Celebrating 7 years of NICU Portraits!

Whew! I can’t believe this little business of mine is still going strong! After almost 10 years in the business and 7 years photographing preemies, I can definitely say it’s been a fun ride. It’s taken a lot of work and sacrifices, but with that has come a lot of smiles. 😀 Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you throw in a pandemic! It certainly complicated things, but I also didn’t mind the forced slow-down. I know many businesses struggled, but some of us won’t ever take a step back unless we’re forced! Like many families, mine got to enjoy some extra togetherness in that season.

When I started photographing NICU babies in 2016, I went in with the simple goal of offering families a sense of normalcy. Just because you have a NICU baby doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful portraits, too! I see it as a small way to bring some beauty into the NICU journey and to celebrate these precious, tiny humans.

I’ve enjoyed meeting so many wonderful clients along the way, and they have truly made my business what it is today. Without all of you, it wouldn’t exist! I’m at the stage now where I don’t see many of my newborn clients as often because their kids are getting older, and they just don’t take photos as frequently. However, I have been reconnecting with many NICU families “out in the wild” and that has been so fun! I don’t always recognize them until we make the connection that I photographed their family in the NICU. I have also had the pleasure of many NICU families turning into regular clients!

I celebrate a lot of small, private wins, but some of my big wins over the past decade of photography include: being published in a magazine, starting my NICU Portrait program, and building my photography schedule around my life schedule. As you can see on the left, I have also managed to donate canvases to decorate the walls of the family room in a local NICU. While those may not be milestones for others, I see them as major achievements! Everyone runs their business a little differently. That’s the beauty of owning a small business!

Here’s a little reminder about how far camera phones have come over the past decade. 😆 This was one of my first “primaries” after I started working in the NICU in 2012! As one of his primary nurses, that meant that when I was working, I was caring for him (and 1 or 2 other babies).

I still remember how scared his parents were after his rough delivery. They were such a sweet family, and we still keep in touch!

As someone who has always loved everything tiny, it has been a gift to be a NICU nurse for 10 years and to bring my passion for NICU babies and photography together for the past 7 years. I can’t wait to see what exciting things the next years of my business and the NICU Portrait program hold!

P.S. I can’t make a post about my NICU Portrait program without a special thank you to Bee Mighty, who sponsors them!

Fresh 48 | Luxury Membership | Newborn Photography | Charlotte, North Carolina

Why I love Fresh 48 Sessions

For a limited time only, receive a complimentary Fresh 48 session when you book a

Luxury Membership (depending on availability)

It’s hard to put it into words exactly what is so special about a Fresh 48 session! The excitement and love for your new little one is tangible. Meeting a new person is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, after all!

Because these sessions usually occur while you’re still in the hospital, the focus is on the connection between you, your partner, and your little one and not so much on your image. As such, these photos tend to be more raw and authentic. In fact, if I had to choose just one word to explain why I love a Fresh 48 session that’s it: authenticity.

P.S. There are a few other advantages, too. Your baby will be at their sleepiest at this point and hasn’t had the chance to develop any baby acne yet!

I can’t wait to be introduced to your new little one!

Catalina | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Tell me more about NICU portraits!

Hi! I’m Krista. I’m a Charlotte, North Carolina area photographer and I also happen to be a NICU nurse. I love all things little, and that includes babies! In 2016, an organization called Pierce’s Project helped me begin photographing babies in the NICU as a way to help capture a significant time in these babies’s lives, and in the lives of their parents. In 2021, Bee Mighty acquired Piece’s Project and continues the mission of serving families in Charlotte-area NICUs. They sponsor these free NICU portraits, in addition to many other services including counseling, therapy, equipment, and care packages.

