Newborn Photographer Colorado Springs: Featuring The Milk Box | Lauren Bounds Photography
Newborn Photographer Colorado Springs Highlights
- This Feature Friday highlights The Milk Box Lactation, owned by Board Certified Lactation Consultant Jessica Koiner, IBCLC.
- The article shares insights into the challenges and joys of breastfeeding, plus practical tips for families during newborn sessions.
- A perfect read for families who value support, connection, and community resources recommended by a newborn photographer in Colorado Springs.
Why Feature Local Businesses
As a newborn photographer in Colorado Springs, I see every day how important community is for new parents. Photography captures the fleeting beauty of family life, but it’s the support systems we build around us that make those memories even more meaningful.
That’s why I love highlighting small businesses like The Milk Box. Jessica’s work directly supports many of the same families I photograph, and her passion for helping mothers thrive in the postpartum season makes her a resource worth celebrating.
Meet Jessica Koiner, Owner of The Milk Box Lactation
Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a lactation consultant?
A: I am Jessica Koiner! I am unapologetic about my love of Jesus and my family (which includes my husband of 12 years, my son (8), my daughter (5), and my doggie (Luna, 1))! I love singing and leading my church in corporate worship. My husband, Michael and I love food and exploring new places to eat. And I LOVE my job! I’m a Board Certified Lactation Consultant and owner of The Milk Box Lactation. I have the privilege of supporting, equipping and guiding families along their feeding journey, whatever that may look like.
Becoming a mother in 2016 changed so much about how I empathize with others. I’ve always had a passion for family, medicine, and children. I had a great deal of experience watching kid of all ages and felt confident and comfortable but nothing prepares you for the person that you become after giving birth. While the first 3 months of my son’s life were some of the most challenging I’ve ever experienced, I know that those struggles planted in me an unquenchable thirst to support mothers as they endure the very same seasons. What was once a dark season for me, has blossomed into this beautiful garden of women that I have had the honor to love and protect. Their success and peace bring me the very same in multitudes!
Common Challenges for New Moms
Q: What are some of the most common challenges new moms face when beginning their breastfeeding journey?
A: Women often face an incredible deluge of self-doubt when they become mothers. This burden is commonly enhanced by the stringent box that our society expects parents and children to fit into. These doubts include fears about having enough milk for baby, if they are feeding them correctly, are they using the right products, or am I doing everything I can to support my milk production. I’m thankful to be able to help support families as they sort out what they actually need to focus on and give them permission to trust themselves as they create a customized plan for their family.
Q: How soon before/after birth do you recommend reaching out for lactation support?
A: I love meeting families before baby arrives. Most don’t know that there are actually things we can do to enhance the efficacy and success even before baby is born! But if that’s not possible, reach out within the first week to 10 days after birth. Those early weeks are crucial for establishing breastfeeding.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you wish every new mom knew?
A: Trust your body. Don’t let others feed you with doubt. Seek out support from an IBCLC. And know that supplementing with a bottle of milk first few days of life will not negatively impact your breastfeeding journey (when done properly). Sometimes we all need training wheels as we adapt to this new world (both baby and mom!)
Q: What can moms expect during a typical consultation?
A: A newborn consult lasts 60–90 minutes. We’ll weigh baby before and after a feed, check latch and positioning (if contact breastfeeding is a goal for you). Then evaluate oral function and even review pumping if needed. Families leave with a personalized plan and ongoing text support.
Tips for Newborn Photo Sessions
Since newborn sessions often happen within the first two weeks, I asked Jessica for advice for families during that time:
- Snack feeds work wonders: Offering a few milliliters (15-20) can provide an opportunity to capture some relaxed images of baby.
- Consider pumping ahead of time: Having a small amount available can allow for flexibility during the session.
- Feeding on camera is okay: Nursing during a session can be both comforting for baby and beautiful to capture.
- Wear something functional and comfortable: Think nursing tanks, cardigans, or button-downs that make feeding easy but keep you feeling confident.
Jessica also shared her favorite calming hold, nicknamed the “squatty potty” position, which helps soothe baby while also giving photographers a chance to capture sweet, relaxed images.
Place baby’s bum against your chest, legs up or crossed, place the palm of your hand on the upper portion of baby’s back (shoulder blades) and your pointer finger and thumb at the base of baby’s head/neck to gently support their head. Next, collect their hands together at their chest, like you’re trying to make baby hug themselves, and lightly hold their hands against their chest. Swaying or bounding in this hold is often super helpful as well. This hold calms their nervous system while also allowing the photographer to capture sweet images of their face.
The next best position is skin to skin. If baby can smell mommy, they will often calm down (as long as they’re not hungry!).
Another tip: If you’re attempting to get photos of baby by themselves or on their tummy, consider draping the parent in a blanket or sheet and placing baby on the parent’s chest. Baby will be able to smell their parent, feel their warmth and heartbeat, and may stay asleep/calm. If done well and the picture is cropped artistically, you will not be able to tell that the parent was even in the picture!
Encouragement for New Moms
Jessica reminds moms that while the postpartum stage is challenging, it’s also worth documenting:
“Though moms may not feel or look their best in this early stage, it’s important to document this season. Not only is a child born, but a mother! Babies change so quickly, and you’ll cherish being able to look back at the photos and marvel at how much they have grown and changed, and how much you (the mother) has too as you settle in to parenthood.”
Her advice to new moms? Ask for help. Nourish yourself, give yourself grace, and let others help. Whether it’s dishes, dog walks, or holding the baby so you can shower, small acts of support matter.
“Your mental health can sometimes take a back seat as you dedicate your body and brain to providing for your tiny human but MOM is just as important as baby and needs to be protected as well.”
Why This Matters to a Newborn Photographer in Colorado Springs
I often photograph families within the same first two weeks of life that Jessica serves. Pairing the emotional support of a lactation consultant with the timeless memories of newborn photography creates a powerful way to honor this stage.
As a newborn photographer in Colorado Springs, I believe that investing in photography and leaning on community resources like The Milk Box go hand-in-hand. Together, they ensure families feel supported, celebrated, and remembered.
You can learn more about Jessica and her services at themilkbox.org or follow along on Instagram at @the_milk_box.
From Jessica-
Whether you are in Fort Worth, Texas (where you can see me, The Milk Box) or not, find a lactation consultant that makes you feel safe and supported. Not all IBCLCs are created equal! My goal is to always ensure that families feel that I am in their corner. Sometimes, the information we discover in a lactation consult can be unexpected, disappointing, or challenging. Sometimes there’s a longer road ahead to reach our feeding goals that you might have imagined BUT, if you are walking that journey alongside a provider that truly cares for you and your goals, it will be much easier!
Support, Connection, and Memories
Supporting locally owned businesses like The Milk Box Lactation is one way we strengthen community. Booking your newborn photos with a local photographer is another. Both are choices that tell your story, value connection, and create something meaningful to carry into the future.
If you’re ready to capture your family’s story with a newborn photographer in Colorado Springs, I’d love to work with you. Reach out today to book your session.
