After 20-plus years of working in corporate America, El Dorado Hills resident Debbie Van Horn felt a need to make a contribution to life. A registered diagnostic medical sonographer, Van Horn has partnered with Rancho Murrieta resident Bill Courtney to open Babies 1st Expressions. The new business, which opened June 1 in Lincoln, offers prenatal portraits and videos. "What you get in the doctor's office is a 2D ultrasound," Van Horn explained. "And many times you have to have some sort of insurance to have that done." Trained medical sonographers will provide parents with 3D and 4D ultrasound pictures of the baby in the pre-natal stage - usually starting at 18 weeks. "They'll be able to watch their movements - sucking their thumbs or toes, even waving - and listen to the sounds (of their heartbeat)," she said. Packages, which include a 20-minute video and glossy prints, start at $200. Gift certificates are available.

In the future, Van Horn hopes to offer T-shirts and mugs with the pre-natal photos as well as photo frames. The service is not diagnostic, Van Horn stressed. Rather, it's an opportunity for parents to connect with their unborn child. In fact, the whole family is invited to participate. Some families have even organized baby showers during the procedure. "It's fun to hear people's reactions (as they watch the sonogram)," she continued stressing the procedure is very safe. "We know all the medical and FDA requirements." Van Horn and Courtney, a Rancho Murrieta resident, have operated a mobile ultrasound service covering most Northern California for 20-plus years. "We serve places like Colusa Hospital, UC Davis satellite clinics - remote areas that can't offer this kind of service," explained Van Horn. "That means patients don't have to go all the way into UC Davis (for diagnostic procedures)." With Courtney's financial backing and support, the 40-year-old mother of two was able to start the new business. "He's been the one who made this possible," she said. Van Horn and her husband, Bob, are able to work at home. "I try to have a flexible schedule so I can be at home to pick up my children," she said. "After they go to bed, I continue working." In the interim, Van Horn is excited about her new business.

"We've been doing diagnostic ultrasounds for a number of years, but we wanted to do something more fun," said Van Horn. "We wanted to take happy pictures."

Our Experience

Babies 1st Expressions is owned by registered diagnostic medical sonographers who have combined 45 years of ultrasound experience. Babies 1st Expressions has all of the experience and training needed to provided our customers with the ultimate lifetime experience...

A Personal Note

Working in the ultrasound field, I personally was able to see my own daughter, Victoria, in 3D\4D. I was ecstatic to meet my daughter for the 1st time and see her 1st expressions... So, I have decided to share my experience and opportunity with all other expectant parents. The "bonding" that occurs in this process is absolutely priceless...

Our Equipment

We have taken all measures to ensure the best quality images will be obtained. We have gone the extra mile to purchase the top of the line ultrasound equipment. The GE Voluson Expert is the best available to date and is used in several research centers around the country.

Our Facility

Our facility has a warm and friendly atmosphere with viewing screen and comfortable seating for several friends and family. We encourage you to bring them all!!!

We look forward to meeting you as you experience your BABIES 1ST EXPRESSIONS...

Ultrsound: Then & Now

Though available commercially since the 1960s, ultrasound was not widely accepted until the mid-1970s, when additional advances in technology would contribute to better image quality.

The latest advances in ultrasound are 3D and 4D imaging. To create 3D images, an ultrasound system determines the volume of a subject - for example, a baby. The system then reconstructs the image in three dimensions. As for 4D Ultrasound, only the Voluson 730 can gather 3D volumes and instantly reconstruct them into moving images.