Catalina

I had the opportunity to photograph Catalina and her mom shortly after Catalina turned 2 months old. Catalina was born at 27 1/2 weeks and weighed 800 grams - that’s less than 2 lbs! In the NICU we often refer to a baby by their adjusted age, so we would refer to Catalina at the time of our meeting as 38 weeks adjusted. This way of referring to a preemie’s age helps us to remember what to expect in terms of their development. At 38 weeks adjusted, we would expect a preemie to behave like a typical newborn, not like a full-term baby at 2 months old.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up for NICU portraits in the Charlotte, North Carolina area by submitting an inquiry here. I open booking for sessions at each of the two area NICUs once per month. Booking usually opens about 1 week or so before the scheduled morning of sessions at each location. After your inquiry and when booking is open, I’ll respond to you with more information, including a link to choose your preferred time slot on the pre-selected day. Because of Bee Mighty’s sponsorship, these sessions are completely free for you!

When is the best time to have portraits of my NICU baby taken?

As soon as possible! For some families, these may be the only professional photos of their baby that they will ever have. ❤ As a NICU nurse, I am comfortable with NICU babies of all ages and levels of care. For even the tiniest of preemies, I am able to accommodate their needs. I can photograph babies in isolettes, and even adjust to deal with that pesky glare! And I am well acquainted with all of the cords and wires. Even still, I will leave it to you or your baby’s nurse to do most of the handling of your baby. I would love to photograph your baby at any time on their NICU journey.

Keep your eyes out for more photos of Catalina on my @kristaganttphotography Instagram account soon! Now that she’s out of the NICU, I had the pleasure of photographing her in my studio recently. It was a unique and special opportunity to photograph her family in their traditional dress before her extended family returned home to Mexico.

Style Guide | Newborn Photography | Young Families

STYLE GUIDE

EDIT: The style guide has been updated as of August 2023. Items that are out of stock are no longer linked, and remaining linked items may have limited availability. Feel free to continue to use it for inspiration!

This year I’m giving you behind the scenes peeks at my business and sharing exciting milestones, as we countdown to the 10th anniversary of Krista Gantt Photography. Today I am super excited to share with you the beginnings of my own style guide! Part of my role as your photographer is providing style tips, so you’re looking your best for your session. I have always been happy to communicate with you one-on-one to share my suggestions and give feedback on coordinating family members. I am still happy to do that, but I wanted to do just a little bit more this year. Having all of this information in one place gives you a great place to begin your shopping!

I’ve started out with the basics, neutrals that will work well for newborn sessions or any occasion. I have included options available from a variety of retailers to accommodate a range of budgets. You’ll see options for every age, but don’t forget that I have lots of outfit options on hand in my studio for babies (newborns to 1 year olds). I would love for you to check back throughout the year to see more options appear as we approach the dates for select mini sessions and as the seasons change. I know this will be a great resource as you prepare for your session! I can’t wait to share more soon.

Photographing Older Newborns | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn and Baby Photographer

Sometimes life can get in the way of scheduling your newborn session in the first 7-10 days after birth. Not to worry! Even if your newborn isn’t as sleepy anymore, there are still some special photos we can capture of your older newborn. There are even some benefits!

Many families want photos of their newborn with their eyes open. Newborns often sleep right through their session, so this isn’t possible. However, older newborns are often more awake and aware. Unlike my normal newborn sessions, we may even get the opportunity to:

• catch baby interacting with parents through eye contact

• see baby’s personality

• catch baby’s first smiles!

We can still get all of the detail shots that my clients love: your baby’s eyelashes, fingers, toes, and ears. With older newborns there is often more variety in the session, too, with some of their different expressions. If you think you may have waited too long to get on my schedule, don’t fret! It may not be too late, after all. Send me a message, and I will be happy to discuss your options for capturing this special time for your family!

Erez | NICU Portraits | Omphalocele | Charlotte, North Carolina

At her 20 week anatomy scan, Erez’s mom Natalie, found out that her baby was experiencing a rare condition. Erez was diagnosed with an omphalocele, where the abdominal wall does not form correctly, allowing the intestines to protrude.

Erez arrived at 37 weeks by planned c-section. He weighed just 4 pounds 14 ounces. After birth, it was discovered that he had an additional health concern; his lungs were under-developed. While his omphalocele has begun resolving, he has needed additional breathing support.

