Few types of photography are more stunning than maternity photography. Seeing a soon-to-be mom cradling her beautiful, blossoming baby bump is enough to make even the least sentimental person stop and stare in admiration.
If you're planning to take maternity photos during your pregnancy, you've likely come across a common trend while searching for inspiration: a mom-to-be posing in a tub of milk! (Milk baths photos are gorgeous and trendy, but milk baths themselves are nothing new. In fact, Cleopatra is said to have taken a daily milk bath to soften her skin.)
Here's everything you need to know about milk bath maternity photos, including how to do them safely.
What are milk bath maternity photos?
Milk bath photography is exactly what it sounds like: a niche genre in which the subject (in this case, a pregnant mom) poses in a bathtub full of milky liquid. The milk creates a nice backdrop, so the photo is focused on you and your belly.
You can take milk bath photos at home with a friend or partner who’s handy with a camera, or you can schedule a photography session with someone who’s experienced taking milk bath photos.
Here’s how it’s done:
- Fill a clean bathtub with warm (not hot) water to the desired level (adjust for your comfort/modesty).
- Add milk. You can use cow’s milk, non-dairy milk, dry milk powder, or evaporated milk. Each gives a slightly different effect, but all will convey that it’s a milk bath. Adjust the amount of milk for the effect you’re going for too. More milk makes for a more opaque, milky-white backdrop, for example, while less milk produces a more translucent, cloudy look.
- After you’re in the tub, add props like flowers or greenery. Fresh flowers float better than faux flowers. Adding flowers and greenery after you’re settled in makes it easier to arrange them and keep them from sinking.
“Honestly, I just bought some flowers at our grocery store and cellphones have great cameras these days, so I thought we were able to get some that looked pretty good!” says What to Expect Community mom Kimberly3454 about her breathtaking milk bath maternity photos.
Are milk bath maternity photos safe?
Milk bath maternity photography is undeniably gorgeous, and it's possible to take these photos safely — however, you should always check with your practitioner before scheduling a milk bath photo shoot and, if you get the green light, follow some safety precautions.
Here’s what you and your photographer should keep in mind:
- Use fresh, pasteurized milk. Make sure the photographer is not reusing milk from multiple clients. Any milk you use should be pasteurized, as unpasteurized milk can contain unsafe bacteria. And don’t let a milk bath sit before your photo shoot, since milk spoils.
- Choose a nondairy option if needed. If you’re allergic to dairy or are lactose intolerant, don’t climb into a tub containing cow’s milk. You may have a reaction to the bath, resulting in symptoms that could be detrimental to you and your developing baby.
- Make sure the water isn't hot. While it's unlikely that you'd want to sit in a milk bath as warm as a hot tub, you should be mindful of temperature while you're soaking. The liquid should not be warmer than around 97 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Consider bringing a thermometer with you to your photo shoot to make sure the water stays a safe temperature.
- Stay safe on set. Not only is the smell of sour milk unappealing, but being near liquid with lighting and electrical equipment can pose safety risks. Make sure that your photographer keeps all wires, lighting, and other potential dangers away from the tub. You'll also want to come to the photo shoot hydrated and get out of the tub right away if you feel discomfort, including sweating or signs of overheating like dizziness or clamminess.
- Rinse off. Once the photos are taken, wash your body thoroughly.
Want more maternity photo ideas and other inspiration for how to commemorate your pregnancy? Connect with other parents in your birth month group in the What to Expect app, where you can keep track of your pregnancy journey through every stage.
Milk bath maternity photo tips
Milk bath maternity photos are often taken in the second trimester or early third trimester. Of course, you can schedule your photo shoot whenever you want, but this is generally a good window for it: Your baby bump is visible but hopefully not causing too much swelling or discomfort.
Here are some helpful, expert-approved tips for creating milk bath maternity photos that you love.
- Plan ahead. Be sure to discuss any skin sensitivities or allergies you may have well in advance of the photo shoot with your photographer and makeup artist.
- Choose your outfit(s) wisely. No clue where to begin? Lots of pregnant women opt for flowy gowns, sheer slips, bathing suits, or lingerie. Others prefer to go without clothes or drape a sheer fabric over themselves. Think about what might look good when it’s wet and clinging to your skin (lace and chiffon are popular choices). The key is to choose something you’ll feel comfortable in while letting your style shine and showing off your baby bump.
- Get creative. One of the best parts about milk bath maternity photos? You can customize and style the shoot however you'd like. The color scheme, outfit choices, and props included are all up to you, making it a unique photo shoot to remember. And when it comes to posing, there’s no right or wrong way — the best photos reflect what feels comfortable and authentic to you.
“I did one of these during my first pregnancy, and they’re legit my favorite pictures of myself,” says What to Expect Community mom growingtales.
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