How to Snap Better Photos & Videos for Virtual Lactation Support (and Keep Your Sanity Intact)
Hey friends — Jessica here! If you’re new around here, I’m an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and your resident pump geek. My entire practice runs nearly 100% virtually — which means I help parents all over the world tackle all things pumping, flange fitting, and baby mouth mysteries, right from my laptop.
But here’s the deal: virtual magic only works if I can actually see what’s happening. And while Zoom is fantastic for real-time help, nothing beats the crisp detail of a well-lit photo or a clear video. Spoiler: your smartphone is secretly the hero of your virtual care journey — you just have to wield it wisely.
So grab your phone and your sense of humor — let’s talk about how to get the right photos and videos so we can tackle your pumping puzzles and baby latch mysteries together (and maybe snag a few cute baby pics while we’re at it).
📸 First things first: Who’s behind the camera?
Option A: Another Adult
The easiest way to get a clear shot is to rope in your partner, friend, or a willing grandparent. But let’s be honest — sometimes asking your partner to photograph your nipples feels… awkward. I promise you: to me, it’s just another nipple, not an episode of Bridgerton. But if you’d rather skip the couples’ photography session, you’ve got options.
Option B: Your Secret Weapon — The Tripod
Welcome to the world of hands-free lactation care! A good tripod makes everything easier. My personal go-to? A sturdy gooseneck tripod with bendy arms that lets you position your phone exactly where you need it — whether you’re filming baby’s mouth in action or getting a close-up of that pump fit that’s been giving you grief.
Bonus: once you own a tripod, it’s also perfect for sweet “mom & baby” photos that don’t look like a front-facing selfie taken at 2 a.m. You’ll thank yourself later — trust me.
🎥 Tech Tips to Make It Effortless
✅ Use the timer!
If you’re snapping photos solo, your phone’s timer is your best friend. Set it for 10 seconds, hit the button, get into position, and let the magic happen — no awkward finger contortions required.
✅ Recording video?
Hit record, center yourself (and your little star), and don’t stress about the first few seconds of fumbling. I don’t need Hollywood-level production — I just need to see what’s happening so I can help you fix it.
✅ Not just for lactation care!
A tripod + timer combo is a parenting lifesaver. When my third baby arrived, my husband’s shift work meant I was on my own a lot. If I’d waited for him to snap every picture? Zero baby memories for months. That tripod? It captured every gummy grin, sleepy snuggle, and messy first food moment. Now that that sweet baby is a full-blown five-year-old hurricane leaving Lego landmines in my hallway? Those photos are worth their weight in gold.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan Ahead
Many pumping and oral function issues take more than one check-in to fix. We’ll want clear photos or videos every so often to track progress and tweak your plan. So spend that $30 on a tripod now — future you will be so glad you did.
👇 Links to My Favorite Tripods
I’ve rounded up some solid options I know work well:
📷 Gooseneck Tripods:
📷 Compact Desk Tripods:
No affiliate links here — just tools that make your virtual care smoother and your mom life easier.
🎉 Bottom Line?
Virtual lactation care works brilliantly — but your phone and a good tripod make it next-level easy. I promise, once you’ve got your setup dialed in, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
So here’s to clear photos, stress-free pumping help, and a few extra adorable baby pics along the way.
Happy pumping — you’ve got this!
💙 Jessica
P.S. Need more help? I’ve got you covered:
👉 Virtual Consults & Pumping Support
