With your new baby comes decisions that need to be made. Some are a big deal, some are not.
But you need to be aware of the things that will happen beforehand.
It’s very important that you are informed about all of the decisions you’ll be making before your baby arrives.
If you are uninformed and you don’t know what to expect and don’t make a decision, your caregivers will likely make them for you.
This could create disappointment for you later on or even a health issue.
Below are 10 decisions that you’ll need to consider right away once your baby is born.
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10 Decisions to Make For Your Newborn Before Someone Else Does
Picking The Right Pediatrician
You should definitely have a pediatrician picked out before your babe arrives.
You should begin your search for one around 28 weeks.
When looking for the right pediatrician make sure you check reviews online. This will give you insight into their history and reputation.
Also, make sure they take the insurance that you have.
Meeting them beforehand is also a great idea. You should go check out their office and have a quick interview. After all, you’ll likely see them often and you want to make sure they are compatible with your personality and will meet your specific needs for your child.
Will You Be Breastfeeding?
Choosing to breastfeed or bottle-feed is a very personal decision.
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a new mommy.
The issue has always been a controversial one, although it’s ridiculous, but has often left parents feeling judged for choosing bottle-fed formula vs breast milk.
With that being said there are many benefits to choosing the breast.
Feeding time with your baby is special and it helps with bonding. It allows plenty of time for skin-to-skin contact which can help your baby thrive.
Breast milk is also typically much easier on your baby’s tummy.
Breastfeeding can help your baby fight off nasty viruses early on due to the natural mix of vitamins, proteins, and fats found in breast milk. It really is the perfect food.
It’s generally easier to breastfeed than get up in the middle of the night and prepare bottles as well. So it makes for an easier lifestyle overall.
****If you’re still pregnant but haven’t taken a birthing class yet, there’s a great online course by Hilary Over at Pulling Curls. She’s a nurse and this is the best birthing class online today and at a great price point and part of the course is totally free.Have a look here. You can also get a free birth plan right here.
Circumcision
Getting your little boy Circumcised is a personal choice. I have two boys and one is circumcised and one is not.
That’s because our first child quickly formed a skin bridge from the healing within 24 hours.
A skin bridge in this area would refer to the penis growing to the scrotum. Luckily this issue resolved itself but surgery was almost needed.
For this reason, we decided not to circumcise our second boy.
But circumcision is generally very safe and despite all that happened, we still have a neutral stance on the subject.
Here are some facts about circumcision:
It can reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as urinary tract infections and some sexually transmitted diseases, but not enough for the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend the procedure.
It is considered safe, with a small complication rate of only about 1.5 percent.
No special hygiene is required for an uncircumcised infant; as the boy grows, he will learn to gently retract the foreskin when peeing or bathing.
Delayed Cord Clamping
When your babe is born, as much as 25-60% of the fetal blood supply remains inside the placenta.
Waiting to clamp the umbilical cord, for just 30-60 seconds after birth, allows the placenta to pulse this extra blood to the baby.
There are just so many benefits to this. To learn more about delayed cord clamping read this post here.
Cord Blood Banking
Umbilical cord blood is an important and rich source of stem cells. So banking the blood is a good idea for your baby.
These cells can be used for the treatment of many diseases, including cancers and immune and genetic disorders. It’s a good way to protect your little one if any issues come up.
You can get more information on cord blood banking here.
The Golden Hour
The first hour after childbirth is known as the Golden hour.
These are the moment when you begin your breastfeeding journey and skin-to-skin contact.
The unclothed newborn is directly placed on his/ her mother’s tummy and breast right after birth, before cutting the umbilical cord. There is no bulb suctioning of the newborn’s mouth either during this time.
The Golden Hour allows for complete cord pulsing before clamping and cutting so that your baby gets all the blood benefits of an unclamped cord.
Having skin to skin time can maximize the bonding experience between mother and child.
You should create a birthing plan and include details about the Golden hour in it if you want these things.
Here’s a birthing class that you can take online that has a birthing plan template and everything you need to know about childbirth.
Shortly after your baby is born, they’ll get what’s often called “eyes and thighs.” This refers to a vitamin K shot and an antibiotic eye ointment.
In a lot of states, this is mandatory but not everywhere.
Some parents don’t feel comfortable introducing so many chemicals to their newborn right away.
