What to Expect on Baby’s First Day Home: Postpartum Care and Tips for New Parents

The first day you bring your baby home is a momentous occasion filled with excitement, joy, and, understandably, a bit of nervousness. After months of antenatal care, prenatal appointments, and preparations, you and your baby are finally ready to begin life outside the hospital. However, the transition from hospital to home can feel overwhelming, especially as you navigate the early stages of postpartum recovery. In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect on your baby’s first day home, addressing common concerns, providing tips for a smooth transition, and outlining essential postpartum care.

This guide will also highlight the importance of antenatal care, exercise, and relaxation during pregnancy, as they play a significant role in postpartum recovery and helping new parents prepare for the arrival of their baby.

Preparing for Baby’s First Day Home

Before you bring your newborn home, it’s important to ensure that your home environment is prepared and that you’ve gathered all the essentials for both your baby’s care and your postpartum recovery. These preparations often begin well before the baby’s arrival, during antenatal classes, antenatal appointments, and through conversations with your midwife or healthcare provider.

Essential Baby Gear

Baby Car Seat: A baby car seat is a necessity for a safe journey home from the hospital. Make sure you know how to properly install the car seat before the day arrives, as hospitals won’t release your baby without it.

Crib or Moses Basket: Your baby will need a safe and comfortable sleeping space. Make sure their crib or Moses basket meets UK safety standards, and always place your baby on their back to sleep.

Baby Clothes and Blankets: Prepare soft, comfortable clothing for your baby, as well as warm blankets to keep them cosy.

Nappies and Wipes: Stock up on newborn nappies and gentle wipes for easy nappy changes.

Having your home ready will reduce stress on your first day home and help you focus on bonding with your baby.

What to Expect in the First 24 Hours at Home

The first day at home can feel like a whirlwind, as you begin to adjust to the realities of caring for your baby. Here are some things you can expect on that first day:

Baby’s Feeding Schedule

During the early days, your baby will need to feed frequently. Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, your newborn may feed every 2-3 hours. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s normal for your baby to feed for shorter periods at each session in the beginning, but they will gradually increase the length of each feed.

Breastfeeding can take some time to adjust to, and this is where prenatal care and antenatal support can be invaluable. Attending antenatal classes before your baby’s birth can help you learn about breastfeeding techniques, and many hospitals also have lactation consultants available to offer guidance once you’re home.

If you’re formula feeding, make sure to follow the preparation guidelines closely and keep bottles sterilised. Newborns generally consume small amounts at each feed, and it’s important to pace feedings to allow them to digest.

Sleep Patterns

Newborns sleep a lot, often up to 16-18 hours a day, though in short bursts. On your baby’s first day home, they will likely sleep most of the time, but you may also notice they wake up frequently for feeds. This can feel exhausting, but it’s important to let your baby sleep whenever they need to, as it helps with growth and development.

Try to follow safe sleep guidelines: place your baby on their back to sleep in a clear, firm crib or Moses basket. Avoid soft bedding or pillows in their sleeping area, as these can increase the risk of suffocation or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Diaper Changes

On the first day, your baby will have a few dirty nappies as they pass meconium, the thick, dark stool passed in the first few days after birth. Expect your baby’s stool to change in colour and consistency over the next few days as they begin to digest milk. Pay close attention to any signs of rashes or irritation, as sensitive skin is common in newborns.

Umbilical Cord Care

The stump of the umbilical cord will usually remain attached for the first few days. Keep the area clean and dry until it falls off on its own, typically within the first two weeks of life. It’s important to keep an eye on the stump for any signs of infection, such as redness or discharge, and contact your healthcare provider if you notice any concerns.

Looking After Yourself After Giving Birth

As a new mother, postpartum recovery is equally important. The first day at home can be physically and emotionally challenging, so self-care is essential. Here’s what you might experience and how to support yourself during this time:

Physical Recovery After Birth

Whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section, the first day after giving birth can involve some level of physical discomfort. If you had a vaginal birth, you might experience vaginal bleeding (lochia), which is similar to a heavy period and can last for several weeks. If you had an episiotomy or stitches, it’s important to rest and manage any discomfort using prescribed pain relief.

If you had a C-section, you may feel some discomfort around the incision site. Take care to follow the advice of your healthcare provider for C-section recovery, including resting and avoiding strenuous activity.

Resting and Recovery

Your body will need time to heal after birth, and it’s essential to prioritise rest whenever possible. While it’s natural to feel excited and eager to care for your baby, remember to take breaks when you can. Ask for help from your partner, family, or friends to allow yourself time to recover physically.

Taking time for relaxation during pregnancy and after birth can help ease tension in your body. While antenatal massage may have been a way to relieve stress during pregnancy, after birth, gentle massages and relaxation techniques can help ease postpartum discomfort and promote recovery.

Hormonal Changes

You may experience a range of emotional shifts during your first day at home due to hormonal changes. Postpartum mood swings are common, and feelings of exhaustion, joy, and even anxiety are all normal. If you feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out for antenatal support through groups or healthcare professionals.

For new mothers, it’s also important to be aware of postpartum depression. If you experience prolonged sadness, irritability, or anxiety, do not hesitate to seek help from your midwife or healthcare provider. This is a common condition, and early intervention is key.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Postpartum Recovery

Ongoing antenatal care is not just for pregnancy – it also extends to your postpartum period. Regular checkups with your midwife or healthcare provider will allow you to discuss any concerns about your recovery, from physical health to mental well-being.

During your postpartum visits, your midwife will monitor your physical recovery, check for any signs of complications (such as infection), and offer support with breastfeeding or bottle feeding. They will also discuss family planning and contraception, should you wish to start thinking about your next steps after having your baby.

Attending Postpartum Appointments

In the UK, you’ll likely have a 6-week postpartum checkup with your GP or midwife. This appointment is an opportunity for your healthcare provider to check on your physical and emotional health. If you’ve experienced any complications during childbirth or have concerns about your recovery, this is the time to raise them.

The Importance of Antenatal Education

Antenatal education, including antenatal classes or pregnancy yoga classes, can be incredibly helpful in preparing for your baby’s arrival and ensuring you’re ready for the challenges of postpartum recovery. These classes provide valuable information about baby care, breastfeeding, and managing your postpartum recovery, which can make your first day at home more manageable.

Embracing the First Day Home

Bringing your baby home for the first time is an emotional and transformative experience. While it can be overwhelming, especially for new parents, remember that you are not alone. With the right support from antenatal care, family, and friends, you can navigate this new chapter with confidence.

The first day at home is just the beginning of your postpartum recovery journey. Take time to rest, look after your baby, and reach out for support as needed. By prioritising your health and well-being, you’re setting the foundation for a strong, healthy start for both you and your baby.