How To Prepare For A Birth Space (In Hospital / Fresh 48) Newborn Photography Session
I’m thrilled to announce that we can start to have Birth Space Newborn photo sessions again, at this point in our society’s Covid-19 journey.
It’s been so long since I could offer in hospital newborn sessions, that you may even be asking: “What is a birth space/fresh 48 newborn photo session?”
Many Hospitals Are Allowing 2 Visitors During Postpartum
If you are interested in hiring a photographer for a birth space newborn session, I recommend that you verify what the visitor policy is for the hospital or birthing center where you are delivering your baby. If they allow 2 visitors, then we can definitely plan a birth space photo session with your partner and myself as your two visitors.
So, How Should You Prepare For Your Birth Space / Fresh 48 Photo Session?
Guess what?? You barely need to do anything!
Be in touch with me to get your due date penciled in on my schedule, pay your session deposit, and then relax. Then, when baby is born shoot me a quick text, email or phone call to let me know your new addition has arrived, and we’ll schedule our birth space photography session asap. All you need to do is be there with your baby.
A few questions you may have about in hospital newborn sessions:
What should we wear?
You really don’t need to worry about this too much…my primary desire is that you feel comfortable. I would recommend soft neutral clothing for the postpartum mom, and jeans/casual shirt or outfit for your partner. A nice robe (not Terry cloth. ha!), or cardigan sweater can provide comfortable layers and texture to the photos. Your baby can be in just a swaddle blanket, a simple white or other solid color newborn onesie or newborn gown. It’s that simple.
What if my baby is in the NICU?
Many hospitals will allow photo sessions in the NICU as long as it’s safe for the infant, and we would work out all of those details with your medical staff. We can create lovely images no matter the circumstances.
What if you (the photographer) are out of town?
If for some reason I’m out of town during your stay after the birth of your baby, I have a network of dear photography colleagues in Portland who would cover your session. No need to worry about this, you will still get amazing newborn photographs and at the agreed upon rate.
Are newborn photos safe?
Yes, my photography sessions are quite safe. I’m a mother of two myself, and also worked for many years as a pediatric nurse and nurse practitioner, so I’m quite experienced with handling newborns, and fully understand the health implications of the newborn period. I’m also fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and all other recommended adult vaccines including the influenza vaccine. I firmly believe in the importance of frequent hand washing when working with a newborn, and the baby is pretty much either held in the parents arms, on the bed, or in the hospital bassinet for the session.
What if the doctor or nurse need to come in during the session?
Medical staff has complete access to you and your baby during your in hospital newborn session. Their work would always take precedence over a photo session, and I can continue taking photos if you wish, or step out into the hall to allow full privacy for you and your family during your visit with your healthcare team.
Can siblings be present for the fresh-48 newborn photo session?
Yes, of course!! Capturing those first moments of big brother and/or big sister meeting their new little sibling are priceless memories. **This is currently dependent on the child visitor policy regarding Covid-19 for your hospital, but in my book they are always welcome.
