Your First Few Days With Your New Baby - What to Expect? Postnatal hormones, feeding, recovery, tiredness and understanding your baby’s cues.

So, you’ve just arrived home with your new bundle of joy—what now? Navigating the first few days (and even the first few weeks, months, and years) can feel like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle! Learning to respond to your baby and help soothe them is challenging enough without the added pressure of making sure you’re taking care of yourself. Luckily, I’m here to give you an idea of what to expect in those first few days, along with lots of little tips to make the transition a little easier.

Hormones

The first few days after giving birth can be a whirlwind of emotions, physical changes, and new experiences. One key factor influencing how you feel during this time is the rapid fluctuation of maternal hormones. These hormonal shifts play a significant role in your recovery, mood, and even your relationship with your newborn. Here’s a look at the hormonal changes you may experience and how they affect you:

Progesterone and Oestrogen Levels Drop

During pregnancy, levels of progesterone and oestrogen rise significantly. After delivery, these levels plummet, which can trigger a variety of physical and emotional changes, including mood swings and fatigue. While this is entirely normal, it may feel overwhelming in the early postnatal days.

Oxytocin and Bonding

Often referred to as the “love hormone”, oxytocin plays a key role in helping you bond with your baby. It’s released during skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and even simply holding your newborn. Oxytocin promotes feelings of warmth, attachment, and affection, helping you connect with your baby during those first precious days.

Prolactin and Milk Production

Prolactin is the hormone responsible for milk production. In the first few days after birth, your body prepares to produce milk, often leading to breast fullness or engorgement. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, prolactin plays an essential role in your feeding journey. Its levels rise when your baby feeds, helping ensure a steady milk supply.

Cortisol and Stress

After childbirth, cortisol levels can rise as your body adjusts to the stress of labour, delivery, and caring for a newborn. High cortisol levels may make you feel more anxious or fatigued, but over time, as your body recovers, cortisol levels should stabilise.

Thyroid Hormones

Changes in thyroid function may also occur in the postnatal period. Some women experience thyroid imbalances that can affect energy levels, mood, and metabolism. If you feel unusually fatigued or experience unexplained mood swings, it may be worth discussing it with your midwife.

The rapid hormonal changes, combined with the challenges of new motherhood, can lead to what’s commonly known as the “baby blues”. This emotional period is temporary and often characterised by mood swings, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed. It typically occurs around day 3 and is very normal. During this time, be sure to reach out to loved ones and talk about how you're feeling—the chances are, if they’ve had a baby, they’ve experienced these feelings too! Be kind to yourself and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do everything. It really is true when they say, "the housework can wait." However, if feelings of sadness persist or become more intense, it could be a sign of postnatal depression (PND), and seeking support from a healthcare provider is crucial.

Postnatal depression (PND) and the baby blues both involve emotional challenges after childbirth, but they differ in intensity and duration. The baby blues are common and typically occur within the first few days to weeks after birth, characterised by mood swings, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed. These feelings usually subside within a couple of weeks as hormone levels stabilise and new parents adjust. In contrast, postnatal depression is more severe, lasting longer (often beyond two weeks) and includes symptoms like persistent sadness, hopelessness, difficulty bonding with the baby, anxiety, and changes in appetite or sleep. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek professional help. Early intervention can provide the necessary support and treatment to ensure the wellbeing of both the parent and the baby.

Understanding these hormonal changes can help you navigate the postnatal period with more patience and self-compassion. Remember, these shifts are temporary, and over time, your body will adjust. Be gentle with yourself, and reach out for support when needed—for both your emotional and physical wellbeing. You are not alone!

Feeding

No matter what method of feeding you choose, adapting to regular feeds (including night feeds) and ensuring your baby is settled can be a whole new challenge! Here are my top tips for both bottle and breastfeeding:

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a natural and nurturing way to bond with your newborn while providing essential nutrients. However, establishing breastfeeding can take time and patience, especially for first-time mothers. Here are some tips to help you establish a successful breastfeeding routine:

Start Early: Begin breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth, ideally within the first hour. This early initiation helps stimulate milk production and encourages bonding between you and your baby.

