Hi ya’ll! If you have found this post, and are looking to have a fresh 48 session, it is probably because you are expecting a new bundle of sweet, snuggly love… SO, CONGRATULATIONS!

As a former labor and delivery nurse, and momma to 3 insanely wild little red heads, babies are definitely my passion! There is something so breathtakingly beautiful about a fresh new life, and the all consuming love of a new momma. It doesn’t matter if it’s a momma for the 1st time or the 200th time, it’s just as beautiful Every. Single. Time.

Don’t forget to keep reading to snag your FREE PRINTABLE HOSPITAL PACKING CHECKLIST!

So, What is a Fresh- 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 is mini session done 24-48 hours after delivery, prior to being discharged from the hospital. It is a documentary style session, that captures the raw beauty of the new life that YOU made! Capturing the tiny toes, and fresh 1st yawns. It captures the beautiful love a new mother has as her new baby grasp her finger, and calms at the sound of her voice.

But you might be thinking….. why do I need a fresh- 48 session, if I am going to have a newborn session? and the answer is….. because the having a baby is a blur, and babies don’t keep….. They literally change OVERNIGHT ya’ll…. It’s still amazing to me to look back at the first pictures of each of my babies, and remember them at that moment.

You tend to forget how tiny their little fist was and how sweet and delicious their tiny toes smell. Especially after they grow into tiny dictators that stomp in every mud puddle possible, and are constantly demanding more fruit snacks 🤣🤣🤣

Fresh 48’s are also a COMPLEMENTARY included session, when booking a Milestone Membership with 5U Photography! Click HERE to learn more about what is included with a Milestone Membership, when you book with 5U Photography! (We are based out of Central Alabama, but do offer travel!)

#1 Book Your Fresh- 48 Session Early

Most newborn photographers only accept a certain number of new mommas a month, in order to ensure adequate scheduling flexibility and availability, due to the uncertainty of delivery dates. So, it important to start inquiring early, and book in your second trimester! If you are farther along, reach out ASAP, there is always the possibility of an opening!

Also, stay in contact with your photographer as your pregnancy progresses. Let them know if you have been scheduled for an induction, or c-section, or if you have started regularly contracting! I promise you aren’t bothering us! We want to know! I also start checking in with my momma’s about 2 weeks out, if I haven’t gotten any previous updates. ❤️

#2 Outfits

Less is always more when it comes to in- hospital sessions, for several reasons!

#1 It’s a small space, and keeping things light, simple, and neutral will make for AMAZING images.

#2 You will be TIRED! Delivering a baby is a MARATHON, and the only thing you need to focus on is rest and baby snuggles! So, keep it simple!

Outfit for baby

I love a plain white, long sleeve onesie. It’s simple, photographs well, and allows for all the sweet, special details to be highlighted, without being distracting. If there is a special swaddle you would like to use, definitely stick that in your bag too (that is included in my FREE printable packing list that you download below).

I always bring a light pink and blue bonnet, as well as some small dainty bows for baby girls, so that is definitely something to ask your photographer about when you are packing your bag!

Outfit for Mom and Dad

The #1 priority for momma is whatever you feel COMFORTABLE in! For some mommas that is a robe, leggings, and a nursing tank, or even button up pjs or a nursing gown. When packing the biggest thing to remember is light, neutral colors photograph best!

For dad jeans and a simple, light, neutral colored t-shirt is perfect! These sessions are about capturing the moment, so need to stress for picture perfect, perfectly coordinated outfits!

Seriously, no stress! More baby snuggles…..

Who is included in fresh 48 session photos?

Definitely baby, mom, and dad, if all are present. Some families choose to have siblings included, and some prefer to have that intimate time alone, with lots of sibling pictures at the in-home newborn session. That is definitely a personal preference, and I am Here. For. It whatever you decide!

Is there anything else I should do to prepare?

Nope….. I take that back….. get as much rest, and as many baby snuggles as possible! When I get there I will turn off all artificial lighting, and open all curtains and blinds to get as much natural light as possible. I will move and shift things around depending on lighting and angles, but that can all be done once I arrive.

Fresh 48’s are super low stress, and truly don’t need much preparation because they are all about the details and snuggles!

They are truly one of my absolute favorite sessions!

Free Hospital Packing List!!!

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! To check out sneaks from fresh 48 sessions at hospitals in Birmingham, Alabama including:

St. Vincent’s Birmingham

UAB

Grandview Medical Center

Brookwood Medical Center

Untill next time!

xoxo

Alex Uselton