Erez uses a tracheostomy (trach), with support from a ventilator, to breathe. A trach allows for longer-term ventilator support without as much limitation to mobility. It may also allow him to get home sooner, since the trach is something his family can manage at home. Any little bit of progression towards getting our babies home is worth it!

Seven Ways To Help A New Mom Friend | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Seven Ways To Help A New Mom Friend

Your friend just became a mom, and you want to do something nice for her. Here are a few ways you can help:

1. Lend a hand! Offer to hold the baby so she can take a shower or catch a nap.

2. Provide a listening ear. Adjusting to motherhood is all encompassing. Someone to listen to her worries will mean so much.

3. Put her feet up! Give mom the opportunity to rest while you help out with household chores or errands.

4. Provide love and support. Ask mom what she needs to feel most supported right now. You might be surprised at her answer!

5. Support the whole family with a meal. A dinner is great, but so are quick breakfast options or easy snacks.

6. Make baby comfortable! Practical gifts for baby are always appreciated. Consider what must-have items she may not have received from her registry. Diapers and wipes will never go out of style!

7. Don’t stay too long! Feeling pressure to entertain might feel overwhelming. Plan to keep any visits brief, so mom and baby can get back to their rest.

What other advice do you have? What was most helpful to you as a new mom? Comment below to share your ideas with other moms!

Why I DON'T Guarantee A Specific Pose | Newborn Photography | Charlotte, North Carolina Photographer

WHY I DON’T GUARANTEE A SPECIFIC POSE

Yes, you read that right. As a newborn photographer, I absolutely have a mental list of all of the perfect poses I hope to capture of your new bundle of joy. However, as you may be learning as a new parent, the adults are not always the ones in control in this situation. Here’s a list of reasons why I don’t guarantee a specific pose.

1. We go at your baby's pace! If your baby is in a deep sleep and comfortable being positioned, it will be easier to move them from one pose to another. If your baby is not as comfortable, it may take more patience to move them from pose to pose. This can vary widely from baby to baby and can even depend on the baby’s age at the time of your session.

2. I don't try to force your baby to do something that doesn't feel right to them. If they are expressing that they are uncomfortable, I listen. Some babies don't "bend" like others. They just aren't as flexible, so they won't allow me to position them in certain poses. If your baby is giving me cues that they don’t appreciate how I am positioning them, I simply move on to another pose or setup.

3. Your baby is being handled more than normal. We will likely be passing your baby between parents and even to siblings. We’ll also swaddle the baby one to two times, as well as completely unswaddle the baby for individual portraits. Most new babies prefer to be covered and swaddled, and most do not like to be naked. I would imagine that having a strange photographer in your face might be somewhat stimulating too. For some babies this is not a problem, but others may be easily disturbed by those changes.

4. Your baby may need to take a break because they eat more frequently than other babies. We can stop and feed at any point. It might be helpful to bring a bottle to your session, but I am very comfortable being around breastfeeding mothers. I work in the neonatal intensive care unit where I assist mothers with this very task. I'm also a mom, so I get it! I can even feed your baby and allow you to kick up your feet and relax! I'm trained ◡̈ Sometimes you’re still learning what your baby needs, so I’m happy to troubleshoot with you.

5. New babies usually aren't on a "schedule” yet. They may not be ready to sleep when they arrive or they may have been up a lot the night before. Newborns can be unpredictable, so we will work around that.

6. Your baby may have other underlying issues. You may be discovering that your baby has a food allergy or colic. This might make certain poses more uncomfortable due to increased gas or discomfort, causing them not to rest as well. Babies experiencing feeding problems or transitioning from breast milk to formula may also have trouble settling.

7. Every baby is different! Some babies sleep the entire time, and some babies are awake the entire time.

The bottom line? Every baby is unique. We’ll follow your baby’s cues to see what poses we can achieve. No matter your newborn’s personality, we can make precious memories together!

Tips & Tricks for a Successful Newborn Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

EIGHT TIPS FOR A SEAMLESS NEWBORN SESSION

Picture this: You’ve just given birth to your precious baby. You’re recovering from childbirth, figuring out feedings, trying to understand the needs of this new human, and you’re running on very little sleep… And now you’ve scheduled your photographer to capture the perfect photos of your bundle of joy!

