Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our services — organized by category. Click any question to see the full answer.
Fresh48 Photography
What is Fresh48 photography? Fresh48 is documentary photography of your baby's first 24 to 48 hours of life, photographed in the hospital. We come to your room and document what's actually happening — the first time you hold your baby, your partner's face, the first feeding, siblings meeting the baby, the details of those first extraordinary hours. It is not posed. It is real.
How do I book a Fresh48 session? Contact us during your pregnancy — ideally in the second trimester. We place you on our calendar near your due date and confirm the exact timing after your baby is born. When you're admitted to labor and delivery, you (or your partner) texts us. We arrive when the baby has been born and you're settled — usually 1 to 3 hours after delivery.
Which NYC hospitals do you photograph Fresh48 sessions at? All major NYC hospitals, including NYU Langone, Mount Sinai (all campuses), Lenox Hill, NY-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, Columbia, Brooklyn Methodist, Maimonides, LIJ, Montefiore, and others. We also cover hospitals in New Jersey (Hackensack, Morristown, Jersey City Medical) and Connecticut (Greenwich, Stamford). If your hospital isn't listed, ask us — we likely cover it.
How long does a Fresh48 session last? Typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This covers the first feeding, family portraits, sibling introduction (if applicable), detail images, and the documentary moments of that first window.
How many images do we receive from Fresh48? Most Fresh48 galleries contain 60 to 120 final edited images. Every session is different — a longer session with siblings and extended family visiting will produce more images.
When do we receive our Fresh48 images? Final edited galleries are delivered within 3 to 5 weeks. Rush delivery is available.
Can the Fresh48 photographer also be our doula? Yes — and this is one of our most popular combinations. At YourCherish, the photographer is also a DONA-certified birth doula. You can book birth doula support, Fresh48 photography, and newborn photography all with the same person. The continuity of that relationship is something families consistently describe as one of the best decisions they made.
Newborn Photography
What is the best time for newborn photos? Days 5 to 14 after birth. Babies in this window are still deeply sleepy, naturally curled, and in the specific newborn state that changes quickly after the first two weeks. After day 14, babies become more alert and less cooperative with posed work — beautiful in a different way, but different.
Do we need to come to a studio? No — we come to you. YourCherish brings professional studio lighting, posing equipment, all props and wraps directly to your home. You never need to leave in the first weeks.
What do we need to prepare for the newborn session at home? Almost nothing. We bring everything for the baby. You need to: raise the room temperature in the posing area to about 75°F, feed the baby 30 to 60 minutes before we start, and have a clear 6x6 ft space for the posing setup. That's it. Full prep guide here →
How long does the newborn session take? 3 to 4 hours for a full mixed session (studio portraits + family portraits + lifestyle). The session runs at the baby's pace — we pause for feeding, comforting, and settling without rushing.
Is newborn photography safe? When done by a trained, experienced photographer — yes. At YourCherish, all composite poses (froggy, chin-on-hands) are photographed with full parental support and composited in post. All posing happens on the floor, never on elevated surfaces. Parents are present and informed throughout. Read our safety approach →
How far in advance should we book? During your second trimester — 20 to 28 weeks. NYC newborn photographers with experience book quickly. Book your spot during pregnancy; we confirm the exact date after your baby is born.
What areas do you serve for newborn photography? All of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and select areas of New Jersey (Hoboken, Jersey City, Hackensack) and Connecticut. Travel to your home is included in the session fee for locations within our standard service area.
Maternity Photography
When is the best time for maternity photos? 28 to 34 weeks is the sweet spot. Your bump is fully visible and beautifully round, and you still have full energy and mobility. Complete timing guide →
Where do you photograph maternity sessions in NYC? We photograph at all major NYC locations — Central Park, DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, Riverside Park, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the High Line, and in-home throughout the city. We handle location logistics, permits, and timing.
Can we do an in-home maternity session? Yes — and we recommend it. In-home sessions produce some of the most intimate, lasting maternity images. They work best in spaces with good natural light. We assess the light in your home before we begin.
What should we wear for maternity photos? Neutral tones and earth tones photograph best. We provide a full wardrobe consultation before every session. Complete guide →
What happens if it rains on our outdoor session? Every outdoor session includes one complimentary weather reschedule. We monitor the forecast together 48 hours before and make the decision together.
How long is a maternity session? Typically 2 to 3 hours, including time for two looks if desired.
Birth Doula
What does a birth doula do? A birth doula provides continuous, non-medical support during labor — physical comfort measures (massage, counter-pressure, positioning), emotional support, partner support, and help navigating decisions. Your doula is with you from active labor through the first hours after birth. Complete guide →
Do I need a doula if I'm planning an epidural? Yes — doula support provides value regardless of pain management choices. Emotional support, partner guidance, communication support, and presence during the parts of labor before and after the epidural are all significant. Read more →
Do I need a doula if I'm having a C-section? Yes. Doula support for planned and unplanned C-sections includes preparation, presence in recovery, first-hour support, and postpartum follow-up. Read more →
How much does a birth doula cost in NYC? Our packages are priced transparently. Contact us for our current guide. Most experienced NYC doulas range from $1,500 to $3,500. We offer payment plans and work with HSA/FSA funds and employer benefits (Carrot Fertility, Maven Clinic, Cleo). Benefits guide →
Are you DONA-certified? Yes. YourCherish doulas are DONA International certified — one of the most recognized certifying bodies for birth doulas.
Do you have a backup doula? Yes, always. We maintain a certified backup for every client. If two clients labor simultaneously, your backup doula — whose work you have reviewed — attends. We introduce you before your due date.
What areas do you serve as a birth doula? New York City (all five boroughs), New Jersey, and Connecticut. See all doula locations →
Can my doula also be my photographer? Yes — this is one of our signature offerings and one of the things that makes YourCherish unique. One person who knows you deeply, supports your labor, and documents it. Many clients describe the continuity as transformative.
Postpartum Doula
What does a postpartum doula do? A postpartum doula supports your family in the weeks after birth — newborn care guidance, breastfeeding support, emotional support for the transition, sibling adjustment, and practical help. They work during the day or overnight. Complete guide →
How soon after birth can a postpartum doula start? From the day you come home from the hospital if needed.
How many hours do families typically use? It varies enormously. Some families book 2 to 3 visits; others book daily support for the first 4 to 6 weeks. We discuss your specific situation and help you decide what you actually need.
Pricing and Booking
Can I use my HSA or FSA for doula services? Doula services (birth and postpartum) are eligible expenses under most HSA and FSA plans. Photography services are not. If you book a combined doula + photography package, we can structure the fee allocation to maximize your benefits eligibility.
Do you accept Carrot Fertility, Maven Clinic, or Cleo? Yes. We work with families using all three platforms for doula benefits. Full benefits guide →
Do you offer payment plans? Yes. We offer payment plans for all services. Contact us to discuss.
How far in advance should I book?
Birth doula: Second trimester (18–28 weeks)
Fresh48: Second trimester (you confirm exact timing after birth)
Newborn photography: Second trimester (same model — reserve now, confirm date after birth)
Maternity photography: 8 to 12 weeks before your desired session date
Still Have Questions?
We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. For urgent questions, email love@yourcherish.com.
YourCherish provides maternity photography, Fresh48 hospital photography, newborn photography, birth doula, and postpartum doula services throughout New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut.