Fresh 48 or Newborn?

I saw this question recently in a mommy group and decided to give my take.

Fresh 48 session -
Typically done in your time at the hospital if you choose to have a hospital birth.
Shorter than a typical in-home or studio newborn session.
If you choose Fresh48 only it gets pictures done so you can just relax with baby when you get home.
Some cons to a fresh 48 is limited space and poses and bad lighting if you don't get a room with a window.

Newborn session -
1-2 hour session in your home (or studio*).
Typically done in the first week or two.
It's not stressful or rushed as there is time to relax and work with baby.
Time to stop and feed if necessary.
No need to travel to a studio.
Gives mom the chance to sit down and have a coffee or do her makeup while photographer does the baby only poses.
*Focusing on in-home newborn sessions as that is what I shoot.

Obviously there there is the option to do both, I know I'm happy to bundle price for families that want multiple sessions and I'm sure many photographers will work with families on pricing. But if I had to choose one, which would I choose and why?

Newborn Session - I would recommend this if it is your first child. After the first baby you are more or less shell shocked. You need time to catch your breath and enjoy this new baby that you've brought into the world. You just want to get out of the hospital and get home! (The last thing you want to worry about is getting dolled up and having the photographer come back to the hospital if you had them come for your birth.) Opting for the newborn session allows you time to adjust and just enjoy baby while you're waiting out your hospital time. Then you can get home enjoy a few quiet days and then have the photographer come over. If you chose to have a home birth than I'd recommend a newborn style session as well since Fresh 48 typically denotes it being done in the hospital, even though being home already you may schedule it in the first 48 hours.
   

      

 

                            

Fresh 48 - I would recommend this for families with one or more children that are having a hospital birth. Since you know (more or less) what to expect and how you'll be feeling, it's not too hard to toss some makeup and some cute outfits into your hospital bag. It allows you make the most of your time and you don't have to worry about cleaning up at home or dressing the other kids (that's up to hubby or the babysitter). You can capture your older kids response to the newcomer which can be a kodak moment for sure depending on the child!

                             

Either way, get the moments captured that you want to remember. Some moms prefer one of the two, other moms want all of them. In my opinion you only regret the pictures you don't get, so get at least one session because new mom brain is very forgetful. Every mom deserves to look back and remember the new baby phase because before you know it they are running around full of independence.