No need to panic. We can do this! Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for your session to go smoothly.

BEFORE YOUR SESSION (ideally before the birth)

1. Pick out your family’s outfits. 

Solid, neutral colors are best for each member of your family, and I love to see a little lace on Mom. Avoid busy patterns and any clothing with logos on it. If you do decide to wear a pattern, try to keep the colors and tones muted. For example, light blue, sage, and ivory photograph beautifully. Feel free to visit my pinterest board for a little inspiration!

2. Call Mom!

Or Grandma, a friend, it just needs to be someone you trust. Plan to have them come to your home the day before or early the day of your session. They can help you wrangle any older children you have, make sure your clothes are clean and pressed, even make sure you eat. A helper that day will be a huge asset!

DAY OF YOUR SESSION

3. Keep your baby awake.

Try to keep your baby awake for 2 to 3 hours before your scheduled appointment. This will help your baby to be nice and tired for their time in front of the camera.

4. Plan to feed your baby just before leaving home.

A full belly + a tired baby = a very smooth photo session. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of formula or breast milk in case your baby needs a snack. Sometimes I can keep the baby in their exact same position to feed them and avoid picking them up to get them back to sleep. We can take a break for you to breastfeed the baby, as well.

5. Bring a pacifier!

A pacifier might buy us a little bit more time to keep your baby happy, so we can finish our session. Sometimes it’s just soothing enough to get them back to sleep so we get get them into that perfect curly pose.

6. Drive separate cars.

If you have older children, it may be convenient for Dad (or your appointed child wrangler) to take them home when the family portion of the session is completed. If this is not convenient for your family, I happen to have several indoor and outdoor play options to keep your older children occupied. Feel free to bring a change of clothes and let them play outdoors on our climbing dome, zipline, or trampoline.

AT MY STUDIO

7. Wear layers.

I’ll have the studio nice and warm for baby’s comfort, so you might prefer to have layers that you can remove, in case it gets too warm for you.

8. Be mindful that sessions may take up to 2-3 hours.

Be prepared with whatever your family might need in that amount of time (and see #2 above!). Snacks are never a bad idea and I am not above a good bribe if it gets us through the session!

Don’t worry about how smoothly you think your session is going; we’ll go at your baby’s pace to capture beautiful portraits together. You’d be surprised how many times I catch those “in between” shots when you didn’t even notice my camera was out. Sometimes those even turn out to be my client’s favorite images!

For all my experienced mamas out there, what would you add to this list?

Studio Milestone Session - 1 Year Session | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Trust me, that first year is going to fly by. There’s no better way to capture the amazing ways your baby has changed, than a 1st birthday session in the studio! I offer several options for those in my Membership, including a cake smash and even the option for a follow-up bubble bath to add variety to your gallery. You get to decide! You supply the cake, and I provide all of the props.

One-year-olds are so fun to shoot. I love to see how their little personalities have blossomed and the milestones they are reaching. And usually they aren’t moving too fast yet, which definitely makes photographing them easier. 😉

James had so much fun in front of the camera with me! His Mom chose several neutral outfits, which allows you to focus on James in the photos and not get distracted by the outfit he was wearing. Would you believe he was a little timid when it came time for cake? I get such a wide variety of responses to the cake smash. Some littles are very timid and others are too happy to dive right in!

James also enjoyed playing with the curtains in front of my window. Did you notice that gorgeous light? Part of the magic of my studio is consistent lighting no matter the weather. This window is actually my new Lastolite “faux window”! The littles love to play with the curtains in front of it, and it gives such a natural looking glow. If you haven’t been to my studio recently, I’d love to have you come get acquainted with it!

You can also learn more about the Luxury Membership in my recently updated FAQ!

Your Family's Health | Newborn Photography | Charlotte, North Carolina Newborn Photographer

Your Family’s Health Matters to Me

Not feeling well the day of your family’s scheduled session?