If you’re worried about this you should check your state’s rules and regulations on it and make your decision accordingly.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Mothers can unknowingly pass hepatitis B to their babies at birth.
So It is important to vaccinate babies so they will be protected as early as possible from any exposure to this virus.
Babies and young children are not able to fight off the hepatitis B virus and it can be detrimental to their health.
But the decision is ultimately yours. So it’s something you should consider before the birth of your little one.
To Use A Pacifier Or No
This is another important decision to make for your baby. Pacifiers can come in handy, however, they do have drawbacks.
A pacifier is a good distraction and can help your baby sleep as well as soothe them when they’re fussy.
But it also poses problems such as increased ear infections, nipple confusion, dental issues in the future, and your child will likely become dependent on it. This can affect their ability to self-soothe, as well as language development as they get older if they use it constantly.
So it’s really something to think about. You may want to attempt using it temporarily but I’d advise against it, especially if you’re going to breastfeed.
The First Bath
While most institutions used to bathe babies within an hour or two of birth, many are changing their policies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying a baby’s first bath until 24 hours after birth—or waiting at least 6 hours if a full day so that the Vernix can stay on the skin as long as possible.
The vernix has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that are beneficial for your little one.
Not only that, a bath will mean a stranger will have to manhandle your babe and it’s scary, cold, and uncomfortable.
It’s a good idea to wait if you can. Having an immediate bath is in no way a necessity.
In The End…..
There are lots of important decisions to make for your new baby. These are just a few of the most important ones that you’ll need to make immediately after birth.
So it’s important to think about them beforehand to be prepared.
There’s a big difference in surviving and thriving. When it comes to your baby you want her to grow to her fullest potential.
We all want that for our children. There are a few simple things you can do to give your baby the best chance to thrive well and be healthy.
You can help your baby by following the simple steps below.
This post may contain affiliate links at no cost to you.
10 Things Every Baby Needs To Thrive
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Meeting Your Baby’s Healthcare Needs
Two of the things that your baby needs to grow and thrive are energy and good health.
It’s important to stick to your immunization schedule and to take your baby to all scheduled appointments.
Some parents are worried about the risks associated with immunizations, and that’s ok. You shouldn’t blindly follow everything that is ” supposed ” to be done or what they say is necessary.
Talk to your health care professional to help develop the plan that’s right for you and your baby.
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Helping Your Baby Sleep
Sleep is important to everyone but especially important to babies.
Sleep allows for brain development that is vital for your child and your baby getting enough quality sleep impacts mental and physical development.
During the deep sleep states, the blood supply to the muscles is increased, energy is restored, tissue growth and repair occur, and important hormones are released for growth and development.
Optimizing your child’s sleep and their sleep environment can be really helpful. Check out this post on helping your baby sleep better.
***Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best. Here’s a free Birth Planner Too!
Feeding Your Baby
Your baby should only be eating breast milk or formula for at least the first six months.
Starting solids too soon can have damaging and long term effects on your child.
Studies show that breastfeeding is best for your child when at all possible.
However both include all of the important nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that your baby needs to develop, so if you need to choose formula, you can certainly feel good about that too.
I also have an email course on Breastfeeding. Check it out below.
Giving Your Child Love
You already know this but it has to be said. The more you touch, talk, and play with your child the happier and more well rounded he/she will grow to be.
So give lots of snuggles and attention to your new babe.
Talking to Your Baby
I mentioned this above but it deserves to be said again. Talk to your baby every day.
Research has proven that babies who are talked to have stronger and better-developed language skills than babies who are not talked to.
Sit down and talk to your baby daily. Tell him/her anything that you would want to say to anyone else.
Reading to Your Baby
It is also important that you read to your baby. While your baby will like looking at the colors and graphics that are inside of children’s books, they will also love hearing your voice reading their favorites stories.
Read a great children’s book daily to your babe, even if he/she is still very young.
Or pick up a great classic novel and read that to your infant while you are rocking or feeding her.
Share New Experiences with Your Baby
Allowing your baby to try new things is going to help her to develop and have a well-rounded mindset.
Babies should be able to explore and play freely while also being able to visit new places, see new things, and meeting new people.
Allow Your Baby to Try New Things
The first time that your baby tries anything it is going to be a bit of a challenge.
Instead of hovering over your baby and doing everything for her, you should take the time to allow her to try and do them on her own.
Doing this will help her to develop and learn and it will be a lot more fun for your babe.
