Nastasja was ill with pregnancy sickness (zwangerschapsziekte) which meant little nutrients were reaching her unborn baby. Very quickly, it became worse overnight. Mason was born the next day at 30 weeks with a birthweight of 1020 grams. He is growing well since then and Nastasja is also recovering well.

On the day of our Earlybirds photoshoot, Mason left his incubator for the last time. He was moving to a cotbed which had been decorated in blue with pretty bunting.

It was also the first time he was bathed by his parents alone. Mason was so content in the bath. He wasn’t keen on leaving the warmth of the water though he quickly settled on his father’s chest, all cosy skin-to-skin. It takes a lot of energy to have a bath and although he made sweet noises announcing his hunger afterwards, he was soon deeply asleep before it was time to feed.

Dear Mason, Natasja and Aron,
Thank you for the lovely morning. It was a pleasure to make these photos for you.
I wish you all the very best, with much love.
Natalie xx

The Earlybirds Foundation works with volunteer photographers and is dependent on donations. If you would like to support us, you can do this via the account number: NL23INGB0006262411 in the name of Stichting Earlybirds, or donate via this link. We are grateful for your support.