What to Expect at Your First Session
- Monica Torres
- May 29
- 4 min read
Updated: May 31
If you've booked your first IV hydration session and your mind is already rehearsing every worst-case scenario, you're in good company. A little needle nervousness and a quiet "wait, what actually happens?" are what nearly every first-timer carries in the door. So let me walk you through it, start to finish. By the end, I think the whole thing will feel a lot smaller than it does right now.
And here's the loveliest part of how I do it: you don't go anywhere. As a mobile service, I come to you — your couch, your favorite chair, your own quiet space. (Pajamas are not only allowed, they're encouraged.)
Before your visit: a few easy things
A little prep makes everything smoother. In the hours beforehand, sip water steadily — well-hydrated veins are easier to access, which means a gentler stick. Have a light snack or small meal too; being on an empty stomach can leave you lightheaded, and we'd rather avoid that. Wear something comfortable that allows easy access to your upper arm, and pick a comfortable spot with a little room around it for me to set up.
The intake: getting to know you
When we connect, we'll spend a few minutes reviewing your health history, current medications, allergies, whether you're pregnant or nursing, and what wellness goals or concerns you'd like support with.
Every first-time IV client is required to complete a brief telehealth medical screening with a licensed healthcare provider to help ensure IV therapy is safe and appropriate for their individual needs. This consultation allows the provider to review your health history and determine whether you are a good candidate for treatment.
The telehealth consultation fee is $25 and is valid for 6 months once completed. This fee is separate from the cost of your IV service.
If it feels thorough, that's intentional. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized care while prioritizing your safety and well-being every step of the way.
Settling in and starting the drip
Once you're settled in and comfortable, I'll do a brief assessment and prepare your IV using sterile, single-use supplies. When everything is ready, I'll place a small IV catheter into a vein in your arm. Most people describe it as a quick pinch that lasts only a moment.
After that, the catheter is secured in place, your infusion is started, and you can relax while your fluids and nutrients are administered. Many clients are surprised by how comfortable and straightforward the process feels, and any initial discomfort is typically brief.
A nurse-to-friend note: if you have a heart, kidney, or liver condition — or you're pregnant — let me know up front. Some situations call for medical clearance first, and I'll always err on the side of your safety over speed.
During: the easy part
This is where you get to exhale. A typical session runs about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the drip you've chosen. As long as the arm with the IV stays relatively still, the rest of you is free — read, scroll, take a call, nap, or just close your eyes for a minute. (Honestly? The nap is undefeated.) I'll be right there keeping an eye on everything the whole time.
After: a small bandage and back to your day
When the infusion finishes, I'll remove the catheter and place a small bandage over the site. I'll leave you with simple aftercare — keep the spot clean, drink a little extra water, and take it easy if your body asks you to. Many people feel refreshed and more hydrated quite soon afterward, though it's completely normal for it to settle in gradually over the rest of the day. If anything feels off afterward, you can always reach out; keeping that door open is part of the care.
How often should you book a session?
That depends on your individual needs and wellness goals. For some people, IV therapy is something they choose occasionally during times of travel, illness, dehydration, or periods of increased physical or mental demand. Others may incorporate it into their wellness routine more regularly.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all schedule, and thoughtful wellness care shouldn't be based on a generic recommendation. We'll discuss your goals, lifestyle, and needs to determine what makes sense for you—without pressure and without unnecessary treatments.
The Selah difference
Every visit is overseen within a medically supervised framework and delivered with the thoughtful, personalized care you'd expect from a registered nurse—all from the comfort of your home, office, or preferred location. I take the time to understand your needs, answer your questions, and recommend services thoughtfully. And if rest, hydration, and a little extra self-care are what your body truly needs, I'll always be honest about that.
The name Selah comes from the Hebrew Scriptures and is often understood as an invitation to pause, reflect, and take a breath. That's the heart behind Selah Drip Co.—creating space to slow down, be cared for, and support your wellness in a way that feels intentional, unhurried, and personal.
Whenever you're ready
If you'd like to give it a try, I'd love to take care of you — right in your own space, with all the time you need. It's a genuine privilege to be welcomed into someone's home and their quiet moments, and I never take it for granted.
Sources
Mayo Clinic — Dehydration: Symptoms, causes, diagnosis & treatment. mayoclinic.org
The steps described here reflect standard IV hydration practice and my own clinical experience as a registered nurse. This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. IV therapy should be administered by a qualified professional after individual assessment. If you are experiencing signs of severe dehydration or a medical emergency, seek immediate medical care.



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