Find the Best Childcare
If you can’t stay at home with your baby finding the right caregiver is very important.
When you need to go back to work or just go have some time for yourself, you want to make sure that your baby is well cared for in the best environment.
Finding a place with education in mind, even for little ones will be best. This will give them the opportunity to continue learning new things while away from mama.
You’ll also want to make sure that your child’s caregivers have the nurturing qualities and considerate philosophy that you possess.
Finding a center or provider with cameras that you can view any time online is also a big plus in my opinion. This keeps them on their toes and it’s a crazy world out there. This will give you peace of mind knowing you can check-in at any time and that others will be watching as well.
Having great childcare means that you can rest with ease and know that your baby is being cared for.
Make Sure Mom is Good
Taking care of yourself is also very important if you want your child to grow and develop.
Your child will be healthier when she has a mom that is well cared for and healthy.
This means getting sleep, exercise, and taking personal time to recharge.
Self-care is super important and not all selfish.
You can not be an awesome parent when you’re burning from both ends.
There are so many things you can do for your babe and doing the things I listed above will ensure healthy growth and development.
Good luck to you and your little ones.
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Once your baby is born you may find some unexpected things happen. You always pictured her to be tiny and perfect but when they finally come they are squishy and strange.
Some really odd stuff will go on during those first few weeks, but not to worry, they are all totally normal and will pass with time.
So what should you expect? Jump into the list below to find out so nothing takes you by surprise.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
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15 Weird But Normal Things Newborns Do
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They’re All Squishy
You have a lovely picture in your mind of what your baby will look like. We all do.
But then you have him and he is all mashed up and flat in the face.
This is completely normal and it’s caused by your baby traveling through the birth canal. The longer it takes for you to give birth, the more squishy he may look.
Not to worry though, in a few short weeks he will be the perfect tiny human you have always envisioned. His features will settle and he will take shape.
Poop Of All Colors
First, it’s black, then it’s mustard yellow.
The color of your baby’s poop will change a lot for various reasons over the first few months.
The black poop your baby has at first is called Meconium. It’s a tar-like substance that represents your baby’s first stool.
There can be only a few black poops or A LOT. My second child pooped Meconium nonstop for the first few days. I was literally changing his diaper ALL THE TIME.
After your milk comes in the poop will turn a seedy mustard yellow. It’s all really gross and wonderful!
***Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Don’t have time? Here’s the best Premium online birthing course and the first part of it’s totally free! You will learn absolutely everything you need to know and it will help tremendously so make sure you sign up. A Class is a must and I think the online ones are the best. Here’s a free Birth Planner Too!
The Baby’s Head Will Get Yucky
Babies very often get Cradle Cap. It’s also known as infantile seborrheic dermatitis and it usually doesn’t cause discomfort.
Cradle cap causes crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. Similar scales may also be found on the ears, eyelids, nose, and groin.
To help relieve the condition wash your baby’s scalp with gentle cleansers and then comb through their hair. Sometimes when the scales come off they bleed a little and leave sore spots so be careful.
This condition can happen to older children too and it’s believed it may be caused by yeast or fungus so keeping the scalp clean is key.
Your baby will probably get pimples and hormones are to blame. Your hormones to be exact.
Your baby still has maternal hormones circulating in her bloodstream causing little pimples to present themselves all over her sensitive skin.
It can get pretty bad too but it doesn’t bother your baby in any way so don’t worry.
It usually begins between 2 to 4 weeks and can last a couple of months.
There’s nothing you can do about it aside from keeping your baby’s skin clean. It just has to go away on its own as your baby’s body clears the extra hormones.
Your baby May have Fine Hair On His Body
This hair is known as lanugo.
Some babies are absolutely covered in it while others shed it in utero at around seven or eight months.
The hair is supposed to help keep your baby warm until they develop more fat and are able to self regulate their own body temperature.
Funny right? The hair will shed on its own after the first few weeks of life.
Babies Are REALLY Jumpy
Babies have something know as the startle reflex that makes them throw their hands up in the air when woken suddenly or surprised.
After he throws his arms up he’ll draw up his knees in and then bring his arms back close to his body in a protective manner.
This can seem really strange and confusing to new parents who’ve never seen it before.
Experts believe this is baby’s first attempts at protecting themselves from danger.
