Fresh 48 Prep Guide: Everything You Need for Hospital, Home, or Birthing Center Births
The first 48 hours with your baby are a magical whirlwind—tiny yawns, memorizing the sweet details of your little one, and that new-baby smell. These are the moments you’ll treasure forever, even if they pass in a sleepless blur. A Fresh 48 session captures these fleeting hours, giving you images that feel like home. Whether you’re delivering at a hospital, birthing center, or in the comfort of your home, I’ve got you covered with a Fresh 48 Prep Guide to make your session as smooth as possible.

Why I Love Fresh 48 Sessions
Fresh 48 sessions aren’t about picture-perfect poses; they’re about pausing the realness of these first hours. You’ll want to remember your baby’s squishy cheeks, your partner’s proud smile, and the sweet intimacy of becoming a family. These photos tell your story—the love, the joy, and the miracle of life.

Where are Fresh 48 Photos Taken: Hospital, Home, or Birthing Center
Fresh 48’s are typically taken within a day or two of having birth. I like to photograph the “freshness” of baby in your place of birth; however, if you have your baby at a birthing center and go home quickly, your session can most definitely be taken in your home.
Hospital: The hospital is perfect for capturing firsts—tiny bracelets, that bassinet tag, or baby’s first swaddle. The clean, simple backdrop keeps the focus on your family. I like to pull back the blinds for soft, natural light, and let the magic happen.
Home: If you’re delivering at home, your photos will reflect the warmth of your everyday life. Whether it’s snuggling in your bed or the kids meeting their sibling, the familiarity adds sweet layers to your story.
Birthing Center: A birthing center combines the personal feel of home with the supportive environment of a hospital. (My personal favorite Birthing Center in Tulsa is Breathe Birth and Wellness – I hope to share my personal birth experience with Breathe on the blog soon!)

Prepping for Your Fresh 48 Session
- Let the light in: Natural light is your best friend. I’ll opt to open blinds, curtains, and keep lamps off when possible. It’s usually the first thing I will do when I walk into any setting.
- Tidy up, but don’t stress: A quick tidy of the bedside table and tuck away hospital bags. If I notice something distracting that is easy to move in the image (usually this is something like a water cup), I will quietly move it and set it back in it’s place after the photos.
- Add personal touches: Bring a meaningful swaddle, a special baby outfit (simple is always lovely. A white onesie or Lou Lou and Co knotted gowns are always so sweet), or that heirloom blanket from grandma.
What to Pack or Have Ready
For hospital or birthing center births, pack a neutral outfit for baby—soft textures and neutral tones photograph beautifully. Parents, pick something comfortable yet polished (like a flowy dress that is comfortable for mom postpartum). Don’t forget keepsakes like baby’s hospital bracelet, announcement cards, or a tiny knit hat.

When to Reach out about Scheduling your Fresh 48 Session?
Share your due date with me whenever you’re ready (usually around the second trimester), and we’ll create a simple contact plan. When labor starts or baby arrives, a quick text or call will ensure your session gets on the calendar.
Pro-Tip: Snap a quick photo of your birth location’s room and text it to me. It’ll help me get a feel for your space and dream up ideas for your session before we even get started!
Feeling Camera-Ready in Those Raw Moments
Let’s be honest—you’ll likely feel a mix of exhaustion and elation. My goal for the session is to keep it between 30-60 minutes, respecting your time and energy. My hope is to create space for you to pause time for just a little bit so that your family can treasure these moments together for years to come.
Don’t Forget the Little Details
Fresh 48 sessions are all about the details. I love to time our session with sibling introductions, those squishy baby rolls, or even the tiny name tag on the bassinet. It’s these seemingly small things that bring back all the memories when you look back on your images in years to come.

Fresh 48 Prep Guide Recap: Your Family’s Story Starts Here
My hope is that this Fresh 48 Prep Guide helps you feel prepared and excited for your upcoming session! If you have any questions about planning out the details of your session, I am here and happy to help! Ready to book your session? Click here to connect!
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