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 on taking 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 filled to the brim with milk! 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 milk. Photography props like flowers or greenery often frame the shots for aesthetic purposes. The milk itself creates a great deal of negative space, so the photograph is focused on the person.

Though the exact origin of milk bath photography is unknown, legend has it that Cleopatra regularly bathed in milk to enhance her complexion.

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.
  • Avoid milk baths if you’re lactose intolerant. If you’re lactose intolerant, this is not the type of photography for you! The same applies if you're allergic to milk or any additional products that might be used in the bath. You may have an allergic reaction to the bath, resulting in symptoms that could be detrimental to you and your developing baby.
  • Make sure the milk 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 F. Consider bringing a thermometer with you to your photo shoot to make sure the water stays a safe temperature.
  • Make sure the milk isn’t spoiled. It's best to take snapshots quickly during a milk bath photoshoot, since milk spoils. Once the photos are taken, rinse your body thoroughly.
  • Stay safe on set. Not only is the smell of soured milk unappealing, but being near liquid with lighting and electrical equipment is incredibly dangerous. 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 photoshoot hydrated and get out of the tub right away if you feel discomfort, including sweating or signs of overheating like dizziness or clamminess.

Milk bath maternity photo tips

Milk bath maternity photos are often taken in the second or early third trimester. While you can, of course, schedule your photoshoot whenever you please, 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 photoshoot with your photographer and makeup artist.
  • Choose your outfit(s) wisely. Remember that while it's important to let your creative style shine, comfort comes first. No clue where to begin? Lots of pregnant people opt for dresses, bathing suits or lingerie, but whatever you feel good in is best.
  • 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 photoshoot to remember.