They’ll do it in response to a loud noise, a sudden movement, or the sensation of falling. Or sometimes they’ll do it while sleeping.
The reflex usually disappears around four months, but until then, swaddling your baby at night can help him feel more secure.
Just offer him lots of love and support when he startles so he feels like his environment is a safe place and it will pass with time.
Crying Without Tears
When your baby is a newborn she will cry without tears.
Newborns don’t shed tears because their tear ducts haven’t fully formed. But after about a month they will have the ability to produce tears.
Yet sometimes they still cry without tears.
This is usually because the baby is trying to communicate something to you. Perhaps it’s boredom, discomfort, or hunger.
If your baby cries hard with tears after the one month mark it usually indicates extreme discomfort, pain, or upset.
Baby’s Will Scratch
Have you ever seen a newborn with those funny little mittens over their hands? Those serve an important purpose.
Your baby has longish, sharp little nails when she’s born and she’ll really cut herself up if left to her own devices.
You can attempt to cut them with tiny clippers when they get long enough but at first, it’s tough and they grow fast.
Even if you do manage to cut them they can still slice sensitive newborn skin.
So be sure to have some of those handy little mittens for your newborn.
Babies With Breasts And Swollen Genitals
Sometimes when a baby is born it looks like they need a little training bra. Boys included.
But it’s Totally normal for newborn babies (boys and girls) to have swollen, enlarged breasts.
Simply put, this is due to exposure to maternal hormones in the womb. It’s the same hormones that prepare a mama’s breast to expand and produce milk.
Fluid may also leak from the baby’s nipples but it is harmless and it will pass within the first month or so.
Their genitals will likely be swollen as well.
This is also due to lingering hormones and will pass with time.
Baby May Look Cross Eyed
Often times a newborn baby’s eyes may seem crossed. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.
Your baby’s eyes are simply not strong enough to coordinate yet but the problem corrects itself over time.
If by 4 months you think your baby’s eyes are still not quite right, talk to your Pediatrician about seeing a specialist.
Explosive Diapers
All those cute clothes you bought for your little guy? Some of them are gonna get ruined by poop blowouts.
At first, your babe will have smaller Bowel movements but as your baby grows he will poop and it will come out of the back of the diaper all the way up his back. It’s so gross.
But it happens to all babies. Yuck!
Getting the right size diaper can help minimize the problem but all babies go through a phase where they do this on the daily.
Good luck!!
Erections Are Common
You may think that only older boys get erections but this is not so.
You may be surprised to find your newborn getting one often but it’s no cause for worry.
In fact, it signals that his nervous system is up and running well.
It may also happen when he has a full bladder and needs to urinate.
Sleep Movements And Grunting
When you think of your sweet girl sleeping you imagine stillness and quiet.
But babies often have restless sleep.
They will make grunting sounds all through the night and draw their legs up to their chest and back down over and over.
This happens because she may have digestive distress, or she’s trying to pass gas and have a Bowel Movement.
Eventually, as your baby’s digestion gets stronger and the muscles to push out a bowel movement improve this simple task won’t be so disruptive and she’ll sleep more soundly.
Oddly Shaped Heads And Bulging Soft Spots
I know most of the time you see babies with nice smooth round heads.
But this is often not the case right after birth.
Going down the birth canal is rough business and depending on how long they’re in there it can really misshape their skull for awhile.
It’s even worse if they had to use forceps or a vacuum on your baby. This can cause a longish cone-shaped head which can be alarming.
But not to worry, your baby’s head will soon take on a lovely perfect shape. It just takes a few weeks.
The soft spots on their skull may bulge out and pulsate too.
The soft spots, known as fontanels, allow your baby’s head to grow as your baby grows.
The pulsating you will feel in these areas is a weird sensation and it can make your baby seem so fragile.
But the membrane that covers your baby’s soft spots is tough and soon all those little bones will fuse together to protect his brain completely.
Endless Hiccups
Newborns can get hiccups a lot.
Experts don’t really know why but some believe it’s to expel excess air from the stomach.
Hiccups don’t hurt your baby but they can be annoying for her. Burping her often and offering a pacifier can help.
I hope this list helps you gain perspective on some of the little weird things to expect when your newborn arrives. They are all completely natural and normal.
Good luck to you!!
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There’s nothing harder than those first six weeks at home with your newborn.
You may feel prepared but once you get home it hits you. You will feel unbelievably overwhelmed but there are plenty of things you can do to make it less scary.
Here are some really good tips that will help you survive the newborn phase.
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How To Survive The First Six Weeks With Your Newborn
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Sleep Is On The Top Of The List
Naps. You need to take many naps. Every time your baby goes to sleep you should sleep too.
I know you feel Like you have a ton of stuff to do but just let some of it go. Your body is healing and you cannot function well with little sleep as you well know.
And if your babies are anything like mine they’ll be up all night for the first few weeks and sleep more in the day. This is very common and very hard on you.
Make sleep a top priority so you can feel your best and your body can heal. This will help ward off any feelings of depression too.
****Want Freebies For You And Your Baby? Get $330 Worth Of Gear! I have partnered with many companies to give you the best baby freebies online including Nursing Pillow, Pregnancy Pillows, Nursing Covers, Baby Leggings, Baby Clothes and so much more. You can find out how to get your freebies in this post right here.
Prepare For Postpartum Pain
This is a big one. Most mamas don’t prepare for postpartum pain as well as they should.
They prepare for everything else yet leave this out. You’ll be in a good bit of pain that first week or two home and it can be difficult.
But there are some easy things you can do to help. Check out this post right here to learn what you need to do to get ready for postpartum pain.
It will make all the difference in how you feel.
I would love it if you’d join our Facebook group real quick! You can get support or ask questions that I will personally answer. Just click here or the banner below!
Take Note Of Your Emotions
Don’t let yourself get too overwhelmed or fall into postpartum depression. This can happen easily if you ignore your own needs.
Your body is experiencing a flood of hormones and it will certainly affect the way you feel.
But there’s a difference in hormonal changes and full-blown postpartum depression.
If you start to feel like you’re going beyond adjusting and the emotions that come with that, then you should talk to someone right away.
Postpartum depression can make you ill and it can also be dangerous so call your doc as soon as you start treading those waters.
Get Help From Your Partner And Family
Getting help from your family and partner are vital to your survival after birth.
This is a time of huge change and adjustment and you’ll need help until you can swing things on your own.
Have your mama stay with you the first week or have your partner take several weeks off work.
***Have You taken a prenatal birth course yet? Well here’s an online course that only takes a few hours to go through. It’s made by birthing professionals and it has rave reviews.
Stock Your Kitchen And Meal Prep Before Baby
You should prepare freezer meals before your baby comes so that you don’t have to spend tons of time in the kitchen.
So when you’re in that nesting stage and you get that sudden burst of energy take advantage of it and prepare and freeze as many meals as possible.
Tell your friends and family that you would love for them to come see you but not until the third week when you’ve cleaned up some and feel more like yourself.
Be firm with them. You need your space right now and you don’t want a crowd hanging around unless it’s your mama helping you out as I mentioned before.
They’ll get to see the baby soon enough.
Dry Shampoo Is Your Friend
Those first few weeks it will be hard to make yourself presentable. You’re exhausted and you have a baby to take care of and you’ll hardly have time to take a shower.
I remember before my first baby ten years ago I would shower daily. But that all changed the second my babies were born and to this day I still don’t have time for that nearly as often as I would like.
Have Mom Friends If You Can
Having mom friends you can call will help you feel less isolated. They can answer your questions and lend support.
Or even come and help after the first few weeks are over. Having friends who have been there, done that can be very helpful and studies show that this type of friendship helps ward off depression.
So make sure you have a good friendly support system.
Learn How To Swaddle
Learning to swaddle your baby well will be a great comfort to your child. In the womb, they’re wrapped tight. This brings feelings of relaxation and calmness to your infant.
It will help her sleep better and it will also keep her from startling so much.
Babies have a startle reflex where they throw their arms up in the air often. It’s a normal part of development but it can be disruptive and stress them out so swaddling can help prevent this.
Here’s an awesome video to show you how!
Go For Walks
Getting some sunshine and exercise is just so important during the first six weeks. It will give you energy and strength and make you happy.
Those walks will also help you with the baby weight and that will put you one step closer to feeling like yourself again.
The sunshine is also helpful in getting your hormones back in order and it will help fight those baby blues.
Throw Aside Your Physical Insecurities
It can be easy to look in the mirror and feel bad about yourself during the postpartum period. It happens to every new mom and those feelings can be strong and ugly.
But you need to cut yourself some slack. You just gave birth and your body has been through a lot. You are recovering slowly.
