What to Expect the First Week Home With Your Newborn

You have waited 9 months for this day and now your newborn is here! The first week home with your newborn can be filled with so many emotions: love, joy and excitement for the future yet it can also seem very overwhelming. It can be a whirlwind of mixed emotions. All of this is normal!

Here’s a look at what you can expect during this special yet intense period, along with what you can expect from your newborn in terms of eating and sleeping.

The emotional aspect of new motherhood is often the most surprising. You might experience everything from overwhelming joy to unexpected tears. Here’s why:

Joy and Wonder: The sight of your baby’s tiny fingers, the feel of their warmth against your chest, and the sweet sounds they make are the best thing ever! Those first cuddles and sleepy smiles are moments you’ll treasure forever. Is it just me or is the newborn crunch the cutest?!
The Baby Blues: It’s common to experience mood swings, weepiness, and irritability in the first week. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the sheer weight of your new responsibilities can make your emotions unpredictable. These baby blues are normal and typically subside within two weeks. Having adequate sleep can greatly help your mood as you adjust to life with a newborn. Seek out a Postpartum Doula, a family member or a friend that can give you a few nights of precious sleep.
Overwhelm and Anxiety: You might feel anxious about doing everything “right,” from feeding to soothing your baby. That’s okay. This period is all about learning and adapting. Remember, no one has it all figured out right away! You are not alone! I offer newborn consults to help you feel prepared and give you the confidence to soothe, feed and care for your newborn in the first few weeks.
Exhaustion: Newborns need frequent feeding, often every 2-3 hours, day and night. This schedule can leave you feeling completely drained. Prioritize sleep when you can, even if it’s in short naps. Seek out help sooner rather than later so that you can be the best version of yourself for your little one!
Learning Curve: The first week is packed with learning how to care for your baby: feeding, swaddling, bathing, and understanding those tiny cries. Give yourself grace; no one expects you to be a pro from day one. Trying to decipher a tired cry from a hunger cry can take time. Newborn Cues (cues that your newborn does with their body to help you understand if they are hungry or tired) take time to figure out!

What to expect from your newborn the first week home…

The first week home with your newborn is filled with adjustments, both for you and your baby. Understanding what to expect from your little one can make this transition smoother.

How often should you feed your newborn? Newborns have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat frequently— plan to wake your newborn up and feed your baby every 2-3 hours, including throughout the night. If breastfeeding, you may feel like your baby is constantly attached to you. This cluster feeding is normal and helps establish your milk supply.
Connecting with a lactation specialist early on can make a world of difference in establishing a smooth and successful breastfeeding journey. They can provide personalized support, address any concerns or challenges, and offer guidance on positioning, latch, and milk supply. This kind of support can help you feel more confident and ensure that both you and your baby get off to a great start.
What signs should I look for that help me know my newborn is hungry? :Newborns show hunger cues like rooting (turning their head and opening their mouth), sucking on their hands, or becoming more alert and fussy. Learning to spot these signs early can make feeding smoother. Crying is a late sign of hunger and a hungry, crying newborn can be challenging to feed. Recognizing hunger cues can help you and your newborn avoid the stress of soothing a crying, hungry newborn.

Sleeping

Is it normal for my newborn to sleep all the time? During the first few weeks newborns sleep a lot—up to 16-18 hours a day—but usually only in 2-4 hour stretches.
Day-Night Confusion: Some newborns might mix up their days and nights. They may sleep more during the day and be more alert at night. Here’s a tip: Make sure you keep nights boring and use a red light for feedings and diaper changes.
Safe Sleep Practices: Always place your newborn on their back to sleep, on a firm mattress, with no loose bedding or toys in the crib. Following safe sleep guidelines reduces the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
How do I help my newborn get used to sleeping in their bassinet? It’s great to hold and snuggle your newborn all the time, but it’s important to give them a chance to practice sleeping where you eventually want them to sleep later. Start practicing having your newborn sleep in their bassinet for one or two naps a day. This will help them get used to sleeping better in their bassinet at night. The longer you wait to introduce them sleeping in their own sleep space the harder it will be later.

Take it one day at a time and remember your doing an amazing job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Remember there is support available. Newborns are my jam! I can offer you lots of tips and strategies to help you get off to a great start! I offer Newborn Consults so that you can ask all the questions and get expert advice from a trusted Postpartum Doula with over 15 years of experience. Book your 45 minute Newborn Consult today!