What if I told you there’s a way to pamper yourself with a spa day and get stunning maternity photos at the same time? You get to relax and indulge while I capture that beautiful maternity glow of yours. Milk bath maternity photos have grown in popularity in recent years, and it’s no wonder why expecting mothers love them so much! Milk baths not only lend themselves to beautiful and intimate photos, but they’re great for your skin, too! Time is limited as you prepare for your little one to arrive, so book a luxurious day of pampering and your maternity session all in one!
With all of the trendy diets out there, milk often gets a bad rap. But even if you choose not to consume it, milk does contain quite a few skin-loving vitamins and minerals to calm and nourish tired, dry skin.
As wonderful as pregnancy is, along with all the changes, some ladies find themselves dealing with uncomfortable skin issues (possibly due to hormone and vascular fluctuation). Conditions such as dark spots, melasma, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation are harmless and will probably disappear postpartum. Dry skin, spider and varicose veins, pruritis (itchy skin), and other irritations are also benign, but they might be a bit bothersome. Learn more about skin changes during pregnancy from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. A nourishing milk bath can provide some relief.
Milk Bath Benefits
Contents
Cow’s milk is chock full of nutrients, such as protein, healthy fat, essential vitamins and minerals, and lactic acid. The balance of nutrients makes milk an easy and effective salve for your skin. Milk helps to:
Hydrate Dry Skin
Protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals help naturally restore and lock in moisture, helping to fend off itchy, flaky skin. In addition to your regular hydration regimen, a milk bath can provide an extra boost of moisture.
Exfoliate Skin
Some women find that their skin becomes a bit more sensitive during pregnancy. If physical exfoliation by brush or exfoliating ingredients is too harsh, the lactic acid in milk will gently and safely exfoliate your skin. Lactic acid removes dead skin cells that cause itching and irritation, allowing soft, new healthy skin to shine.
Soothe & Nourish Irritated Skin
Vitamin A and D are fantastic for soothing skin irritation. If you cannot use hydrocortisone ointment or want to try something else, occasional milk baths may offer additional relief. Add healing aloe vera to your bath for extra nourishment.
Relax the Body & Mind
And finally, a warm milk bath (or any kind of bath) can help relieve tension, melt away stress, loosen tight muscles, and soothe aches and pains.
Just like the pool, relaxing in the milk-infused water will take the pressure and weight off of your growing belly and body to relieve back pain. Add a few drops of lavender or real lavender sprigs for extra calming aromatherapy. Use this time to take care of yourself, Mama!
What to Wear for Milk Bath Photos
Now that we’ve covered the health benefits of milk baths, let’s get into the aesthetics. Milk bath photography is gorgeous! Milk bath photos highlight not just your beautiful growing bump but also your face, your eyes, and your figure, too. Plus, milk bath photos offer a hint of tasteful sensuality, so your other half is sure to be enthralled by your portraits. Milk bath maternity photography is a great way to celebrate your body’s amazing capabilities and show off your matchless beauty. This sensual session is just as much for you as anyone else—love the skin you’re in!
That being said, you want to wear something that won’t weigh you down while you’re wet. Lace wraps, kimonos, and robes offer just the right amount of coverage and femininity while still letting you show off your skin and bond with your baby in utero while you soak.
Most (if not all) of my milk bath sessions take place at the Oak Atelier in The Woodlands. The photography venue features a quiet, private studio for milk baths and boudoir sessions. And, The Elm includes a lovely vintage clawfoot tub, tile backsplash, and open window that lets in soft, natural light. It also features a pretty vanity and mirror we can use as well.
If you do not have your own robe, gown, or dress to wear, check out my Women’s Client Closet (get in touch with me to find out which pieces are available for milk bath sessions). In addition, the Oak Atelier Studio also has a beautiful Seraphine Robe available as an add-on.
Before You Schedule a Milk Bath Session…
Talk to Your Doctor.
Milk baths are generally safe, but please confirm with your doctor that a milk bath is safe for you. If your doctor recommends against it, we still have options! Check out the milk bath alternatives below.
Confirm the Safety of Ingredients.
Whole milk is the best option for a true milk bath (it will be diluted), but skim milk lacks the healthy fat that makes the bath so hydrating. However, if you choose to use a powder or premade mix, run the ingredients by your doctor first. For example, some essential oils are not safe during pregnancy, as well as other beauty ingredients like Phthalates (DEP). Check the label before buying.
Leave Time to Rinse.
Leave room in the schedule to sufficiently rinse and dry off to prevent sticky residue and possible yeast infections (due to the natural sugars in milk). Milk baths are safe; just be sure to rinse after.
Milk Bath Alternatives
Have a sensitivity or allergy to cow’s milk? No worries! Let’s try something else instead. A milk bath only has 1-2 cups of actual milk in it, so it’s not hard to go another route. Instead, you might enjoy one of these options:
Oatmeal Bath
Aveeno oatmeal baths are equally soothing and nourishing.
Colorful Water Bath
Simply add a couple drops of food coloring (there are natural options available, too), and you can transform your bath into a sparkling blue spa. A few florals will elevate the look even more.
Milk-Alternative Bath
Or, simply switch to another creamy alternative, such as:
- Powdered milk
- Rice, soy, or oat milk
- Goat’s milk
- Coconut milk
Bubble Bath (with Pregnancy-Safe Soap)
Who doesn’t love to lather in bubbles? A bubble bath is so relaxing, and it photographs well, too.
Boudoir Photos
And finally, you can simply opt for no bath. We can decorate and use the tub as a backdrop for a boudoir maternity session instead.
Still have a few questions about milk bath maternity sessions? I’m here to help. Connect with me to learn more or to book your maternity milk bath session. Then, visit the Maternity Portfolio for more inspiration.
