When to Book Your In-Home Newborn Session: A Guide for Expecting Parents
Holly and Ethan’s in-home newborn session took place on a cold winter day in Louisville, just before a big winter storm rolled in. But inside, it was warm and cozy and full of newborn snuggles!
Their session is a perfect example of why in-home newborn sessions are so special, and also a great way to answer one of the most common questions I’m asked by expecting parents: When should I book my in-home newborn session?
The Best Time to Book: Your Second Trimester
The ideal time to reach out and book your newborn session is during your second trimester. While it might feel early, this timing gives us plenty of space to plan and prepare without adding anything to your to-do list later in pregnancy. It also ensures I have availability around your due date, which is especially important since newborn sessions are limited and scheduled differently than standard photo sessions.
When you book, I don’t lock you into a specific date right away. Instead, I simply make a note of your due date or induction date in my calendar. This acts as a placeholder, allowing flexibility while still reserving space for you.
How Scheduling Works After Baby Arrives
Once your baby makes their arrival, I recommend reaching out within 24–48 hours, after plenty of rest, recovery, and all those first snuggles. From there, we’ll choose a firm session date based on how you’re feeling and what works best for your family.
This approach keeps things low-stress and adaptable, which is exactly what you want during the postpartum period.
Why Newborn Sessions Happen Within the First 7–14 Days
In-home newborn sessions take place within your baby’s first 7–14 days of life, and there’s a good reason for that. During this window, babies are typically at their sleepiest and most flexible, which allows for gentle posing and a calm, unhurried session. They’re also less likely to have baby acne or skin flare-ups, and they still naturally curl into those cozy, womb-like positions.
Baby Luke was photographed during this sweet spot, and it showed. He was peaceful and content, nestled into his parents’ arms as Holly and Ethan moved through their home slowly, soaking him in.
A Birth Story Full of Love
Holly shared her birth story with me, and it mirrors so much of what this season of life feels like. The early part of her labor was surprisingly relaxed, thanks to her epidural. With Ethan, her mom, and her sister all in the room, the atmosphere stayed supportive and steady.
When it was time to push, things became more intense. But in those early moments, the TV also happened to be on. Of all things, it was the Friends episode where Phoebe gives birth to the triplets. Between pushes, Holly watched and laughed at how fitting it was. Not how she pictured labor, but oddly grounding all the same.
They didn’t find out the baby’s gender ahead of time, which made the final moments even more meaningful. When their baby arrived, Ethan announced, “It’s a boy!”, and they met their son, Luke Michael Fisher.
Planning Ahead Makes All the Difference
Holly and Ethan’s session flowed so beautifully because it was already planned. There was nothing to think about or coordinate after Luke arrived, just showing up as they were, in the middle of those tender first days.
Booking your newborn session during your second trimester allows you to do the same. It creates space for flexibility, peace of mind, and a calm, cozy experience once your baby is finally here!
Ready to book your newborn session?
If you are in that sweet spot and ready to book your newborn session, just click here to get started! I’ll walk you through the process and we’ll capture this special time for you and your family!
You may also find these previous blog posts helpful as you prepare for your newborn session:
- 10 Things To Do Before Your Newborn Session
- Louisville Pregnancy Guide: The Best Local Businesses For Expecting Mamas
- Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Winter Maternity Session
