If you’re expecting a baby, you may be researching which kinds of sessions you want to document your newest bundle of joy. Maternity and newborn sessions are pretty self-explanatory (and definitely worthwhile!). But what is a fresh 48 session? Maybe you’ve seen them talked about on social media, or maybe a friend of yours had one done, but you don’t really understand exactly what it is. I’m here to help!
As a mama of four, I’ve learned how much of a blur those very first days with a newborn can be, and also how absolutely precious they are. It’s almost unbelievable how quickly it goes and how much a little baby changes in the first week alone. At the hospital, you’re recovering, resting, tracking feedings and diaper changes, calling all of your family and friends, answering questions, asking questions. It’s so easy to miss taking photos of and with your baby, and I promise that when you think back on your baby’s first days, you’re going to want the photos. Enter the Fresh 48 Session.
What is a Fresh 48 Session?
A Fresh 48 Session is one of my favorite kinds. Typically, after a baby is born, you’ll stay for about 48 hours before being discharged. This gives doctors and nurses time to monitor you and your baby to make sure you’re both healthy before going home. It can be a whirlwind – but it’s also such a precious time. Getting to know your baby, breathing in that newborn smell, and seeing the sweet little one that you’ve been loving for the last nine months are just such special experiences.
For your Fresh 48 Session, I’ll come to the hospital during your stay, and we’ll take some time (just about 40 minutes or so) to photograph you and your newborn in the hospital setting. We can include any announcement signs you may have, hospital hats and blankets, hospital bracelets, the bassinet – all of those details unique to the hospital. We’ll also get photos of baby’s hands and feet, the umbilical stump, and all the other tiny details that change all too quickly. Finally, we’ll capture baby with mom and dad. Believe me – you want these. Even in that tired state, photos with your brand new baby are treasures.
Fresh 48 Session vs. Newborn Session
As you plan which sessions you want to have for your baby, you might wonder whether you should have a Fresh 48 Session, a traditional Newborn Session, or both. Here’s some info to help you make the decision:
- Fresh 48 Sessions are more raw and intimate and document the very first moments of your baby’s life. We can capture the hospital environment, early bonding, and candid moments. Traditional Newborn Sessions take place in-home or in a studio when baby is a week or two old. These are longer sessions and more posed.
- Fresh 48 Sessions are shorter. Because I know that you need to rest and your nurses will be checking in on you and baby frequently, I want to make sure that I only stay a little while. The great thing is that babies are typically extremely sleepy in those first couple of days, which makes getting photos pretty quick. I like to get detail photos and photos of baby alone, as well as baby with mom and dad, in about 30-40 minutes. Traditional Newborn Sessions are one to two hours due to pauses for feedings, more posing, and possibly shooting in several spots in your home or the studio.
- Both are beautiful options for documenting your baby’s first days. If you are wanting the more raw and intimate feel and want to make sure you don’t forget how it felt to meet your baby for the first time, the Fresh 48 Session may be right for you. If you want to wait until you get home and have a longer session, a Traditional Newborn Session may be the right fit. Want both? Let me know, and we can discuss a package!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does scheduling work? Birth is frequently unscheduled. Unless you’re having an induction or scheduled caesarean, we won’t know the exact date of your Fresh 48 Session ahead of time. I’ll pencil in your due date so I know an approximate date for your session, and when you head to the hospital you (or someone on your birth team) can contact me to let me know. This gives me time to line up childcare and clear my schedule. When baby arrives and you’ve settled, we can get the exact time scheduled.
What do we wear? Truly, whatever you feel comfortable in. These photos are raw and intimate, so if you want to wear a robe or loungewear, that is perfect. If you feel like dressing up a little more, you can do that, too! The last thing I want you to do when you’ve just had a baby is to stress about what you’re wearing or how your hair and makeup look. It’s more important that we capture you, with your baby.
Here is a beautiful option if you’re looking for robe.
Should we bring anything special for the baby? That’s completely up to you! I really love to get some natural photos of baby first – either in just a diaper or maybe a simple onesie. The hospital blanket and hat will become sweet memories all too soon, so including those for a few images is always fun. If you have a special swaddle or a sign announcing the name, birthday, or stats, we can absolutely use those!
Still wondering more about what a Fresh 48 session is or ready to book? Contact me today!