It took nine months for your body to make all those changes and it will take some time after birth to feel like yourself again. You have to respect that.
Don’t rush into trying to get fit again. Allow time to heal and then slowly move back into your fitness.
Eat Well And Plenty
Eating enough good and healthy food is vital to your energy and mood. It’s even more important after you have a baby.
Good food will promote healing and happiness so you’ll be able to function optimally.
Some women start cutting calories right away but this isn’t the best time to start losing the baby weight.
You need to wait a bit and let your body recover, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Cutting too many calories will cause low milk production.
When you’re ready to get back in shape and start eating to lose weight you should take a program like The Postpartum Cure. It will guide you in the right direction, help you restore your pelvic floor, and help you boost your milk supply. Check it out here.
Don’t Forget About Your Partner
Although it may be easy to ignore your partner’s needs as you concentrate on your own recovery and parenting strides, try not to do this.
Your partner goes through a lot after your baby is born too. There’s a lot to adjust to. So take note of his emotions and ask him how he is doing.
Simply connecting with him can be really helpful in letting him know you care.
I hope this all helps in making the first six weeks with your baby just a little bit easier. Rest, relax, and enjoy this special time with your little one.
Best of luck to you and your baby!
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Most mamas feel like they’re ready to bring the baby home after those few days at the hospital. You prepared yourself and your home and everything seems in order.
But I can tell you from experience that despite all your preparations you can and will feel very overwhelmed.
You learn so much about pregnancy and childbirth before the baby comes but a lot of what comes after just gets left out and you end up feeling stressed out and lonely.
I want to put everything into perspective in this post and help prepare you just a little bit more. I think it will do you good.
***Just a note: I really enjoyed writing this article for you. I think it’s extremely helpful in painting a real picture of what it’s like during that first week and what you should expect. It also allowed me to tell my story and reminisce about my three babies and I appreciate that. I hope you enjoy it and find it very helpful!
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What To Expect The First Week Home With Baby
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First Let’s Talk About What You’ll Experience Than We’ll Move On To What To Expect With Your Babe~
The Ride Home Can Be Rough
If you’re especially lucky your baby will sleep on the ride home from the hospital, but very often your new sweetie will cry most or the whole way home.
They cry because they’re nervous in the change of environment or just to relieve stress and that’s ok. Just soothe your baby with soft music and quiet voices.
A screaming baby can be stressful for new parents who are already tired but you’ll soon be home so just take a deep breath and try to relax.
All three of my sweet ones cried as hard as they possibly could on the 45-minute drive home and I was an absolute wreck by the time we finally made it. It sure seemed like the longest ride ever and all I wanted was for my babies not to be scared.
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Hopefully, your ride will be short and sweet and filled with zzzs.
****If you haven’t taken a childbirth prep test I HIGHLY recommend you do.Here’s an online course you can take in 3 hours or less at home.
You Will Miss The Hospital
Once you get home it seems so foreign. After all, everything has changed and you’re truly a different person. Even though you know your home well and you are comfortable there, things are just different, and being at the hospital with so much help was very useful.
You will start to worry about all the things. You will miss the staff. While you were there you could ask them questions and they helped with everything. It was a bit like a clinical bed and breakfast.
This happened with each of my babies births and I learned to appreciate that hospital stay just a little bit more each time.
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I have talked to other mothers and they say they often felt the same way, so enjoy those two or three nights, eat good food, and relax while you’re there.
Making sure you have help when you get home can ease the transition a bit so you’re not as overwhelmed. We’ll talk more about that later.
You’ll Be Really Uncomfortable
I’m going to level with you. The postpartum time is very painful and it sucks. Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a c-section you’ll be pretty uncomfortable most of the week.
Everything down there is swollen three times its normal size and many women end up with stitches.
You should be prepared for this. Most women don’t even think about it until the baby is born and they’re experiencing it. It’s like we forget all about the consequences birth will have on our own bodies.
But there are a few things you can buy that will make things much more comfortable for you. I have listed them below and if you want to read more about postpartum pain and what to expect you can read this article right here.
**Speaking of Your Postpartum body, if you’re worried about getting your body back and losing the baby weight I recommend the program The Postpartum Cure. It’s very popular and it’s helped many mamas lose weight, and flatten their tummy back out all while increasing their milk supply. It’s an excellent option if you want to get back to your shape quickly and safely. Here’s a link if you want to check it out.
You’ll Feel Sad And Strange
Gosh, I can’t even describe it. You just feel really weird that first week home. The second I came in the door I wanted to burst into tears yet I was elated in every way at the same time.
But I felt super sad too if that makes sense. I know it doesn’t really.
You just need to know that it hits you like a wrecking ball hard and fast and it’s not fun. You’ll be on the rollercoaster ride of your life that first week. Forget your mood swings during pregnancy.
While pregnant your hormones go up at a steady, slowish pace after the first trimester. But once you have the baby your body is flooded with the most intense changes. It’s like being hit by a tsunami that’s 59 feet tall. All I can say is just grab onto something and hold on.
But knowing that a wave is coming can help you feel a little bit more prepared. So at least there’s that.
You’ll Be Extremely Tired Yet Energetic
You’ll feel so tired from lack of sleep obviously but you will still have that crazy adrenaline rush you had when you went into labor and had your baby. You’ll also get a rush of those exciting hormones just because you have a newborn. You waited so long and now you get to spend time with her and that’s very exciting.
All three of my little ones wanted to stay at the breast for food and comfort almost constantly when they were first born and I obliged. I didn’t sleep for two weeks straight with all three, no joke. That’s how long that rush of hormones took to wear off.
I would sit up all night with my baby to my chest, skin to skin marveling at what I had created. I was tired and would catch a few zzzs here and there but for the most part, I was pretty energetic despite it all. I felt good! Except for maybe my mood swings here and there and those weird moments where my body was just shifting.
In my interviews with many other mamas, I have found this to be a common feeling so if it happens to you enjoy it! It makes those harder moments pale in comparison.
Breastfeeding May Be Really Difficult
Breastfeeding can be pretty rough during those first few weeks, but it is SO worth it!
But at first, you’re going to have really tender nipples, even if you have a really good latch technique.
If you don’t know how to latch your baby before you start trying the pain will be a lot worse. It’s important that you go into breastfeeding knowing what you’re doing so it will be easy for you and your babe.
Contrary to popular belief, babies don’t know how to instinctually latch onto the breast properly. They certainly know how to suckle but there is a very specific way to latch onto the breast to get the milk.
You don’t just stick the baby’s head straight to your nipple. Please don’t. This will cause terrible pain for you and frustration for your little one and this is why so many mamas give up on breastfeeding.
I highly recommend you take a breastfeeding course. There’s an online video course called Milkology that’s only $19. She has a pumping class too. This is the best way to be prepared for breastfeeding because you cannot count on the staff to teach you how. See The course here.
Some hospitals will indeed have a lactation consultant but many do not so be prepared.
You should equip yourself with some breastfeeding tools that will ease the transition from tender nipples to breastfeeding-conditioned nipples. They will also help tremendously.
It’s important to have someone there to help you because you will be sore all over. You’ll also want to fawn over your babe instead of cook dinner or doing laundry. So have your own mama or mother-in-law do the traditional week stay after the baby.
Your partner can help some but he or she likely won’t be able to do it all so outside help is good.
If nothing else you could hire someone from Care.com or something. It may not be as personal but it will certainly be helpful.
Your Partner Will Struggle Too
Your partner will feel almost as overwhelmed as you. He or she will be elated, nervous, stressed, and full of crazy emotions. Maybe not quite like the hormonal Tsunami, you’re feeling but it will still be a lot for your partner to handle.
Just having your little one there and realizing how everything has changed and how you’ve both changed too is enough to knock a strong person over. After all, you’re parents now and it’s a big deal!
So expect some help from him but cut him some slack. This is when that extra help will come in handy. He will want to fawn over the baby as well. He’ll be happy to help but he may not be able to handle it all.
Now Let’s Talk About What’s Going On With Baby~
Your Baby May Develop Jaundice
Infant jaundice is a common condition, particularly in babies born before 38 weeks gestation (preterm babies) and in some breastfed babies. Infant jaundice usually occurs because a baby’s liver isn’t mature enough to get rid of bilirubin in the bloodstream.
Severe jaundice (when levels of bilirubin are high, usually above 25 mg) that is not treated can cause deafness, cerebral palsy, or other forms of brain damage. In rare cases, jaundice may be a sign of another condition, such as an infection or a thyroid problem.
