Picture this. You just had a baby. You are in newborn bliss and more in love with your new baby (or babies!) than you ever could imagine.

Then the nurses come in. Paper forms need to be signed and returned. Your phone charger fell behind the couch. You still need to decide on a name (um hello that is the hardest decision ever haha). And then you realize how quickly these moments are going to go and that this time is a blur. ALL WHILE YOUR BODY IS BEGINNING TO HEAL.

In the middle of learning how to feed your baby, text messages, visitors, and realizing the baby that was inside your body is now in your arms, you come to find that these moments are passing quickly.

Enter me, Missy Freeman Photography. A Birth and Fresh 48 photographer based in DC, the DMV and Northern Virginia.

As a hospital newborn photographer, Fresh 48 sessions are so special to me because it is not focused on creating a perfectly posed photo. These photos are about remembering how these first few hours feel like and how special they are.

What is a Fresh 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 session is a documentary-type photo session in your hospital room or birth center room that happens within the first 24-48 hours after your baby is born.

I come right to you, whether that is your hospital room, post partum room, birth center, or other birth space. I will photograph you and your new baby just how you are in the first day or two after giving birth.

My fresh 48 photo sessions focus on little posing and more of the tiny details of your baby, the emotions of your new little family, and the love and connection that make this new life chapter so memorable.

Things like baby’s teeny tiny fingers and toes (cutest things ever, right?!), baby in the bassinet, close ups of their lips and eyelashes, mom holding baby, nursing or feeding baby, and maybe even a big sibling meeting their new little bestie.

And there is no need to worry about cleaning up your room or worrying about what to wear. A fresh 48 photography session is all about the realness of birth. You can stay in your hospital gown or you can choose to wear a nursing gown or a comfy outfit!

What is the difference between a Fresh 48 Session and a Newborn Session?

While both sessions are so magical, they each tell their own story to your baby’s life and the season you are in.

A Fresh 48 session focuses more on your baby right after birth before they even go home. Details like the hospital room, baby in their first little diaper snuggled close to your skin, blissful emotions of your new growing family, and even the first time siblings meeting the newest one.

A newborn session typically happens about a month or two after your baby’s arrival in the comfort of your home. This session focuses on relaxed family portraits (maybe the fur baby can join too!), the baby’s nursery, and snuggling pictures with more color coordinated outfit styling.

You will be amazed at how fast the time goes from the hospital to getting a bit settled in to your home and you’ll notice your baby growing already growing out of those newborn clothes.

Why would I want a Fresh 48 Session?

“It goes by way too fast”

I’m a mom to three amazing boys and as cliche as it sounds… time TRULY goes by WAY. TOO. FAST.

From the test that said positive, to feeling the first kicks in your belly, to packing your hospital bag… you spent nine months growing and waiting to meet your baby. A Fresh 48 session will capture them in this glimpse of a moment and help you remember just how tiny they were.

Your stay at the hospital is gone in the blink of an eye and then your focus moves to adjusting to sleep schedules, feedings, newborn routines, and staring into the eyes of your little one. A Fresh 48 hospital session allows us to pause time and give you photos of the things you’ll probably only vaguely remember.

You deserve to be in the photos, too.

I feel this one in my soul. Your camera roll is about to be filled up of baby pictures of the same pose in ten different angles. They’re sleeping? Picture. Oh they’re sleeping and sneezed? Picture. Look, they’re sleeping and dreaming! Picture.

But who is taking the picture of you holding your baby. Of you singing and smiling to your baby. Who captures your partner kissing your cheek while you are adoring your new baby.

You, mama, deserve to be IN the pictures and remember being a part of this time and feeling.

Are you ready to capture the most memorable moment of your life?

Reach out here to find out more information.

Missy Freeman is a birth photographer and fresh 48 photographer in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, Annapolis, Southern Maryland and surrounding areas.

To see more Birth or Fresh 48 images, you can see them here.