Congratulations, your beautiful bundle is here! Here’s what to expect from the coming weeks as you get used to your new role as a parent
You’ve had nine months planning for your newborn. You’ve joined antenatal classes, attended midwife appointments, and bought super-cute baby bits. But, now your baby is here, reality hits. Our insights and tips will help you get through the ups and downs of life with a new baby.
You’ll feel emotional
After the stress of labour, the excitement of holding your baby for the first time, the joy of going home, the pride of telling family and friends, and the nervousness of ‘what do I do?’ it’s completely normal for this to be an emotional time.
Your hormones will be swinging wildly and you may even experience a bout of baby blues or feel like crying randomly, but as things settle down you’ll soon get used to your new life together.
You’ll feel tired
Going through labour and giving birth is a big thing: it’s likely you’ll feel exhausted. Then you’ll be on to the nightly feeding sessions and be a 24-hour carer for your newborn, so sleep will be at a premium.
Don’t feel guilty about taking it easy when the opportunity arises – try to get some rest when baby is asleep and leave the house chores for now. Simply take some time for you and your little one; try to relax, and enjoy holding and gazing at your newborn baby while they’re so small and delicate.
You’ll be feeding baby A LOT
Your baby’s tummy is extremely small at this early stage, which means that they cannot hold much milk and they’ll need to feed regularly during the day and night. They’ll also spit up milk shortly after feeding, so make sure you have plenty of muslin cloths to hand. Burping or winding your baby can help with this.
You’ll be surrounded by nappies
New babies will need their nappy changed around 10 to 12 times every day, so this is something you’ll soon become a pro at. Your baby’s first poos will be sticky and greenish-black in colour, becoming yellow or brown and runnier, although colour and consistency may vary from day to day. Don’t worry, this is completely normal!
You’ll become a ‘crying detective’
Your baby can only communicate with you by crying, and they’ll do this for any number of reasons. It could be that they’re hungry, that the surrounding noise or light is too loud or bright, that they are too hot or cold, or that they need burping.
As chief parental detective, you’ll need to try and figure out what it is that’s making them cry and how best to soothe them, and eventually you’ll might be able to distinguish between certain pitches in their cries.
You’ll feel daunted about going out with baby
Your first week might pass without stepping outside the front door, and this is something that you can look to put right in the second week. It might seem easier to stay indoors with all the feeding and nappy changing, but fresh air will be good for you, even if it’s just a stroll down the road to pick up some essentials.
You have six weeks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (three in Scotland) to register the birth of your baby, and this can be a nice family excursion for you. If things didn’t feel real before, then registering your baby at the register office will be final seal of approval!
5 tips for surviving the first few weeks
1. Accept offers of help
With sleepless nights, you might find it hard to find the time (or the inclination) to cook or do house chores. If family and friends offer to help, make the most of their generosity! Stock up on ready meals and treat yourself to a meal deal now and again.
2. Get some rest when baby is asleep
A good night’s sleep is a thing of the past for now, so try to rest and relax while baby is sleeping during the day.
3. Talk to others about how you’re feeling
Being a mum for the first time is a whirlwind adventure, so make sure you’re honest and open. If you think you’re struggling to adapt to your new role and responsibility, share how you’re feeling. Chances are, other mums you talk to will know exactly how you feel.
4. Ask questions
Trust in your midwife and ask them questions if you’re unsure or struggling with a particular aspect, such as breastfeeding or bathing your baby. They’re experts and will have seen it all before.
5. Get into a routine
Routines are so important when it comes to looking after a baby; try and get your little one into a routine which suits you and you’ll start to feel much more at home.