Ensure a Good Latch: A proper latch is key to successful breastfeeding. Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open and covering most of your areola, not just the nipple. A shallow latch can lead to sore nipples and inefficient feeding. Your midwife can help you achieve a good latch.

Be Patient and Persistent: Breastfeeding can be challenging at first. It may take time for both you and your baby to get comfortable with the process. Stay patient and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Feed on Demand: In the early weeks, feed your baby whenever they show signs of hunger. Frequent feeding helps establish a healthy milk supply and supports your baby’s growth. This doesn’t just apply to your baby! You may want to breastfeed for some valuable bonding time, and as your full milk comes in (around day 3), you may feel the need to feed your baby to reduce feelings of fullness. Don’t ignore your own desire to breastfeed!

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Breastfeeding requires extra energy, so make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of fluids to meet both your and your baby’s needs. Our bodies will ensure that your baby gets what they need first, but it’s important to look after yourself too.

Create a Relaxing Environment: Find a quiet and comfortable space to feed, free of distractions. Relaxation helps both you and your baby feel more at ease, leading to more successful feedings.

Remember, every mother and baby is different, so take your journey one step at a time. With support, patience, and practice, you can establish a breastfeeding routine that works for both of you.

Bottle Feeding

Bottle feeding is a practical and flexible way to feed your baby, whether you're using formula or expressed breast milk. It offers convenience for parents who may need to return to work or share feeding duties with other family members. Here are some tips to make bottle feeding a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Choose the Right Bottle: There are many different bottle types, and finding the right one for your baby can make a big difference. Look for bottles with a teat that mimics the breast and allows for a slow flow, especially for newborns.

Prepare Formula Safely: If you're using formula, always follow the preparation instructions carefully to ensure the correct consistency and nutrition. Use clean, sterilised bottles and avoid over-concentrating the formula.

Feed on Demand: As with breastfeeding, feed your baby when they show signs of hunger. Start with small amounts of formula and increase as your baby needs. If your baby takes a full 20ml bottle, it may be time to increase the amount you’re making. However, if they only take 35ml out of a 40ml bottle, they may not be ready to finish it. Let your baby be the judge and always offer more if they finish everything in their bottle.

Create a Calm Feeding Environment: Make feeding time a relaxed experience for both you and your baby. Hold your baby in an upright position, ensuring you're also comfortable by propping yourself up with cushions.

Keep Bottles Clean: Sterilise bottles, teats, and other feeding equipment regularly, especially in the early months, to avoid any bacteria build-up and ensure your baby stays healthy.

Bond During Feeding: While bottle feeding may not offer the same physical closeness as breastfeeding, you can still bond by holding your baby close, maintaining eye contact, and offering comfort as you feed. Try to limit the number of people feeding your baby to ensure it remains a positive bonding experience for them.

Bottle feeding can provide flexibility and ease, allowing both parents or caregivers to share feeding responsibilities. Whether you choose to bottle-feed full-time or supplement breastfeeding, it’s important to find a method that works best for you and your baby.

Recovery

Whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or a cesarean section (C-section), recovery can be a unique experience. Both methods of delivery come with their own challenges, but with proper care and patience, you’ll gradually regain your strength and feel like yourself again.

Recovering from a Vaginal Birth

After a vaginal birth, recovery tends to be quicker than with a C-section, but it’s still important to take it easy. You may experience perineal soreness, stitches, or swelling, especially if you had a tear or episiotomy. Here are some tips for a smoother recovery:

Rest and Hydration: Take naps when you can, and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Hydration aids in healing and milk production.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen muscles weakened during labour and pregnancy. Speak to your midwife if you're unsure. These exercises may be challenging in the first few days and months, so take it at your own pace. Download the Squeezy app for great visual examples and reminders.

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, as recommended by your midwife, can help manage discomfort. Ice packs and warm baths can also soothe soreness, but avoid soaking in the bath for too long if you have stitches, as it may speed up the dissolving process.