Let me know! The camera can see when you aren’t feeling your best, and it will show in your photos. Don’t feel embarrassed if you need to reschedule to another time when you and your family are feeling better. I want your session to be a pleasant experience for you and your family, and I want you to be pleased with your final images. I promise, you’ll be much happier with your gallery!

I would do the same for you.

While it has been a rare occurrence, I do occasionally come down with a cold, and need to reschedule your session. I don’t want to expose your family, and especially your little ones with compromised or developing immune systems, to any germs unnecessarily. Your family’s health matters to me.

My family, my clients, and my NICU patients thank you!

It is also important to me that I stay well. As a NICU nurse and newborn photographer, I am regularly in contact with babies that may be vulnerable to germs to which the rest of us are already accustomed. We do travel pretty frequently as well, so it’s important to feel my best while we’re on the move. My other clients also appreciate that I’m able to keep their scheduled appointments. My patients, my family, and my clients thank you for helping me stay well!

Korban | 23 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina

Welcome Korban!

Korban is a rare 23-weeker. He was just 1 pound 7.3 ounces when he was born last year!

THE LONG JOURNEY TO BABY

After a 4 year battle with infertility and the loss of their first baby in 2021, Korban’s parents turned to fertility treatments. Mom, Bre, finally got that longed for positive pregnancy test in May 2022! After she was found to have a shortened cervix, she had a cerclage placed in September. Unexpectedly, in early October, her water broke, and Korban was born just a few days later by C-section.

HOW EARLY CAN A BABY BE BORN?

In recent decades, 24 weeks has been seen as the gestational age of viability, the age when a fetus has some chance of survival if they were to be born. These chances of survival increase for each additional week of gestation (pregnancy). In a growing number of instances, when appropriate levels of care are available and the stars seem to align, some babies born before 24 weeks are able to survive. So, Korban has joined a very special club!

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

What does Korban’s mom have to say about this experience?

“[A] few ups and downs are to be expected, especially for a baby born at 23 weeks. I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and support from my family, friends, and coworkers! I’m still getting used to it all but I’m constantly reminded that this journey is unique. This experience is special and I want to embrace every moment!”

Meet your photographer!

At the end of this year, 2023, I’m going to celebrate the tenth anniversary of this photography business. 😱 I can hardly believe it myself! I invite you to come with me on a journey as we countdown to this exciting anniversary. We’ll revisit some of the history and milestones of Krista Gantt Photography. Let’s start with a little (re-) introduction! 

Photo by Two Little Monkeys Photography

MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER 

Hi, I’m Krista Gantt! I’m a wife of almost 13 years to my husband Michael and the mom of the cutest and smartest 4-year-old, Evan. We’ve lived in the Charlotte area for over 10 years now, and I’ve been a NICU nurse at Atrium Levine Children’s Hospital since we moved here. I love taking care of my babies! All of my experience taking care of these babies means that I am very comfortable with your newborn. I know just what to do to get them cozy for the perfect poses, and I know all the tricks for keeping them happy and comfortable.  Some babies are a challenge, but that’s just how it is working with newborns!

I’ve always enjoyed photography, and I got my first SLR sometime around 2008. My business began when a friend asked me to photograph their newborn, and I readily agreed. She was actually willing to pay me with real money! I couldn’t believe it. More on that later, though.

When I’m not hanging out with babies, whether from behind a mask or a camera, we love to travel as a family. I also love to read and to listen to podcasts. I love keeping my hands moving with crafts and sewing, too. I’m also really good at starting projects around the house that I never finish.

I can’t wait to meet you in my studio one day soon!

The Three Most Important Decisions You Can Make for Your Newborn Portraits | Charlotte, NC Portrait Photographer

THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS

YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR NEWBORN PORTRAITS

You’ve already selected a photographer. Check!

What are the three most important choices you can make for your photography session? Location, the time of day, and clothing are three key factors for achieving the portraits you’re dreaming of! And here’s why.

LOCATION

It’s ideal to be photographed in a neutral room with lots of light. You don’t want a cluttered or busy background. A simple, neutral room keeps the focus of the photos on the most important subjects, you and your loved ones! An abundance of light helps your photos to look more natural and reduces grain, which produces beautiful, high quality prints and albums.

