What is a Fresh 48 Newborn Photo Session & What to Expect?
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You’ve probably heard the term Fresh 48 in the last few years but if you’re new to the newborn scene (hi, new mom-to-be!) you may be wondering what it means. Fresh 48 sessions are photo sessions that take place within the first 48 hours of your baby’s life. Usually done in the hospital but if you’re having a home birth they happen at home. If you leave the hospital very quickly (usually it’s not your first baby!) they can be done at home also. The term 48 is loose and I still call them a Fresh 48 even if it’s on day 3. If you have a C-section (emergency or planned) you’ll be in the hospital longer and if you’re not feeling well on day 2, they can be done before you leave. It’s really what you’re comfortable with!
Most of my Fresh 48 clients book an in-home newborn session as well and the best part is to see how much your little one has changed from those first few days to a few weeks later.
Pack Clothes For You
While I can absolutely photograph just baby, I firmly believe you should be in at least one photo too! At the very least, your little one will appreciate it someday but I think you will also. You’ll want to be comfortable and every person is different with their Fresh 48 photos. Some new moms wear a dress, some wear a robe, some wear comfy casual clothes - whatever you’re most comfortable in is best since you’ll have just been through a traumatic life experience that can be brutal on your body! When you’re packing your hospital bag, remember your photo outfit! You likely won’t be getting much rest with all of the activity happening in your room at all hours, so if some makeup will help you feel more like yourself, pack some of that as well.
Pack Clothes or a Cute Swaddle Blanket for Baby
A lot of parents bring a “going home” outfit with and some use those for photos. You’re welcome to bring that, or a cute outfit for baby, or a cute swaddle blanket. Most newborns are swimming in actual clothes, though, so I do bring swaddle blankets with me in case you’d like to use any. I find they look better than clothes that are too big. If you have any props you want to use, bring those as well. Some parents bring headbands for girls, a small stuffed animal, cute hats, a swaddle blanket with baby’s name or your favorite sports team, etc. We’ll have a chat before you schedule so we’ll talk about those things as well.
I’ll tell the story of the day with images from outside so you’ll remember the season, the name card in your baby’s bassinet, your room number, notes written on the whiteboard in your room, etc. I’m a visual storyteller, after all!
When Do We Schedule?!
Since births are one of the most unpredictable things in this life, people want to know - when do we book? For reserving a Fresh 48, we don't schedule ahead of time but I do ask that you let me know when you're either on your way to the hospital or once you arrive so I have a head's up. If you have a planned C-section date, you can also let me know that date. The photos can be taken any time during daytime hours once baby has arrived but the more notice I have that you're there, the more flexibility I have to accommodate you. Usually the second day, or going home day, is best to give you a chance to recover a bit after the birth. If you have a vaginal birth, you're likely there for around two days depending on timing and a c-section will be a longer stay. It helps for me to know that also. If you end up having a C-section (emergency or planned), I recommend doing the photos as close to your discharge as possible for your comfort.
There will be a lot of activity in your room once baby arrives. Nurses checking on you and baby, tests needed for baby, etc. If your baby is being circumcised, I recommend not doing the photos on the same day.
If your baby has to go to the NICU for any reason, you’ll let me know that also and we’ll determine the next course of action based on their length of stay there.
What Happens During the Session?
After we’ve chosen your day and time, I’ll arrive, wash my hands and when we get started will depend on baby and if they’re having any tests done! If you’re feeding and would like some breastfeeding photos, I can do that. If baby is hanging out in the bassinet, I will typically start taking some photos of them in there. I’ll take family photos, baby in your arms, baby in the bassinet and baby on your hospital bed on top of a blanket. I’ll also grab detail photos of their wrinkly hands, toes, them grabbing your finger, etc. We’ll likely need to take a short break or two if baby gets hungry or needs a diaper change. More often than not, babies are really sleepy in those first few days but they may have an awake window while I’m there where their eyes may be open! I allow an hour and a half for a Fresh 48 session just in case baby is fussy or needs many breaks. We won’t be photographing that whole time but I never want your session to feel rushed!
