What No One Tells You About the First Month With a Newborn
A Gentle Guide for New Parents in Naperville and the Chicago Suburbs
(From a professional newborn photographer and mother of three)
There’s no shortage of advice when you're expecting—baby registries, hospital checklists, feeding plans. But when it comes to the emotional landscape of that first month at home with your newborn? That’s where things get quiet.
As a Naperville newborn photographer who has worked with hundreds of families across Wheaton, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and the greater Chicago suburbs, I’ve seen firsthand how raw and real those first weeks can be. They’re filled with love, yes—but also exhaustion, adjustment, and a thousand tiny questions no one warns you about.
If you’re in the thick of it, or preparing to welcome your little one soon, here’s what no one tells you about the first month with a newborn—and a few reminders from someone who’s been there, both as a mother and a maternity + newborn photographer.
1. The Days Are Long, But the Feelings Are Big
In the early weeks, time stretches and blurs. There’s no schedule yet—just feedings, diaper changes, cuddles, and long hours of holding your baby. It’s beautiful and overwhelming all at once.
What helps:
Short naps whenever you can grab them
Letting go of routines and leaning into rest
Asking for help—it’s not weakness, it’s wisdom
Many new parents tell me how surprised they are by how much emotional energy this phase takes. You’re not alone, and you’re doing better than you think.
2. Crying Is Normal—Yours and Theirs
Babies cry. A lot. And sometimes you’ll cry too—from hormones, from exhaustion, from sheer wonder. The fourth trimester is real, and emotions run high.
What helps:
Being honest about how you’re feeling
Support from your partner, friends, or postpartum doula
Knowing that crying doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong
If you're looking for postpartum support in Naperville, IL, there are many great resources available—from lactation consultants to newborn care specialists.
3. Feeding Might Be Harder Than You Thought
Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do both, feeding is often one of the most unexpected challenges in the newborn phase. And that’s okay.
What helps:
Meeting with a Naperville-based lactation consultant
Giving yourself grace through trial and error
Remembering: fed is best
Many families I photograph have shared that feeding didn't go "as planned"—but what mattered most was the love and care they brought to each feeding moment.
4. Time Feels Strange (But That’s Not a Bad Thing)
One moment you’re watching the clock at 2 a.m., and the next it’s been two weeks. The first month is a time warp of sleepy days, baby snuggles, and sudden growth.
What helps:
Taking one photo a day—nothing fancy, just real life
Journaling short notes: "Today, they smiled in their sleep."
Soaking it in, even when it’s hard
As a lifestyle newborn photographer in Naperville, I always encourage families to capture the everyday details—because they fade faster than we expect.
5. You’re Learning Each Other
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You and your baby are building a relationship—and like any relationship, it takes time, patience, and love. There’s no right way, only your way.
What helps:
Eye contact, skin-to-skin, and simple presence
Letting go of comparison
Trusting your instincts
The families I photograph often say, "This is the first time I felt like myself since baby was born." Giving yourself space to grow into this new role is one of the best gifts you can offer yourself.
Bonus: From a Newborn Photographer in Naperville, IL
So many parents tell me they almost skipped newborn photos because they felt too tired, overwhelmed, or not “put together.” But here’s what I’ve learned as a professional newborn photographer.
The most beautiful images aren’t the posed ones. They’re the quiet ones—the stretch of a tiny hand, the way your baby fits in your arms, the way you look at them when you think no one’s watching.
In my natural light photography studio in Naperville, I offer gentle, baby-led newborn sessions that honor this fleeting season without pressure. Whether you prefer in-studio or a cozy lifestyle session in your home, we’ll create something timeless—something real.
Final Thoughts: Grace Over Perfection
The first month with a newborn is messy, magical, and more emotional than anyone prepares you for. But here’s the truth: you’re doing better than you think. And these early days, as blurry as they feel, are the beginning of a lifelong story.
If you're in the Naperville or Chicagoland area and want to gently preserve this moment, I’d be honored to help.
Serving Naperville, Wheaton, Hinsdale, Downers Grove, and surrounding suburbs.
With love and light,
Alicia Staley Johnson
Alicia’s Photography
Glen Ellyn | Chicago | Elmhurst | Photographer