If you know me, you know I love white. It’s just so clean and classic and makes a wonderful backdrop for portraits. It’s the perfect compliment to any color palette.

TIME OF DAY

You’ve likely heard of golden hour, the final hour of sunlight before sunset. But there’s another “golden” time of day, and that is the first hour or two after sunrise. For families with young children, and especially for newborns, this can be an ideal time to be photographed. Newborns tend to sleep longer and more soundly during the morning hours, which allows us to achieve those cute, sleepy poses. In my experience, children and toddlers are a little more cooperative in the morning hours as well. They tend to follow instruction better with a full night’s rest and a full tummy.

CLOTHING

Making the right clothing options for each member of your family will help you to appear as a cohesive unit in your photos. You can even dress family members in the same color and use different textures to add visual interest. Choosing neutral colors and simple patterns will allow you to enjoy timeless photos. Logos and icons can sometimes be removed from an image, but I typically advise against wearing shirts with any wording or logos.

LET ME HELP!

Don’t forget that I am here for you as you make each of these decisions. My studio is an ideal location for that simple, neutral, well-lit space. I have collected a lot of lighting gear over the years, making it easy to adjust for the look we’re going for. And I’m always happy to help you with your style decisions, as well!

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Custom Albums

James | Sitter Session | Charlotte, NC Newborn and Baby Photographer | Krista Gantt Photography

James! The third baby for this precious family. This is one of my favorite families to work with… Emily always trusts my vision for each session and comes prepared for a fun time together. If you know me, I like to keep backdrops clean and simple to keep the focus on the baby.

If you’re looking for something colorful and busy… I am not your girl! I will happily refer you elsewhere to make sure you get the images you’re looking for! You can count on me to keep it classic and simple, but still unique enough to experience a custom portrait session.

Jaycari | 28 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

“On August 17, 2020, we found out we were expecting another sweet baby boy on 4/26/21. We were thrilled to be expanding our family and promoting our 10 year old son to a big brother. Throughout my pregnancy, I was labeled to be a high risk pregnancy considering I would be giving birth at the age of 35. However, with each exam I took, I passed them with flying colors. As each month passed by, I impatiently waited to feel our baby move for our son to experience feeling his baby brother. I only felt butterflies here and there the entire time which seemed odd. As I got closer to the third trimester, I felt like something was off since I was still not feeling my baby move as much as I should be and my belly looked smaller than I expected. As I went to each  check up, I kept being told that everything was progressing as it should, so I told myself that these thoughts I was having were all in my head. 

A little after 7 months, I decided to get checked by my OBGYN to be certain nothing was wrong as by now I should be feeling obvious kicks. I was seen immediately and failed the stress test at the office. I went from thinking it was going to be a quick confirmation that it was all in my head, to being sent to labor and delivery for further analysis. Once all the tests were complete, we were told the scariest thing any parent could hear. Due to a placental deficiency, our baby was not getting the necessary fluids and nutrients he needed. He was at the 3rd percentile growth rate and had a 80-90% survival rate. Although he was 28 weeks and 3 days, he was measuring around 26 weeks and only weighing 1 lb and 5 ounces. All I could think of at the moment was “did I do something wrong?” “was this my fault?”. The doctor reassured me that this was internal and not anything I could have controlled. 

We delivered our baby boy the next day via C-Section and immediately began our NICU Journey. No one could have ever prepared us for what was to come. You end up having so many emotions and thoughts while you are trying to transition to your new reality. You feel robbed from your last trimester, no more short hospital stay and leaving with your baby, no more maternity pictures, no more baby shower, not being able to hear your baby’s first cry due to needing an oxygen tube, not being able to touch or hold your baby due to how fragile a preemie can be and needing to be in an incubator, not being able to kiss your baby from having to wear a mask and not being able to see your baby’s face from all the tubes. You just feel overwhelmed, scared, and end up in complete shock. 

During our stay, everything sounded terrifying and your baby goes through the toughest challenges with delays in lung growth, heart PDAs, nutrition goals for proper weight gain, ensuring there are no brain bleeds, their stomach is digesting as it should, their vision is maturing as it should, getting hernia surgeries, and learning to bottle feed. 

