me holding my breath a little? It made me think about the best time for summer maternity photos in Pittsburgh and how choosing the right moment can make all the difference. Actually, knowing the best time […]
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If you’re pregnant in Pittsburgh right now, chances are you’ve done it. Maybe you’ve even spent some time comparing your pregnancy journey to others, wondering what’s normal and what’s unique to you. You’re scrolling Instagram between appointment…maybe sitting in your car after a visit at Magee…and suddenly it feels like every other mom-to-be has it […]
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There’s one decision that often gets overshadowed by nursery themes, baby names, and car seats—and that’s choosing the right Pittsburgh pediatrician. Most parents start by asking friends for recommendations. While that can be helpful, it’s not always the best place to stop. Every child is different. Every parent is different. And what works perfectly for […]
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The Beauty of Less: Why Simple Makes Space for What Matters Most Pregnancy is many things. Beautiful, tender, exciting, but also overwhelming, exhausting, and filled with more changes than you can count. As someone who’s lived it myself (twice) and now gets to document it for other mamas through Pittsburgh studio maternity photography, I see […]
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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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If you’re searching for Pittsburgh pregnancy tips first trimester, you’re in the right place. Let’s be honest for a second — there are so many recommendations out there for pregnancy must-haves that it can feel overwhelming fast. I remember scrolling through lists wondering, “Do I really need all of this?” If you’re feeling the same […]
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