How to prepare for your First Days Session

Sometimes known as Fresh 48 Sessions, These sessions are held in the comfort of your hospital room before you are discharged and capture the special moments from your new baby's first days of life. The Session lasts approx 30-50 minutes and includes Mum, Dad, baby and siblings are most welcomed and encouraged to be there. I know that the first few days after having a baby are lost in a blur of excitement, exhaustion and sleep deprivation! That is why a First Days Session is the perfect solution! These lifestyle sessions are pure and natural and perfect for remembering your first days with your new baby forever! Having a professional photographer will allow for both you and your husband/partner to be in photographs together along with any siblings. 

When to contact me?

It's best to get in touch with me via text once you are admitted to the hospital. I know A LOT is going on at this time, but when your partner gets a chance, have them get in touch with me. This will give me a nice heads up to adjust my schedule, if needed, for your First days session.

When you have a minute after your baby arrives, get hubby to text so we can lock down a day and time. Fresh 48 sessions are done within the first two days after baby is born at the hospital (keep this in mind when planning when you will be checking out of the hospital). I have found around 10am is the best time as the doctors usually have completed their rounds.

Session details?

First days session usually last around 30-50 minutes. If baby needs to feed or be cuddled during this time that is absolutely fine, I try not to stay too long so not to tire mum out.

If siblings are joining for the session, I recommend having them come about 20 minutes after I am set to arrive. This gives me time to get all those shots of your sweet baby by his or herself before big brother or big sister arrives.

The day of the session ?

Before I arrive it would be great if your partner (or other support person) could do a quick tidy-up, removing any unnecessary clutter from the room. I completely understand that it is a hospital setting, but clearing away food trays, water bottles, or extra bags will help keep the focus on the baby and family. I typically begin photographing baby in the bassinet near the window for the best natural light. The less clutter in the room , the fewer distractions in your photos. If needed, I may move a few things around to create the best setting.

What to wear for Mum?

Mum - wear what you feel comfortable in! I have some mums just stay in their hospital gown, while others bring their own robe or outfit! Truly it’s up to you. I do encourage moms to wear something comfortable and flowy so as not constricting on their fresh postpartum body. You can see below that a mum chose to wear a floral robe which looked wonderful with her holding baby. It's your session, your choice. I do recommend seering clear of bright or bold colours, graphics or logos. Neutrals are always a great place to start. Creams, browns, tans, white, are timeless and photograph really well in a hospital atmosphere when you aren’t sure what colours will be in the room.

What to wear for baby?

You don't need to overthink this. Embrace the hospital-ness! With this, I mean that it’s absolutely okay to get some pictures of you and baby in your hospital gear — hospital blankets and hat on baby, etc… I always love these hospital style shots. Along with these, I absolutely encourage parents to bring a nice swaddle, perhaps a neutral onesie without the feet in, hat, or headband from home. A quick outfit/blanket change is absolutely okay and I love when we get some hospital style pictures and then ones with babys personal gear. Also if you have a special announcement plaque or a knitted blanket with sentimental value, bring that along too.

When will I see my photos?

I know how much you are dying to see your gorgeous new baby's pics so I have a quick turnaround, usually a couple of days. With your permission if you would like me share a couple of sneak peeks on socials I can do that while you wait for your gallery.

As always please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!