It does happen in full-term healthy babies though too. It happened in all three of mine. If it does happen they’ll have your baby lay on a special light bed or wrap them in a light blanket to reduce the bilirubin. They do this if the Jaundice shows up while you’re in the hospital and you may have to stay an extra day to help bring levels down if it stays elevated.
It’s important to keep an eye on it when you leave the hospital as well. It can show up a few days later sometimes. That’s why it’s important to keep those appointments with the Pediatrician.
Jaundice can be hard to see, especially in babies with dark skin. If you’re unsure, gently press the skin on your baby’s nose or forehead — if jaundice is present, the skin will appear yellow when you lift your finger.
Your Babe’s Brain Is Developing So Fast
Your baby may be small and sleeping a lot but they are already learning so much. She will soak up everything she hears, smells, sees, and touches.
Your baby will close his hands involuntarily in the grasp reflex and will startle at sudden loud noises. She’s also likely to have sudden jerky movements while asleep. This can be alarming because she’ll throw her little arms up above her head suddenly but it’s totally normal so don’t worry. All babies do this.
Your baby will learn to communicate with you quickly through body language. This will begin in the first week so pay attention to what your sweet babe does.
Your Babe Will Look Weird
This is a big one. When most people think of babies they think of soft, round, and pink with bright little eyes. But this isn’t the case right after birth. They look very mashed and their little faces are flattened out quite a bit and their features can be very swollen.
After all, they were in a tight little space in that amniotic sack so everything was pushed down.
Here’s what to expect:
Your baby’s head may be cone-shaped if you had a vaginal delivery and especially if you had a vacuum-assisted birth. My first little boy was vacuum-assisted and his head was long and he had little swollen lymph nodes on the back of his head for weeks. That scared me a bit but Doc said he was just fine.
Your baby’s head will go to a normal shape within the first month or so but take care that your child doesn’t get a flat head from laying too much. As a side note, you can read this article on how to avoid flat head, as your baby grows so they don’t end up needing a helmet.
Your baby may also have pretty scary-looking bruises on their head if he/she had vacuum or forceps used.. These will fade too but they do increase the risk of Jaundice so keep an eye on that.
Your baby’s facial features may be swollen and it can look a little freaky. But they will take on a lovely shape as your first few weeks progress.
The baby’s genitals will be swollen as well. This is from the hormones you passed on to your baby before birth and it’s nothing to worry about. It can be alarming but they’ll go down quickly.
The Umbilical cord will look pretty gross. It will gradually dry, become black and then fall off, usually within the first 10 days.
Try to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry. If the area around the umbilical cord looks red or is sticky, let your pediatrician know.
There Will Be So Much Poop
Babies poop so much in those first few days. They are getting all the meconium out.
Meconium is the earliest stool that babies have and it looks like black tar. It’s made up of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus: intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and water. They will poop this tar-like substance for about half the week.
All my babies pooped about 15 times a day for the first 3 days just getting this stuff out. It was So. Much. Poop. I could barely enjoy my little one between constant diaper changes.
After your breastmilk comes in the poop will turn to a dijon mustard yellow and they go after every feeding. This is a good indication that your babe is getting enough to eat.
She May Get Really Rashy And Have Gooey Eyes
Your baby will very likely get rashy and his eyes will run. They can develop all sorts of rashes, which typically aren’t serious.
Common rashes include cradle cap, diaper rash, heat rash, eczema, milia, and dry skin. My first had all of them.
Your little one may get gooey eyes too. This is a sign of a clogged tear duct and it usually gets better on its own.
You’ll Be Seeing The Doctor A Couple Of Times
Your Pedestrian will have you come in every couple of days at first and then the appointments will stretch further and further apart until they land at every six months or so. These are important so they can check to make sure your baby is gaining weight and eating well.
They will also check to make sure your baby doesn’t get Jaundice and give injections that he needs so don’t put them off.
I know it’s tiresome to keep going when you’re tired and you just want to be home but you have to do it.
Things Will Get So Much Easier After That first Week. Your body will adjust and your babe will adjust to her new home. A routine will eventually set in and you’ll get more rest. It’s all so worth it. Hang in there and enjoy these special ( but sometimes ) difficult moments. It’s all part of the package 😉
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Hey, I’m Toni and I’m the mama of 3 Little Birds. I love Writing about all Things Mama. Learn more about me here. Grab a Tea or Coffee and come see what you find.
