Are you looking for a Fresh 48 (Hospital) photographer? Hospitals in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area (i.e. UIHC, St. Lukes) do not have hired out Fresh 48 photographers, so you will want to book one ahead of time.

If you already have a session booked, are you wondering how to prepare for your Fresh 48 photo session? Or maybe specifically, what should you bring to a Fresh 48 session?

I LOVE these sessions! There is something so incredibly special and magical about sharing and documenting the first couple days of a little babe’s life. And baby’s change so quickly it’s unfair!

Let’s chat about How to Prepare for your Fresh 48 Session.

WHAT TO BRING for a FRESH 48:

Here are the items I think are most important to pack for a hospital Fresh 48 Session:

• Mama’s outfit (robe/gown, comfy pants)
• Baby’s outfit (if you choose to have one beside’s hospital clothes/blankets). Consider bringing different sizes and a backup. If you don’t have a baby yet, you will quickly learn the importance of backups 😉 It doesn’t have to be elaborate-a diaper or simple white onesie is timeless
• Partner/dad’s outfit and/or siblings outfits: simple (i.e. plain tees)
• Swaddle (optional): you can certainly use the hospital receiving blanket +/or choose to bring your own
• Any name tags or special items (optional)
• Accessories (such a bow, hat, or you can use what the hospital provides)

I will send out a what to wear guide for your newborn session as well with more details. If your family is planning to have both a Fresh 48 and a newborn session (at home), then I typically recommend embracing the “hospital-ness” within the Fresh 48 (including the hospital blankets etc).

How to prepare for your Fresh 48 session-Other Info:

Before the session (if you are in the hospital), you will want to let the hospital staff/nurses that you have a photography session scheduled. I schedule my Fresh 48 sessions during the day (typically 9:00-2:00 for best daylight). Fresh 48 sessions typically last 30-45 minutes (and I also try to be super respectful if you need to have something done while I am there). If your little one has older siblings, you will also want to consider if you want to time the session to include the first intro of your little one to siblings (or have the siblings be a part of the session). If they are school-aged, we may need to do a later afternoon session.

Hopefully reading through this helps you feel more prepared for your baby’s Fresh 48 photo session.

Are you still deciding between a Fresh 48 session and a newborn session? I have a separate blog that talks you through making this decision- read it here!