After 104 long days in the NICU, our son now weighs 6 lbs 11.9 ounces, has learned to breath without a ventilator and only needs low flow oxygen, his stomach now digests food as it should, his heart PDA has closed, he began bottle feeding, has had his hernia surgery and his eyes are very close to maturing. We are so proud of our son Jaycari Jace Jordan for being the biggest warrior! He is the strongest tiny human I know and he continues to amaze us each day. We are grateful for all the outstanding nurses and specialists that have made our sons stay easier and look forward to finally hearing that special word - “Discharge”.  To all the preemie moms and dads out there, you will get through this! Trust your little warrior, they are stronger than we could have ever imagined. “

Declan | 32 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

“We were very excited to find out we were expecting! Our pregnancy was pretty smooth, just your normal aches and pains, but that all changed at our 31 week appointment. I had elevated blood pressure that day and by that night my blood pressure was dangerously high. I was admitted that night and was told I would be staying until we had our baby. On Easter we kept failing our NST and the MFM and OBGYN agreed it was time for baby to make his entrance. We tried to labor naturally but his little heart didn’t like that so I was taken for an emergency c-section. Our little man come out crying which was the most beautiful thing, he was rushed out right away to make sure everything was okay. Our NICU stay has not been easy but it is such a blessing to see our little man growing and meeting all these special milestones right in front of our eyes. Moms and Dads enjoy all your snuggles and don’t be afraid of all the wires and tubes. Let your emotions out it’s okay.”

Jonathan | 27 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

I managed to meet Jonathan when I was photographing other families in the NICU, and it happened to be his discharge day! He got to go home to be with his family and is now officially a NICU graduate! GO JONATHAN!

Mason | 26 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

“My husband and I have an 8 year old daughter who longed to be a big sister and we knew our hearts were ready for another child. We were overjoyed when we learned our family would be growing, and the excitement continued when we learned we were having a boy. We planned showers and the nursery and was determined to make everything PERFECT!

Until at 25 weeks things became not so perfect, as my body went into labor. We rushed to the hospital and learned we would soon be having our preemie baby. The neonatologist came to talk to us about what to expect, and what our stay looked like, and survival odds. It was overwhelming and terrifying but that conversation really prepared us for our NICU journey.

Mason was born  via c-section at exactly 26 weeks weighing 1 pound 11.2 ounces and came out ready to fight! At 4 days old he became gravely ill, and we feared we were going to lose our baby, but God was not done with Mason and Mason was not done fighting. It was a hard fight for a few days but we made it through it with a lot of prayers and by the Grace of God. His sickness did cause a grade 4 brain bleed and hydrocephalus which has required two surgeries during our stay. He has overcome so many obstacles and continues to amaze us with his strength.

We have been in the NICU for 80 days, currently just transitioned to special care, learning how to feed and we will soon be heading home. My advice for any parent that is having to walk this NICU journey is to first realize it is a long road, BUT this is only temporary.

There are scary times, frustrating times, and joyous times. Take them all in. Every small victory, celebrate it! Your firsts with your baby will be a lot different than other moms with newborns. You will celebrate a day without bradycardias, no more PICC line, less respiratory support, or a good head ultrasound. No, it’s not the normal excitement you plan for as a mom, but it’s your new normal and it will be just as exciting as hearing your baby coo for the first time!

Embrace the rollercoaster. It won’t be long until you are home with your little miracle and this fight and this journey will remind you of yours and your baby’s strength!”

Lennox | 34 Week Preemie | NICU Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photograph

“We first learned that we were expecting Lennox in October 2020. Excited doesn’t even describe the feeling! He was due June 22, 2021 but because of decreased fetal movement the doctors made the call to induce me at 34 weeks. Thank goodness they did because nine hours into my induction my placenta detached from the uterine wall and I was rushed to the OR for an emergency c-section. The peace of mind I have now knowing that Lennox is doing so well and coming home soon makes the whole experience one to remember!”