Fresh 48 Session at Mother Baby Center Abbott Northwestern

If you’ve ever wondered what a Fresh 48 session is really like, let me take you inside one that took place at the Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern. Instead of me just telling you why I love these sessions (and I do), I thought it might be more fun to share the perspective of a mom who lived it.

Because really—no one says it better than the people who’ve just welcomed a brand-new baby into their world.

The Big Day

Labor started in the middle of the night—3 AM to be exact. Hours later, at 5:07 PM, this little one made an entrance weighing 6 lbs 13 oz and stretching 20 inches long. Mom and Dad were joined at the hospital by grandparents, making the Mother Baby Center feel even more like a family gathering spot than a hospital room.

And then, that first moment. Mom described it as feeling “overwhelmed with love and happiness… the greatest experience unlike any other.”

Yes, you might need a tissue now.

Why Fresh 48?

For those new to the idea, a Fresh 48 session happens in the hospital within the first two days of birth. It’s not the polished studio session with carefully chosen outfits and sleepy newborn poses. Instead, it’s the raw, real, beautifully imperfect glimpse into life when your baby is brand new.

Think: tiny wrinkled toes, that hospital bassinet, proud grandparents holding the baby, and parents who haven’t quite wrapped their heads around the fact that they’re now, officially, parents.

That’s exactly what this mom loved most—“capturing our sweet baby’s details to remember his first days.” The swirl of hair, the way those little fingers curl around yours, the sleepy faces, even the stretches and cries—they’re all worth remembering.

The Worries (Because Every Parent Has Them)

Before our session together, mom admitted she was nervous about one thing: “If he would sleep or start crying during the photos.”

And honestly? That’s one of the most common concerns I hear. But here’s the thing about Fresh 48 sessions, your baby is allowed to be a baby. Crying, stretching, snoozing, squirming, it’s all part of the story. In fact, those unscripted moments are usually the ones parents love most when they look back at their gallery.

Because someday, you’ll miss even the crying (I know, I know it’s hard to believe now).

A Session at Abbott Northwestern

The Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern makes a pretty perfect backdrop for Fresh 48 photography. The natural light streaming through the windows, the modern yet cozy feel, and the way the space allows new parents to settle in all set the scene for photos that feel personal and timeless.

For this session, it was just mom, dad, and their brand new baby. And that is the beauty of Fresh 48s. You can keep it intimate with only your immediate family, or invite siblings and extended family to be part of the story if that feels right for you.

It is not about perfect outfits or pristine hair. It is about documenting the beginning of your greatest adventure. As this mom put it, when they first found out they were pregnant, “We were beyond excited and so looking forward to our greatest adventure yet.”

That excitement practically hums through every frame of a Fresh 48 session.

What Families Love About Fresh 48 Sessions

They are easy. No need to pack everyone up and get to a studio. I come to you at the hospital.
They are real. No props, no posing marathons. Just your baby, your family, and the very first chapter of your story together.
They are meaningful. These are the images you will look back on when your baby is running around the house years later and you wonder how time moved so fast.

FAQ

When is the best time to schedule a Fresh 48 session at the Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern?

The best time is before you even deliver. Most families book during pregnancy so everything is lined up ahead of time. That way, once your baby arrives, you do not have to worry about logistics. I will be ready to come within 24 to 48 hours of birth, depending on what works best for you and your recovery.

What should we bring or wear for our Fresh 48 photos?

Simple is best. Neutral colored clothes, soft fabrics, and nothing too busy. The hospital gown works too. Remember, this is not about staging, it is about capturing real life.

What if my baby cries or does not settle during the session?

Then we roll with it. Crying, yawning, hiccupping, it is all part of the newborn experience. I will capture the moments in between, and I promise, you will love the way the images tell the full story of your first days together.

Why It Matters

Fresh 48 sessions are about pausing time, if only for a moment, so you can hold onto the feelings of those first hours. Not the Instagram perfect version, but the one where you are exhausted and glowing and staring at your baby like you cannot believe they are really here.

This mom’s words say it best “Overwhelmed with love and happiness.”

That is what these sessions are all about.

Ready for Your Own Fresh 48 Session

If you are expecting and delivering at the Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern or anywhere in the Twin Cities, let us get your Fresh 48 session on the calendar. You will never regret having these first day memories documented, because as every parent will tell you, those days are gone before you can blink.

Michele is a Minneapolis based newborn and family photographer with more than 15 years of experience capturing life’s biggest milestones. Known for her warm and approachable style, she helps families feel at ease in front of the camera while documenting the real and meaningful details that tell their story. Michele offers Fresh 48 sessions at the Mother Baby Center at Abbott Northwestern and other Twin Cities hospitals, along with studio, in-home, and outdoor portraits. Her goal is simple: to create images that feel timeless, genuine, and full of the emotion that comes with welcoming a new baby.

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