The One Who Made Me a Mum

My Photography Journey | a newborn photographer journey

Sixteen years ago, my world changed forever when I became a mum for the very first time — to my beautiful boy, Tom. Born at Birmingham Women’s Hospital, he was perfect in every way, and like every new parent, I was completely in awe of this tiny little miracle. But within hours, our journey together took a frightening turn I could never have expected. one that would shape both our lives and my future career as a newborn photographer.

The One Who Made Me a Mum | newborn photographer tamworth — Tom after a week in hosptial

A Life-Saving Beginning at Birmingham Women’s Hospital

A few hours after Tom was born, the doctors carried out a pulse oximetry test — something the hospital was trialing on newborns at the time. I’ll be forever grateful that he was part of that trial, because the test revealed that something wasn’t quite right.

The oxygen levels in his hands and feet didn’t match — in fact, his feet were showing no output levels at all. The doctors discovered that Tom had Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), a condition where the flap in the lungs doesn’t close properly after birth. It meant his oxygen wasn’t circulating as it should.

If Birmingham Women’s hadn’t been trialing that test, we would have been sent home just six hours after birth — and the outcome could have been tragic. That test quite literally saved his life.

Tom was taken to intensive care and placed in an oxygen tent. That first week was terrifying and emotional, filled with uncertainty, wires, machines, and prayers. We only managed to take a few photos right after he was born. Once he was finally well enough, I found myself wanting to capture every single moment — not just for me, but to celebrate that he was here, safe and thriving.

How Photography Became My Way to Capture Every Moment

Although I had studied photography in my teens, it was becoming a mum — becoming Tom’s mum — that truly ignited my passion in a way I’d never felt before. I didn’t want to miss a smile, a milestone, or even the quiet, ordinary moments. Every “first” felt like something sacred, something I needed to capture and hold onto forever.

That experience shaped how I see photography today. It’s not just about pretty pictures; it’s about preserving memories that tell a story — the ones you’ll want to look back on years later and feel the emotions all over again.

From Newborn Photos to Teen Years — Why Photos Still Matter

Being a mum taught me the true value of photographs. They’re not just pictures; they’re memories preserved. They remind us of how far we’ve come, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the love that has shaped our lives. It’s why I pour that same passion into my work with my clients — because I know how precious those moments truly are.

Now, as Tom turns 16, I can hardly believe how fast the years have gone. He’s grown into such an incredible young man — funny, kind, and independent (even if getting him to pose for photos these days is next to impossible!). But I still sneak in the occasional candid shot, because deep down, that urge to capture time — to freeze those fleeting moments — never goes away. I will always find ways to capture those little glimpses of who he’s becoming.

Watching him grow reminds me why I’m so passionate about family and newborn photography. Life moves quickly. The newborn snuggles, the toddler giggles, the family adventures — they pass in the blink of an eye. Photos let us hold on to those moments just a little longer.

Turning My Passion into a Photography Business

That first experience as a mum didn’t just shape me as a person — it shaped my entire career. It gave me a deep appreciation for the power of photography and how meaningful it can be for families.

Now, as a newborn photographer in Tamworth, I pour that same love and emotion into every session I do. Whether it’s a newborn shoot, a family portrait, or a special milestone, my goal is always the same: to create images that tell your story and celebrate the people you love most.

Because for me, it all started with Tom — the one who made me a mum.
The one who taught me how fragile and beautiful life is.
And the one who inspired me to turn my passion into a lifelong purpose.

Happy 16th birthday, my boy. ❤️