Recovering from a Cesarean Section

A C-section is a major surgery, and recovery tends to take longer. The incision site will require special attention, and it’s common to feel fatigued and sore. Here’s how to support your recovery:

Take It Slow: Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby for the first few weeks. Take care when moving to prevent strain on your incision.

Monitor the Incision: Keep the surgical area clean and dry, and watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Your midwife can check it at every appointment and help remove the dressing when required.

Pain Management: You may experience discomfort around the incision, and your doctor may prescribe pain medication. Once your dressing is removed, you may find it helpful to use a sanitary towel or liner in your underwear to absorb sweat and prevent rubbing (make sure the sticky side faces your underwear, not your skin!).

Walking and Breathing Exercises: Gentle walks and deep breathing exercises can help with circulation and prevent blood clots. Avoid intense activity until cleared by your doctor. You may also be sent home with compression socks to improve circulation and reduce the chance of blood clots.

Common Recovery Tips for Both

Get Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help with household chores or baby care. Your body needs time to heal, and resting is essential.

Eat Nutritious Foods: Proper nutrition helps your body heal and gives you the energy to care for your newborn. Continue taking a supplement that includes vitamin D.

Be Patient: Both types of births have their own recovery timeline. It’s important to listen to your body and give yourself grace to heal at your own pace.

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, the most important thing is to take it one day at a time, ask for help when needed, and remember that healing takes time. Your body has done an incredible job bringing your baby into the world, and it deserves time to recover fully.

Tiredness

The first few days with a newborn can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Between frequent feedings, diaper changes, and learning your baby’s cues, it’s common for new parents to feel overwhelmed by fatigue. While it’s an exciting time, the tiredness can be hard to manage. Here are some tips to help you cope:

Nap When You Can: Sleep deprivation is inevitable, but short naps whenever possible can help you recharge. Even a 20-minute nap can make a big difference.

Accept Help: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends. Whether it's assistance with household chores or a few hours of baby care, having someone pitch in can give you the break you need.

Establish a Feeding Routine: While it may take time for your baby to develop a predictable schedule, try to anticipate when they’ll need to eat or be changed. This can help you plan rest periods between feedings.

Prioritise Self-Care: Even if it’s just for a few moments, self-care is essential. Stay hydrated, eat nourishing foods, and try to take small breaks. A little attention to your wellbeing can help you cope with fatigue.

Be Kind to Yourself: The first days with a baby are a huge adjustment, and it’s important to remember that tiredness is temporary. Be patient with yourself as you navigate this new chapter.

Learning to Understand Your Baby

Bringing a newborn home can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding their needs. Babies communicate primarily through cues, and while they can’t speak, they use their cries, body movements, and facial expressions to let you know what they need. Here are some things to look out for:

Hunger Cues

Babies often give subtle signs when they’re hungry before they start crying. Look for rooting (turning their head toward your chest), sucking on their hands, or smacking their lips.

Tired Cues

When your baby is tired, they may rub their eyes, yawn, or become fussy. Babies get overstimulated quickly, so create a calm environment for them to sleep.

Discomfort or Pain Cues

A baby who is uncomfortable may arch their back, pull their legs up to their chest, or squirm. This could be due to a wet diaper, tight clothes, or even trapped gas.

Need for Attention or Comfort

If your baby is crying and wants to be held, they may be seeking comfort. Holding them close, rocking gently, or offering a feed can help soothe them.

Boredom or Wanting Stimulation

Some babies fuss when they’re bored and need interaction. Try talking to them, offering eye contact, or changing positions. A change of scenery or gentle play can engage them.

Final Thoughts

The main thing to remember in the first few days is that there is no right or wrong way! You are doing a fabulous job. At Private Midwives, we are here to support you through your ups and downs, so please talk to us about what you're experiencing. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question. Be kind to yourself, take time to recover, and know that your baby needs a happy and healthy mum. Most importantly, enjoy your beautiful new baby!